I don't see anything in either code that prohibits it. P2705.1 of the IECC Residential code (2015) doesn't appear to mention it at all, and the UPC 412 (from 2018 at least) is about Urinals (whether or not a shower constitutes a urinal if you pee in the shower is out of scope of the UPC). :) UPC 408.9 mentions it this way: "Control valves and shower heads should be mounted on the sidewall of shower compartments or otherwise arranged so that the water does not discharge at the entrance of the compartment so that so that the bather can adjust the valves before stepping into the shower spray" So nothing to do specifically with the thing pointed at the door, moreso can you turn on the water without being sprayed by it, which is a good idea anyway since that first blast is likely to be quite cold.

Folks, there are huge differences between ShowerGuard and Dimon Fusion -- they don't even do the same thing. Dimon Fusion is essentially just a permanent version of Rain-X and like Rain-X keeps glass from streaking, spotting up, etc. It is a coating applied to the surface of the glass and will (eventually) wear through, although I think it is debatable whether you wouldn't wind up spending more on repeated Rain-X treatments. Both keep water from pooling on the surface under tension, and thus tend to decrease the amount of soap and harmful mineral deposits that remain on the glass after the water evaporates. That mineral residue will eventually pit the glass surface and cause the permanent "clouding" of the glass that no amount of scrubbing will ever clean off. And of course, your glass will look spiffier between real cleanings with less streaking, spotting, etc. ShowerGuard is a completely different beast. First, it costs almost twice as much as Dimon Fusion and can add 25% or more to the cost of the glass. Second, it does absolutely nothing to minimize water spots, streaking, etc between cleanings. Water will pool on it just like ordinary, untreated glass leaving streaks and spots unless you squeege. BUT, glass treated with the ShowerGuard process will never pit and turn cloudy like untreated glass because the glass surface is sealed at the molecular level so the mineral deposits can't get in do their number on the glass. It is also permanent. Its really about what you want and what you want to pay -- if you don't mind the constant "wax on, wax off" then go with the Rain-X. If you want to save some elbow grease, go with the Dimon Fusion. But both leave a risk of long-term glass damage, so if avoiding that is the most important, go with ShowerGuard (although you will need to squeege or live with occasional water spots).

I like risforremodel's suggestion to just put the switch next to the pocket door opening. 11' seems like a really large, long bathroom (to me, our bathrooms are small). In our main bath, where the switch is relatively close to the bath/shower combo (we do have a curtain) it's not even three feet away from the edge of the tub. How far away would the switch be if it's placed next to the entry? It sounds like the shower is near the door, and the vanity is on the far side...is that what you're doing? Is it possible to rearrange things? I think putting the switch on the outside is unusual, and having it far from the entry into the room is inconvenient. If you can post the layout, it might be easier to consider switch placement options.

With regard to Thermofoil option: Yikes! I have yet to see a high quality option. The product is basically a sheet of plastic, printed to look either like wood or a high gloss lacquer. The MDF or particle board door is shaped and then a heater is applied to shape the sheet of plastic over the top and around the sides of the face. It is cooled and cut off along the back edge. Any cabinet next to an oven or dishwasher, will have issues. Period. Over time the sides tend to delaminate and you will get lifting and loose looking edges. Eventually they rip. Trying to match one, if something breaks a door is very difficult and expensive. If your cabinet line offers a free touch up kit- that is wonderful! Just imagine that when your counter top is being installed, they accidentally bump a door face. This is not a warning of an inferior finish- it is a thoughtful manufacturer.