Shower heads - choose the best ones

Ever since the mankind started to pay close attention to hygiene, bathing has been the main way to keep our body clean. But with the advent of centralized water supply the shower shower has become even more popular than baths. Most homes now have either showers or faucets with the ability to connect a shower. The shower allows you to reduce the time for water procedures, because, unlike a bathtub, you do not have to draw water for it in advance. Not unimportant becomes the choice of a suitable nozzle. In this article, we will tell you what kinds of shower heads there are and how to choose the best option.

It would seem that what can be difficult in choosing a suitable shower head? It is just a standard component, the same in all faucets. So think only those who have not visited stores selling plumbing fixtures for a long time. At the moment there is such a rich choice of nozzles and sometimes just confuse the eyes. Below are the main types of nozzles, which you can meet on sale.

Depending on the material of manufacture, nozzles can be:

• Metal. These models tend to be more durable and last longer without losing their original appearance. Their main disadvantage is their weight. Metal nozzle for a long time on the weight will not hold. In addition, if such a head will fall into the tub from a sufficient height, it can not only break off the enamel, but also create a crack in the tub, if you use a model made of acrylic.
• Plastic. Most plastic nozzles are made to look like metal. This is the so-called metallized plastic. Such models have multi-layered chrome plating and at first glance are indistinguishable from metal, but they are much lighter in weight. Because plastic is a more flexible and pliable material, plastic nozzles boast a wide variety of different intricate shapes.

In some models of metal nozzles, you may see a handle made of earthenware. However, such models are considered impractical. In addition, the use of earthenware significantly increases the weight of the nozzle.

Nozzles come in different shapes:

• round;
• rectangular;
• oval;
• square.

We are used to seeing round and oval nozzles in our bathtubs. Models with sharp corners look good in bathrooms designed in high-tech style. You can also order a nozzle in the form of a triangle or any other geometric figure.

Nozzles can be stationary, manual or a combined system.

• manual models - the traditional and most popular type. They are attached to the main part of the faucet by means of a flexible hose. You can take the shower head in your hand and direct the jet where you need it, at any angle and at any height.
• Stationary models have less power, but usually provide more water pressure. Such nozzles have a larger diameter and are attached to the wall or any other surface at a certain height and angle. In some models, however, the tilt angle can be adjusted.
• Combination systems - are so-called shower racks. Their design includes a shower head on a flexible hose, a mixer and an upper stationary shower head. The advantage of such systems is obvious. In addition, such models can boast an unprecedented number of different additional functions, which we will talk about a little later.

Before, our parents and grandparents used the simplest nozzles, the jet from which could be compared to the jet from an ordinary watering can. The volume and nature of the water flow depended only on the diameter of the shower head and the number of holes in it, as well as the water pressure in the water supply line.

Modern models are far advanced in the choice of mode options and modifications. Today you can buy nozzles with built-in special button, which allows you to choose the strength of the pressure and combination of water jets. Some models are equipped with various additional functions: self-cleaning from limescale, air ionization, enrichment of water with beneficial minerals for the skin and others.

Most modern shower heads support multiple modes of operation simultaneously, which are switched by rotating the shower head. Depending on your needs and mood, you can choose the pressure and mode of water flow that you are most pleased with at the moment.

• Rain shower - is the standard and most popular spray pattern. Water gently falls on your body from small holes in the nozzle under low pressure.
• Soft Dispersion. - A mode in which particles of water mix with air bubbles. Because of this mixing, you don't feel the water jet on your skin as such.
• Variojet - A mode that is something in between the two types of jets described above.
• Monostream - A dense stream of water, which is delivered from the nozzle under high pressure. This mode is ideal for contrast showers and cold water showers.
• water mist - Another, private variant of soft dispersion. It is as if your body is enveloped in a dense water vapor.
• Waterfall - A type of jet that is used most often in those nozzles that are attached to the ceiling. Water creates a dense curtain, as if falling from a great height. Such a jet is good for invigorating and helps to keep yourself awake.
• Massage jet is usually used with a special massage nozzle. With such a jet you will be able to monitor your figure and maintain the tone of the muscles and tissues of your body.

These are just the basic types of jets. Meanwhile, some manufacturers of elite sanitary ware have their own, exclusive developments in this area. Some nozzles have a combined mode in which different jets alternate with each other at certain time intervals.

The main function of any shower head is an even flow of water in the form of several jets. However, here, too, lies its own nuances. The functions supported by most shower heads are:

• switching between several types of jets;
• The saturation of the water with air in the mode "soft dispersion";
• setting pulsating jets with a high pressure for a massage.

However, there are a number of additional functions:

• The presence of a thermostat allows you to control and maintain the exact water temperature you need;
• the pressure reducing valve will be useful for those who have frequent changes in water pressure in the water pipes;
• a water filter softens hard water from the central water supply;
• A water flow limiter makes it possible to reduce water consumption and lower utility bills.

There are some non-standard additional functions.

Just turn on the water, and the music in the bathroom will play soothing or, conversely, invigorating. In addition, there are special nozzles for children. They are made in the form of various fairy-tale characters or animals. Such nozzles help to distract the attention of the baby directly from the process of washing, which not all children like.

Many faucets today have the so-called self-cleaning system from limescale. It's no secret that the tap water in our taps is very hard and contains a lot of impurities. Therefore, over time, the holes in the nozzle get clogged.

Thanks to the special small silicone tabs inside the holes, the plaque is no longer embedded in the nozzle and can easily be removed by simply wiping the nozzle with a cloth and any detergent.

Another innovation is the development of high-tech and multifunction shower panels. Typically, they come with premium shower enclosures. Recently, however, it has become possible to purchase such panels separately and install them in a regular shower.

The main advantage of such panels is the presence of the control panel from which you can control different additional functions. How much functionality your shower panel will have directly affects its cost.

There are so many design options for shower heads that it is impossible to list them all. First of all, it is worth noting the variety of colors. Although, as we have already mentioned, most nozzles today are made of metal, or materials imitating it, chrome plating on different models gives different effects.

You can find models of nozzles with different coatings: bronze, brass, chrome, gold, copper, nickel and others. Some models have a colorful enamel or powder coating of different colors. As for the style, the choice is also great. There are models made in retro style, modern style, high-tech and others.

Summarizing all of the above, you can summarize the following:

• When choosing the right shower head for you, it is necessary first of all to decide whether you will use a manual, stationary or combined shower.
• Then it is necessary to decide on the material of manufacture: metal or plastic.
• Only after that you can proceed to the selection of a specific nozzle based on aesthetic and design considerations: what shape the nozzle will be, what color, in what style it should be maintained and whether this style will combine with other bathroom fixtures.
• After you have chosen several possible variants of nozzles, pay attention to the correlation of their additional possibilities and quality with their price. Only carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can choose exactly the shower head, with which you will always be comfortable taking a shower and which will bring maximum health benefits.