What is a Power Shower?
A power shower can only be used on a normal vented hot water cylinder as these are Powered by an electric pump to increase the water flow to the shower head, so these must not be used with a combination boiler or unvented cylinder as these are more powerful anyway because of the mains water pressure, if you can get the header tank 2m above the shower head then will create enough water pressure for a good mixer shower without buying a power shower
A power shower is a device that is designed to increase the amount of pressure used to propel water through the showerhead, with the result being a powerful spray of water. The power shower functions with the aid of a pump that is able to concentrate the flow of the water through the shower head, creating the same sensation that is experienced when more water pressure is actually present. A power shower may make the use of a single pump or a double pump in order to achieve the desired result. Single pump models often are sufficient when the natural water pressure in the existing water system is only slightly less than desired. However, when the water pressure to the home seems to be exceptionally low, a double pump power shower system may be the best option. In both cases, the pump will not only help to regulate the flow of hot and cold water, but also help to maintain the temperature of the water as well. It should be noted that a power shower is not meant to be a water saving device.
Power showers are mixer showers with an internal pump that increases the rate at which the water flows from the shower head. Is a power shower suitable for my home? A power shower can only be fitted to a gravity-fed, low-pressure system, usually found in older properties with a cold tank in the loft and a hot cylinder in the airing cupboard. Power showers aren’t suitable if you have a combination boiler, or needed if you have a mains-fed, high pressure system. What if I have a combination boiler? As combination boilers heat mains-pressure water as soon as you turn the tap on, you should only need a standard mixer shower. If you want a stronger flow of water, an electric shower is a good option. This is connected to the mains supply and heats the water as it’s needed, while an electric pump helps with the pressure- choose one with a high kilowatt rating to get a strong flow. Are there any disadvantages to power showers? They need high water volumes, so check how many litres per minute y
All in one or integral power showers, combine a mixing valve with a pump in one complete unit. The valve blends hot and cold gravity fed water supplies to achieve the showering temperature that you desire, whilst the pump boosts the flow of water to give a powerful, invigorating shower. This is all contained within one shower unit that can be placed within a shower enclosure or over a bath. Sometimes a simple mixer valve shower with a separate, remote shower pump is also referred to as a power shower, as this arrangement can give the performance of a power shower. You can usually expect a higher flow rate from a power shower, than from an electric or mixer shower. Power showers are ideal for homes that have a cold water storage tank and a readily available supply of stored hot water, but cannot be used if you have a combination boiler. They are available in both manual and thermostatic models; the thermostatic valve maintaining an exact temperature, even if water is drawn off elsewhere
