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What’s your idea of the ideal shower… a fine tingly spray… a soft, drenching flow… a relaxing, pulsating massage? Or does it depend on your mood? Imagine having every option right at your fingertips! Transform your fantasy into a reality. Here’s what you’ll need to consider…
Showering space
The minimum space required for a single person shower is 32” by 32”. When planning your shower, include adequate space for all users to comfortably maneuver but still be in close proximity to the shower and body sprays.
Choosing showerheads (Show me examples!)
You have many options when it comes to your showerhead…choose one or any combination of them all!
Fixed showerhead - Installed about 78” from the floor, an overhead shower is traditionally angled to spray out at shoulder height.
Handshower - Allows you the convenience of removing the showerhead to thoroughly rinse your hair, bathe young children, rinse down shower walls and more.
Handshower on a slide bar - Gives you all the convenience of a handheld shower plus it easily adjusts to each user’s different heights.
Overhead shower - Mounted on the ceiling, these overhead showers give you a “waterfall” feeling.
Most showerheads and handshowers offer a variety of sprays. Some include conventional, aerated, needle, massage, soft or champagne flows.
(Show me examples!)
Showerhead positioning
Shower arms are usually installed at a 78” height, which locates the showerhead above the head of even the tallest user. Installing a handshower on a slide bar is ideal for a family because it easily adjusts to users’ different heights.
Choosing bodysprays (Show me example!)
Bodysprays and side sprays can be added to an overhead spray for whole body drenching. They can be added singularly or in pairs (up to the volume capacity of the shower control valve). Like showerheads, different bodysprays offer different spray options (see examples above). Don’t forget to add an On/Off Valve to have the option to turn the bodysprays off.
The Kohler BodySpa is a shower system that is relaxing and beneficial. The BodySpa system operates similarly to a whirlpool, but in a vertical arrangement. Water is propelled through the air by bodyjets to maximize the effect of a hydro-massage. The BodySpa can double as a traditional showering space with the addition of a separate shower faucet and valve. So, you receive the experience of a shower and a whirlpool in one.
Bodyspray positioning (Show me a diagram!)
Consider the height of the users. Concentration of sprays should be up to the shoulders (not to the face), the lower back and the knees/thighs. Spray jets can be installed to allow some “overlap” of sprays… the more water, the better! Each bank of two or three spray jets can be operated with their own volume controls. The highest spray jet should be operated separately for the tallest person using the shower, so the upper spray can be turned off not to hit shorter bathers in the face.
Control valves: pressure balanced vs thermostatic
The control valve is the driving force behind the shower system. It turns water on and off, adjusts water volume, controls temperature and directs water to showerheads and body/side sprays! There are two options, a pressure balancing or a thermostatic valve. Pressure balancing faucets automatically adjust the mix of hot and cold water to maintain a comfortable temperature even if water pressures changes (example: toilet flush). Thermostatic shower faucets take safety a step further. They adjust the hot and cold mix in response to pressure and/or temperature changes in the hot and cold water supplies... they will actually stay within 3 degree of the temperature you selected! As you can image, this gives you added control of your shower, and allows you to have an enjoyable and relaxing shower!
Who will be using the shower?
You may want to consider separate control valves if more than one person will be showering at a time. Always remember that scald-protection safety valves are important for everyone, but especially children and the elderly.
Installation
Before you decide which shower installation you desire, it is important to review some of the basics of ultimate performance of your system with your plumber or licensed contractor:
Water pressure in your home
Water supply line size and the condition of the pipes
Shower accessories
(Show me examples!)
To compliment your shower system, don’t forget there are many shower accessories that will enhance the beauty and style of your shower. Choose from the following:
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