Nothing calms the soul more than a relaxing shower after a demanding day of modern life. Choosing the right shower head is crucial to achieving this peace, but did you know it also saves you money in the long run? Older shower heads can waste as much as 15-25 litres of water per minute when compared to more efficient, modern designs that use 6-9 litres per minute.
\Water saved is better for both the environment and your wallet, so knowing how to choose a shower head is critical for anyone considering a bathroom upgrade. But, with many factors to consider – from different shower head types, to water efficiency ratings, water pressure and more – it can be hard to know where to start. This blog post was created to guide you through choosing a showerhead. Read on to discover why the right shower head is important, learn about the products on the market, and the factors that should influence your choice.
By the end, you should have narrowed down the best shower heads for you.
Why the Right Shower Head Matters
All shower heads in Australia come with a Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating, which will be displayed on the product’s packaging. This rating ranges from 0-6. The higher the number, the better it is at saving water.
We recommend aiming for a shower head with a WELS rating of 3 or higher because according to the Australian Government, a 3-star shower that flows at 9 litres a minute will save 70kL and $210 each year on water bills. To maximise your savings look for a shower head made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or brass. This will ensure the product provides comfort for many years.
The right shower head also serves as a statement feature; one that enhances a bathroom, drawing the eye inwards and up across a room.
Understanding Shower Head Types
There are many different types of shower heads on the market; each has distinct benefits, functions and forms.
Below you will find an overview of the most popular on the market.
Fixed shower heads
These shower heads remain attached to the wall, providing a consistent stream of water. Typically they will feature an adjustable nozzle, which allows you to alter the water spray and pressure. They have a clean minimalist look, are affordable and easy to install and maintain.
Handheld shower heads
These feature a flexible hose, allowing people to take the unit off the wall mount to direct water flow where needed. They will also typically allow the height and angle to be adjusted for a more personalised shower.
This is a great option for those who have children or carer duties, as it offers control and convenience. As a bonus, it also makes cleaning the shower easier too.
Rain shower heads
A clever design, this type of unit mimics rainfall and creates a calming spa-like shower. Some can be integrated directly into the ceiling, although it is possible to find wall-mounted options as well.
With these shower heads water spray is not adjustable by hand, so we suggest finding a product with a variety of spray settings to get more variety – and tranquillity.
Dual shower heads
This design combines a fixed shower head with a hand-held option, combining benefits of both. They are ideal for those who look after children, the elderly, pets – or those who just like to vary their shower types for a more targeted clean.
By allowing simultaneous use of both units, this product makes for one efficient and relaxing shower.
Water-saving shower heads
This product is often referred to as “low-flow shower heads”. Water-saving shower heads are designed to reduce water consumption, without impacting water pressure. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Water-saving shower heads are estimated to help households save up to 50 per cent of their water use. They are a great alternative for larger families, those looking to save money, and who are conscious about the environment. Remember to pay attention to the WELS rating when comparing products to achieve the most value for money.
To see more designs and products on the market, explore Bella Vista’s range of shower heads.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shower Head
We’ve already covered two main factors to consider when shopping for a shower head; water efficiency and the type of shower head.
But there are a few more aspects to bear in mind before adding to the shopping cart.
- Water pressure
This refers to the force water flows out of a shower head and has a direct impact on the flow rate (more on that later) and water efficiency. In short, high-pressure showers are more forceful than low-pressure showers.
There is no “right answer” as to what makes for the best shower, it comes down to personal choice. When someone refers to “bad water pressure” it typically means water alternates between a low and high-pressure setting, meaning the shower is inconsistent.
- Spray pattern
Spray patterns can vary from jet pulses, to massage settings, rainfall mist and more. Everyone has different shower preferences so we suggest choosing a shower head that offers adjustable spray patterns.
- Flow rate
Flow rate refers to how much water comes out of a shower head over a minute, which impacts the product’s water efficiency. Most shower heads will state the flow rate on the label, along with the product’s overall WELS rating. This will be indicated by the sentence explaining gallons per minute (GPM) or Litres per minute (LPM).
Target a flow rate of around 9 litres per minute for a water-efficient, comfortable shower. This corresponds to a WELS rating of 3.
- Price
The cost of a shower head can range from as little as $75 to $1000 or more, depending on the size and style of the product. However, most people forget to factor in the cost of installing the device via a licensed tradesperson. This typically costs between $80 and $250 in Australia. The price is dependent on the shower type chosen. For example, a ceiling-mounted rainfall shower is more complicated to install than a fixed wall-mounted shower head.
Whether you’re planning a full renovation, or simply upgrading to a new shower head, we recommend budgeting before browsing. This sets realistic goalposts and safeguards your wallet against hidden costs.
- Design and finish
The design and finish of the shower head will become the focal point of the bathroom, so you want to ensure the product you choose works in harmony with the space. For instance, if you have a smaller bathroom avoid large shower head designs that distract from other carefully curated finishes.
It should be said that achieving a cohesive look doesn’t always mean having to match your bathroom hardware.
Many people stick to the safe choice of matching a shower rail to the shower head, which misses the opportunity to experiment with alternating colours and textures. A matte black rail with a polished chrome head creates a bespoke modern-rustic look, while a dusky bronze rail perfectly offsets the shine of polished brass or French gold evoking a luxurious provincial feel.
How to Find the Best Shower Heads for Your Needs
Before locking a shower head in we find it helpful to run through the checklist of questions below.
- What type of shower does my family enjoy, i.e. gentle, or with firmer water pressure?
- Who uses the shower, and how?
- How much time is collectively spent in the shower?
- What “look” do I want in the bathroom, i.e. rustic, modern, provincial etc.?
- What space do I have to work with – small, or spacious?
- What is more important to me, form or functionality?
- Is there a shower head type and finish I immediately prefer the look of?
- Is the environmental impact important to me?
- Do I need to reduce my water bill?
- What is my overall shower head budget?
By following this guide you should be able to determine your water spray preferences, the core priorities guiding your choice, and identify the shower head design that stands out from the start. This will narrow down the many options available online, helping you pick the best product for yourself – and your family.
To start this process of narrowing down, we thought we’d highlight three options we have available at Bella Vista, noting you can also select different “finishes” or colours for each.
The Benefits of Upgrading Your Shower Head
Now you know what you’re looking for, you can start on the journey of buying a shower head. It will be some of the best money ever spent given the myriad of benefits that come with the choice. To recap, if chosen well a shower head will improve water efficiency – cutting down bills and helping the planet – all while improving your shower experience and the design of your bathroom.
At Bella Vista we’re committed to providing shower heads and rails that are sustainable and innovative. Our collection has a wide variety of designs and price ranges – with products made from high-quality, durable materials.
Explore Bella Vista’s full range of shower heads and shower rails to find your perfect fit.
