A digital electric shower is a modern type of shower that mixes hot and cold water to reach the perfect temperature. They’re just like a mixer shower, but with far greater precision. What sets digital showers apart from traditional showers is the built-in digital thermostat, allowing you to set the exact temperature you want.
You can use the digital thermostat to control your shower settings remotely (using a control panel). Digital showers also have lots of other smart features, such as remembering your temperature preferences, different shower spray options, and water usage tracking.
Lots of digital showers will have a smartphone app where you can control all your settings and operate your shower from. Plus, you don’t need a bulky control unit in your shower room, which also looks more aesthetically pleasing. Now you can’t step into your shower knowing it’s set at the perfect temperature and pressure for your preferences. This saves you time and also prevents you from wasting water.
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How does a digital shower work?
Let’s get into the details of how these showers work. Here are the main things you need to know:
Digital showers are equipped with a cold and hot water supply
Digital showers are connected to both a cold and hot water supply and can be installed in any wet room or walk-in shower. When you switch the shower on and set your temperature, a wireless or wired signal is sent to the built-in thermostat, where it makes an immediate adjustment.
Blending hot and cold water to get the perfect temperature
The cold and hot water supply then blends appropriately to release the desired temperature through the shower head. This means you don’t need to make any adjustments while you’re showering.
Digital showers are not dependent on a Wi-Fi connection
You don’t need an active connection to a Wi-Fi network for your digital shower system to work. They use an independent connection, which typically makes installation much easier and achievable in all households.
Access wall-mounted remote controls
Many digital showers come with remote or wall-mounted control panels, allowing users to turn the shower on and set the temperature before stepping in. Perfect for comfort and accessibility.
Pumped vs. unpumped:
Low water pressure in your home? Then a pumped digital shower can boost the water pressure flow in your shower.
Because they operate on their own internal system (not Wi-Fi), digital electric showers are easy to install and reliable, making them a smart upgrade for almost any household or accessible bathroom.
What are the different types of digital electric showers?
Now that we’ve explained what digital showers are and how they work, let’s examine the different types you can get. You can choose different designs depending on your needs. Here are the key features you need to know about to help you choose the right digital shower for your home:
Concealed vs. Exposed:
You can choose either of these options. Concealed digital showers have a digital control panel and water-mixing valve hidden behind a wall or a ceiling. Whereas exposed digital showers tend to have the mixed box and controls visible on the walls.
Water Pressure Systems:
Gravity-fed systems are typically low pressure, so a digital shower with an integrated pump is a good way of boosting the flow rate for a stronger, more pleasant shower experience. Combi boiler systems and unvented systems have high pressure and can usually support smart showers without any additional pumping.
Outlet Configuration:
Single outlet showers supply water to just one outlet, such as a fixed overhead showerhead or a handheld unit. They are simple, effective and ideal for smaller spaces. Dual outlets, on the other hand, allow users to switch between or combine two types of shower heads, for example, an overhead rain shower and a handheld wand.
What are the features of a digital shower?
Digital showers come with lots of functions. How advanced your shower is depends on the model you choose and your budget. Here are the most common features you can expect.
1. Thermostat
Every digital shower system will have this, and it allows you to control the temperature via the panel, remote control or on some occasions, smartphone app. The built-in thermostat allows you to choose the exact temperature, so the water warmth doesn’t fluctuate.
2. LED display
Digital showers aim to simplify and customise your shower experience, so you’ll find them without bulky buttons and streamlined with a stylish LED display that’s easy to operate at the touch of a button.
3. Profile settings
A digital shower with multiple user profiles allows you to set the desired shower length and water temperature for each person. Then, when it’s your turn to shower, you select your profile and don’t have to modify all the settings every time.
4. Multiple shower spray options
For some people, showering is more than just a chore; it’s a spa-like experience at home. Many digital showers include more than one shower head outlet to offer a variety of settings based on power and water direction.
5. Tracking water usage
Ready to be more eco-conscious in your bathroom? Some showers can track your shower’s water usage. This not only helps reduce waste and lower utility bills, but it’s also a great way to raise awareness of water use within the household.
6. Warm-up function
The warm-up function means your shower automatically runs until it reaches your set temperature. It then pauses or alerts you when it’s ready. No more standing under cold water or wasting water while you wait.
What are the pros and cons of a digital shower?
Here are some of the main reasons to consider upgrading to a digital shower.
PROS
Set your ideal preferences
Digital showers make every shower personal. Set your ideal temperature, flow, and time once and let the shower do the rest. With just a tap, it’ll warm up and let you know when it’s ready, no fiddling mid-shower.
Save water
There are a range of eco-friendly features that allow you to save water. You can conveniently pause a digital shower mixer while you’re shampooing your hair or shaving to avoid water waste without having to manually power off and on the water. Some models also include timers to aid you in limiting your water usage, which helps you save on your water bill.
User-friendly and safe
Most digital showers feature a safety mode to consistently monitor the water temperature to prevent scalding. Many are designed to switch off after a certain amount of time to prevent the chances of flooding. This feature is perfect for forgetful minds, especially if you reside alone.
CONS
Higher installation costs
Digital systems can be more expensive to install than traditional showers, especially if extra plumbing or electrical work is needed to get them set up.
Greater space requirements
Some digital showers, when being installed, need space for a separate control unit. This is often hidden in an airing cupboard or loft space. This additional space may not be available in smaller houses.
Power dependant
These showers run on electricity which means they will not work during a power cut. Something to keep in mind if you know your home is prone to power outages.
Smart shower settings and controls
Smart showers offer the ability to integrate with your home Wi-Fi or smart assistant tools like Alexa or Google Assistant. With smart showers, you can:
- Control your shower via an app
- Set personalised shower profiles for each individual user, including temperature and water pressure
- Turn your shower on remotely
- Receive alerts from water usage
Digital vs smart showers: What’s the difference?
Digital showers aren’t the top of the showering chain; smart showers offer more credible features, but here are the core differences between these two shower types to help you decipher between the two.
Voice activation
You can control many devices in your home via voice, and now you can activate your shower with just your voice. This function can add convenience to showering, as you don’t need to have such proximity to the panel to switch on and off the water. Voice activation can be beneficial if you have reduced mobility, as it eliminates the need for physical touch and movement.
An integrated phone app
Use an app to customise flow, temperature, and timing for each user. You can also even track water and energy use. It’s not just convenient; it’s clever. If you’re ready to upgrade, think about the features you need, the layout you’ve got, and how simple you want the controls to be.
FAQs:
Is it worth getting a digital shower?
If you value temperature control, modern features and a safer more personalised showering experience, then yes, a digital shower system is a worthy investment.
Do digital showers need a pump?
If your home has low water pressure, such as a gravity-fed system, you may need to explore a pump. However, most digital shower models come with a built-in pump option.
Do digital showers need Wi-Fi?
No, most digital showers do not need a Wi-Fi connection to operate. However, some smart models offer app control if you desire those additional features.