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A112 Shower Panel From Ariel[/caption]
Shop Shower panels:
For anyone that balks at the prospect of a huge, invasive shower expansion project, my favorite recommendation is the shower panel. These are a simple and elegant solution, offering the multiple shower heads and body sprayers iconic of a custom spa shower, but all contained within a single metal or plastic unit. Traditional custom showers require pipes to be run through the walls to shower heads and body sprayers, each of which pumps out a full load of water, rapidly draining the water heater and requiring bigger pipes to move water in and out. Shower panels divide the water that would normally feed a single shower head between multiple heads, using various techniques to increase the water pressure so you get that all-over body spray without actually powering through five or ten times as much water. The best part? They attach to your existing plumbing, no modifications needed.
Hansgrohe HG SHOWER 27146001 180 Tub Shower Showerpipe[/caption]
Shop Shower Systems:
The term “shower system” can be used to mean a few different things, but in this case I’m referring specifically to high-end units that couple an over-head rainfall shower head with a hand shower. These are sometimes paired with tub fillers, and are usually designed with an adjustable bar that allows the hand shower to be raised or lowered so it can be used either as a standard shower head or as a body spray. These are similar to shower panels in that they install directly onto your existing shower arm and don’t require you to alter the plumbing, but may require a slightly more complicated installation, if the grab bar needs to be mounted to the wall. That said, these tend to have a more polished, finished look than shower panels, and are made entirely of metal, without any plastic parts.
Hydrotherapy Shower Head Ramon Soler US-RO200[/caption]
Shop Shower Heads:
Rainfall shower heads are a common component of big, custom designed spa showers. These are bigger in diameter than your average shower head, and are mounted higher than average – sometimes even on the ceiling. The broad, flat face, wide nozzles, and positioning combine to allow water to fall rather than flow out of the shower head, dripping in large, fat droplets that feel like rain. Shower panels and shower systems typically come with rainfall shower heads built in, but you can also install them individually. To get the full effect, you’ll need to replace your existing shower arm with one that curves upwards to raise the height of the shower head. Rainfall showers provide a fantastically refreshing experience, but be aware that they don’t provide the same high pressure as standard heads, which can be a problem when trying to wash long hair. Also, expect to pay a little more for these, as they’re bigger and more sophisticated in design than conventional shower heads.
Sliding Rails Hand Held Shower Ramon Soler US-7740Z[/caption]
Shop Hand Showers:
For a really simple, effective, no-gimmicks way to get a more luxurious bathing experience without tearing out your shower, you really can’t beat upgrading to a hand held shower. For those of you who have never seen one, these are basically shower heads affixed to a long, flexible hose, which allows you to move the shower head and direct the flow of water wherever you want it. This is great not only for hydrotherapy purposes (and washing that really long hair), but also makes it easier to clean your shower or anything in your shower, like a family pet. The best part is, these install just as easily as a shower head: you simply unscrew the old shower head, remove the old shower arm, screw one end of the hose directly into the pipe coming out of the wall, and the hand shower to the other. Most models come with a plate that butts up against the wall and and acts as a hook to hold the shower head in place at a standard height, but with some models you’ll need to install a bracket or slide bar directly into your tile.
Hansgrohe AXOR CITTERIO 39740001 Axor Citterio 3-Jet Showerhead[/caption]
Shop Hansgrohe Showerheads:
Okay, so it might not be the same thing as having ten shower heads spraying on you at once in a shower you big enough to drive your car through, but you might be surprised how much difference a new shower head can make. Cheap, junky shower heads have few nozzles and fewer settings, and often either lack water pressure or shoot you with pins and needles. If you live in an area with hard water, chances are good that at least a few of the nozzles are clogged, which can put a damper on the experience. Upgrading from an inexpensive, single-function shower head to one with dozens of nozzles and five or more functions is a huge transformation, with better water pressure, more customizable settings, and a better over-all sensation, often while using less water. Look to spend between $100-200 on a good, well made multi-function model to get the most out of your investment, then just remove your old shower head, screw on the new one, and voila – the most budget friendly spa shower out there.
So even if you don't have a huge budget to spend, a luxurious, decadent shower experience isn't necessarily out of your reach - you just have to buy smart, and avoid the pitfalls of the most expensive custom shower features....
Glass-enclosed showers are sleek, stylish, and clean. (By Jonathan Raith Inc, photo by Nantucket Architectural Photography)[/caption]
Baths, bathrooms, and showers may be the parts of your home that get the most frequent and vigorous use, even if you live alone. Showers especially are susceptible to water stains, limescale buildup, and rust. Anything that makes a shower a little bit easier to clean is, in my opinion, worth it. An all-glass shower enclosure can be easily wiped down, and won't have a tendency to warp and mold like a shower curtain. Glass showers are trendy and contemporary and bright, and can help make your bathroom look larger than it actually is.
Halfway There
[caption id="attachment_14524" align="aligncenter" width="480"]
Soleil Frameless Pivot Door Shield TDR982 from Aston Global[/caption]
This is a set-up I have only ever seen a few times in person, but I like it so much. The sleek, cut-out effect of the frameless shower door is a contemporary and unique way to spruce up a combination bath and shower. A frameless shower door doesn't offer much in the way of barriers, but in the privacy of your own home and behind a locked door, that ceases to be much of an issue. Just make sure you position things so the water ends up in the bath and not on the floor!
A Two-Faucet System
[caption id="attachment_14108" align="aligncenter" width="418"]
A detachable shower head is a simple and convenient improvement. (Martha O'Hara Interiors)[/caption]
Two is often better than one, and this wisdom can also apply to shower heads. Detachable shower heads are common and fairly inexpensive nowadays, and can help save you from a whole lot of painful contorting while you bathe. The one in the picture above comes separate, one head on each wall, but many come built in together. If your shower is going to be used by anyone considerably taller than average, it may be worth looking into.
From On-High
[caption id="attachment_14109" align="aligncenter" width="412"]
An rain shower head is a unique and creative touch. (By ART Design Build, photo by Tsantes Photography)[/caption]
Another shower enhancement with science fiction aesthetic, although I suppose there is nothing particularly fanciful about water coming out of the ceiling. It's just cool and unique, and could be a practical enhancement as well, since water coming straight down means less hits the walls, which in turn means less hard water buildup. If the location of your pipes or position of your shower makes this accent impossible, there are shower heads that simulate it, hanging from the ceiling rather than the wall.
Rethinking the Curtain
[caption id="attachment_14110" align="aligncenter" width="454"]
Spice up a combined shower/bath with a trendy shower curtain. (By Rethink Design Studio)[/caption]
In the end you may in fact to go the shower curtain route. Practical, considering they are affordable and there are literally thousands to choose from, in every pattern and color imaginable. With a little creativity, you can jazz up your shower curtain aesthetic. I really like what has been done in the picture above--the curtain gathered on either side, rather than just shucked back and forth like your average curtain.
When remodeling a shower, the first step is deciding what style best suits your needs and going from there. Multiple elements factor in to the decision--the size of your shower, the style, the positions of the pipes in your bathroom. Whatever the situation, you are sure to find something that fits your lifestyle, and upgrades your shower experience....
Frameless showers have a sleek, fresh, modern feel. (By Justine Sterling Design)[/caption]
A "frameless" shower is exactly what it sounds like--a shower enclosure without any of the metal bordering that sets the glass in more traditional-style showers. Instead they are just held together with a couple sturdy hinges. This immediately gives frameless showers a more contemporary feel than curtains or framed doors, as contemporary decor often builds around simplicity, seamlessness, and the subtle space-age appeal of glass. If you're looking for a way to immediately bring your bathroom into the 21st century, this is it.
Lighten Things Up
[caption id="attachment_14208" align="aligncenter" width="476"]
These style doors are great for making the most of natural light. (By Zakrzewski + Hyde Architects)[/caption]
Bathrooms, in general, don't have much wall space, what with the necessary placement of a mirror, bath, and door. If there is space for a window, more often than not that window is blocked by the shower. I've lived in multiple places where this is the case, and it sort of defeats the purpose of having a source of natural light, since none of it can reach the rest of the room when the shower curtain is closed. With a frameless door, that light gets through easily. It's like having another window.
Invisible Benefits
[caption id="attachment_14209" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Frameless showers are great for open-plan bathrooms. (By Chown Hardware)[/caption]
Just like with the light, frameless showers are a great way to create the illusion of more space, in that it turns the shower into a part of the bathroom itself rather than a separate space that is cordoned off. I like the mirror-image effect in the photo above, with the split sinks on either side. They are separated but not isolated.
This may also be a good time to mention that another huge benefit of frameless shower doors is that they are much easier to clean. Buildup on metal runners and frames can be a huge pain to get rid of, since there's so many little nooks and crannies for the gunk to seep down into. A standard glass cleaner is typically good enough for a frameless shower door.
Shower Show-Off
[caption id="attachment_14211" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Feel like showing off your shower? (By Gaskin Designs)[/caption]
Alright, I'm aware that most of our showers are not going to look like the shower in the photo above--i.e. like they belong in the residence wing of an imperial palace, but there are certainly some of us who want to show off the inside of our showers. Whether that's because of great tiling, attractive water features, a cool mosaic on the floor, or some other reason, a frameless shower gives an uninterrupted view of the interior. That way, if you ever decide you want your shower to resemble one from the residence wing of an imperial palace, well, you've already got the doors for it.
No Need For Natural
[caption id="attachment_14212" align="aligncenter" width="496"]
A great choice for bathrooms without natural light. (By Kohler)[/caption]
I have a prominent memory of the bathroom I used when I was growing up. It was small, windowless, and had this heavy dark blue shower curtain that just sucked up all the light in the room. It made it feel more like a prison cell than a bathroom, and my family jokingly dubbed it "the punishment room". Bathrooms without a source of natural light can easily fall into the punishment room trap, but glass naturally reflects and enhances light, making even a dim room look brighter.
Whatever your bathroom situation is, a frameless shower hosts a long list of benefits--easier cleaning, cheerier lighting, a modern, and a freshened up feel. A perfect for those upcoming cold, gloomy months!...
59" Eagle Bath WS-501 Steam Shower with Whirlpool Bathtub[/caption]
Steam showers typically only make the to-do list for really big, high-end bathroom renovations. Since they need to be both waterproof and steam-proof, they usually have to be designed and built from the ground up, and more often than not take up a decent amount of space. But steam shower units come pre-assembled; while a traditional bathtub shower combo is just a tub with three shower walls, steam showers add on glass doors and a ceiling, so the whole thing is completely enclosed. With the press of a button, the shower will fill with thick, velvety, relaxing steam, but in no more space than a standard setup and without any costly installation.
Shop Steam Shower Units:
36" Eagle Bath WS-902L-36 Steam Shower Enclosure with Tub[/caption]
Better still, the "steam" part isn't the only luxury shower feature. Because steam shower units come as a single pre-assembled shower with steam vents built into the walls and ceiling, virtually all of them also come with a whole suite of shower heads, too - from fairly standard shower heads to body sprayers, hand showers, and rainfall shower heads, for a near-360 degree spray. Shower heads that would mean ripping out walls and overhauling your bathroom's plumbing require only a single hookup, affording you a decadent experience at a fraction of the cost, and in little or no more space than a typical bathtub shower combo.
Ariel Platinum 59" DA328F3 Steam Shower[/caption]
Conventional shower/tub combos almost invariably come equipped with bathtubs that are, at best, pretty disappointing - both short and shallow and absolutely no good for soaking in. But steam shower units break this trend in a big way, not only offering tubs that are much deeper (and occasionally a little bit longer) than your average bargain bin combo, but also tubs with built in whirlpool jets. Because the shower sprayers and steam heads are already built into the body of the shower, it's not a huge leap to include water jets as well, making it possible to get one of the biggest bath upgrades without taking up much (if any) more space than a standard tub.
51" Eagle Bath WS-609P Steam Shower with Whirlpool Bathtub Combo Unit[/caption]
In addition to the three main components, steam shower units also come loaded with all the bells and whistles. The complete list varies a little from one model to the next, but all the minor upgrades you can add onto a custom steam shower, shower stall, or whirlpool tend to come standard on the pre-assembled units. Color-changing chromatherapy lights in both the roof of the shower and the tub itself, aromatherapy functionality, thermostatic temperature control, foot massagers, and even built in radios or auxiliary hookups for playing music are all commonly included, and much more affordable than they would be tacked onto a custom project.
Aston Global ZAA208 86" Steam Shower Whirlpool Bath With 9 Body Jets[/caption]
On a somewhat less exciting note, steam shower units are also just designed to be comfortable to use. That means virtually all models have some kind of built-in seating (like ledges around the edge of the tub or flip-down seats higher up on the walls), as well as built-in storage shelves and cubbies. The latter is a relatively small thing, but it means you'll be able to stow all your toiletries without having to hang any ugly wire or plastic racks or suction-cup any shelves to your shower wall.
36" Eagle Bath WS-902L-FG-36 Steam Shower Enclosure with Tub (Frosted Glass)[/caption]
The only real drawback of these steam shower units is that they don't, ultimately, look a whole lot different than a really generic bathtub shower combination. When you're building a luxury bathroom from scratch, that usually means picking tile and glass and shower heads and so on, but steam showers come as a single complete package, usually made of acrylic, metal, and glass, without a whole lot of room for visual upgrades. Some have a sleeker, more modern feel to them, and the interior mood lighting certainly doesn't hurt, but they pack a lot of hardware into a relatively small space, which can mean sacrificing a little in the aesthetics department in order to double down on the luxury features. They're also definitely pricier than a simple acrylic shower wall plus bathtub, but are much, much more affordable than custom installing all the combined features, which makes this a great middle of the line option for a bathroom that's small, but that you want to feel luxurious....
[/caption]
Whether you want a super soaker shower head or something a little gentler, like this Multi Function Head, the process is the same, though you want to make sure your shower head has the right sized fitting for your shower arm. Half inch is nearly universal, but some custom showers have 3/4 inch piping. If you aren't sure, you can hold off on getting one until Step Two so you can take the shower arm with you to check for size, but it'll stretch out the project a little longer.
Step One: Out With The Old
[caption id="attachment_1462" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="If Your Old Shower Head Looks Like This Single Function Pfister, Plus A Little Lime Buildup, It Might Be Time To Make The Change"]
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To remove your Old Shower Head, grasp the shower arm with the pliers, fit the wrench to the end of the shower head that attaches to the arm, and loosen it counter-clockwise. It should only take about half a turn before you're able to loosen it the rest of the way by hand. Remember, though: the metal of either wrench WILL damage the finish, so if you intend to use the shower head elsewhere, or if you're keeping your old shower arm, make sure to either wrap the ends of the pliers in tape, or wrap the shower head and arm in those soft cloths before you start disassembling.
Step Three: The Shower Arm
[caption id="attachment_1463" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Rohl Hook Shower Arm From The Michael Berman Collection"]
[/caption]
Many shower come with their own arms you'll need to install, but even if you aren't replacing your old one, it's important to remove and visually inspect it before installing the new shower head. The material that keeps your pipes from leaking may have deteriorated, which could mean your shower is leaking behind your wall, just out of sight. As well, if your new shower head doesn't come with it's own shower arm, you can buy one separately - something like this Hook Shower Arm is great for adjusting the angle or height of your shower head without having to redo your plumbing.
[caption id="attachment_1464" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Rohl Wall Mount Shower Arm"]
[/caption]
To remove the arm, stick one end of your pliers into the shower arm and use it for leverage to turn the arm counterclockwise, unscrewing it from the wall. Use the toothbrush to scrub off the old teflon tape (if any), and wrap a new strip clockwise around the threads of the arm three or four times. Screw it back into the wall by hand until it feels tight, and then use the (taped or padded!) wrench to tighten it one more full rotation. If you're feeling fancy, you can caulk the edges of the flange (like the round metal that sits at the base of this basic Rohl Arm), which will make it water tight, but also a bit harder to remove later.
Step Three: Installation
[caption id="attachment_1461" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Herbeau Pompadour Collection Multi-Function Shower Head with Arm and Flange"]
[/caption]
Now it's time for the shower head itself. If you're using your old shower arm, scrub the shower-end clean with the toothbrush. Then take the clean (or new) arm and wrap the threading in teflon tape, again going clockwise three or four times around. You getting the hang of this yet? Once again, screw on your shower head by hand, until it's snug, then tighten it no more than another quarter turn with your wrenches. Remember to keep the shower head and arm covered with a soft cloth while you do this. This Pompadour Shower Assembly might have a beautiful finish, but it won't look so hot with deep scratches and grooves in the metal from a bad installation.
[caption id="attachment_1465" align="aligncenter" width="287" caption="Speakman Combination Multi Function Anystream Showerhead and Personal Hand Shower from the Alexandria Collection"]
[/caption]
If you're installing a hand shower rather than a regular shower head, the process is still the same: you want to screw the mount onto the shower arm, just like you would a shower head, but then wrap teflon around the threading on the mount and screw on the hose for the shower head, too. Same thing if you're installing a dual hand held/regular shower combo like this Speakman Anystream. Attach the shower head like normal, then teflon the diverter (which lets you switch between the head) and attach the hose for the handheld, making sure all the connections are secured tightly. The hardware will do the rest for you.
It's as easy as that: once everything's screwed into place, you can simply turn on your shower and enjoy. Have you ever done a project like this? Easier than you thought? Are you a big DIYer or do you think you'll still call a plumber?...
Sasha Alexander 64" Jetted Bodyspray Massage Shower Panel With Hand SHower SA-72742 from Mega[/caption]
When it comes to regular shower heads, price is usually a good indicator of both quality and features: within reason, the more you pay, the nicer and more complex the shower head you're going to get. But shower panel pricing can be a little less straightforward. Prices run the gamut from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, but the materials used and features included vary pretty widely from one to another, regardless of how much you're paying. So rather than starting with a list of features you want, it's much easier to start with a price point, since you're likely to find one in your range that has everything you need.
Molokai ShowerSpa Black Glass Shower Panel 1006-B-CH from Pulse[/caption]
That said, you do want to know what options are out there before you start looking. The main appeal of shower panels is that they share many of the components you'd find in a custom shower: luxury shower heads, rainfall shower heads, waterfall shower heads, hand showers, and body sprayers. But not every shower panel will necessarily have all of them, and while nearly all of them include body sprayers, the number, style, location, and adjustability of them will vary from one model to the next. If there's one type of shower head in particular you really want, have that be a guide as you're shopping; virtually all models will have at least two shower heads in addition to the sprayers, but depending on the design, that can mean a rainfall shower head and a separate hand shower, a standard shower head and a hand shower that doubles as a body sprayer, or any other number of combinations.
Crane 52" Full Body Shower Panel System With Heavy Rain Shower and Spray Wand in Natural Bamboo SP-AZ061 from Anzzi[/caption]
Shower panels are quite a bit larger than conventional showerheads and take up more visual space even than extensive custom shower systems, so it's worth taking time to find a design that matches the style of your space. Most models are made of steel, chrome, or acrylic, but you can find ones made of other materials - like copper, glass, or even wood - for a more unique look. More often than not, shower panels have a fairly streamlined modern appearance, but although only a rare few have a more ornate or traditional look, there's quite a bit of variety in the more contemporary styles. The shape of the panel itself, the style of the handles and shower heads, and whether the topmost showerhead has an arm or is integrated into the top of the panel itself all combine to create a pretty impressive variety of different looks.
A115 Hydrotherapy Shower Panel From Ariel[/caption]
On top of mixing and matching your showerheads, shower panels can also come with a variety of useful add-ons. Maybe the most common are thermostatic controls that prevent your water from being scalding hot, and (in some cases) display the water temperature, either with a digital readout or color changing LED lights built into the showerhead itself. Many shower panels also come with built in shelves or basket-style storage, integrating something like a more stylish shower caddy into their design so you have somewhere to stow your soap and the empty space on the panel isn't wasted. You can even find a few models that have built in shower seats. While these will need to be mounted more securely to your wall, they're a really elegant and compact accessibility feature, as they allow you to install both a shower seat and a hand shower at once.
Palermo Thermostatic Shower Massage Panel FSP8012BS from Fresca[/caption]
One very important consideration when choosing a shower panel is height. As with standard shower heads, they can be mounted at whatever height is most comfortable for use. But unlike custom showers, where each part can be individually installed for optimal spray placement, on a shower panel most or all of the pieces are fixed in place. That means that while your rainfall and standard shower heads might be perfectly placed for everyone, sprayers on the shower panel that are great for a taller person might hit a shorter person square in the face. If you've got a big height difference in your family, look for shower panels that have body sprayers that can be turned off or adjusted individually and hand showers attached to an adjustable bar rather than a fixed hook, just to make sure everyone can use it comfortably.
Praire 64" Full Body Shower Panel System With Heavy Rain Shower and Spray Wand SP-AZ040 from Anzzi[/caption]
While most features are pretty obvious at a glance, it's worth digging a little deeper to figure out how the controls on your shower panel work before you buy. This might require hunting down and flipping through some manuals, because it isn't always obvious how many of your shower's features can be running at once, or how independently they can be controlled from one another. Typically, each feature can be turned on and off individually, with a separate master control for the temperature. But because shower panels install to a single standard hookup (unlike custom showers, which require extensive plumbing and drainage upgrades and often a larger water heater), you want to know your shower panel's flow rate and how that water is distributed to ensure you get exactly the shower experience you want.
While custom showers are obviously more flexible and easier to personalize, shower panels are the next best option for creating a really luxurious shower experience, and are not only vastly less expensive, but also much easier to install, making this a real no-lose option....
Like any good linens, shower curtains can elevate and enhance the style of your bathroom and add to the character of your decor (by Kathleen Bost Architecture + Design)[/caption]
There's a reason you can find shower curtains and shower rods in just about any store that even kinda-sorta sells home goods: shower curtains are the simplest to install, most affordable to purchase, and easiest to change out of any way of closing off your shower, and they come in the widest variety of colors, materials, and styles. If you're looking for customizability, shower curtains are it: you can find just about any pattern and mix up your look as often as you want without breaking the bank. The drawback is that shower curtains also close off your bathroom more than any other option. They form a literal physical barrier between your shower and the rest of the bathroom, and because most are opaque, you visually lose the space inside your shower. Great for privacy, but not the best if your bathroom is already small. Shower curtains are also the most likely to collect soap scum and mold, and can be a bit of a challenge to launder, which means they'll need to be replaced relatively frequently. And if you don't want a piece of plastic or fabric getting a little grabby with you in the shower, you probably want to steer clear.
Clearer glass and more minimal hardware make for a more open-feeling shower enclosure, but just a little bit of frosting for privacy won't lessen the effect (by Sisson Lea Architects)[/caption]
Shop Shower Doors:
Shower doors are the next most common option for keeping your shower enclosed, and on most average setups that means either two sliding glass doors on top and bottom rails that cover the full length of your shower or a glass wall with a door in it. Unlike shower curtains, shower doors won't visually block off your shower enclosure; even frosted or textured glass lets you retain some of the depth of the room and won't block light, so you won't have to worry about your shower stall being too dark. Anything but clear glass is also good for privacy, so you won't have to worry about feeling overly exposed. Shower doors do require a bit of maintenance, though; glass shows hard water stains and soap scum, and water and soap gunk can build up in the rails, both of which require a little more elbow grease than just chucking a shower curtain in the wash (or hanging up a new one). Shower doors are also quite a bit more expensive, but are a good long-term investment that can raise the value of your bathroom, particularly if you opt for a more modern (slightly more expensive) frameless shower door, which produces an even more open feel but is a little trickier to install.
Shower screens shine in small bathrooms, where they keep the space feeling open, and in large ones, where they act as a minimalist barrier between different parts of the bathroom (by Paul Kenning Stewart Design)[/caption]
Traditional shower doors have shifted to frameless ones, angling for more open and barrier-free bathroom spaces, and shower screens are the next logical evolutionary step, getting rid of the shower enclosure entirely and replacing it with a simple glass panel alongside the shower head. This small pane of glass is sized and positioned carefully to guard against the exact parts of the shower where water is most likely to splash, but leaves the rest of the enclosure open to the bathroom. With no doors or hinges, this setup has almost no visual footprint, fully connecting your shower to the rest of your bathroom and keeping the space - big or small - feeling spacious and unconfined. And because they use a fraction of the materials, splash guards are also typically much less expensive than traditional shower doors (though they do require a little more finesse to install). That said, the main drawback here should be pretty obvious: they don't offer the same coverage as either a shower door or a shower curtain. Typically made of clear glass, splash guards afford virtually no privacy, and because the enclosure isn't blocked off entirely, there's no guarantee against stray splashes - not to mention a whole lot less protection against drafts. Since there's no enclosure to trap steam and heat, if your bathroom is a little cold or drafty, this might not be the best option for you - no matter how good it looks!
Building the "perfect" shower is really about finding the right balance between the style and the shower experience you want, then finding the option that best fits your needs. There's really no right or wrong answer, just whatever you're going to enjoy looking at and using on a daily basis!...
AXOR Citterio 3-Jet Shower Head 39740001 from Hansgrohe[/caption]
A typical shower has a pretty simple setup: a shower head, a diverter, and maybe a tub spout if your shower and bathtub are combined. Upgrading a cheap shower head to a nicer one is a good, simple, and relatively affordable way to vastly improve your shower experience, and isn't a bad investment for a small-scale renovation or DIY project. Shower systems, though, are a step up in complexity, featuring some combination of multiple shower heads, body sprayers, hand showers, and other luxury features, like built in lights or sound systems.
Kauai III Shower Spa 1011-III-CH-2.0GPM Shower System from the PULSE Retro Line[/caption]
The simplest shower systems are really only a small step up from a typical shower, and in many cases can be upgraded in the same way, using existing plumbing and without doing much, if any, work involving cutting or drilling tile or pipes. These simple shower systems typically consist of a rainfall showerhead attached to a long stem (so it's raised up high enough to give you the full rain-like experience), and a hand shower that can be raised or lowered along the stem (for use either as a standard shower head or a body sprayer) and detached for easy spraying. Depending on the model, though, not all simple shower systems can have both shower heads turned on at once, so be sure to check the fine print on your model before you buy.
The real advantage of custom showers is that you have total control of the placement, type, and flow of all your shower heads, allowing you to get a truly full-body shower experience (by CTA Architects Engineers)[/caption]
Often when people talk about shower systems, though, it's in the context of fully customized shower stalls, which often require very extensive renovation (if not the complete demolition and rebuilding of your shower). Like simpler shower systems, these involve multiple shower heads - usually a rainfall shower head and a hand shower, but also include wall-mounted (and individually-plumbed) body sprayers, all of which can be used simultaneously. In a fully rebuilt shower, it's possible to have body sprayers on three of the four walls of your shower as well as the ceiling, allowing you to be sprayed with water from almost all angles. If you're planning on retiling your shower, it's a good time to consider extending your plumbing to accommodate additional shower heads, since this is very much a large-scale, big-budget sort of project.
Modena Stainless Steel Thermostatic Shower Massage Panel FSP8011BS from Fresca[/caption]
That said, if you want a full custom-shower experience without the major renovation price tag (and headache), you're in luck: shower panels offer a sort of middle-of-the-road, best-of-both-worlds option. Like streamlined shower systems, shower panels are built in a single solid piece that attaches to your existing plumbing, though in this case rather than a pipe or post, it's an actual panel - one with shower heads and body sprayers mounted directly to the surface. Depending on the model, these typically have at least two or three body sprayers, a rainfall shower head, a hand shower, and sometimes an additional fixed shower head - all for about what you'd pay for all the parts individually, without the complex installation. Shower panels aren't a perfect solution, though; because they attach to your existing plumbing, they can't produce the same volume of water as a true shower system (and again may or may not be able to have all the elements active at once, depending on the model). Even fairly elaborate panels can't give you much more than 180 degree water coverage, so while you'll have all the same parts, they spray a little less total water than a custom-built system.
Croma C 100 3-Jet Handshower 04072820 from Hansgrohe[/caption]
To me, though, the shower vs shower system debate is something of a false one. While there's certainly a world of difference between a $20 shower head and a thousands-of-dollar luxury shower stall, the middle ground is much richer than the extremes would have you believe. Upgrading from a standard shower head to even the very highest-end one will still cost you less than most of the other options on this list, and would generally be overkill. Well-aerated, multi-function shower heads with good water pressure are all most of us really need, and upgrading to a hand shower can really put your experience over the top, while still keeping your budget (and the scope of your project) manageable. So don't be put off by the prospect of a too-large renovation: getting a more luxurious shower could be as simple as splurging on a really high quality shower head.
Single Lever Handle Waterfall Faucet Shower System S3059CW from Sumerain[/caption]
Wherever you fall on the shower vs shower system spectrum, there are a few important things to consider before you call your contractor. First and foremost, it's important to remember that if you get a shower system that puts out a lot more water than your current shower head, your water heater might not be able to keep up - and there's nothing worse than your eagerly-anticipated shower turning lukewarm part way through. A big enough shower might also need a higher-capacity drain, since you'll have a higher volume of water flowing through it. Which brings up a final (and unfortunately easy to overlook) point: in addition to the installation cost, any upgraded shower system is going to come with an equivalent bump to your water bill - both from the higher volume of the water it will use, and from the extra time you'll probably be spending in it!
The most important thing to keep in mind when upgrading your shower is that there's no one perfect luxury shower, and the shower vs shower system debate is less black and white and more of a spectrum. You have to consider what features you really want and will use, and how they'll fit long-term with your lifestyle and design goals. The good news is, whatever your needs, there's a shower system out there that will fit them!...
Palermo Stainless Steel Thermostatic Shower Massage Panel FSP8012BS[/caption]
Shower panels are essentially really, really big shower heads. They take the place of your existing shower head, but are a literal panel that's usually several feet tall and at least a foot wide, with multiple shower heads and body sprayers built into the surface or extending from the top or sides. Shower panels contain an entire shower system worth of fixtures in a single piece that mounts directly to your shower wall.
When it comes to custom shower systems, your imagination is the limit - you can arrange any number of shower heads anywhere you want (by Jendretzki LLC)[/caption]
Custom showers or shower systems are the kind of showers you find in high-end spas, with many multiple shower heads and body sprayers mounted on all walls of the shower and even on the ceiling. They produce a high volume of water with a variety of spray types, and are usually part of a large, tiled shower stall.
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This is really the big one. While equipment to build your own spa style shower is available, availability and affordability are two very different things. For a traditional custom shower, you typically have to buy each of the parts individually - a regular showerhead, a rainfall showerhead, a hand held shower head, and each set of sprayers, plus individual controls for each one. With hydrotherapy shower panels like this Shower Massage Panel from Vigo Industries, all of the parts you need are built - and sold - as a single unit. Not only does this make it much easier to keep your shower coordinated, but it also significantly reduces the hardware cost. That alone can turn a big ticket project into something reasonable in scope for the rest of us, and that's not even considering...
2. No Need For A Big Remodel Budget
[caption id="attachment_2909" align="aligncenter" width="101" caption="Pulse Luana 1014 Shower Panel"]
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Most built-in custom showers require extensive plumbing renovation in order to relocate water feeds to 3 of the 4 interior walls of your shower. That means ripping out not only all of your tile work, but also a significant portion of your walls on top of the cost of extending your plumbing (and often your water heater as well). Hydrotherapy shower panels, on the other hand, can typically be installed into the same plumbing as your existing shower head and diverter setup. That means that when it comes to hydrotherapy shower panels like this simple Luana from Pulse, you won't need to alter much, if any of your existing plumbing, and in some cases won't even need to remove any of your existing tile work, either, all of which can radically reduce the final cost of the project and make it much, much more doable to those without the budget for a whole scale luxury remodel.
3. Ease Of Installation
[caption id="attachment_2910" align="aligncenter" width="135" caption="Pulse Makena 1015 Shower Panel"]
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The extension of THAT is that a custom shower is going to require a contractor 100% of the time. There really isn't any way you can get away without having help from a pro if you're redoing that much plumbing. But installing hydrotherapy shower panels is really the glorified equivalent of replacing a showerhead. Many of them, like this Makena, actually only attach to the exact same pipe as your existing shower head, and in exactly the same way - they just divert the flow of water to a greater number of shower heads. That makes this the perfect weekend (or, let's be honest, afternoon) project for even a novice DIYer - no expensive contractor needed.
4. Flexibility In The Future
[caption id="attachment_2907" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Pulse Kihei 1013 Shower Panel"]
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All of that spells no room for regrets when it comes to installing hydrotherapy shower panels like this Kihei. While, certainly, a shower panel is a big investment, it's not nearly the kind of commitment you'd need to make for a traditional custom shower in terms of cost or permanence. Simply, if you need to change things up in the future, you have a lot more freedom to do so. While you'd have to rip out your tile and your wall all over again to expand, remove, or alter a custom shower, if you decide you don't like your shower panel, you want to upgrade to a larger or fancier model, or even if you want to take it with you when you move, uninstalling one is just as easy as it is to install one, and you won't have to throw away the cost of the rest of your remodel. This is especially important for people who might be moving in the near future, or for people in neighborhoods where a big bathroom remodel wouldn't give a good return on the value of their homes.
5. Customizablity
[caption id="attachment_2912" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Shower Massage Panel With Digital Thermometer And Spout From Vigo Industries"]
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While it's admittedly easier to customize a traditional custom shower - after all, you're buying all the parts individually - there are enough hydrotherapy shower panels available on the market today that you can get one with exactly the features you want. Whether you want a high pressure sprayer or a rainfall showerhead with a huge diameter face, two body sprayers or six, shower panels come in a huge variety of styles to suit just about any need. Even better still, some of them, like this Shower Massage Panel With Digital Thermometer, have the sophisticated volume and thermostatic controls and anti scald valves you'd expect to find in a higher-volume built-in system.
6. All-In-One-Ease
[caption id="attachment_2906" align="aligncenter" width="147" caption="Pulse Kailua 1007 Shower Panel"]
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Okay, this one might just be a personal thing, but I really love that hydrotherapy shower panels like this Kailua come with built in shampoo holders and soap dishes. While actually creating inset tile niches in your shower is great if you're retiling anyway, for a smaller (less extensive, less expensive) project, a new shower panel can at least save you from that awful wire thing you've had hanging from your shower head since your dorm years. It's a little thing, but it can make your shower look a lot more finished.
7. Sleek Modern Styles
[caption id="attachment_2911" align="aligncenter" width="153" caption="Pulse Maui 1002 Shower Panel"]
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Speaking of, one fun thing about hydrotherapy shower panels is that they come with their own built in style. While many come in a simple, plain-jane chrome finish, quite a few have a little more spunk to them. This Maui, for example, has just a little wavy curve to it and a black glossy finish, but that's a heck of a lot more personality than you're likely to find in a more traditional shower system. Because the units are so prominent in a shower, they're designed to look good, so it's easy to find fun finishes, shapes, and sometimes even ones that light up to add a little personal flair.
8. Water Efficiency
[caption id="attachment_2908" align="aligncenter" width="176" caption="Pulse Kona 1005 Shower Panel"]
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Now, I'll admit, if you were going to go for a custom shower anyway, chances are you aren't too worried about either your water bill or water conservation. But if you are worried about either (or both!) a hydrotherapy shower panel is a nice way to cut down on your water consumption while still enjoying a luxurious shower experience. Typical showerheads use about 2.5 gallons per minute, while built in shower systems use at least (yes, at least!) 16 gallons per minute, and often twice that or more. How much an individual hydrotherapy shower panel will use depends on the make, but because they're only fed by a single 1/2 inch pipe rather than one per showerhead, the use is much, much lower, even though the panels are designed to be able to maintain maximum pressure even with all the valves turned on at once - in the case of this Kona, two shower heads and six sprayers, or some combination thereof.
9. What's Not To Love?
[caption id="attachment_2905" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="Pulse Hana 1012 Shower Panel"]
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I'll cop to one "con" for this list of pros, but you might have already guessed it - at a mere fraction of the price of a custom shower, there has to be something wrong with hydrotherapy shower panels, right? Well, yes and no - the biggest "problem" is inherent in the design - because all the showerheads are located in a single vertical line, you don't get quite the same all-encomapssing, 360 degree water-fest with your typical shower panel. This Hana addresses the problem somewhat in that the spray panels expand out to the side for a little more angle on your water, but even with that the effect isn't quite the same. As well, the flip side of a hydrotherapy shower panel's (relative) environmental friendliness is that they won't produce the same intense volume of water.
So if you're dying for a spa style shower experience, but don't have the budget or desire to do a full scale remodel, hydrotherapy shower panels are an excellent alternative, with nearly all the same features and capabilities of a built in custom shower without any of the expenses or inconveniences of installing one. What's attracted you to hydrotherapy shower panels? Are you looking for a simple upgrade from a shower head, or an alternative to tearing up your bathroom for the sake of a good soak?...
