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Different Types of Showers 2024 Edition

You've made the decision to get a new shower. It can be challenging to find the right shower for your bathroom. There are many options available.

We'll be introducing you to the four major types of showers:

Digital Shower

Electric Shower

Mixer Shower

Power Shower

There are many more specialized types, and there will be many different names popping up all over the place. However, this guide will help you find the best shower for your bathroom.

CONSIDERATIONS TO CHOOSE A SHOWER TYPE

VOS Round Fixed Shower Head, 250mm - Matt Black Finish

Before we get into the various types of showers available, it is essential to understand the factors to consider when choosing a shower. The shower system is made up of many water systems. Each system gives hot and cold water, different pressures, and multiple options for water flow.

WATER PRESSURE

You need first to consider whether your water pressure is low or high.

There are many ways to increase your water pressure if you don't have enough. The water pressure will determine the type of shower that you require.

Wait... What is water pressure? What pressure do the strongest showers have?

Water pressure refers to the force required to make water flow through mains systems and into your pipes. It is measured in bars.

You can find out the type of water pressure in your home and whether it comes from digital or mixer showers by contacting your local council. Before you make any significant changes, get professional advice.

Your water system will determine the water pressure you have and any changes you might need to make. We'll be discussing this next.

WATER-SYSTEM

Let's now talk about water systems. Your choice of shower can be affected by the water system. The three central water systems used in UK homes are listed below.

GRAVITY-FED

There's a good possibility that your heating and water systems are gravity fed if you live in an older home. These houses are notorious for having poor water pressure and flow.

Gravity-fed systems are the most popular in the country. They feature a cold water tank in your loft space and a hot cylinder usually found in an airing cabinet.

Gravity-fed systems can result in low water pressure. However, to increase the water pressure, you can install a shower that has pump mechanisms.

A single pump could feed up to three showers simultaneously, making this a great choice if you have multiple showers on your property and need each one to be powerful.

COMBI-BOILER

Combination boilers are perhaps the most popular water system in the UK. These boilers are powered by mains pressure and provide hot and cold water to your home.

You will typically see a wall-hung boiler without a storage tank. This provides hot water on demand.

Combi boilers provide hot water on demand and have the highest pressure. Mixer showers can be used with combi boiler systems to meet these needs.

UNVENTED

A separate hot water cylinder is required for an unvented shower system to store hot water at central pressure.

It consists of a hot water storage tank made from metal and a wall-hung boiler. An immersion heater heats the cylinder.

Once you know your water pressure and hot/cold water supply, you can plan what accessories and what type of shower you want.

SHOWER HEAD & TRAY

SHOWERHEADS

Next, consider what type of showerhead will give you the best control over the temperature in the shower. This is a crucial role to play in your ultimate showering experience.

While your main water supply and central heating are essential for temperature control within the showering area of the shower, the three types you have to choose from for your bathroom suite design (and its shower unit) are crucial.

A fixed shower head, for example, is usually attached to the ceiling. This creates a luxurious feel for your shower tub. On the other hand, a riser kit showerhead allows for greater flexibility in water usage.

This type of shower head is best for families of four. It allows you to take the shower head out and adjust the height.

A combination shower head offers the best of both worlds, as you can have your showers fixed or detached.

SHOWER TRAY

Offset Quadrant Left Hand Shower Trays

Shower trays are an essential consideration when deciding on the shower enclosure you want. Depending on your plumbing, you can choose from a low- or high-sided tray. Slimline trays that are flat against the floor are also available.

Although shower trays may not be as important as other accessories for showers when choosing between digital and mixer showers, it is still important to remember that you will have to make this decision later.

SHAPE AND STYLE

People need to be able to make informed decisions regarding the design of their showers.

While features like a hot water system or shower pump are essential, it is also essential to think about aesthetics.

There are two types of showers: 'contemporary' or modern showers and 'traditional.' You can decide whether you want a modern or traditional looking shower, regardless of whether you choose an enclosure or a shower bath.

Modern showers often include:

clean lines

Simple shapes, i.e., a rectangular, glass shower screen

no embellishments

Traditional showers are often equipped with:

Shower heads can be shaped by rain

Elegant hooping arms

Vintage valves

Ceramic leavers and other features

You don't need to sacrifice style to have a great flow, no matter what type of shower you use - digital showers or electric, but any shower can be used.

BOILER TAK

Finally, it is essential to consider the flow rate variation of your hot and cold water tanks.

An electric shower can solve your problem if you find yourself running out of hot water but not enough cold water.

4 TYPES OF SHOWERS

Below is a list of four types of showers you can choose from. Each shower has its unique mechanism for providing hot and cold water from a water tank.

DIGITAL SHOWER

Digital showers are a 'groundbreaking alternative' to power showers, mixers, and electric. Here are the key features and benefits of digital showers before we deeper discussion.

Main Elements

It works the same way as a mixer shower and uses hot water straight from your boiler.

Some of them are compatible with innovative technology

They are versatile in that they can be used for both hot and cold water supply

Main Benefits

Monitor water temperature indefinitely

Unparalleled control of flow rate

Social media is widely used to spread the word

No matter what boiler system or water tank your house has, you can use the shower pump and airing cupboard in your home.

The Perfect

Anyone looking to upgrade their bathroom with high-end technology, whether it's a rain or walk-in shower.

These showers are eco-friendly and feature much technology. You can also customize different settings with an easy control panel.

Digital showers allow you to control the water temperature and achieve that perfect balance between hot and cold water.

Digital showers can create that modern look you were referring to. They have a minimalist design that is both stylish and space-saving.

ELECTRIC SHOWER

The electric showers can provide hot temperatures on demand. They heat water by heating it inside, and cold water is channelled from the mains. Here are the key features of an electric shower:

Main Elements

Pressure must be maintained appropriately from either a mains or shower system.

Do not rely on boilers or tanks

Easy, compact, and space-saving installation

Main Benefits

Shower experiences customized to your requirements by thermostatic temperature control

Boiler troubles are not a problem

It is easy to install

Energy-saving and eco-friendly

The Perfect

No matter what water system you have, homeowners can use them! Although combination boilers work best, the differences are minimal.

Many homeowners find electric showers very convenient. An electric shower provides instant hot water, which isn't affected or impacted by boiler issues.

You can have a relaxing, hot stream of water no matter what the problem is with your central heating.

Modern electric showers are thermostatic, which allows you to set the temperature to your preference.

However, it is essential to ensure that qualified professionals install electric showers.

Remember, electric showers are dependent on water pressure. If you have a gravity-fed tank, you will likely need to install a shower pump.

MIXER SHOWER

Modern mixer showers mix hot and cold with ease. The shower valve is where the temperature and pressure are controlled.

For a more detailed description of these modern showers, keep reading. But for now, here are the key features and benefits of the mixer shower.

Main Elements

Whether thermostatic or manual, mixers require both a cold and a hot supply.

Electric showers tend to be less powerful than electric ones

Water pressure is dependent

Available in concealed styles

Main Benefits

Temperature is not affected if water is used elsewhere in the house

You can easily avoid the risk of scorching - making it family-friendly

Installation and use control are easy

The Perfect

People with hot water or gravity-fed units.

Mixer showers can be used in any shower enclosure, regardless of the accessories or heads.

These showers are easy to fit into any shower enclosure or bathroom. They can also be used with low or high-pressure water systems.

There are two types of mixer showers: a thermostatic and a manual. A manual mixer mixes water temperatures manually, unlike a thermostatic one.

However, thermostatic showers incorporate a thermostatic valve to maintain a constant temperature.

For families concerned about heating elements scalding their children, thermostatic showers are a great option.

Any mixer shower is an excellent addition to any home. However, it would help if you remembered that thermostatic mixers may require an electric pump to increase the flow rate.

POWER SHOWER

The power shower is our final type of shower. Power showers are a great addition to bathrooms that need luxurious finishes.

Main Elements

Heating element required for hot and cold water

The best water pressures available

Shower models with a larger head tend to use more water than others

Main Benefits

Spa relaxation at its finest

Heating systems and premium temperature

Bathrooms with a sleek design and feel

Ideal for gravity-fed units

The Perfect

For those who want to pamper themselves or boost their water pressure, such as if your shower is gravity-fed.

Do you remember the feeling of being taken to a spa or hotel and then getting to your bathroom to get ready for the day? You can do that at home.

Power showers have a high flow rate and can even be fitted with body jets. They are refreshing and luxurious. These showers look and feel sleeker than they actually are.

People who love the feeling of relaxation and power showers are trendy because they include massage jets like specialized body jets. These jets are rare to find in other products.

These showers use more water and energy than other showers but are great for people who want premium pressure and temperature control in their bathrooms.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE SHOWER TYPE?

After you have looked at the various shower products, you can now make your choice. Although it can be challenging to choose the right shower for you, you will find an option that works if you use our recommendations.

You can access and explore our luxury showers to find the perfect experience for you, whether you are looking for a walk-in or an enclosed shower.

Here is a quick overview of what you need to know before deciding on a shower style. These suggestions may vary from one household to the next.

Types of plumbing and water units - i.e., Combi-boilers vs. gravity-fed boilers

Flexibility in styles - i.e., The height of the enclosure/walk-in

Power requirements - i.e., Water pressure

A variety of accessories and networks for showers, including your shower tray or shower valve.

The type and size of shower you want or need in your home come down to your personal preferences and lifestyle. Take a look at the information above and then browse these options to find your ideal shower.

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