The pleasure of swirling water is the essence of the modern bathroom.
Every time you step into the shower or turn on a tap, there should be a pulse of enjoyment.

Without adequate pressure and water flow this is impossible.

 

In continental Europe and America water supplies in the house are connected to the mains water supply (unvented systems) often giving a very high water pressure (in excess of 2 bar). Due to historical reasons, British water systems are generally connected to a water tank in the loft.

These are referred to as low pressure vented gravity systems relying on the height of the cold water storage tank in the loft to provide the pressure and water flow to the house. Given the restriction of the height of the tank, such houses suffer from low pressure (often less than half a bar.)

Britain is the only Western country that routinely uses gravity systems. Consequently all research and development by tap and shower manufacturers concentrates on high water pressure systems leaving the British consumer "high and dry".


Showers

This area outlines the generic product information for the three areas that make up the shower sector. This sector will give an overview of the differences between each product. To help either the consumer or the installer to gain a basic understanding what each product type needs for a successful installation and the differences between the three areas.

Mixer Showers

Our shower range includes both manual and thermostatic models. The models with thermostatic control maintain your selected temperature, even if a tap is turned on elsewhere in the house, and will shut off automatically in the event of either the hot or cold water supplies failing. Some models feature an adjustable maximum temperature stop which, set at the highest comfortable level, will prevent young hands accidentally turning the control up too high. Options are available for both traditional low pressure gravity fed systems (with stored hot and cold water) and high pressure systems (e.g. combination boilers)

 

Technical requirements for mixer showers

High Pressure Mixer Showers - site requirements

Minimum running water pressure: 1.6 bar
Maximum running water pressure: 5 bar
Maximum static water pressure: 10 bar

Whilst the mixer valve is operational (open outlet), inlet pressures must not be capable of exceeding 7 bar static pressure. For effective operation of internal seals the maximum static pressure must not be exceeded.

Pressure reducing valves suitable for individual site conditions should be fitted on installations which exceed the above specifications.
For optimum performance within the specified running pressure range, a minimum flow of 8 litres per minute should be available to both inlets. For correct operation of a thermostatic mixer valve shower both hot and cold water supplies to the unit must be at nominally equal pressures. The pipework should be installed such that the flow is not significantly affected by other taps and appliances being operated elsewhere on the premises.

Installation

Installation should be carried out by competent tradesmen in accordance with the detailed fitting instructions (supplied with every unit) and Water Regulations and Bye-Laws. A copy of the fitting instructions should be available on request from all of the relevant manufacturer's Customer Service Departments if it would help when planning your installation. The high pressure valve is suitable for fully modulating type combination boilers and multi-point hot water heaters. It is important to note that before installing with a gas instantaneous water heater, ensure the appliance is capable of hot water delivery at a minimum switch on flow rate per minute recommended by the manufacturers. Dependent on the technical details of the unit it may have requirements for a minimum temperature reach over a set flow rate. Water temperature at the inlet to the mixer must remain relatively constant when flow rate adjustments are made.

Technical requirements for a Shower cabin

Site Requirements - Electrical if a shower pump is fitted

The pump must be permanently connected to the electricity supply via a double pole isolating switch with a minimum contact gap of 3mm in both poles. The switch must be readily accessible but out of reach of a person using a fixed bath or shower, except for the cord of a pull cord operated switch. The wiring must be connected to the switch without the use of a plug or socket outlet. The supply cable selected for installation must conform to the relevant table in the I.E.E. regulations. To enhance electrical safety a 30mA RCD (Residual Current Device) should be installed in all UK electric and pumped shower circuits. This may be part of the consumer unit or a separate unit. (often supplied already fitted within the shower cabin, depending on model ordered.

Site Requirements - Electrical for a Steam shower cabin

The cabin must be permanently connected to the electricity supply via a double pole isolating switch with a minimum contact gap of 3mm in both poles. The switch must be readily accessible but out of reach of a person using a fixed bath or shower, except for the cord of a pull cord operated switch. The wiring must be connected to the switch without the use of a plug or socket outlet. The supply cable selected for installation must conform to the relevant table in the I.E.E. regulations. To enhance electrical safety a 30mA RCD (Residual Current Device) should be installed in all UK electric and pumped shower circuits. This may be part of the consumer unit or a separate unit. (often supplied already fitted within the shower cabin, depending on model ordered.

The electrical requirements for the 2068 / 2056 / 7690 and 7692 cabins are : 240Vac 13a mains, to run the 3Kv Steam generator

The requirements for the 701 / 702 and 703 cabins are : 240Vac 16a mains, to run the 3.6Kv Steam generator

There are no electrical requirements for the shower panels

This Installation Must Be Earthed

Site Requirements - Water - if a shower pump is to be fitted

To ensure correct operation the cabin must be connected to a cistern fed supply of hot and cold water at nominally equal pressures. The cold water cistern must always be above the pump (if fitted) to ensure priming of the unit. The hot water storage cylinder and cold water cistern should each have a minimum storage capacity of 114 litres in order to ensure adequate infill rate. If supplying a number of outlets, it is recommended that the cold water cistern should have a minimum capacity of 230 litres in order to ensure adequate infill rate. Both hot and cold water supplies to the pump must be dedicated and separate from any other outlets or connections.

Site Requirements - Electrical

The shower must be permanently connected to the electricity supply via a double pole isolating switch with a minimum contact gap of 3mm in both poles. The switch must be readily accessible but out of reach of a person using a fixed bath or shower, except for the cord of a pull cord operated switch. The wiring must be connected to the switch without the use of a plug or socket outlet. The supply cable selected for installation must conform to the relevant table in the current I.E.E. regulations. The size of cable required is determined by the kW rating of the shower, the distance between the shower and the consumer unit and the way the cable is to be fitted. The minimum size will be 6mm2 but in some cases 10mm2 or larger will be required. For showers rated above 8kW a minimum cable size of 10mm2 is strongly recommended. To enhance electrical safety a 30mA RCD (Residual Current Device) should be installed in all UK electric and pumped shower circuits. This may be part of the consumer unit or a separate unit. IMPORTANT! If upgrading to a higher Kilowatt shower it is essential to ensure the electrical supply and shower cable is adequate for the increased load.

Site Requirements - Water

An isolation valve must be fitted in a convenient position in the supply pipe to allow the shower to be serviced. Where installation could result in the sprayhead falling below the top of the bath or shower tray, it will be necessary to fit a Double Check Valve to the inlet to prevent back flow, in accordance with water regulations and By-Laws.

Water Inlet Connection 15mm diameter

Water Outlet Connection Threaded 1/2" BSP

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To reduce the effects of condensation
rooms containing a shower should be adequately ventilated.

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The steam generated during a steam session is normally washed away during the subsequent shower down, combined with the fact that steam cabins do not leak large amounts of steam out into the room, therefore they do not specifically need any ducting out of the building, unless installed somewhere where water vapour emissions are particularly harmful, such as when fitted within a static caravan or an unvented room.

Bringing the Health Spa Home:
Hydrotherapy and Hydromassage

Ask yourself this question: How much time do you set aside each day to relax and take time out? The way of modern life causes many of us to spend more time doing more work and activities rather than stopping and taking a break. During the process of recovering from the strain of everyday life, it is important to keep exercise and relaxation in balance with one another to benefit your body in the best way possible.

For many of us the prohibitive costs of health centre spas deter us from enjoying the range of activities that a hydromassage spa can offer. Bringing hydrotherapy and hydromassage home as part of the spa experience allows you and your family the chance to reap the benefits of many hydromassage treatments. The following methods are just a few ideas that you can utilise in an attempt to create your home spa. Now you can create the best spa treatments in the comfort of your own home and give you and your family a chance to relax the home spa way.

Hydrotherapy

Using water in the right way can cleanse the skin, stimulate blood flow and assist the body in the process of detoxifying itself. Hydrotherapy techniques have been utilized in health spas since Greek and Roman times where ice-cold plunge pools where chosen over warm baths in order to stimulate and tone the body. Hydrotherapy can also improve blood circulation, reduce muscle strain and aches, and bring relief from soreness in your shoulders, back, feet, and neck.

One method simply involves the change of water temperature within your standard home shower. Individuals with the advantage of a power shower or shower enclosure can utilise this method more effectively.

1. Start by getting into the shower and lathering the skin with an exfoiliating scrub accompanied with warm water.
2. Afterwards, change the temperature to a much cooler setting and allow the water to run over the entire body.
3. Concentrate on the torso, stomach, back and legs. (If one is using a shower enclosure or cubicle that benefits from body jets then use these on the aforemented areas).
4. Once the entire body has been exposed to the cooler water, return to warmer water to finish.
5. Towel yourself dry. Instantly you should feel refreshed, awake and invigorated.

The main advantage of this method is its the ease and accessibility. Why not try starting the day with this method and see how beneficial it can be to your everyday morning routine.

Hydromassage

Hydromassage is the therapeutic use of warm water and pressure jets along with buoyancy that provides many healing effects for your body, including:

1. Reducing the effects of stress – All types of massage therapy including hydromassage has a positive effect on the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system conserves energy as it slows the heart rate in order to increase intestinal activity, thus relaxing muscles around the body.
2. Decreasing chronic pain - Many of us tend to ignore chronic pains as we go about our daily lives hoping that it will go away with the use of unnatural drugs. Hydromassage therapy can assist any conditions that cause chronic pain as well as decreasing the initial pain overall. Hydromassage also causes the body to increase the release of endorphins (biochemical compounds inside our body that work like natural painkillers) into the nervous system thus decreasing any feelings of discomfort.
3. Strengthening the immune system – The lymphatic system plays an important role within our body as it’s responsible for the healing of and defense from viruses and infection. Individuals who lack active lifestyles tend to have lethargic blood flow due to tight muscles not allowing smooth unrestricted flow of the blood. This increases the work load of the heart, resulting in an individual feeling fatigued and exhausted when doing the slightest physical task. Hydromassage helps relieve tight contracted muscles ultimately stimulating the blood flow through the muscles and decreasing the stress on the heart. Good blood flow helps get oxygen around the body effectively when and where you need it, consequently resulting in excess energy to do other things.
4. Improving skin tone – Everyday surroundings including the sun & pollution, and lack of vitamins can all contribute to bad skin tone, wrinkles, drying and the ageing process. Hydromassage enlarges the capillaries which speed up the rejuvenation process of skin and removal of harmful toxins within the body leaving your skin feeling brand new.
5. Helping you sleep better – Stress from everyday life can make a peaceful night’s sleep seem very difficult. Poor sleep patterns leave you feeling petulant and fatigued. Alongside complete muscle relaxation, hydromassage helps settle your heart rate which causes your blood pressure to lower. Breathing patterns become more rhythmic preparing your body for the state it needs to be in to achieve that perfects night’s sleep.