Frequently Asked Questions - Shower/Tub

Can you add a hand shower to an existing showerhead?

Yes, all you need is a showerarm diverter.

 

Do I need or want a extra high density on my tub?

Extra high density is an additional 3/8" to ½" thickness of fiberglass on the backside of your tub. The biggest advantage is that it retains the heat much longer. It gives the tub a more solid feeling.

 

Do I want an in-line heater in my whirlpool tub?

Yes, if you want to soak in a tub longer than 15 minutes. An in-line heater mantains the temperature of the water, it does not make it hotter.

 

How high do you position showerheads or body sprays?

Showerhead should be at least twelve inches higher than the tallest person in the household. Body sprays are usually in groups of three. Ideally one should be positioned to hit you in the shoulder area, one at the thigh area and one at the lower back area. Note: A manifold must be built when doing body sprays so you get even water distribution from your body spray heads.

 

What are the differences in shower sprays (champagne, pulsation or massage, needle self cleaning)?

Champagne spray is a highly aerated spray that is gentle and soft. It is especially good to use with children, as it will not hurt their eyes.

 

A pulsation or massage spray is just that. It pulses creating a massaging effect, which is great to use on sore muscles.

 

A needle spray is your standard shower spray, which with some showerheads can be adjusted from a small to large spray.

 

Self-Cleaning isn't a spray actually, it is offered by several manufacturers to keep the holes clear of calcium deposits. Some have pins that push out the deposits while others have a Teflon coating, which resists calcium buildup.

 

What are volume controls are used for?

A volume control is a valve that turns the water on and off. Starting at the "off" position, you can steadily increase water flow through to the "full on" position.

 

What does a diverter valve do?

A diverter valve directs the flow of water. It cannot turn water off or on. A diverter valve would be used to select between your tub, showerhead, or handshower.

 

What is a pressure balance valve?

It is a shower or tub/shower valve that balances the pressure on the hot and cold side (ex: hot 40psi, cold 40psi) and prevents scalding in the shower.

 

What is a shower panel?

A shower panel is a separate panel that mounts on a shower wall that includes a valve, showerhead, handshower, and body sprays. This is a quick and easy way to add these functions to your shower without tearing out the wall.

 

What is roman tub set? (photo missing)

A roman tub set is a tub set that is mounted on the deck of a tub not on the wall.

 

What is the difference between a whirlpool tub and an airbath?

A whirlpool tub has jets that circulate the water, where an airbath uses bubbles that rise gently from the bottom of the tub.

 

What is the difference between acrylic and fiberglass, cast iron, steel, synthetic (like limestone) tubs?

Acrylic is a solid sheet material that is heated and vaccum formed to the desired shape. It is then reinforced at the back with fiberglass to give it strength.

 

Fiberglass is a material that adheres to a mold and then a gel coat finish is sprayed onto it.

 

Cast iron tubs are forged and the finish is applied in power form while the tub is hot causing the finish to melt onto the cast iron.

 

Synthetic tubs are molded and then a gel coat finish is applied like the fiberglass tubs.

 

What is thermostatic valve?

A thermostatic valve measures the temperature of the water and maintains that temperature as long as you have hot water going to it with no fluctuation in temperature.

 

When should I use a diverter or volume control valve?

When designing a custom shower system using a thermostat valve without an integrated volume control, individual volume controls for the showerhead, handshower, and body sprays are the optimum method. This allows the user to be able to control each element of the custom shower independently... all on, one on, two on... whatever the user desires at the moment, without limitation.

 

It is possible to use a diverter valve in a custom shower situation, however, this restricts the flexibility of the system. A non-integrated thermostat valve would require the diverter to be plumbed downstream of a volume control (to be able to control the water flow, on or off). The diverter then directs the water to the showerhead or the handshower or the body sprays ... but not all at the same time.

 

A diverter valve is best used in smaller installations where a lower flow mixing valve (such as an integrated thermostat valve or a pressure balancing valve) has been used. The homeowner can then still have both a handshower and a showerhead, but is limited to using only one at a time. There are instances, however, when a diverter might be used in an extensive customer shower. When the homeowner wants more shower outlets than the valve can handle, a diverter is one way to compromise.

 

For example, if the homeowner would like two sets of three or more body sprays positioned at different levels or on different walls (pushing the flow requirement past the valve's capacity), but doesn't want to add another thermostat valve, a diverter might be the answer for achieving that option.

 

Why would I want a variable speed pump on my whirlpool tub?

A variable speed pump can have anywhere from three to five speeds allowing you to adjust the intensity of the water flow.