Upgrading your shower can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially given the multitude of options available today. From power showers to electric and digital showers, the choices seem endless. Not to mention the various shower enclosures you can choose from, such as quadrant enclosures, stable door showers, or even sleek wet rooms. When making your decision, it’s crucial to consider your specific mobility needs and personal preferences to ensure you select the best option for yourself and your loved ones. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the different types of showers and shower enclosures, highlighting their key features and benefits, so you can make an informed choice.
Understanding Shower Enclosures
A shower enclosure, also known as a shower cubicle, is the designated area in which you stand while showering. The style, size, and accessibility of the enclosure can significantly impact your overall showering experience. Let’s explore some of the top shower enclosures available:
Quadrant Shower Enclosure
- Design Features: A quadrant shower enclosure consists of two straight edges and a curved screen that fits snugly into corners, making it an excellent choice for smaller bathrooms or those with unconventional layouts.
- Accessibility: As a walk-in shower, the quadrant design eliminates the need to step over a bathtub or a high shower tray, providing excellent accessibility for individuals with limited mobility.
- Benefits: The Richmond Quadrant Enclosure features a low-entry, slip-resistant shower tray, ensuring safe access. It also has magnetic seals to prevent leaks and is designed with a sleek, minimalist aluminum frame that adds a touch of style to your bathroom. Additional features such as integrated grab rails and a shower seat further enhance comfort and safety.
Offset Quadrant Shower
- Design Features: Similar to the standard quadrant shower, the offset quadrant has one extended side, allowing for additional space, which is particularly beneficial for those who require more room to maneuver.
- Accessibility: This walk-in shower option maintains the ease of access, making it safe and straightforward for everyone to use.
- Benefits: The Richmond Offset Quadrant Shower Enclosure is customisable to fit perfectly in your bathroom. It features seamlessly sliding curved doors that open effortlessly on rollers, reducing the struggle to get in and out. Plus, the slip-proof shower tray adds an extra layer of safety, ensuring a worry-free showering experience.
Wet Rooms
- Design Features: Wet rooms do not have a self-contained shower area; instead, they feature a floor flush with the shower area, allowing for seamless movement within the space. The entire room is waterproof, complete with a sloping floor for effective drainage.
- Accessibility: Ideal for individuals with mobility challenges or wheelchair users, wet rooms provide a spacious and safe bathing environment.
- Benefits: Stylish and adaptable, wet rooms can be designed to fit almost any bathroom layout. They eliminate the barrier of a shower tray, making them perfect for users of all mobility types and adding a modern touch to your home.
Stable Door Shower Enclosure
- Design Features: A stable door shower features a split screen, allowing the top half to open independently. This design is particularly convenient for caregivers who assist individuals during showering.
- Accessibility: Stable door showers are most suitable for larger bathrooms due to their straight-edged, cube design, which generally requires more space than curved doors.
- Benefits: The walk-in Coniston Stable Door Shower Enclosure is designed with style and functionality in mind. Available in full and half-height panels, you can choose between clear or frosted glazing, with options for shower curtains to ensure privacy. The low-level shower tray enhances accessibility, making it easier for users to enter and exit.
Choosing the Right Type of Shower
Once you’ve selected the ideal shower enclosure, the next step is to choose a shower that suits your lifestyle and needs. Key factors to consider include your boiler type, water pressure, and the installation process. Let’s take a look at the different types of showers available:
Digital Shower
- Functionality: Digital showers use advanced technology to manage the start, stop, and temperature of your shower with the simple push of a button.
- Best For: Those who appreciate technology, individuals who struggle with bending or reaching, and caregivers who need to assist during showering. Digital showers can be an excellent choice for all types of shower enclosures, enhancing accessibility for everyone.
Power Shower
- Functionality: Power showers mix hot and cold water to achieve your desired temperature and utilise a pump to boost water pressure, ensuring a luxurious showering experience.
- Best For: Homes with low water pressure, as they deliver a powerful flow that can invigorate your shower routine. Power showers pair beautifully with both quadrant enclosures and wet rooms, elevating your bathing experience.
Electric Shower
- Functionality: Electric showers use electricity to heat water on demand, rather than relying on a hot water tank. This means you’ll never run out of hot water, making them a great option for busy households.
- Best For: Homes where hot water is often depleted, such as those with large families or in new builds. Electric showers also help minimise water wastage and work well with stable door shower enclosures due to their gentle water pressure.
Mixer Shower
- Functionality: Mixer showers combine hot and cold water, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your preference. They do not increase water pressure but work well in homes with adequate supply.
- Best For: Homes that already have good water pressure. Mixer showers are often budget-friendly and suitable for quadrant and stable door shower enclosures, making them a versatile choice.
Choose the Perfect Shower with EA Mobility
At EA Mobility, we understand that selecting the right shower is essential for enhancing your bathing experience while also addressing your accessibility needs. Our extensive range of showers and enclosures is designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Choose from contemporary chrome finishes, elegantly curved doors, or accessible half-height screens that cater to all mobility types. With features like low-level, slip-resistant shower trays, integrated grab rails, and shower seats, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable showering experience. Contact us today to explore our selection and find the perfect shower to upgrade your home!