What kind of shower should I choose?
A Guide to the Different Types of Showers: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Bathroom
When designing or renovating a bathroom, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right type of shower. Whether you're looking for high-tech features, eco-friendly options, or a luxurious spa-like experience, there’s a shower to match your needs and style. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most popular types of showers on the market, including power showers, electric showers, Bluetooth showers, ceiling-mounted showers, and more.
1. Electric Showers
How They Work:
Electric showers are among the most common types of showers, known for their convenience and efficiency. They heat water on demand, using an electric element to warm cold water directly from your mains supply. This means they don’t rely on your home’s boiler or stored hot water, making them energy-efficient and practical for homes where water pressure or heating systems might be lacking.
Benefits:
Instant Hot Water: Since electric showers heat water as it passes through, you’ll never run out of hot water, no matter how many showers are taken back-to-back.
Energy Efficient: Only the water you use is heated, making it a more energy-conscious choice for those mindful of their bills.
Works with Low Pressure: Electric showers can function effectively even when your home has low water pressure.
Considerations:
Water Pressure: While electric showers work well in low-pressure systems, they typically don’t provide the high-pressure experience of other shower types.
Professional Installation: Since electric showers involve electrical wiring and water, they must be installed by qualified professionals for safety reasons; this is usually both a plumber and electrician.
2. Power Showers
How They Work:
Power showers are ideal for homes with low water pressure. Unlike electric showers, they don’t heat water but instead use both hot and cold water supplies to provide the desired temperature. The standout feature of power showers is the integrated pump, which boosts water pressure, delivering a powerful and invigorating shower experience.
Benefits:
Enhanced Water Pressure: Power showers are the go-to choice if you’re after a high-pressure, spa-like experience, even in homes with poor water pressure.
Temperature Control: You have the flexibility to mix hot and cold water for a precise and comfortable temperature.
Considerations:
Water Consumption: Power showers use a significant amount of water, which might impact your water bills or environmental footprint if conservation is a concern.
Requires a Hot Water Supply: Unlike electric showers, power showers rely on your home’s existing hot water system, so you’ll need a well-maintained boiler and hot water tank.
3. Digital Showers (Bluetooth and Smart Showers)
How They Work:
Digital showers are the latest innovation in shower technology. These showers use digital controls to give you precise control over water temperature and flow. Bluetooth and smart showers take this a step further, allowing you to control your shower remotely via smartphone apps, voice commands, or even smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home.
Benefits:
Customisable Settings: Many digital showers allow you to set your preferred temperature and pressure, so you can get the perfect shower every time with the press of a button.
Remote Control: With Bluetooth or smart showers, you can turn the shower on from your bed, ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature before you step in.
Water-Saving Features: Some digital showers come with eco-settings or timers, helping you reduce water consumption.
Considerations:
Cost: Digital showers tend to be more expensive than traditional options due to the technology involved.
Installation: These systems can be more complex to install and may require an electrician, particularly if you're adding smart features.
4. Ceiling-Mounted Showers (Rainfall Showers)
How They Work:
Ceiling-mounted showers, often referred to as rainfall showers, are designed to deliver water directly from above, mimicking the experience of standing in a gentle rain. These showers are typically fixed to the ceiling and can cover a large surface area, offering a relaxing and luxurious feel.
Benefits:
Luxurious Experience: Rainfall showers are known for their gentle, even flow, providing a calming and spa-like experience.
Aesthetically Pleasing: Ceiling-mounted showers give your bathroom a sleek, modern look, especially when paired with a minimalist design.
Considerations:
Water Pressure: For a true rainfall effect, good water pressure is essential. If your home has low pressure, you may need a pump installed.
Installation: Ceiling-mounted showers can be more difficult to install than wall-mounted versions, as they may require additional plumbing work.
5. Mixer Showers
How They Work:
Mixer showers blend hot and cold water from your home's supply to reach the desired temperature before the water exits the showerhead. This type of shower works best in homes with a high-pressure water system or a combination boiler.
Benefits:
Strong Flow Rate: If you have good water pressure, mixer showers can deliver a powerful, enjoyable shower experience.
Temperature Control: You can easily adjust the water temperature by mixing hot and cold, giving you a consistent and comfortable shower.
Considerations:
Requires a Hot Water System: Since mixer showers don’t heat water, they depend on your home's hot water supply, which means you could run out of hot water if your tank is empty.
Installation Costs: Installation is relatively straightforward, but if your water pressure is low, you may need to install a pump for the best experience.
6. Electric Power Showers
How They Work:
Electric power showers combine the features of both electric and power showers. They heat the water on demand while also using a pump to boost water pressure, giving you both instant hot water and a powerful shower.
Benefits:
Powerful and Convenient: Enjoy the benefits of instant hot water with the added luxury of high water pressure, even in homes with low mains pressure.
Energy Efficient: Like regular electric showers, electric power showers only heat the water you use.
Considerations:
Higher Water Usage: Electric power showers tend to use more water than regular electric showers, so consider your water bills or eco-friendly preferences.
Installation Complexity: These showers may require both plumbing and electrical work during installation.
7. Concealed Showers
How They Work:
Concealed showers have all their pipework and fittings hidden behind the wall, offering a clean and minimalist look in the bathroom. The only visible parts are the shower controls and the showerhead, creating a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Benefits:
Modern Design: Concealed showers offer a streamlined, uncluttered appearance, making them ideal for contemporary bathrooms.
Customisable: You can combine different showerheads (such as a ceiling-mounted shower and handheld shower) for a more versatile experience.
Considerations:
Maintenance: Because the pipes are hidden behind the walls, any maintenance issues may require removing tiles or wall panels, making repairs more complicated.
Installation Cost: Concealed showers are typically more expensive to install due to the additional plumbing and tiling work required.
Conclusion: What’s the Best Shower for You?
The best shower for your bathroom depends on your preferences, your home’s water system, and your lifestyle needs. If you value efficiency and ease of use, an electric shower might be the best option. For those who want a luxurious, spa-like experience, a ceiling-mounted or digital shower could provide the perfect solution. And if water pressure is your main concern, a power shower or electric power shower will ensure you always enjoy a powerful, refreshing shower.
At Bridgwater Bathrooms, we specialise in creating high-end, spa-like bathrooms, including installing any type of shower you desire. Whether you’re after a simple upgrade or a luxurious, fully customisable shower experience, our expert team is here to help you make the best choice for your space. Get in touch with us to discuss your dream bathroom today!
