Introduction: DIY Outdoor Shower

A great way to cool down in the summer. This is a very easy project that is fun to do and has many benefits on a hot summer day. Many of the materials used for this can be found at dumps so this project is very low cost.

Step 1: Plastic Barrel

Find or buy a plastic barrel that's 25 gallons or less. Make sure to clean it very well before use.

Step 2: Pump, and Cap

If you have an old lawn sprayer you can take the hand pump off of that and screw it in to the barrel as long as an airtight seal is made. Many barrels have holes in the top that are made for a screw in piece. If there are two holes, seal one with the pump and put a plumbing cap on the other.

Step 3: PVC Pipe for Shower

Buy fittings that are one inch in diameter.
Fittings you will need: one 90 degree pvc pipe, one 45 degree pvc pipe, one six foot long piece of 1 inch pipe. These will run up the side of the barrel so that the end is above your head. Don't forget to buy pvc cleaner and glue as to prevent leaks since this will be under some pressure.

Step 4: Cut Hole in Barrel

For cutting a hole in the barrel you can use a metal hole saw that's one inch or a very large bit. You have to make sure that there's a very snug fit connecting the pvc to the barrel otherwise it will leak. Use enough glue to make a secure leak free seal. You may have to do several layers.

Step 5: Connect Pipes

Connect all the pipes with a good seal and use the right around of pvc glue. I recommend using pvc pipe cleaner before where the pipes will be joined so there is no chance of a leak.

Step 6: Construct Shower Head

A shower head will be needed to direct the water down. For this I used an old vaccum hose and some string. This works fine to direct water. A steady stream should come out when you pump. The one negative about this is you will have to pump while you stand there but that is not hard since the pump is very easy to use and takes very little effort.

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