How to Choose the Right Fixtures for Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Selecting the appropriate shower fixtures is a vital part of the procedure when transforming your bathtub into a shower. This decision not only determines the functionality and ease of use of your new shower, but also significantly impacts the overall aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. From shower heads to faucets, temperature controls to shower doors, each element plays a vital role in creating a seamless bathing experience. This blog aims to help you navigate through the myriad of options available in the market, ensuring you make informed decisions that cater to your specific needs and preferences.

Water outlets or shower fixtures

The points at which water leaves the shower system are referred to as water outlets, or commonly known as shower fixtures. There is a wide array of water outlets available, and their arrangement within the shower can vary greatly, all dependent on the design of the installation you opt for. When choosing water outlets for your shower conversion, functionality is crucial. Here are some tips:

1. Shower heads: A shower head is mounted to the wall or ceiling, with a shower arm serving as a connection. Most shower heads feature different water pressure settings, from a simple rinsing, to a massaging action, or even mist options.
2. Handheld shower heads: Handheld shower heads are linked to the water supply via a hose to allow more range of movement for the bather. Handheld shower heads typically feature a variety of settings, encompassing options to rinse, massage, or to provide a focused water stream. They are excellent for cleaning areas that are difficult to reach, and also serve well for more household utilitarian chores, like bathing pets.
3. Body sprays: Body sprays are water dispensers that are mounted directly into the wall, without the need for a shower arm or hoses. Their movement is confined to specific directional swivels, enabling the water stream to be directed in varying orientations at distinct pressure intensities, like those used for a massage spray configuration. The installation of body sprays necessitates the redirection of plumbing to various locations, potentially even different walls, to position the sprays for their intended use.

Faucets

When considering a tub to shower conversion, the choice of your faucet head plays a crucial role in determining the overall functionality and aesthetic of your new modern shower.

1. Water Pressure: Different faucet heads offer varying water pressures. Select the option that aligns with your preference – be it a soothing rain-like shower or a more robust jet stream.
2. Size: Consider the size of your shower space. A larger faucet head may provide for a more luxurious shower experience, but it might not fit comfortably in a smaller shower stall or be appropriate in a minimalist bathroom design.
3. Features: Some faucet heads come with additional features such as adjustable spray patterns, water-saving technology, or built-in filters.

Temperature controls

The importance of temperature control in a shower system cannot be overstated. It is not just about comfort, but also safety and energy efficiency. Being able to adjust the water temperature to your liking can enhance your showering experience, making it a soothing escape or an invigorating wake-up call. From a safety perspective, a thermostatic control can prevent sudden temperature spikes or drops, protecting you from potential scalding – an essential feature particularly for households with children or elderly members. Additionally, efficient temperature control systems can contribute to energy savings, as they avoid unnecessary heating of water, making your home more eco-friendly. Hence, when choosing fixtures for your shower conversion, considering options with reliable temperature control functionalities is a wise decision.

While choosing a temperature control mechanism for your shower system, you should consider several important aspects:

1. Type of Control: There are two main types of controls: thermostatic and manual. With thermostatic controls, you can establish a pre-determined water temperature, guaranteeing that the water remains within your preferred warmth range during your shower. This provides a consistent and safe showering experience. On the other hand, manual controls necessitate you to manually modify the shower temperature each time you use it.
2. Safety Features: Some thermostatic shower sets offer safety features such as a scald prevention mechanism, which is especially beneficial in households with young children or older adults.
3. Number of Handles: Similar to a sink faucet, the number of handles can indicate what kind of shower valve is behind the wall. Single-handle faucets allow you to control both the water temperature and volume with one handle, while dual-handle faucets have separate controls for temperature and water flow.
4. Advanced Features: Modern shower systems sometimes come with advanced features like digital controls, which offer precise temperature settings and can even remember your preferences for future use.

Shower doors

Choosing the right shower door is more than just a design decision; it’s integral to the functionality and safety of your bathroom. Whether it’s for your master bathroom or a secondary bathroom, the right shower door not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your space, giving it a sleek and modern look, but also efficiently contains water spray within the shower area, preventing slips and falls caused by wet floors. Additionally, the type of door you choose, whether it’s a sliding door, hinged door, or a frameless model, can impact the ease of access to the shower, especially for people with mobility issues. Therefore, it’s essential to consider factors like size, style, material, and ease of maintenance when selecting the perfect shower door for your bathroom remodel.

The choice of shower fixtures plays a significant role in both the plumbing and design aspects during a shower conversion. From a plumbing standpoint, the type of showerhead, faucets, and temperature controls you choose can influence the complexity of installation, water pressure requirements, and compatibility with existing plumbing systems.

On the other hand, from a design perspective, the style, material, and finish of your chosen fixtures significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Therefore, careful consideration of both functional and aesthetic factors is crucial when selecting shower fixtures for a seamless and successful shower conversion.

Get advice from your premier tub to shower conversion experts

With our expertise in shower systems and conversions at Eight Hour Shower, we can provide invaluable advice on selecting the best shower fixtures for your conversion project. We understand that every bathroom is unique and requires a unique set of fixtures to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking for a high-pressure shower head for a modern master bathroom or a thermostatic shower valve for consistent temperature control, we can guide you towards the right products. We also take into account elements like the dimensions of your shower area, your individual taste, and your financial plan.

With Eight Hour Shower, you can be confident that you’re making informed decisions about your shower conversion project. Contact us today for a free consultation.