Richard Morgan/DIY Works
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If you are left frustrated at your showering experience due to low water pressure, installing a power shower may be the perfect solution. The systems work by combining both the cold and hot water supply and having an integrated pump that boosts the water flow.
Although they are more expensive and use more energy than other systems, the improvement in water flow is worth the extra investment. Whilst researching, you may have come across some cheap systems on the market but be warned because the majority will use a nosier plastic pump, which won’t be as long-lasting as a quieter brass pump
To assist you in selecting a power shower, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience installing and using a range of systems. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.
Best Overall: Mira Vigour Thermostatic Power Shower
Best For Low Pressure: Mira XS Event Manual Power Shower
Best For Low Pressure Runner-Up: Bristan Hydropower Shower
Best Quiet: Triton Silent AS200SR
Best Value: Triton Manual Power Shower
How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Power Showers
As we own a number of properties (Airbnb’s and rental properties), we’ve had the pleasure of installing multiple power showers over the years. Although we don’t install them to every property, we do for those that suffer from low water pressure. As you can see in the images below, two of our most recent installations include the Mira XS Event as well as the Triton AS200SR (as recommended above) and both ticked all the boxes during our testing.
With regards to our testing, we analyse the shower’s performance, build quality, ease of installation and noise output.
Richard Morgan/DIY Works
Richard Morgan/DIY Works
To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest power showers (for this article), we are continually testing the latest offerings from top brands in the UK. This means that when we notice that a brand has released a new model, we will attempt to upgrade our current showers for testing (where applicable).
As well as our testing and experience installing multiple power showers, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the shower’s build quality, performance, ease of installation, supplied accessories, design, noise output, warranty and value for money.
Power Shower Buying Guide
Homes with low water pressure can struggle to produce enough water flow for an enjoyable shower. However, you can improve the water flow by investing in the best power shower, which there are some great recommendations above. They use a shower pump that’s able to boost the water flow and are available in several different types.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding power showers.
Why Use a Power Shower
The main reason to install a power shower is to increase the water flow from a low-pressure gravity system. The boost from the integrated pump transforms the showering experience and is worth the additional cost.
Water Flow Performance
Depending upon your budget will determine the performance that you can achieve using a power shower. Premium Triton and Mira showers are capable of producing up to 14 litres of water flow per minute, which is highly impressive.
Although the additional litres produced per minute will use more energy, the benefit of a luxurious and enjoyable shower is worthwhile. Many power showers will include an economy mode if you do wish to reduce water usage.
Thermostatic vs Manual
Traditionally, the majority of showers have manual temperature controls. However, over the last few years, the popularity of thermostatic power showers has vastly increased.
Thermostatic control is designed to keep the water temperature stable within a couple of degrees. This prevents the dreaded hot then cold situation whilst you are enjoying your shower. It works by having a cartridge that constantly monitors the temperature of the water flow.
Manual temperature control provides the ability to regulate the water flow temperature by the user and may be the preferable option for many people. There is even a digital shower option that’s suitable for those with a “smart technology” house.
Design
Many power shower systems use a basic design that’s very easy to use. Most have push buttons to stop or start the flow of water with a single dial for adjusting the temperature. Some brands also offer a variety of finishes to the shower, which include white, satin, chrome black and many other options.
Installation
Unlike a regular electric shower that uses just a cold water supply, power showers also require a hot water supply. This means that the installation is more involving but still possible with basic DIY skills.
What are the Drawbacks?
Compared with electric or mixer showers, the power shower does have some notable drawbacks. The main drawback is that they will use far more water, which for those on a water meter will increase bills.
They will also use additional energy because the additional water must be heated during each shower. However, if you have low water pressure, these drawbacks are very minor.
Conclusion
All of our recommendations are suited to a range of budgets and include both thermostatic and manual units. If you have low water pressure in your house, they are the best type of shower to purchase and won’t disappoint.
If you require further information regarding our power shower recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.
