Spa-style showers are a popular choice for master bathroom remodels. A multi-head shower is something you can enjoy all day, regardless of how busy you are. There are many ways to create a customized shower experience. The best one for you will depend on your budget, scale, and what kind of shower experience you want. Although the decision between shower panels and shower systems can be difficult, this list will help you make an informed decision.
What is a Shower Panel?
Shower panels can be described as really large shower heads. These panels replace your existing showerhead, but they are usually at least one foot tall, and several feet wide. There are multiple shower heads and sprayers built into the panel or extended from the top or sides. Shower panels are a complete shower system that can be mounted directly to your shower wall.
Pros
Easy Installation - Shower panels can be set up quickly and easily. These panels can be connected to existing plumbing and only need to be attached to the shower wall to ensure stability.
Scales to suit the size of your Project - Shower panels are self-contained and can be integrated into any size remodel from a weekend DIY project to a complete bathroom renovation.
Shower panels are more water efficient - They use one shower head to connect to the plumbing. This can reduce your water consumption and help you avoid having your water heater replaced.
Shower panels can be installed and maintained for a longer time, which makes them more affordable than traditional shower systems. Although they share the same functional parts, shower panels are cheaper to purchase as a single unit. They don't require invasive (and costly) plumbing upgrades and they last longer.
Cons
This is both a pro as well as a con. Although eco-friendly is a great thing, shower panels are limited in their flow capacity. This means that you won't get as much water flowing at once with a shower system.
Mix and Match Shower Heads, But Not All at Once - The shower panels may limit the water flow so you might not be able to have all of the shower heads running simultaneously.
Limited coverage - Even the most efficient shower panels and the best designs have limited coverage. This means that your water flow will only come from one direction. Although many designs offer side sprays that are angled or over-head to compensate for this, they won't be able to match the coverage of a true shower system.
They stand out (and not necessarily in a good way) - While many of the advantages of shower panels stem from their self-contained design they do have one drawback: they can feel a bit clunky. Some are more attractive than others, but a nice design or more appealing materials will usually cost you, and it will never be quite as streamlined as individually-installed shower heads.
What is a Shower System?
Shower systems or custom showers are those you will find in spas. They have multiple shower heads and sprayers that mount on every wall of the shower and even the ceiling. They are often part of large, tiled shower stalls and produce high volumes of water with many spray types.
Pros
Total Customizability- Shower systems can be called "custom showers" because they allow you to choose the shower head and the location. This is especially useful for tall people or couples who have a significant height difference.
Total coverage - Shower systems can provide a nearly 360-degree spray. There are many types of shower heads, body sprayers and zones to ensure water comes at you from all directions.
Maximum Water Flow – Shower systems can have many shower heads. Each shower head is plumbed in its own way or in small groups. This allows for maximum water flow and allows you to use all of them at once.
Designer Look and Feel - Although shower systems are complex, it means that you can build a stunning shower stall around them. The stall will be fully tiled floor to ceiling with all the hardware seamlessly integrated into the design.
Cons
Installation requires major renovation - Shower systems are invasive and can be very difficult to install. You will need to expand your plumbing to install the new heads. This means that you will have to knock out walls and rebuild them. It is impossible to install a shower without building a new shower.
Higher Total Price Tag – It is possible to purchase all of the hardware needed to build a bathroom system for less than a shower panel. However, the parts aren't very valuable - you will also need to consider all other construction costs to get a new shower stall built and designed.
Hidden costs - Shower systems can also have hidden costs, beyond the actual construction of the stall. A new shower system will typically require additional plumbing upgrades, such as an upgraded water heater or expanded drainage. You'll use a lot more water per shower and likely take longer showers. This can significantly increase your water and sewer bills.
They Will Surprise You - Although it might sound silly to include this as a con, you will soon forget about normal showers that are just as good. This is an upgrade that will increase your property's value. However, you will miss it if you move.
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