It's important to choose a shower head design that's built with safety and long-term endurance in mind. The best material choices for shower heads are brass, stainless steel or ABS plastic.
Metal just truly is the best shower head material - and the best material or other shower parts. Metal, or stainless steel, shower hoses are much more flexible than Plastic options and they will last much longer.
While stainless steel is not fully stain-proof, it is much more resistant to staining, corrosion, and rust than chrome. Stainless steel can also be highly polished to provide a stylish and modern appearance.
Metal is durable and built to last
Because you typically won't replace them nearly as often, you save money. They also use fewer resources, and that's a big sustainability win. Plastic shower heads are more breakable. When a plastic shower head has a chip or crack due to impact, it frequently must be replaced.
AquaDance Antimicrobial – Anti-Clog High-Pressure 6-Setting Shower Head with Nozzle Protection from Growth of Mold, Mildew & Bacteria for Stronger Shower!
Simply put, acrylic panels have the look and style of tiles but without the mold, moisture, and cracking problems. A completely non-porous and waterproof material, it can be used to cover a full wall or as a decorative wainscoting wall accent. Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom.
Acrylic is a top option for the shower walls because it is relatively affordable, offers outstanding mold-resistance, and it is available in a wide assortment of colors, textures, and designs to meet just about any style.
Low-flow shower heads use less than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), saving energy and money. Some models come with a cut-off valve that allows you to stop the flow of water, reducing the amount of water used in every shower.
A jet shower head is more powerful and the pressure is directed towards a smaller surface area. A rain shower head takes a more natural approach and is designed to give you the sensation of showering in rainfall. Many have different pressure settings so you can determine how powerful you want your shower to be.
Metals like brass, nickel and bronze are common since they stand up to moisture and rubbing quite well. Iron is less commonly used as it can oxidize and rust over time, leading many homeowners to replace it with stainless steel or cover it with a water-resistant coating.
Not every home has high enough pressure to accommodate high-pressure heads. Lower levels of water pressure can affect your shower head's power. If you have low pressure, look for a shower head designed for low water pressure. While they use less water, they still provide a full shower experience.
Chrome shows every finger print, but can be cleaned off or polished very easily. Brushed, on the other hand, is just as easy to clean, but will disguise finger prints and marks better than chrome.
Chrome plating gives metal a slightly blue tint, while nickel has a natural yellow or white shine. While both are cool colors, brushed nickel appears warmer, mainly due to its toned-down textured quality. Therefore, if your design plan includes a bright, modern look, cooler chrome might be a better bet.
However, research shows that other chemicals found in plastic may be just as harmful as BPA. The best alternative to plastic bottles is a food-grade stainless steel water bottle because it doesn't contain the harmful chemicals that plastic does and it won't leach chemicals, even if you fill it with hot beverages.
Acrylic shower bases are long-lasting and stain- and scuff-resistant, all at a reasonable price, especially considering their lifespan. Fiberglass bases may be more affordable, but they show signs of wear earlier than acrylic bases.
Many people don't realize it, but shower heads should actually be replaced every 6 to 8 months.
If you have low pressure at your shower and you want to improve the shower's pressure there are some well-known brands that offer shower heads designed to increase water strength. There are many excellent brands, like Kohler, Delta, Grohe, and Moen.
Some outdated shower heads drain your wallet (pun intended) by using up to 10 gallons of water per minute when it's fully opened. Fortunately, newer shower heads can save you big by using about two or three gallons per minute, thanks to their design.
High Pressure Shower Heads Feel Better on the Skin
Additionally, a high pressure shower ensures that the water feels gentle on your skin whilst also giving a relaxing, therapeutic, and massage-like experience. This is particularly beneficial for those looking to soothe their sore muscles or tired joints in the shower.
Preventing Mold Growth with Vinegar
For warm, damp areas prone to mold, like the bathroom or laundry room, add vinegar to your cleaning routine to stop an infestation before it starts.
Low Maintenance Shower Walls
Fiberglass and acrylic shower walls are a great option, as they are non-porous and can be wiped off easily with a simple mixture of vinegar and baking soda. As mentioned above, porcelain tiles are also a great option for shower walls, as they can be easily kept mold free.