Building an Outdoor Shower Guests Will Rave About — A Must-Have for Airbnb & VRBO Hosts

If you’re looking for a unique outdoor upgrade that instantly elevates your vacation rental, building an outdoor shower might just be the golden ticket

It’s practical, it’s Instagrammable, and it delivers the kind of “wow factor” guests love to share in reviews and photos.

Whether your Airbnb is a beachfront bungalow, a mountain retreat, or a backyard guesthouse, an outdoor shower can transform your property from “nice” to “unforgettable.” And the best part? It’s easier to install than most hosts think — especially with ready-made kits like the Todd Pod collection from Optimal Outdoor Oasis.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to create an outdoor shower your guests will rave about, following four key pillars: Inspiration, Installation, Design, and Experience.

Pillar 1: Inspiration — Why Building an Outdoor Shower Is a Game-Changer

Outdoor showers aren’t just for luxury resorts anymore. They’ve become a sought-after feature in vacation rentals for their mix of function and fun.

1. Adds Practical Value for Guests

For beach and lake rentals, it’s the ultimate sand-and-saltwater rinse-off station. For mountain cabins or hot tub retreats, it’s a refreshing cooldown. Even urban stays with small patios can benefit from a private outdoor wash space.

2. Creates a Memorable Guest Moment

Guests remember experiences more than amenities — and the novelty of rinsing off under the sky is unforgettable. It’s the kind of touch that makes your listing photos pop.

3. Increases Booking Appeal

Airbnb and VRBO listings with standout amenities often see higher booking rates. An outdoor shower can be your unique selling point, especially if it’s styled beautifully.

💡 Pro Tip: In your listing description, call it a “private open-air shower” or “resort-style rinse station” to add intrigue.

Pillar 2: Installation — From Idea to Reality

You don’t have to be a master builder to get an outdoor shower up and running — especially with pre-designed kits that simplify the process.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Shower Kit

A ready-made outdoor shower kit takes the guesswork out of outdoor shower installation and ensures you get all the materials and guidance you need for a smooth, professional-looking result. These kits are ideal for busy hosts who want a premium amenity without months of construction delays.

Here are some standout options from Optimal Outdoor Oasis — each designed with durability, style, and guest comfort in mind:

Todd Pod Cabana Locker Outdoor Shower Kit

If you want a truly elevated guest experience, this cabana-style outdoor shower enclosure delivers both privacy and style. The locker-inspired design allows for a changing space alongside the shower, making it perfect for beach rentals, lakeside cabins, or poolside installations. Guests can step straight from the water into a comfortable, private area to rinse off and change without tracking sand or water indoors.

Todd Pod Single 4-Sided Outdoor Shower Kit

This fully enclosed, four-sided outdoor shower kit offers maximum privacy in a compact footprint, making it an ideal choice for smaller rental properties or urban Airbnb patios. The 360° enclosure ensures guests feel comfortable using the space any time of day. It’s a fantastic option if your listing emphasizes secluded luxury or if your local zoning requires full coverage for outdoor showers.

Todd Pod Double Outdoor Shower Kit

Perfect for larger vacation rentals or high-traffic guest properties, this double-unit setup allows two guests to shower at the same time without sacrificing privacy. It’s especially useful for beachfront Airbnbs where large families or groups return from the ocean together. The outdoor shower installation process for this kit is still streamlined despite its size, and the added capacity can help reduce morning wait times for bathrooms inside the home.

Todd Pod Outdoor Shower Kit with Three Sides

Designed for versatility, this three-sided outdoor shower enclosure can be mounted against an exterior wall, making it a space-saving choice for courtyards, pool decks, or narrow side yards. The open fourth side faces your property wall, allowing for creative finishes such as decorative stone, tile, or wood to match your home’s aesthetic. This style blends seamlessly into the architecture, making it feel like a natural extension of your property.

Plumbing & Water Source

• Cold Water Only: Fastest setup, great for warm climates.
• Hot & Cold: Requires more plumbing work but dramatically improves guest comfort.
  

Drainage Considerations

• Gravel beds or sloped decking can help water drain naturally.
• Make sure it’s positioned to avoid pooling near the foundation.
  

💡 Host Tip: Check local building codes — some municipalities have rules for outdoor shower drainage.

Pillar 3: Design — Outdoor Shower Ideas That Wow

Once the structure is in place, it’s the details that make guests fall in love.

1. Privacy First

• Use outdoor shower enclosures for seclusion, especially in urban or semi-public spaces.
• Incorporate lattice or slatted panels for airflow and light while still shielding the view.
  

2. Style to Match Your Property

• Coastal: Light wood finishes, nautical hooks, blue-and-white accents.
• Rustic: Weathered timber, stone flooring, galvanized fixtures.
• Modern: Sleek metal frames, matte black fixtures, minimal décor.
  

3. Add Guest-Friendly Extras

• Wall hooks for towels and swimsuits.
• Waterproof shelving for toiletries.
• A bench for sitting or setting down belongings.
  

💡 Design Pro Tip: Plants and greenery around the enclosure not only look beautiful but also create a natural privacy screen.

Pillar 4: Experience — Turning a Functional Amenity into a 5-Star Feature

The difference between a shower guests like and a shower guests rave about is in the experience you create.

1. Make It Photo-Worthy

Encourage social sharing by making it visually stunning — think fairy lights for evening use or bold tile patterns for daytime drama.

2. Keep It Guest-Ready

• Provide eco-friendly soap and shampoo in wall-mounted dispensers.
• Stock plush, outdoor-safe towels.
• Include a clear welcome note or sign explaining how to use it.
  

3. Promote It in Your Listing

• Add high-quality photos of the shower in action (empty, but staged).
  
• Mention it in the title and description — e.g., “Beachfront Bungalow with Private Outdoor Shower.”
  

💡 Bonus Host Tip: If you have a pool or hot tub, place the shower nearby to make it a natural part of the guest flow.

Conclusion: Your Next Booking Booster

Building an outdoor shower is more than just a functional upgrade — it’s an investment in your guest experience and your property’s appeal.

With the right shower kit — like the Todd Pod Cabana Locker, Single 4-Sided, Double, or Three-Sided options from Optimal Outdoor Oasis — you can create a feature that guests will rave about in reviews, helping you stand out in a crowded rental market.

Whether your property is coastal, countryside, or suburban, an outdoor shower can be your signature touch — the one thing guests remember long after they’ve checked out.