A hurried shower may seem unpleasant and inconvenient, especially when you are feeling sleepy.
But it can quickly activate your senses and deliver a burst of energy at the start of your workday. It’s also as essential as bathing for your personal hygiene.
Lukewarm or cold water showers are especially beneficial, as they increase the metabolism rate and improve blood circulation.
The unique design of a shower means water will be sprayed on you automatically when you’re bathing. Hence, choosing the right shower is vital to improve your showering experience.
But choosing the right shower is not as simple as it seems. It can be tricky because you have several options – high-pressure showers, rainfall showers, low-flow showers, dual shower head showers, and more. Some showers also come with multiple settings.
Let’s take a quick look at the different types of showers and the various factors you need to consider when choosing the right one for your bathroom.
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Things to Consider When Choosing a Shower
1. Water Pressure
Water pressure is the force with which water flows out of the shower. It’s a significant factor, as high water pressure can affect the durability of the shower head and result in water leakage due to pipe damage.
At the other extreme is low water pressure, which can result in slow water flow. A weak water flow can be irritating while you are taking a shower.
Ensure your mood isn’t dampened every day due to weak water flow by checking the water pressure in your home. Water pressure is measured in bars or pounds per square inch (psi) (1 bar = 14.5 psi). Normal water pressure is between 45 and 55 psi.
The good news is that many shower heads work efficiently even when the water pressure is low. Most often, water pressure is linked to the water tank and boiler. You can check the water pressure in your home using a water pressure gauge or hire the services of a plumber.
Before buying a shower, you must consider the water pressure in your home. A high water pressure is mandatory for some showers to function efficiently. Therefore, it’s important to pick a shower that’s a perfect match for the water system in your bathroom.
2. Shower Location
The shower location depends on where you want to install the shower: an existing bathroom, a new bathroom, an en-suite, or a separate shower room. The location will impact your choices regarding shower size and style.
Based on the angle of water flow, you have two options for positioning an overhead shower – ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted.
A ceiling-mounted shower is convenient, as water will fall directly on the bather’s head. But with a wall-mounted shower, the bather will have to turn and twist for the water to reach all parts of their body.
The advantage of a wall-mounted shower is that it can easily be adjusted for height and angle.
The height of the average shower is 200cm (6.5ft). However, it’s best to fit your shower to suit your height. The rule of thumb when installing a shower head is it must be at least 12 inches above your head.
The best location for the shower head is the centre of the shower enclosure (or showering area) or, at least, as close to the centre as possible.
3. Shower Style and Shape
The two main shower styles are traditional and modern.
The traditional style and shape of the shower in your bathroom can help you create an authentic classical appearance. The period-style design will complement any traditional bathroom to perfection, giving it a timeless and distinctive look.
Whether you want a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted shower, you can find it in our iconic collection of vintage-style showers. In addition, the assortment of shower shapes on offer makes it easy to create a period aesthetic in your bathroom.
The trendy style and shape of modern shower heads can help you design – or redesign – your contemporary bathroom.
The wide range of shower systems blends a striking finish with contemporary designs, giving your bathroom a more streamlined and minimalistic look. You can choose the style and shape of the shower system that fits your space and layout, complementing your bathroom aesthetics.
Most modern shower systems use advanced air technology to combine water and air, ensuring powerful water flow even in low water pressure situations. Some models also feature adjustable nozzles or variable settings to regulate the water flow.
4. Shower Features
Digital Showers
Digital showers have revolutionised the showering experience. The craze for smart homes and connected devices has resulted in a huge demand for digital showers. The main features of digital showers are covered in detail in the next section.
Energy Efficiency Shower
Compared to a conventional shower system, an energy-efficient shower system uses less water and less heat.
The system offers a high EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating, with grading rates from A through G (A means the most efficient, and G means the least efficient). Select the highest rating to ensure an ultra-efficient shower choice.
The main feature of this system is the energy-efficient shower head that delivers a uniform spray pattern from every nozzle. The nozzles are kept clean by high water pressure, ensuring minimal maintenance and efficient performance.
Thermostatic Control
Thermostatic control, also labelled thermostatic valve, gives you complete control over the shower temperature.
The primary advantage of this feature is you can set the temperature of the water in your water heater to 60° C (140° F) to safeguard against bacterial contamination while maintaining the temperature of the water flowing out of the shower head at 38° C (100° F).
The lower temperature setting of the water flowing out of the shower head will safeguard children and the elderly against inadvertent scalding and burns.
Let’s now look at the different types of showers.
The Different Types of Showers
1. Mixer Showers
A mixer shower is the conventional type of shower you see in the majority of home bathrooms. This whole unit draws in water from both the cold and hot water inlets and mixes this water. The unit then sends out the mixed water via the showerhead at the optimum temperature you have set.
The key feature of mixer showers is that the easy-to-use lever handle or valve facilitates the adjustment of the water temperature you desire. While most mixer showers function with any system, some of them are suitable only for either a high-pressure or low-pressure water system.
You also have another option – a bath and shower mixer – where the bath taps control the temperature and flow of water. The major drawback of installing a mixer shower is that the unit is typically connected to pipes which also supply water to other points in your bathroom.
This means the water flow rate to the shower is affected if the other points are used at the same time as well. This can result in a sudden drop or rise in the temperature of the water from the shower outlet.
If a significant volume of cold water is drawn elsewhere – as when the toilet is flushed – it could lead to scalding due to the sudden increase in the water temperature. You can resolve this issue by making the shower water supply independent.
2. Electric Showers
Electric Showers are suitable for any type of home because they have a built-in element that heats the water. This feature enables you to enjoy a hot or lukewarm shower, even with a cold water supply. Another benefit is you can enjoy a shower with the water temperature at your desired level even when your boiler breaks down.
Electric showers are more energy efficient as they don’t have to heat an entire tank of water. The water for the shower outlet is heated only when needed. This results in minimal wastage of energy. These showers, however, have a clear disadvantage. The water flow is weaker when compared with the flow rate of power showers.
Some models combat this effectively with an in-built pump. Another common problem you need to watch out for in this shower is the build-up of limescale. If your home has a low-pressure water system or hard water issues, then an electric shower is not the best choice.
3. Power Showers
A Power Shower – also known as a Pumped Shower – is ideal for a low-pressure water system as it’s built with a pump. These showers are the first choice in hotels and spas. But a power shower is a great feature for your home as the built-in pump automatically pumps water at a gusty speed.
If you’re keen on enjoying the ultimate luxurious shower every day, then this shower is the right fit for your bathroom. The key disadvantage of this shower is that its water consumption is high. And it can be quite expensive to install and repair.
A power shower is ideal for almost all gravity-fed systems where both cold and hot water inlets are available. Water is drawn in from both supplies and a mixer valve blends the water. The result is water at the perfect temperature is sent to the shower outlet.
4. Digital Showers
A digital shower is without question a groundbreaking alternative to mixer, electric and power shower. This shower is an exquisite work of bathing art.
The key feature of a digital shower is that although this bathroom masterpiece is replete with the most recent technology, it’s both user-friendly as well as eco-friendly.
You can personalise the settings on the dashboard to suit your desired functionality. For instance, you can choose your preferred shower experience right from water pressure, volume and temperature. Unlike a conventional shower, this shower has a built-in digital thermostat inside the shower unit.
You can control the water flow and temperature remotely using a separate control unit. This control unit links to the shower via an electric cable or wireless technology and can be located in your shower or anywhere else in the bathroom.
If you want to safeguard your family members – specifically young children – against scalding and thermal shock, then this shower is a perfect choice. The best feature of a digital shower is it presents a minimal design aesthetic. This shower can certainly make a space-saving, stunning addition to your bathroom suite.
Shop Your Perfect Shower
The perfect shower is the one that will not compromise on the safety aspect. Elderly people and small children are especially vulnerable to scalding and thermal shocks that are real threats in a bathroom.
At Bathroom City, you’ll find complete shower sets with the latest safety features in both traditional and contemporary designs. These accessory pieces compliment any style of bathroom interior.
Are you looking to buy a New Bathroom and need help in making the right Bathroom Furniture choices? Check out the following articles:
- Detailed Guide To Bathroom Furniture
- What are Shower Valves? Different Types of Shower Valves For Your Bathroom
- 3 Shower Accessories To Go With Your New Shower
- Bath or Shower - The Better Alternative
- How to Fit a Shower Tray