What is a Power Shower? Everything You Need to Know
The two most desired features in a shower are often temperature and pressure. With lots of different options on the market, you may question which is best for your home – and this is where a power shower pays dividends. But what is a power shower? With high pressure and temperature controlled water, the power shower is seeming to be the go-to for new bathrooms installations. But before you rush off to buy one, take a look at our guide discussing everything to know about power showers. After all, a shower is a big investment and can save you money in the long run if you’ve selected the right model.
To help you make the right decision, discover whether power showers are right for your property using this guide. In this article, we will cover:
- What is a power shower?
- How does a power shower work?
- Are power showers and electric showers the same thing?
- Who is suitable for a power shower?
- What are the benefits of power showers?
- How much water does a power shower use?
- How much does a power shower cost?
What is a Power Shower?
A power shower combines hot and cold water to reach the desired temperature and uses a built-in pump to increase the water pressure. This allows for a better and quicker shower experience, meaning you do not have to wait for the water to get hot and reach full pressure.
Power showers are ideal for homes with low water pressure or gravity-fed systems, as they improve the water pressure significantly. They are becoming more and more popular within homes with cold and hot water tanks due to it needing the combination of the two.
How Does a Power Shower Work?
Power showers combine water from both the hot and cold supply, similar to mixer showers. However, power showers have an elevated shower pump to increase water pressure. Whereas, mixer showers need time to gradually get to the desired temperature and pressure.
Are Power Showers and Electric Showers the Same Thing?
There is much confusion about whether these two shower types are the same thing. In short, no, power showers and electric showers are not the same thing.
While power showers require electricity, it’s the built-in pump that improves water pressure. When the flow rate is stronger, so is the spray coming from the showerhead.
The main difference between power showers and electric showers, is the way in which they provide warm water. As previously mentioned, power showers mix hot water and cold water together, whereas electric showers heat the cold water as it passes through an internal heating system.
Power showers also are manufactured with a built-in pump which improves the water pressure, whereas electric showers are typically not.
Who Is Suitable for a Power Shower?
Both residential and commercial settings can benefit from power showers. Buildings which are best suited to power showers include:
- Low water pressure
- Gravity-fed systems
- Hot and cold water tanks
- Older houses
Overall, power showers are suitable for those with low water pressure. Whereas, electric showers are best suited for households with limited hot water. However, the former provides a sense of luxury that a normal shower unit does not, truly creating a relaxing atmosphere.
What Are the Benefits of Power Showers?
- Compatible with gravity-fed systems
- Consistent temperature
- Customisable settings
- Improved shower experience
- Increased water pressure
- Quick installation
- Suitable for multiple users
- Cost-Effective and eco-friendly
While electric showers offer more precise control over both temperature and water pressure, power showers can be fitted with additional systems. These include flow controls and showerhead settings.
How Much Water Does a Power Shower Use?
On average, the following shower systems use between:
Power showers: 10 and 16 litres of water per minute
Electric showers: three and 10 litres of water per minute
Mixer showers: five and 30 litres of water per minute
Or, 75 litres per five-minute power shower compared to 45 litres for other showers.
However, the actual number depends on your shower system, where you live and the amount of water you use on a daily basis. The average person uses 142 litres of water everyday. This equates to just 13 litres per minute per power shower, eight per mixer shower and five per electric shower.
How Much Does a Power Shower Cost?
The following common shower types cost between these price ranges on average:
Power shower: £200 and £500
Electric shower: £150 and £300
Mixer shower: £150 and £300
Thermostatic shower: £150 and £300
Digital shower: £250 and £1,000
Please note, this is an estimate only by Checkatrade. For a realistic quote, we encourage you to contact your local supplier.
Efficient Power Shower Installation with GK Plumbing & Heating
Power showers are ultimately designed to save on your electricity bills, but also provide a quick and efficient shower in a variety of properties. If you require improved water pressure, we recommend this shower type.
For your very own power shower, call us today for a no-obligation quote or visit our bathroom page to find out more. We can not only supply you a high-quality model from industry experts, but complete your installation too with as little disturbance to your daily life as possible.
