3 DIY Affordable Temporary Indoor Shower Pan Stall Solutions

If you prefer non DIY methods see article “​5 Simple Ways To Get A Temporary Shower Anywhere” for other temporary showering methods.

Materials Needed

• ​Base: Shower pan or heavy duty plastic kiddie pool

• ​Water Source: Showerhead with a hose that attaches to a sink faucet

• ​Enclosure: 2 to 4 tension curtain rods or Pop-up tent

• 2 ​Shower curtains and curtain hooks

• Adhesive wall hooks for the showerhead

• ​Drainage Method: Choose one of the following options:

- ​Option A: Marine Shower Sump Pump and 3 foot tube hose

- ​Option B: Water Dispenser Method (Shower caddy with holes, 4 water dispensers, 4 to 5 nine foot tubes, optional pole)

- ​Option C: Wet Vac Method (Wet Vac Preferably 10 gallons)​

​

Instructions

​1. Build the Frame

• ​Install two large tension rods parallel to each other across your bathroom walls, approximately 3 feet apart.

  
  

• ​Form an enclosure by placing two smaller rods perpendicular on top of the base rods to form a square (resembling a grid or # symbol). Secure the overlapping points with sturdy tape.

​2. Hang the Curtains

• ​Attach shower curtains to the square frame using curtain clips. Ensure the curtains hang inside the shower pan or kiddie pool to prevent water leakage.​

  
  

• Leave two curtain openings: One small gap near the sink for the showerhead hose to feed through, and a larger opening for entry, exit, and showerhead enclosure.

• Enclosing the Showerhead: Once you enter, secure the curtain clips behind the showerhead so that both the entire showerhead and its hose remain safely contained inside the enclosure with you, while the mounting hook itself stays on the outside wall.

Alternative Option: Pop-Up Tent

If using a pop-up privacy tent, place the shower pan or kiddie pool inside. Secure the shower curtains along the inner walls of the tent by using safety pins. Unzip the opening in the tent to insert the showerhead and secure the hose with clips or string.

3. Mount the Showerhead

​Position the Mount: Step into the pan or pool to visualize your standing height and determine the best position for the showerhead.

Attach the Hook: Clean the wall surface and apply the adhesive wall hook according to the package instructions.

Connect to Water: Hang the showerhead on the hook and attach the adapter end to your sink faucet.

Drainage Options (Choose One)

​Option A — Marine Shower Sump Pump Setup (Recommended)

Set up the pump

Follow the instruction manual, attach the 3 foot tube to the marine shower sump pump, and place the open end inside the shower pan or kiddie pool (trim the tube to your desired length if needed). Then attach the 3 foot tube to the marine shower sump pump and place the open end inside the shower pan or kiddie pool (trim the tube to your desired length if needed).

Test the Water Temperature

Disconnect the showerhead hose from the faucet, adjust to your desired temperature, and reconnect the hose.

Turn on the pump

Turn on the marine shower pump and verify that water is being collected and pumped out of the pan at a steady rate before you begin showering. Lower your sink water pressure if the pan fills up too quickly. Check the floor and curtains for any leaks or escaping water.

⚠️Important Note: Do not pump wastewater into a toilet tank. Hot water can crack porcelain toilets and is designed for cold water only.

Begin showering: Place your toiletries on nearby countertop space or a towel rod, then step in and begin showering.​

​Option B — Water Dispensers

Set up the water dispensers

Attach the 9 foot tubes to the water dispensers before placing the dispensers into the shower caddy. Place the other end of the tubes inside the shower pan or kiddie pool, trimming them to length if necessary.

Test the water temperature

Disconnect the showerhead hose from the faucet, adjust the temperature, and reconnect the hose.

Turn on the dispensers

Start the water collection process and check that the tubes are removing water from the pan effectively. Lower the sink water pressure if the pan fills too fast, and check for leaks.

⚠️Important Note: Do not empty collected water into a toilet tank, as hot water can crack porcelain.

Begin showering: Place your toiletries on nearby countertop space or a towel rod, then step in and begin showering. Monitor your shower duration . Slow water flow should give you a safe 5 minute shower.

​Option C— Wet Vac

​​Set up the Wet Vac

Secure the Wet Vac hose inside the shower pan or kiddie pool using tape or another secure tool. (Note: If you cannot secure it firmly, another person may need to hold the tube in place while you shower.)

Test the water temperature

Disconnect the showerhead hose from the faucet, adjust the temperature, and reconnect the hose.

Turn on the Wet Vac

Turn on the Wet Vac and ensure it is actively collecting water from the pan. Keep the sink water pressure low to avoid filling the Wet Vac too rapidly, and check for leaks.

⚠️Important Note: Do not empty the collected water into a toilet tank, as hot water can break porcelain.

Begin showering: Place your toiletries on nearby countertop space or a towel rod, then step in and begin showering.​ Keep your shower brief (around 5 minutes on low flow) to prevent the Wet Vac from overflowing, and remember to empty the vacuum tank after you finish.