No bathroom is complete without a bathroom shower, just as no bedroom is complete without a bed. When remodeling a bathroom, one can easily over-emphasize the design and choose just any shower that fits. But functionality is also essential, and making the wrong choice can render all your elaborate decorations useless. Bathroom showers come in many types, each with its own pros and cons. The following are some of the most popular choices.

Electric showers

Electric showers are connected to your mains water supply. This arrangement bypasses the heating system, so these showers usually have heating units built into them. One major advantage of electric showers is that they draw water a continuous source instead of a storage tank, making them safer than tank-fed systems. They also require less maintenance, whereas tanks must be checked and cleaned regularly. Electric showers are fairly easy to install, whether you have an en-suite or full-sized bathroom. They tend to have low water flow, however, so if you have low water pressure, an electric shower may not work efficiently.

Mixer showers

For homeowners on a budget, mixer showers are a good choice. These showers have inlets for hot and cold water, and sometimes a mixed water inlet as well. They are available in manual, pressure-balanced, thermostat, and pump-powered types. The type most commonly used in homes is the thermostatic mixer, which have built-in thermostats that heat water to specific degrees depending on the surrounding temperature. Some models have unstable pressure and temperatures, however, so choose a reputable brand and get one that complies with existing safety standards.

Power showers

Power showers are technically a type of mixer shower, with a pressure-adjusting feature added to the thermostat. They are fitted with integral pumps that maximize shower pressure, increasing the water flow from the shower head. Power showers are extremely handy and convenient, but installing them can be tricky because they very specific installation requirements. For instance, they can only be installed in tank-fed systems with low water pressure, and must be set below the water supply to keep them from suctioning air. They also require a separate hot and cold water supply, with the cold tank preferably at 25 gallons for a single shower. Capacities above 50 gallons are allowed only if the tank serves multiple outlets.

Shower cubicles

The first thing you need to consider when buying a shower cubicle is whether your bathroom will have room for it. Shower cubicles are best for bathrooms with separate shower and toilet areas. Most of them have open tops and sliding doors. Transparent and translucent walls are also available. Many cubicles are corner-mounted with a rounded wall, which helps save space. Modern design favors freestanding cylindrical cubicles, although these are only ideal for large bathrooms.

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