Showering Control N
accessible option for many consumers, whatever their budget. In fact a wet room has evolved from being an expensive home improvement to one that is not only capable of transforming the smallest of spaces, but also an addition that can increase a property’s value and desirability. As the demand for wet rooms has proliferated,
so has the requirement for products that meet their criteria, not least statement showers that use the latest digital or advanced thermostatic technology. However, before we get into the detail of
thought of as luxury projects for affluent consumers only. However, thanks to advances in materials and technology, a wet room is now an
showers, let’s look at the practicalities first. Without stating the obvious, it is essential that wet rooms are tanked and properly waterproofed. Other basic decisions include flooring, tiling, heating and core features such as whether your wet room will have a tiled, graduated floor or a recessed shower tray. Consider the future, too. As we prepare to
tighten our belts once again, many of us are making home improvements that we hope will still work for us in 10 -15 years’ time. Whether you are planning your ‘forever home’ for a growing
Janet White, Marketing Communications Manager at Aqualisa, talks about putting the wow factor into your wet room. ot so long ago, wet rooms were
family or refurbishing with inclusivity in mind, it is vital that you integrate those requirements into the design and layout of your wet room early on.
So what sort of shower should you choose? Today’s showers are increasingly sophisticated and whether of the conventional thermostatic type or the new digital variety, they are capable of delivering a great showering experience; whilst thankfully not compromising on accessibility and water usage. If you are creating your wet room from scratch
you will have more options in terms of the type of shower you choose. However, the choice can be overwhelming, so the first decision to make is what technology to opt for. Traditional showers have mechanical valves and pipe work that must be either built into the wet room wall or alternatively, surface-mounted. Bear in mind, however, that for a modern appearance even an exposed valve will still require its pipe work to be concealed in the wall. This is rarely a problem if your wet room is situated in a new extension, but it could be time-consuming if your wet room is being retrofitted e.g. you are creating the wet room in an under stairs space. The answer to such dilemmas is a digital
shower. Digital showers do not have valves but are controlled by a small processor box which is
normally sited away from the showering area. The processor blends hot and cold flows of water with thermostatic precision and is connected to the shower’s control by a slim data cable. As the processor is positioned outside the wet
room, installation is usually straightforward and damage to walls can be minimised. Remember that a concealed digital control will still require pipe work, but there is no valve to fit; rather a simple and often very minimalistic control, so for anyone planning a wet room as a retrofit, digital technology can be a wise choice. Water usage is an increasingly pressing issue and, as such, it is sensible to look into showers that allow you to conserve water if you want to. Some digital showers have a processor-based eco setting. Very sophisticated digital showers sometimes offer an eco setting on the shower’s control, whilst clever features such as pause buttons are also great, as you can temporarily halt flow whilst you shampoo, for instance. Water saving is not restricted to digital showers, however, and the availability of flow regulators and eco-stop flow buttons on thermostatic showers are all worth investigating. A wet room is defined by how it works on a spatial level. Wet rooms should be open spaces that are free from the segmentation that installing shower enclosures and other, solid fittings creates. Although you might decide to opt for a single partition to zone the showering area, it is important that, as much as possible, your choice of shower reflects this ethos. Accordingly look for showers with slim line, understated controls. Similarly, be clever with your choice of showerhead. A ceiling mounted showerhead will maximise space; go one better by making it flush, too. An additional hand shower adds flexibility, especially if you have children or less mobile users to think about. Do not discount the basics of how your shower actually works. Whilst some controls have striking aesthetics, you will soon tire of them if they are tricky to use. Instead, look for controls with simple functionality such as push button start/stop switches and LED displays that indicate water temperature readiness. If you choose a digital shower, you might also be able to specify a remote control. These can typically be used from up to 10 metres away from the shower, can be fixed or portable and are highly convenient. Above all, remember that creating a wet room is a significant project and so, when it comes to its fixtures and fittings, it pays to spend a little time researching your options. Ultimately the right shower using the right technology will put the wow-factor into your wet room. So proceed with a decent checklist, get it right and look forward to great showering for years to come.
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