Outdoor Shower Drainage Ideas for Coastal Properties

A custom outdoor shower is one of the best additions you can make to a coastal home — perfect for rinsing off after the beach, pool, or gardening. But one of the most important design decisions often gets overlooked: how to handle the drainage.

Without proper drainage, water can pool, cause erosion, attract insects, or even damage nearby structures. The right system keeps your space clean, safe, and environmentally responsible — especially near Rhode Island’s coastal waterways.

Here are some of the best outdoor shower drainage solutions we recommend for coastal properties.

1. Gravel Beds

A gravel bed is one of the simplest and most natural drainage solutions. Water filters through a layer of crushed stone or pea gravel, dispersing evenly into the ground below.

Why it works well:

• Natural, low-maintenance, and visually appealing

• Allows quick drainage in sandy or loamy soil

• Ideal for casual or beach-style outdoor showers

💡 Tip: Use larger crushed stone under the top gravel layer to improve drainage depth and prevent clogging.

2. Dry Wells

For properties with heavier soil or limited space, a dry well helps manage water flow more effectively. It’s a buried container or gravel-filled pit that collects and slowly disperses greywater into the ground.

Benefits:

• Handles higher water volume

• Prevents pooling in compacted soil

• Works well in smaller yards or where space is limited

Toensing Construction often installs small, hidden dry wells beneath outdoor shower platforms to maintain a clean look while ensuring proper function.

3. French Drains

A French drain uses perforated pipe surrounded by gravel to redirect water away from the shower area. It’s an excellent choice for sloped yards or spots where water naturally collects.

Advantages:

• Prevents runoff toward the home or patio

• Keeps surrounding areas dry and usable

• Can tie into an existing drainage system

French drains are particularly effective in Rhode Island’s coastal neighborhoods, where yards often have uneven terrain or ledge beneath the surface.

4. Wooden Platform with Slatted Drainage

A slatted shower platform allows water to drain through to a bed of gravel or sand beneath. This creates a spa-like appearance and avoids muddy patches underfoot.

Features:

• Comfortable, non-slip surface

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Can be paired with gravel or French drains for improved flow

We often build platforms from weather-resistant materials like Ipe, mahogany, or composite decking — all excellent options for Rhode Island’s humid, salt-air climate.

5. Eco-Friendly Drainage Options

For environmentally conscious homeowners, graywater systems can divert shower water to irrigate landscaping (using eco-safe soaps). Some coastal towns may have restrictions near waterways, so it’s important to check local regulations first.

Always confirm with your local building department in towns like Newport, Bristol, or Barrington before installing any greywater or drainage system that reuses water.

Designing Your Shower with Drainage in Mind

The best drainage solution depends on your property’s slope, soil type, and proximity to coastal wetlands.
At Toensing Construction, we design each outdoor shower to complement the home’s style, location, and environment — ensuring it drains efficiently and lasts for years to come.

📍 Serving Rhode Island’s coastal communities including Newport, Bristol, Barrington, Middletown, and Portsmouth.
📞 Contact us today to design your custom outdoor shower.