How To Choose a Shower
Gone are the days of a long soak in the bath after work as the main method of keeping clean. Nowadays we’re most definitely a nation of shower lovers, with well over 90% of homes having at least one shower. If you’re in the market for a new shower then there’s certainly a lot of choice, so here are a few of the key factors to consider.
Electric or Boiler-Fed?
The first thing to decide is whether you want an electric shower or one which is “plumbed in” and uses water heated by your boiler. No one type is better that the other, it will purely come down to circumstances. Some boilers may already be working at capacity, ruling out a central heating fed shower. Or you may be looking for a straight replacement for an existing shower, in which case buying one the same makes more sense.
Power Shower or Standard Shower
If your water pressure in the bathroom is low, then it makes sense to look for a shower marketed as a “power shower”. This style of shower usually has an integrated pump, which boosts the supply of water to the shower head. If your water pressure is fairly high already, then you might not get much additional benefit over a standard shower. Electric showers come in a range of different power ratings, and the higher the number the more powerful the shower.
Concealed or not?
Concealed when talking about showers means that the pipes and hose feeding the shower head are hidden away behind the wall. The head is usually fixed on the wall and can’t be pulled loose. This is the perfect look for a contemporary bathroom with lots of sleek lines. Traditional showers with a riser bar fixed onto the bathroom walls are easier to install, and easier to replace if they go wrong. If you’ve chosen an electric shower then it may still be possible to conceal most of the components behind a wall.
Position in the room
You can put most styles of shower against any wall or in any type of room, but the shape of the shower tray and enclosure will be determined from where you intend putting it in the room. Quadrant trays, which are a quarter circle in shape, are best for corner placement. Square or rectangular trays are often better for alcoves or placing against a wall. If you’re struggling to decide which one is best for you, get advice from your plumber.
Gadgets and Gizmos
It’s easy to get carried away by all of the options using the latest technology on your shower. Modern showers can be turned on and off using your mobile phone, play your music playlist through Bluetooth speakers, change the colour of lights to suit your mood and much more. It’s nice to add touches of luxury to make showering a more pleasant experience. As with any purchase decision, set a budget and stick to it so you don’t get carried away.
