How to choose a Good Shower Panel

Get ready for your morning shower to invigorate, massage, and clear your mind for a great day.  Shower panels are finally making their way into our homes, giving us permission for the daily luxury once believed only for the fortunate.

Start your day with one to three showerheads to wake those sleepy eyes.  Add in four to eight jet sprays to massage those aching muscles in your neck, shoulders and back.  Then, when you add a hand-held shower for the finishing touches, this could possibly change your life.  Most shower panels are elongated panels three and a half inches to five inches long.  The widths, depending on how many jet sprays you choose in your panel, range six to sixteen inches wide.  A diverter knob will replace your hot and cold handles to ensure a predetermined temperature, so scalding will not be an issue.

Design elements vary, although many are rectangular, there are some very contemporary versions with all the bells and whistles.  Many styles contain a shelf or hooks for your accessories.  On the higher end, models there are even lights recessed in panels.  There are some basic colors that include white, almond, stainless steel, brushed stainless steel and  black just to name a few.

For the home improvement gurus out there, installation on most models can happen in under an hour.  Remove old fixtures, exposing the hot and cold water source.  If there is a shower head water line, this will need to be capped off.  Attach mounting brackets to the wall using wall anchors if necessary.  Reconnect hot and cold water to the shower panel and check for leaks.  Attach the unit to brackets you already have hung on the wall and seal the unit with tub and tile caulking or factory seal if your unit came with one.  All the hot and cold water lines and connections are enclosed in the panel so the only connection you need to make is to existing facet lines.  There will be a hot and cold water diverter handle that will need to be set for the desired temperature of your shower.  Most units do require at least 25psi water pressure, but function best at 50psi.  If your home has normal water pressure in the bathroom then the unit will function properly.  If your home has low water pressure, you probably will want a plumber to assist you in correcting this issue so the shower panel will work to its best capacity.

Pricing for shower panel units start at approximately $400 to $700 for a really great unit with minimal installation.  There are also some very high end units that price well over $3,000 these units will probably need installation from a professional.

When choosing the shower panel that is right for you take your time, there are lots of choices.  Base your design style on the decor of your bathroom.  In addition, enjoy starting your day with an invigorating massage will be well worth the shower panel you choose.