Whether it’s hot, steamy and relaxing or ice cold and invigorating, there is nothing quite like a shower for awakening the senses.
The benefits of a daily shower go beyond cleanliness, though that’s a distinct advantage not just to yourself but to anyone living in close proximity, particularly after a hard day at work or a long session in the gym.
1. Mixer shower
“It’s a simple yet effective choice, particularly for a compact bathroom,” says Natalie Bird, brand marketing manager at Roca. “It offers easy installation, precise temperature control, and an affordable way to achieve a functional and stylish showering solution.”
Get refreshed for less with a shower for under £50, such as this Bristan shower kit with single function large handset from B&Q.
Natalie has nearly a decade’s worth of experience in the field of bathroom products, having worked for a plumber’s merchant and now Roca, a leading company in the design and production of bathroom furniture, brassware and sanitaryware.
2. Over the bath showers
“For bathrooms with limited space, a shower and bath combination will offer the most practical solution,” says Natalie. “Best for a family bathroom is a mix of a hand shower and fixed head shower. The former is particularly useful for rinsing off young children and makes cleaning much easier.”
3. Thermostatic shower
The thermostat ensures a consistent temperature is maintained throughout, even if the water pressure fluctuates when there are multiple users..
“Thermostatic controls can prevent sudden hot or cold bursts, and reduce the risk of young children or elderly family members being scalded,” adds Natalie.
4. Electric showers
“Electric showers are a great choice as they only heat water on demand, using less water and reducing energy consumption,” recommends Ashley.
With an electric shower, cold water is pulled through a unit on the wall containing a heating element and pumping system and heated when the shower is turned on, so there is no waiting for it to warm up.
Because It relies on the cold water system, rather than stored hot water, it won’t drain all that’s available if there is only a small tank.
Electric showers are a good option for houses with low water pressure or that don’t have a gas supply. They’re easy to install and extremely energy efficient, though consumers may still see high electricity bills in busy households where the shower is in frequent use.
With an energy-efficiency rating of A, an electric shower like the Aspirante from Triton, can save energy and money.
Through his work with Triton Showers, Ashley has gained considerable expertise around the shower space. He offers insights into the latest interior trends and helps renovators maximise the functionality of their bathrooms.
5. Power showers
A power shower with a silent running thermostat, like the Triton AS2000SR from Plumbworld, which is Quiet Mark Standard certified, keeps things pleasantly noise free.
As co-founder and director at Bathroom Mountain, Shamila is an expert at knowing the right bath, sink, shower and accessories needed to create customers’ dream bathrooms.
6. Rainfall showers
“Thoughtful placement of controls, such as positioning them near the entrance to the shower rather than directly under the head, improves convenience and usability.”
Rainfall showers don’t necessarily use more water than a standard shower head, in spite of their larger size, as it is just spread over a wider area to fall in a gentle cascade.
They typically require higher water pressure for full body coverage, and can also be prone to leaks and droplets forming in the head. The positioning of the fixed shower head also makes it difficult to wash without getting wet hair.
Step into nature with a rain shower head like the Britton Bathrooms Hoxton brushed brass rain shower head & wall-mounted arm from Drench
7. Digital shower
Pre-programming means there’s no need to keep adjusting the dial if one person likes it hot while another prefers it bracingly cold. It is also possible to set preferred spray patterns.
The more sophisticated technology means that digital showers can be more expensive than standard showers, and installation more complex. The shower processor would need to be fitted into a loft space or behind a cavity wall.
Enjoy next-level showering with a digital system, such as the, ceiling-fed Mira Mode Shower, which can be programmed to suit the personal preferences of every user.
8. Hydro showers
With built-in radios, sound systems and LED lighting, you can accompany your shower with music to suit your mood and create a calming environment. Aromatherapy steam settings let you infuse the space with scents to relax or stimulate.
This type of shower is an indulgent option, designed for pampering, which is reflected in the price. A self-contained pod can cost anywhere from £500 to several thousand. Water consumption can also be high if you are in there long enough to make use of all the features.
Shower tower panels, like the Keokbon 6-in-1 stainless steel shower column from Amazon, offer some of the indulgent massage features of a hydro shower cubicle with a lower price tag
Choosing the right type of shower
An exposed shower will mean there is more pipework extending into the space, whereas in a concealed shower, it is hidden behind the wall with only the shower head and handset on view, for a neater look.
You should also consider what type of boiler you have – gravity, unvented or combi. If you have an unvented or combi, you can choose from electric, digital and mixer showers. Gravity fed systems, where there is a cold-water tank in the loft, and a hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard, is the only one compatible with a power shower.
Manually operated mixer showers are the most affordable, with prices starting from around £50. Electric showers are energy efficient and economical, as they use less water and energy to heat it. Power showers cost from around £150 – £600, while thermostatic digital showers will be anywhere from £300 to £1,000. Luxury hyrdo showers with multiple sprays, including body jets,, mood lighting and other sensory features will stretch the budget, with cabins starting from around £700 and rising to several thousand.
Installation costs will also vary depending on the complexity of the shower system. If you are confident in your plumbing abilities, fitting it yourself will be the most cost-effective option.
FAQs
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