Selecting Bathroom Shower – The Perfect One

Selecting bathroom shower never been an easy process, it takes time and some planning, but you can turn your shower into a spa, so imagine the benefits of being surrounded by soothing body jets of water. Nowadays the traditional wash under a conventional shower head is no longer appealing…more and more custom shower systems are replacing those conventional showers.

A custom shower is a shower system that you have the freedom to design, such a system brings together both traditional and state of the art shower fixtures & accessories, be it massage shower heads, a collection of wall mounted massage body jets, hydromassage whirlpools, computerized steam showers, 40 inch multi color changing rainfall shower heads, pulsating massage shower tower panels, and more. Before you are set on designing your custom bath shower, here are few tips to consider –

User Height

The user height is an important consideration when planning a custom shower, all users of this particular custom shower design should be considered. If there is a great difference in height between users you may want to include a separate volume control for the highest body spray so that it can be turned off without having to turn off all of the body sprays. If using a bench, you may want a body spray positioned to hit you in the lower back when sitting.

To encompass your body with water, position body sprays on multiple shower walls. The number and placement of the body sprays depend on the size of your shower chamber and your personal preference. Your custom shower system can be a modest affair that features two body sprays on the wall below your existing shower head. Your shower chamber can also be customized into a complete shower surround experience with multiple pulsating or body jets sprays, front and back, operated with a full range of other shower accessories.

The custom shower systems will typically include the following components –

Thermostatic and Pressure Balancing Valves

The first thing you need to consider is the type of valves you will be using. There are thermostatic valves that control the temperature of the water and sometimes the pressure as well, and pressure balancing valves that control the on and off function of the shower. You need to pick out one that will work with the shower you have envisioned because each trim has a matching valve that must be installed in the wall and they are hard to switch if you change your mind later.

A great example is a thermostatic valve which offers a separate volume control handle that allows you to easily turn the water on and off. Like all custom shower valves, it features scald prevention technology which allows you to limit the highest water temperature allowed in the shower.

Diverter Valves

Next, you will need to consider both how many different water streams you will want running at once (shower head, body sprays) and whether you want them to run independently as well. A diverter will control this function. The shower diverter valve determines where the water will be “diverted” or, simply put, where the water will come out. Most diverters can control up two to three different water outlets. They generally have a turn based knob that allows water to run to either of the products independently and a third setting to run both at once. The diverter is one of the most integral parts of the custom shower set up so make sure you pick the correct one, and the roughing valve it requires.

Body Sprays

The most obvious component of a new custom shower installation is the wall mounted body spray. Most body sprays are adjustable so you can aim the water to where it will do the most good. Many body sprays are also packaged in pairs. The body sprays can be arranged in whichever pattern suits your needs best.

Rain Drop Shower Head

The rain drop shower heads provide a truly unique and immersion experience to your shower. Normally installed from the ceiling these shower heads drop water on you to simulate the experience of being in the soaked by rainfall but at the temperature you choose. Rain drop shower heads come in many sizes and finishes but most have a large head that ranges from 6″ all the way to 12″. Install a rain drop shower head today to take full advantage of the experience.

Handheld Showers

Another great compliment to your custom shower system is a hand shower. Hand showers allow a complete customization of the shower with the water flow direction going any way you want it to. Some hand showers have massaging water streams, and hand shower holders can be installed on the wall to conveniently store them. Many manufacturers offer hundreds of shower heads, shower arms and handheld showers in a wide range of decorative finishes. Truly, your new custom shower can be customized to reflect your tastes and your style.

Shower Arms

Shower arms are often overlooked when selecting a custom shower, but they are equally important. If you are installing a rain drop shower head then you would want to consider a ceiling mounted shower arm, whereas if you are installing a regular shower head you may want one that is angled out of the wall.

General Things to Consider

Evaluate your space whether you are planning on installing a custom shower stall in an existing bathroom or you’re designing a new bathroom, the available space will have a huge influence on what kind of shower you put in, and what features can be included in the shower. Evaluate the length and width of the shower and precisely where you want to locate it in the bathroom.

For example, is there space enough for an oversized, two-person shower or is the space limited to a small single person shower? Also, examine where you want to locate the shower. Will it be placed adjacent to an existing bathtub, will it be a corner shower stall, or will it stand alone in the bathroom? The location will determine how many walls the shower needs to have constructed as part of the enclosure, and what features can easily be incorporated into the shower stall.

Decide on features

The beauty of a custom shower stall is that it provides the opportunity to decide what features you want to include in it. For example, you may want to include a bench or seat against one shower wall or a niche in the wall for shampoo or other bottles. Other popular features include no shower door at all, grab bar rails, multiple shower heads, and adjustable height shower heads.

Decide on wall enclosure materials

There are many different kinds of materials available today for custom shower stall enclosures. These include glass block, tile, stone, glass tile, fiberglass and even cement. In some cases, a combination of materials is used for the enclosure. For example, the building walls may be covered with glass tile or stone, the freestanding walls may be constructed of glass block and a pivot tilt frosted glass door can be used to complete the enclosure. It is also possible to purchase a customized glass or fiberglass enclosure that is built to order. These enclosures may be easier to install than tile, stone or cement shower enclosures.

Decide on fixtures

Shower fixtures are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. A custom shower can be custom plumbed, which means that shower heads are not limited to a single head, but can instead include multiple shower heads. Other fixtures that are popular are cascading shower heads with multiple jets, large rain shower heads, and steam features. Most homeowners choose to match the finish of their shower fixtures to other fixtures in the bathroom, which may include brushed nickel, oiled bronze, chrome, and brass.

Custom shower installation considerations

The sum total of all flow rates (shower heads, hand showers and shower body sprays) can not exceed the maximum flow rate of the valves that supply them. For example, the thermostatic valve and diverter will support at least six body sprays along with additional shower accessories under typical water pressures. A professional plumber can help you to calculate the number of shower heads you can install based on your conditions.

Changes are usually required to existing plumbing. Most fittings are compatible with 1/2″ piping, most often found in homes. Professional installation is recommended. Depending on the system you design, you may require more hot water. You may need a larger capacity water heater to ensure a drenching shower without running short. Many products are designed to operate at water pressures from 20 psi to 80 psi. However, it is recommended that the water pressure entering the thermostatic valve be at least 40 psi if you intend to supply water to multiple shower heads and fixtures. Custom showers usually pour more water into your shower chamber and you may need to increase the size of your drain. Two 2” floor drains or one 3″ drain is recommended. Water wells or septic tanks may not be able to handle this extra capacity as well. Custom showers can produce a high level of humidity. Adequate ventilation is also required.