Compare Outdoor Showers: Solar and Garden Showers

A quick rinse after swimming before you get back into the pool or hot tub, or simply cooling off in the garden on a hot day: that is what an outdoor shower is for. On this page you compare freestanding outdoor showers from Formidra, GF Garden and Gardena, with the key specifications and the current price at the retailer.

Solar, mains-fed, hybrid or with a foot rinse

• Solar shower: you connect the shower to the garden hose. The water in the column or tank warms up in the sun and the mixer tap lets you blend it with cold water.
• Mains-fed shower: a simple garden shower such as the Gardena Solo, Duo or Trio that you connect to the garden hose. The water comes out cold from the supply; a spike lets you push it into the lawn or a parasol base.
• Hybrid shower: like the Formidra Dada, which can also be connected to your home's hot water supply alongside the solar heating.
• Shower with a foot rinse: with a separate tap at the bottom to rinse sand and grass off your feet before you get into the water.

Capacity, height and material

With a solar shower, the capacity decides how much warm water is ready; the Capacity filter shows models from 20 litres or less to over 30 litres. Check the height too, so you can stand under it comfortably. An aluminium column feels sturdy, a plastic one is lighter. The Material filter shows what each shower is made of.

Installing and connecting

Place the shower on a level, firm surface where the water can drain away, for example on paving or gravel next to the pool. Most models are fixed down with the supplied fixing kit. Connect the shower to the water supply or garden hose as the manual describes, and drain it before the frost if the manufacturer says so.

Careful: the water can be hot

In full sun the water in a solar shower can get hotter than you expect. Let some water run first and check the temperature with your hand before you step under it, and keep a close eye on children.