13 Different Types of Showers and Things To Consider

A variety of shower types are available today, each offering different features and functions. From luxurious steam showers to water-conserving low-flow showers and beyond, how do you select which is the best fit?

Beyond purely aesthetic considerations like materials and stylings, ask yourself questions like: How many people will regularly use the shower? What is my budget? Do I prioritize space savings or a spa experience? Will water efficiency be important?

This guide will overview 13 of the most popular shower types. Learn whether an indulgent multi-head rainfall shower should take priority over an accessible walk-in shower or if a high-pressure shower suits your needs better than low-flow. Achieve spa-quality comfort at home by being informed on today’s wide variety of shower offerings.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Shower

Selecting the right shower involves a careful consideration of several key factors to ensure it meets your needs in terms of functionality, efficiency, and design compatibility with your bathroom.

Here are some detailed points to ponder:

Water Pressure Compatibility

Assess Your Home’s Water Pressure: Use a pressure gauge or consult with a professional to understand whether your home has high or low water pressure. This step is crucial as it influences the type of shower head and system you can install.
High-Pressure Systems: Ideal for homes with strong water pressure, allowing for a wider selection of showers, including luxury models with multiple jets, rain heads, and high-flow systems that provide a more invigorating experience.
Low-Pressure Systems: In homes with low water pressure, look for showers designed to optimize performance in such conditions, such as aerated shower heads that mix air with water to boost the sensation of pressure, or consider installing a pump to enhance water flow.

Spatial Dynamics and Shower Location

Bathroom Layout: Measure your bathroom to identify the amount of space available for the perfect shower, keeping in mind that the size and shape of the shower can impact the room’s overall functionality and flow.
Compact Spaces: For smaller bathrooms, corner showers, quadrant enclosures, or bi-fold doors can save space while still providing a comfortable showering experience.
Larger Bathrooms: More spacious areas can accommodate luxurious options like walk-in showers or larger enclosures with additional features such as benches or dual shower heads.
Plumbing and Drainage: The location of existing plumbing and drainage can limit where you can place the shower without significant renovations, so it’s important to consider these factors in your planning.

Aesthetic Cohesion and Practical Design

Style Compatibility: Choose a new shower that enhances the bathroom’s decor, whether you’re looking for a modern, minimalist design with frameless glass or a classic setup with tiled walls and accents.
Functionality: Features like adjustable shower heads are great for families with varying heights, while low-threshold or barrier-free showers are ideal for improving accessibility for users with mobility issues.
Material and Finish: Choose materials and finishes that not only match your design preference but are also durable and easy to clean, such as tempered glass, stainless steel, or treated tiles that resist mold and mildew.

Advanced Features and Technologies

Digital and Thermostatic Controls: These allow for precise temperature and flow adjustments, offering a consistent and customized showering experience, especially useful in households with varying preferences.
Eco-Friendly Options: Look for water-efficient models that reduce water usage without sacrificing performance, benefiting both the environment and your utility bills.
Wellness Features: Consider indulging in features like steam generators for a spa-like steam shower, hydro-massage jets for therapeutic relief, or LED lighting for ambiance and mood enhancement.
Cost and Installation: Weigh the benefits of advanced features against their cost and the complexity of installation. High-end features may require professional installation and possibly even bathroom modifications, which can significantly impact the overall budget.

13 Different Types of Showers

When it comes to choosing a shower, the variety of types available can cater to personal preferences, specific needs, and unique bathroom layouts. Here’s a detailed look at the different types of showers to help you make an informed decision:

1. Electric Shower System

Instant Hot Water: Electric showers draw from the cold water supply and heat it on demand, ensuring a continuous hot shower flow regardless of boiler capacity.

Energy Efficient: Only heats the water you use, potentially reducing energy consumption.

Independent System: Functions independently from the home’s hot water system, making it a reliable option even when the boiler is off.

2. Mixer Showers

Versatile Installation: A mixer shower can be installed in any bathroom with both hot and cold water supplies.

Varied Styles: Available in exposed or concealed designs, where the pipework is either visible or hidden behind the shower walls. A mixer shower installed over a shower bath is also ideal. It combines the convenience of quick showers, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms.

Temperature Stability: Offers steady water temperature but can be affected by water usage elsewhere in the home unless equipped with thermostatic control.

3. Power Showers

Built-In Pump: Features an integrated pump to boost water flow, ideal for homes with low water pressure.

Thermostatic Options: Many models come with thermostatic controls, preventing sudden temperature changes.

Greater Water Use: The increased flow rate can lead to higher water usage compared to other types.

4. Digital Showers

Precise Control: Offers accurate temperature and flow control via a digital interface, which can be remote or panel-mounted.

Programmable Settings: Some models allow you to preset your preferred shower settings for a personalized experience.

Wireless Connectivity: Advanced models offer smartphone connectivity for remote control and monitoring.

5. Eco Showers

Water Conservation: Designed to limit water flow and reduce waste, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Aerating Technology: Some eco showers introduce air into the water stream to maintain pressure while using less water.

Regulated Temperature: Often equipped with thermostatic controls to conserve energy and water without sacrificing comfort.

6. Thermostatic Showers

Consistent Temperature: Automatically adjusts to maintain a set temperature, even when water pressure fluctuates.

Safety Features: Includes a temperature limit, making it a safe option for children and the elderly.

Dual Controls: Typically features separate controls for temperature and flow rate.

7. Rainfall Shower Head

Overhead Design: Mimics the feeling of standing in the rain, with water directly above the user.

Aesthetic Appeal: Rainfall shower or waterfall shower is often used in modern bathroom designs for their sleek, minimalist look.

Gentle Water Flow: Rain showers provide a soothing shower experience, ideal for relaxation.

8. Handheld Showers

Flexibility: Hand shower allows you to direct the water flow where needed, making it easier to rinse off, clean the shower, or bathe pets.

Adjustable Mounts: Can be used hands-free by placing in an adjustable bracket, rail or shower trays.

Variety of Spray Patterns: Often includes multiple settings, from a gentle mist to a focused jet.

9. Dual Showers

Combination Units: Features both an overhead rain shower and a handheld component, offering versatility.

Customizable Experience: Allows users to switch between or use both shower heads simultaneously.

Space-Saving: Consolidates two shower experiences into one unit, ideal for shared or family bathrooms.

10. Walk-In Bathroom Shower

Barrier-Free Access: Offers easy entry and exit without doors, reducing trip hazards.

Spacious Design: Typically larger, providing a more open and luxurious shower experience. Installing a sleek, glass-enclosed shower stall can transform a modest bathroom into a modern, spa-like space, enhancing aesthetics and functionality. Choose the right shower pan as it ensures water is directed towards the drain efficiently, maintaining the area’s safety and hygiene.

Customizable Layouts: These can be designed to fit various bathroom sizes and shapes, with options for multiple shower heads and benches.

11. Shower Towers

All-In-One Panel: Combines multiple shower heads and body jets into a single unit mounted on the shower wall. A shower tower with an integrated body shower offers a luxurious, full-body experience, enveloping you in water from multiple angles for a thorough and invigorating cleanse.

Therapeutic Benefits: Body jets provide a massage-like experience, targeting different areas of the body.

Sleek Installation: Minimizes the need for extensive plumbing work, as all features are contained within the panel.

12. Steam Showers

Built-In Steam Generator: Transforms the shower enclosure into a steam room, offering therapeutic benefits and relaxation.

Health Benefits: Steam shower can potentially help with respiratory issues, skin health, and muscle relaxation.

Luxury Features: Often includes additional amenities like aromatherapy, lighting, and sound systems.

13. Outdoor Showers

Versatile Placement: Ideal for homes with pools, beaches, or in nature-rich environments for a refreshing rinse outdoors.

Simple to Elaborate Designs: Ranges from wall-mounted cold-water taps to fully enclosed structures with hot and cold water showers.

Durability: Constructed with materials resistant to weather and corrosion, such as stainless steel or treated wood.

What is the best type of shower for low water pressure?

For homes with low water pressure, a power shower is often considered the best option. Power showers come with an integrated pump that boosts the water flow, providing a more satisfying shower experience even with low pressure water systems. Alternatively, electric showers are also suitable as they heat water on demand and can operate independently of the home’s water pressure system. However, it’s essential to check the electric shower’s specifications to ensure compatibility with low-pressure environments.

Can I install a rainfall shower in a small bathroom?

Yes, you can install a rainfall shower in a small bathroom, but there are a few considerations to remember. Rainfall shower heads are typically larger and require sufficient overhead space for installation. In smaller bathrooms, it’s important to ensure that the shower area can accommodate the size of the rainfall shower head without making the space feel cramped. Wall-mounted rainfall showers or models that combine a handheld shower with a smaller overhead rain shower can be more suitable for compact spaces.

Are digital showers worth the investment?

Digital bathroom showers offer precise temperature control, custom shower settings, and, in some cases, remote operation, making them a luxurious addition to any bathroom. They are particularly worth the investment for those who value convenience, technology integration, and a personalized shower experience.

Digital showers can also be more energy-efficient, as they allow for precise temperature adjustments, reducing water wastage. However, a digital shower tends to be more expensive than traditional showers, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs, so it’s important to weigh these factors against the benefits.

How do I choose between a shower tower and a traditional shower system?

Choosing between a shower tower and a traditional shower system depends on your preferences for functionality, space, and aesthetics. Shower towers offer a sleek, modern look and consolidate multiple features (such as an overhead shower, body jets, and handheld shower) into one panel, making them ideal for those who want a spa-like experience without extensive plumbing modifications.

Traditional shower systems, on the other hand, offer more customization in placement and style. If you prefer a more classic look or wish to mix and match components like shower head, valves, and controls, a traditional system might be more suitable.

What maintenance considerations should I keep in mind for eco-friendly showers?

Eco-friendly showers are designed to conserve water, but like all showers, they require regular maintenance to function effectively. To ensure your eco-friendly shower remains efficient and provides a satisfactory experience, it’s important to:

Regularly clean the shower head and nozzles to prevent clogging from mineral deposits, which can reduce water flow and efficiency.
Check and replace any worn-out parts, such as seals or filters, to maintain optimal performance.
Be mindful of the water heater settings, as eco-showers are designed to work within certain temperature ranges for maximum efficiency.

Proper maintenance will ensure that your eco-friendly shower continues to save water and energy while providing a comfortable showering experience.

What are the benefits of a shower bath, and how do I choose the right one for my bathroom?

Shower baths provide a versatile two-in-one solution, perfect for bathrooms limited in space where homeowners do not want to compromise between the functionality of a shower and the comfort of a bath. When choosing the right shower bath for your bathroom, consider the following:

Space and Layout: Measure your bathroom accurately to ensure the shower bath fits comfortably, considering the need for additional space for shower doors or curtains.
Bath Shape: Shower baths typically come in ‘L’ or ‘P’ shapes, offering more standing room for showering within the bath footprint. Choose a shape that complements your bathroom layout and personal preference.
Screen Type: Look for a shower bath with a durable and watertight screen to prevent water splashes. Screens can be fixed, hinged, or folded, depending on your space and accessibility needs.
Material Quality: Acrylic and reinforced fiberglass are popular choices for their durability, warmth to the touch, and ease of cleaning. Ensure the material supports both bathing and showering without compromising on comfort or safety.

Conclusion

With the wide range of shower types available today, there are options to match nearly any bathroom layout, design taste, feature wish list, and budget. Carefully evaluate key considerations like water pressure compatibility, space constraints, priority features, and costs to select the best shower model for your home.

Seek professional guidance if unsure whether your plumbing system can support certain shower types or complex installations. While indulging in a massaging tower shower or digitally customized rainfall experience may seem tempting, simpler water-efficient models can also provide satisfying showers that conserve water.

Match your shower choice to practical needs rather than over-indulging luxury add-ons you may rarely use. The right shower can serve as a personalized haven, whether for a quick, refreshing start to your day or pampered hydrotherapy respite from stress. Careful selection today allows for endless custom showers that fit your lifestyle.