Are Digital Showers Worth It? A Guide to Smarter Showering
Technology has found its way into almost every part of the home, and the bathroom is no exception. One increasingly popular option is the digital shower, offering greater control over temperature and flow while helping to create a cleaner, more modern shower installation.
But what exactly is a digital shower, how does it work, and is it worth considering when upgrading your bathroom?
What Is a Digital Shower?
A digital shower uses electronic controls to manage the temperature and flow of the water.
Instead of relying solely on a conventional mechanical shower valve, a separate digital processor mixes the hot and cold water to achieve your chosen temperature.
The shower is then operated through a control panel, which can usually be positioned conveniently inside or, depending on the system, outside the showering area.
This separation between the controls and the main valve is one of the features that can make digital showers particularly flexible.
Set the Temperature You Want
One of the biggest advantages of a digital shower is accurate temperature control.
Rather than turning a traditional shower control backwards and forwards until the temperature feels right, you can select the temperature you prefer.
The system then controls the water to provide a consistent showering experience.
This can be particularly convenient in a busy household where different people have different preferences.
Turn Your Shower On Before Stepping In
Depending on the digital shower you choose, you may be able to switch it on without actually being inside the shower.
That means you can allow the water to reach the required temperature before stepping in.
Some digital showers also offer remote or app-based controls, although features vary considerably between manufacturers and models.
For many people, it’s a relatively small convenience that quickly becomes something they appreciate every day.
A Cleaner, More Minimalist Bathroom
Digital showers can also offer advantages when it comes to bathroom design.
Because much of the working equipment can be located away from the shower itself, there may be less visible plumbing and fewer bulky controls within the showering area.
This can work particularly well in modern bathrooms where a clean, minimalist appearance is important.
Can You Have a Digital Shower With a Combi Boiler?
Potentially, yes.
Digital showers are available for different types of domestic water systems, including installations with combi boilers and stored hot water.
However, it’s important to select a shower that’s compatible with the property’s existing plumbing and hot water system.
Water pressure and flow rate also need to be considered. Installing an expensive digital shower won’t compensate for an underlying problem with the property’s water supply.
This is why it’s worth getting advice before choosing a particular model.
Digital Showers Can Be Useful for Accessibility Too
Digital shower technology isn’t only about creating a luxury bathroom.
Easy-to-use controls can also be useful when designing a bathroom for somebody with reduced mobility.
The ability to position controls in a convenient location may make the shower easier to operate, while pre-setting the temperature can reduce the amount of adjustment required once inside.
The requirements of the individual should always be considered when designing an accessible shower, but digital controls can certainly be one of the options worth exploring.
Are Digital Showers the Same as Electric Showers?
No. Although the names can sometimes cause confusion, digital showers and electric showers aren’t the same thing.
An electric shower heats cold water using an electrical heating element within the shower unit.
A digital shower generally controls and mixes the property’s existing hot and cold water electronically.
They therefore work differently and have different installation requirements.
What Happens If There’s a Power Cut?
Because digital showers rely on electricity to operate their electronic controls and processor, they generally won’t operate normally during a power cut.
This is one of the practical considerations worth understanding before choosing one.
It’s also important that electrical work associated with a bathroom installation is carried out correctly and complies with the relevant requirements.
Are Digital Showers Expensive?
Digital showers can cost more than conventional mixer showers, particularly when you start looking at premium systems with additional controls and smart features.
However, price shouldn’t be considered in isolation.
You’re also paying for features such as precise controls, installation flexibility and convenience. For somebody renovating a bathroom and planning to use it for many years, those benefits may justify the additional cost.
For somebody simply looking for a straightforward shower, a conventional system may still be perfectly suitable.
Is a Digital Shower Right for Your Bathroom?
Digital showers aren’t automatically the best choice for every home.
Before buying one, consider your existing hot water system, available water pressure, bathroom layout and the features you’re actually likely to use.
It’s also worth considering where the digital processor will be installed and how it can be accessed if maintenance is required in the future.
Getting these details right at the planning stage can help avoid problems later.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Shower?
If you’re planning a new bathroom or simply want to upgrade your existing shower, The Shower Experts can help you explore the different options available.
From straightforward replacement showers to modern digital systems, the right choice depends on your bathroom, water system and what you want from your shower.
With the right setup, a digital shower can combine modern technology with something very simple: stepping into a shower that’s already at the temperature you like.
Contact us today for more information or advice, call now on 03300 434506
Alternatively you can visit our website: https://www.showerexperts.co.uk/

