Introduction

A recent bathroom remodel featured on [Website] has been gaining a lot of attention for its unique “car wash” style walk-in shower. Thehomeowners were inspired to create a shower experience that felt like going through a car wash, with different shower heads spraying water from all angles.

This creative design serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to remodel their bathroom and install a luxurious, spa-like walk-in shower. In this complete guide, we will take an in-depth look at how this car wash shower idea was brought to life, the benefits of walk-in showers, considerations for designing your own car wash shower, and tips for remodeling your bathroom around this unique feature.

Overview of the ‘Car Wash’ Shower Design

The focal point of this bathroom remodel is the custom-designed walk-in shower which mimics the experience of driving a car through an automated car wash. The shower has multiple shower heads placed at different heights and angles to spray water from all directions. Some key features that create the car wash effect include:

  • A long, narrow shape to evoke the feeling of going through a tunnel.
  • Waterproof LED lighting strips to give a colourful, futuristic look.
  • Below-ceiling body sprayers to rain water down like the overhead cleaning arches in a car wash.
  • Handheld shower heads on slide bars at different levels to spray the body from all sides.
  • A bench area with wall-mounted body jets to sit and enjoy the water massage.
  • Glass doors at each end to contain all the water in the shower space.

The homeowners worked with a contractor to custom design and build the shower to achieve the unique car wash experience they envisioned. Attention to detail in placing the shower heads helped replicate the sensory sensation of an automated car wash in a residential shower.

Benefits of a Walk-In Shower

Walk-in showers offer many advantages over traditional tub showers:

More Open Feel

Removing the tub creates a more open, airy feel in the bathroom. The extra space makes the room feel larger.

Better Accessibility

Walk-in showers have no doors or lips to step over, making them more accessible. This is especially helpful for older adults or those with mobility challenges.

Enhanced Cleanliness

With no tub or shower curtains, a walk-in shower eliminates places where dirt and mildew can build up. They are easier to keep clean.

Spa-Like Luxury

Walk-in showers offer a hotel-like, spa-style experience. Multiple shower heads, benches, and other features turn an everyday shower into a therapeutic escape.

Customizable Designs

Walk-in showers can be customized with finishes, fixtures, accessories, and layouts to match your personal style. From sleek and modern to natural stone, the design choices are endless.

Space for Storage

Removing the tub frees up wall space that can be used to incorporate storage niches and shelves into the shower design.

Increased Resale Value

Walk-in showers are expected to increase a home’s value. They are a high-end feature buyers look for.

Design Considerations for a ‘Car Wash’ Shower

If you’re inspired to create your own car wash-style walk-in shower, there are several important considerations during the design process:

Size

To fit multiple shower heads and create a tunnel effect, the shower needs to be sufficiently long and wide. Aim for at least 4 feet wide and 8 feet long.

Waterproofing

Special attention needs to be paid to waterproofing surfaces and preventing leaks. Materials like Ditra underlayment should be used under the tile floor.

Slope and Drainage

The shower floor needs to slope properly towards the drain to prevent water from pooling. Building a custom slope may be required.

Placement of Fixtures

Strategically place shower heads, body sprays, and the shower bench to best mimic a car wash. Mapping it out is key.

Temperature Control

With water spraying from multiple directions, controlling the temperature with mixer valves is important so the water does not get too cold.

Lighting

Creative lighting like LED strips and skylights can enhance the car wash effect. Make sure lighting is waterproof.

Doors/Entry

Doors on both ends of the shower keep all the water contained. Swinging or sliding doors work best for walk-in showers.

Materials

Durable surfaces that limit grout lines and will stand up to constant moisture are best. Choose materials like porcelain or granite.

Budget

Building a customized walk-in shower with high-end fixtures, lighting, and tile is an investment. Make sure to budget accordingly.

Step-By-Step Process for Remodeling a Bathroom for a Car Wash Shower

Remodeling your bathroom to install an ambitious car wash walk-in shower takes careful planning and preparation. Follow these steps:

Hire a Contractor

A general contractor or bathroom remodeler has the expertise to bring a complex shower design to life. Interview several contractors and review examples of their work.

Create a Detailed Design Plan

Work with your chosen contractor to map out the shower design, including the layout, slope, drainage, tile, lighting, fixtures, accessories, entryway, and any custom building needed.

Demolition and Preparation

Demolish the existing tub and shower. The contractor will do any needed plumbing or electrical work and prepare the underlying subfloor for waterproofing and tile.

Install Waterproof Membrane

A waterproof liner is crucial to prevent leaks and damage. Materials like Chloraloy or Wedi are commonly used to fully waterproof the shower pan and walls.

Tile the Shower Floor and Walls

Using moisture-resistant backerboard, tile the shower floor starting at the drain and working outward in all directions, adding the slope. Continue tiling up the walls.

Install Fixtures and Lighting

With tiling complete, the multiple shower heads, body sprays, controls, drains, benches, and lighting can be installed per the design plan.

Complete Remaining Bathroom Areas

Finish tiling the rest of the bathroom floor and walls. Install bathroom fixtures like the sink and toilet. Complete paint and trim.

Seal and Caulk the Shower

Seal around all fixtures and seams using a flexible silicone caulk designed for wet areas. Sealing prevents potential leaks.

Do a Flood Test

Flood test by fully running the shower to check for leaks and ensure proper drainage before finishing touches. Fix any identified issues.

Add Accessories and Finishing Touches

With the flood test passed, install shelving, hardware, mirrors, and other accessories. Complete any final details and clean the space thoroughly.

FAQs About ‘Car Wash’ Showers

What is the cost to install a car wash-style walk-in shower?

The cost can range anywhere from $2,500 to over $15,000 depending on size, custom work, materials chosen, and what is involved with preparing the underlying bathroom space. Hiring a contractor is recommended.

How difficult is it to clean and maintain a walk-in shower?

Walk-in showers are designed to be low maintenance. Using squeegees, monthly spray cleaners, and protective treatments on surfaces can keep them easily cleaned with minimal effort.

Can I incorporate car wash shower features into my existing tub shower?

While you may not be able to achieve the fully enclosed tunnel effect, you can add elements like shower towers, body sprays, and benches to an existing tub shower to get some of the experience.

How important is proper slope and drainage for a car wash shower?

Adequate slope and drainage are extremely important to keep water flowing towards the drain and prevent pooling or overflowing which can lead to leaks and water damage over time.

Should I choose glass or acrylic doors for my walk-in shower?

For the enclosed car wash effect, glass doors are recommended. Frameless glass gives the most seamless appearance. Acrylic or vinyl doors can also work but may detract from the modern design aesthetic.

How difficult will it be to re-sell my home with a customized walk-in shower?

Walk-in showers and spa-like bathrooms are highly sought after features. The shower will likely help boost your home’s value and impress potential buyers rather than being a deterrent.

Professional Tips for Designing the Ultimate Car Wash Shower

Take your car wash shower to the next level with these pro tips:

  • Use a colored glass tile wall to mimic the look of going through a car wash with multi-colored soap arches. This vibrant feature wall adds visual interest.
  • Incorporate recessed wall niches to hold bath products. This provides easy access to shower necessities without cluttering the space.
  • Install a smart home water monitoring system to detect leaks and protect your investment. This provides peace of mind.
  • Choose an anti-fog coating or film for the shower doors and walls. This prevents the visibility issues caused by fog and condensation.
  • Opt for a rainhead showerhead along with wall-mounted body sprays. The rain shower gives all-over coverage while the targeted body sprays replicate car wash spray jets.
  • Heat the floor and walls. Radiant heating under the tile helps prevent a cold stone floor, keeps feet warm, and reduces shower glass fogging.
  • Use a Bluetooth shower audio system to play music, news, or talk radio for an immersive sensory car wash experience.
  • Select a filtered showerhead to remove minerals and impurities from the water for softer, healthier skin and hair.
  • Choose durable, low-maintenance porcelain, quartz, or granite tiles. These withstand constant water exposure better long-term versus natural stone.

Transform Your Bathroom with a Custom ‘Car Wash’ Shower

The unique car wash walk-in shower featured on [Website] provides no shortage of inspiration for remodeling your own bathroom into a spa-like oasis. With smart planning and an experienced contractor, you can create a completely customized shower tailored exactly to your space and preferences. The benefits of a walk-in shower for accessibility, luxury, enhanced cleanliness, and added home value make this a smart investment sure to impress.

Bring your car wash shower dreams to life by researching designs and shower technology, setting a realistic budget, and partnering with a reliable local contractor ready to make your vision a reality. With persistence and attention to crucial details like waterproofing, slope, and placement of fixtures, you will be enjoying a refreshing, ultra-custom shower experience in your beautifully redesigned bathroom. Let this one-of-a-kind car wash shower spark your imagination for what’s possible.