Buying a shower system isn’t a decision to be taken lightly – you’re going to be using it almost every day for the foreseeable future, so you need to get it right!
So, what should you look for to make sure you get the right shower system for your bathroom and your family? Here are a few of the things you should keep in mind when comparing different options.
Considerations When Choosing the Best Shower System
Best Shower System Features
This is where things get interesting – you can start to look for any extra features you might be interested in. This is a great way to make your shower system truly luxurious!
Extras you might like to look for in your shower system include a jet spray for your whole body – this way, you can really enjoy the therapeutic properties of a good shower!
Varying spray patterns can also come in handy. You can use a stronger, more focused stream to wash long hair more easily or relieve a sore back. Or, opt for a finer mist of water for a cooling, refreshing effect.
Design and materials
Shower systems are a big investment, so you’ll want to make sure you are getting the most for your money. That means you should look for one made with top-quality, durable materials that you won’t need to replace in a hurry.
Stainless steel is generally more durable than plastic and also tends to look better. So, on a related note, you should also go for a design that you like the look of. You don’t want to be stuck with something you don’t love!
Thankfully, shower systems are available in a wide range of finishes. Which one to go for is ultimately up to you – you can pick something that blends in seamlessly with the bathroom decor or choose something contrasting if you want to make your shower head the focal point of the room.
Popular options for a shower system include a shiny polished chrome finish, stylish brushed nickel, or standout solid brass.
Ease of installation
Easy installation is a must if you plan on fitting your new shower system yourself.
It’s also possible to contact a professional to help with installation if required. This might be a better option if you are changing from a wall-mounted to a handheld shower head or vice versa. If you’re sticking with the same shower type, you might be able to do the job yourself, so long as you do some research first.
If your shower system will be fitted over the bath, you might like to look for one with a tub spout. This allows you to use either the shower heads or fill the bathtub with the same faucet.
Type of shower head
There are a few different types of shower heads to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you are replacing an existing shower, you might have to stick with the same type, depending on how much work you want to do. If you are completely remodelling your bathroom, it might be a good time to choose a different type of shower head.
Here are some of the main types of shower heads you can choose from, so you can understand more about each type.
Fixed rain shower
A rainfall shower is mounted high on the wall or on the ceiling, with water falling straight down, as the name might suggest.
These modern showers are great for bringing a contemporary feel to your bathroom, and you are sure to have the best showering experience of your life the first time you try one of these! They can be a little more complicated to install than other shower types – the layout is very different from a handheld shower head.
Handheld shower head
There is loads of variety when it comes to hand-held showers. The wall-mounted shower panel system allows you to control the temperature and other features of the shower. However, the shower head itself is attached to a hose, so you can remove it to target the water at particular parts of your body. You’ll often find features like body jets, a wide spray, and other options to customize your shower to your needs.
Many of the best shower systems offer a combination of a handheld shower head and a fixed shower head, so you can get the best of both worlds!
Wall-mounted shower head
Also known as a fixed shower head, these models are, you guessed it, screwed straight into the wall. A wall-mounted shower head is relatively easy to replace – it’s generally a case of unscrewing the old one before popping the new one back in its place.
Energy-efficiency
No one wants to waste hot and cold water – it’s not good for the environment or our wallet when it’s time to pay the water bill!
So, for that reason, it’s worth looking for the most energy-efficient shower you can find. Unfortunately, many rainfall shower systems are quite wasteful, with water flowing straight down the drain. A handheld shower head is better for directing water to where you need it, resulting in less waste.
Water pressure
If some members of the family enjoy a shower that almost knocks them off their feet, but others prefer a more gentle flow, look for a shower with adjustable pressure valves.
A shower fitted with a good pressure balance valve will ensure the temperature of the stream remains constant, even when pressure is fluctuating in the hot or cold-water lines.
Size
If you are replacing an existing shower, you will need to make sure your new shower system will fit in its place. Similarly, check that any shower fittings, like the shower arm that holds the shower head, are compatible with your new parts.
Luxury Shower System Pro and Cons
Do you still have questions about choosing the best shower system? Then read on; we have the answers you are looking for below!
Do bigger shower heads use more water?
It’s not necessarily the case that bigger shower heads will use more water than smaller ones, although this seems counterintuitive.
Many rain showers have water-saving features and actually use the same amount of water as other showers. This means the water pressure will be lower – the same amount of water is being spread over a larger area.
Are high-end shower heads worth it?
With many things, you get what you pay for, and that’s definitely the case when it comes to shower heads. With a luxury shower head, you get much more than basic hot and cold, on and off functions.
Although a shower system like this can be more costly initially, you might find you save money further down the line. Higher-end showers tend to be more energy-efficient and have options to control the water pressure. This results in less waste and financial savings in the long run.
How do I keep my shower system clean and free from rust?
To prevent internal components, such as the inside of the hose, from rusting, it’s important to periodically check the water’s pH and oxygen levels. Some shower systems have water purification systems to help eliminate these harmful substances before they hit your skin, too.
How do you install a shower system?
If you are not replacing the bathtub, shower tray, or shower screen, it can actually be quite simple to install your own shower system.
You can find detailed step-by-step instructions and videos online – just search for your chosen shower type and model. Remember to make sure you have all the tools you’ll need for the job before you begin, and be sure to shut off the water flow lines before unscrewing any pipes!
Which shower system is the most efficient?
The best shower system in terms of being cheaper to run is an electric shower. Power shower systems can result in a lot of water being wasted. And, electric showers only heat the water that is being used, meaning water isn’t being heated unnecessarily.
