Showers are a great way to start the day, highly convenient, space-saving and energy efficient. Using on average only one fifth of a typical bathful of water, they’re great for the environment.

Before you choose a shower, you need to check your water pressure and consider how much space you have. You’ll also need to choose between a mixer, power or electric shower.

Checking Your Water Pressure

You’ll need to find out what sort of hot water supply you have, as this will have an effect on your shower choice. Combination boilers give the highest water pressure, and will work well with mixer showers that need the hot and cold water supplies at equal pressure.

You’ll enjoy a reasonably powerful shower if your home has a gravity-fed, low-pressure water system where hot water is stored in a tank in airing cupboard, and the cold water comes from a loft based tank. However there has to be a one meter drop to the top of the shower head from the bottom of the cold tank.

If you have experience problems here, it’s an idea to raise the cold water tank by placing it on a small, sturdy platform, alternatively you can add a pump to boost the pressure, or possibly choose a power shower with an inbuilt pump.

Space Saving Considerations

Depending on how much space is available in your bathroom, you could choose a separate shower enclosure or opt for an over-the-bath shower.

Different Types of Showers

Mixer Showers
Mixer showers are ideal for homes with high-pressure systems, as a mixer shower takes water from both supplies, and mixes them to reach the required temperature. These showers are ideal for homes which have no problems with hot water supply.

Your options here are either surface mounted models with easily installed pipework on your existing surface, or otherwise flush mounted, where the pipe is hidden but the valve can be seen.

Thermostatic Mixer Shower
An inbuilt thermostat makes sure that water temperature remains constant via a thermostatic control, and this shower might also include a shut down feature activated if there is a dramatic change in water flow.

This is a good choice for family homes and safe for young children because the inbuilt control ensures that the temperature of the water isn’t affected by water usage elsewhere in the home.

Also, look out for models with a remote control option which allows the heat and control units to remain separate, meaning the control unit is housed inside the shower, with the heat unit being kept elsewhere, offering you more space.

Power Showers
A power shower takes water from both the cold and hot water supplies, mixes them together to reach the perfect temperature and then boosts the water flow rate via the use of an electric pump.

They are very easy to operate and offer greater control than a standard mixer shower. This gives a terrific shower experience.

Though they offer a nicer shower, they aren’t as good for the environment as they use almost three times the amount of water.

Electric Showers
Electric showers take water from the mains cold water supply, and heat up only the amount needed each time making them suitable for any domestic water system. This is highly economical and suitable for busy family bathrooms.

The higher the flow of water at the required temperature depends on the KW rating so look out for this.

A stabiliser ensures the temperature and water supply remains unaffected by water usage elsewhere in the home so look out for models with one of these.

Shower Towers
Offering a luxurious full body shower, you’ll love showering in a shower tower. These modern showers feature directional jets, rather than a single fixed head, and this gives the benefit of cleaning and massaging the whole body. You’ll need a high pressure for this type of shower to perform well.

Click here to browse our full range of showers.

Sprucing up your bathroom could involve little more than painting the walls, putting down new flooring and updating with cheap sink, bath and shower fixtures. A complete bathroom makeover on the other hand is likely to involve replacing everything – sink, tub, vanity, toilet and all – plus lighting fixtures and even electrical outlet covers.

The very thought of everything involved (never mind the potential cost) scares many homeowners away from even considering the thought of a complete bathroom makeover. When you're staring at water stained wallpaper, chipped tile floors, a leaky sink and a cracked bathtub, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet if you break the project down to evaluate what a complete remodel really involves, a bathroom remodel becomes a very manageable and affordable project.

Wall coverings, trim, new flooring and even new lighting fixtures will all contribute to the overlook of your new bathroom. Yet the key components of a remodel are the bigger ticket items – the bathtub, sinks, toilet, shower enclosure and vanity. Fortunately, today, homeowners have a lot of choices when it comes to these key components. They're available in more styles, shapes, sizes and price ranges than ever before. The easiest way to shop and purchase quality, but cheap bathroom suites or individual items is to spend some time browsing options online.

If you're planning to replace all of your bathroom, a bathroom suite may be the most economical and simplest option. Beautiful but cheap bathroom suites include a bath, sink and toilet matched by style. Purchasing a suite can give you access to great discounts over purchasing individual items, plus you don't have to worry about coordinating the look of each bathroom component. You can choose from suites designed to save space, or opt for a suite that includes a shower enclosure. You can even choose a whirlpool bath suite. Bathroom suites make it easy to select and save on the cheap sinks, baths, toilets and shower enclosures that are ideal for your bathroom space and your tastes.

If you prefer to shop for individual bathroom remodel components for your remodel, you'll have even more options to choose from. If you need a special type of item such as a corner bath or electric shower, it might be necessary to purchase these items separately. Shopping for all these individually online can allow you to personalize your new bathroom as you select from a huge variety of cheap sinks, showers, baths and toilets. You may be able to take advantage of deep discounts on discontinued items, as well.

Homeowners who haven't shopped for the individual components of a complete bathroom overhaul are often surprised by all the choices they have today. They're also delighted to find the items they truly want to include in their new bathroom are much more affordable than in the past. Elegant, freestanding cheap baths, unique quadrant shower enclosures and contemporary freestanding sink bowls are now available for little more than the cost of more basic units. In fact, you're likely to find the bathroom of your dreams fits quite easily into your budget.

Once you've decided on the key parts of your bathroom remodel, you can consider the additional, detail-oriented items such as fixtures, lighting and other bathroom furniture. It's much easier to select these items when you've already decided on the bigger ticket items your new bathroom will feature. You'll have a better idea of not only what's remaining in your budget, but also what will work best and ideally match your new bathroom's style, whether it's modern, traditional or a look that's completely your own.

Breaking down a bathroom remodel by first shopping for the components and then considering secondary, less costly replacement and upgrade items is the best way to make the project manageable and affordable. By taking advantage of the lowest prices possible on cheap sinks, showers and baths, you'll set yourself up to be able to manage and afford a beautifully remodeled bathroom.

In every household, the bathroom is one of the most frequently used areas of the home, and bathroom fixtures and furnishings are subject to a lot of use and abuse over time. Plumbing wears out and pipes rust, cheap baths crack, and the addition of extra accessories over time junks up and clutters bathrooms to the point where they're hardly a place where you want to get clean, let alone relax.

You may be able to kid yourself about the true state of your bathroom – until the toilet stops working or the sink starts to leak. Eventually, you grow tired of "emergency" repairs. Cheap sinks that crack and leak in a few short years are not only costly long term, they do nothing to enhance the overall look and feel of your bathroom. After replacing shoddily made, cheap showers and toilets two or more times, many homeowners finally get serious about a bathroom overall.

The number one reason homeowners neglect to update or upgrade their bathrooms is cost. They think of the high prices plumbers charge and imagine there is no way they can afford a bathroom makeover. Often at times, homeowners make the added mistake of looking at specialty catalogs and shops selling bathroom fixtures at top dollar. If you have always thought you could not afford a new bathroom, you are definitely not alone.

The good news is, bathroom makeovers do not have to cost a fortune. If you are willing to take the time to carefully plan out your new bathroom and shop around, you can find quality, cheap bathroom suites that are affordable, beautiful and built to last long term. Thorough planning and shopping around will allow you to transform your cluttered water closet into a comfortable, beautiful bathroom you not only enjoy using, but feel proud to own.

So how do you get started planning your new bathroom? If you have the time and the skill, you can do it yourself. Start by measuring your bathroom to accurately assess exactly what you have to work with. Next, decide if the layout really works for your needs. Are you cramped up sitting on the toilet, trying not to bang your elbows against the vanity unit? Are you comfortable standing at the bathroom sink, or are you afraid if you drop your toothbrush, it will end up in the toilet?

If you are having a hard time envisioning how to make the most of whatever space you have to work with, try using specialised software available online or at bath shops to redesign your bathroom. In most cases, it is very easy to load up your bathrooms dimensions, than identify the best plan for a remodel. Your plan should include detailed information about how large or small appliances and fixtures need to be, including the bathtub or shower bath, sink, vanity and even your new bathroom mirror.

Once you have a good idea about the specific items you will want, you can start shopping styles online. Homeowners are often delighted to find they can afford much nicer bathrooms than they ever imagined by shopping online. The Internet is the best place to find the top quality, but cheap bathroom suites, tubs and sinks that will allow you to maximize your budget. You will also find you have a larger selection of items such as cheap showers to choose from, making it easier to find items you love that will fit your planned dimensions.

Finally, when you have a plan and a good idea about the fixtures and features you prefer for your new bathroom, have your contractor review your plans. A good contractor will be able to identify potential problems, make suggestions for even better use of your space or show you where you need to make modifications in your purchase plans.

Contractors charge much less than professional designers to offer suggestions on bathroom remodels, and some provide the service for free as part of being hired to complete the project. Oftentimes they provide the exact level of service homeowners need in figuring out if their remodel plans will work. You can than go ahead and order your items with full confidence about your investment in the bathroom remodel of your dreams!

Our Leading cheap bathroom suite website wins plaudits for its outstanding offers In an ever difficult financial climate, the need for the consumer to tighten their belts has never been more apt. The turmoil within the housing market has compounded the problem for many who view it as an asset. Home improvements have become a necessity for many but with limited funds, finding the right supplier has become difficult. For those looking to renovate or improve their bathrooms, the choice has been made simpler by the fact that our leading website is offering substantial savings on a huge range of cheap bathroom suites, cheap baths and shower bath products. Our website can be found at http://www.bathshop321.com/.

The bathroom of any property is one of the most important rooms and as such is one of the most frequently renovated. However the costs can be prohibitive, until now. Our impressive website offers a stunning range of cheap bathroom suite products at affordable prices, many of which are vastly discounted compared to the recommended retail prices. Touted as the UK's best value bathroom shop, the website certainly lives up to its billing with exceptional quality products and ranges including cheap baths, shower bath ranges and complete suites. The ranges contain almost any conceivable type of product and covers all prices ranges and budgets.

The website itself is a simple affair which is testimony to its simple premise of supplying quality bathroom products at recession busting prices. The ability to locate the desired product simply entails using the side bar menu which provides each type of product broken down so it makes finding what you are looking for easy. Our website offers an email newsletter which visitors can subscribe to, which will then keep them informed of any available special offers and new ranges and news. The descriptions of the products are detailed and accurately describe the full compliment of information relevant to the product.

As a consumer champion, Bathshop321.Com offers excellent service and products at affordable prices. For any bathroom products such as a cheap shower bath, our website offers the ultimate range and means that all of the required items can be located in one single location. This saves time as well as money and ensures our customers are happy, as testified by the numerous testimonials on the website.

For further information visit Bathshop321.com

With so many different types of bath on the market today how do you choose the one that is perfect for you and your bathroom space?

Space should be your first consideration, the larger your bathroom the more options you have for both dimension and shape. Another influencing factor is whether you have a clear preference for traditional or contemporary style (take a look at our modern and traditional suites for ideas). Obviously your budget can restrict your options but that should not be a problem when shopping with bathshop321 as we offer great value for money and a variety of products for varying budgets.

So taking in to account all of the above I’ve outlined some off our current favourite styles and best sellers.

Freestanding and roll top baths, these baths can create a beautiful focal point in any bathroom but can take up more space than a standard bath. Freestanding and roll top baths vary from traditional luxury to the ultimate in modern style.

Shower Baths can offer the perfect solution for a small bathroom or simply be a stylish feature in a larger room. The curved glass screen featured with our most popular shower bath enables you to combine bathing and showering, the bowed area provides ample showering space. For the ultimate in modern styling why not take a look at the Elite Square Shower bath.

Double ended baths offer a solution to the age old argument of who sits at the tap end. A double ended bath is one where the plug and overflow are midway along the bath lengthwise so the taps are in the middle. These baths are available in a variety of styles suitable for traditional or modern settings and a variety of prices to suit all budgets. Take at look at the Duo bath for the ultimate in double bathing luxury.

You will find a wide selection of baths within our site, but we are adding new products daily so if you can’t find what you are looking for please send us and email or give us a call, we are always happy to help.

At Bathshop321.com, we pride ourselves on our high quality customer service, and this together with our unbeatable prices makes sure that our customers are always happy!  Here's a selection of our latest reviews:

"Please pass on this email to Vicky - I must say she was very pleasant to deal with and helped me decide which suite would fit into my bathroom. In the end I plumped for your 321 Corner Suite and I'm very glad that I chose it.  I'll certainly recommend you to my friends and colleagues. Service is something that most companies forget about these days, but you went out of your way for me. Brilliant.
James Schofield, Hull

"Thanks for sorting out the small problem that I had with the P-Shape Bathroom Suite. Your staff were extremely helpful and considerate, and Howard went out of his way to get my order dispatched as quickly as possible. Very pleased with the fitted bathroom now - it looks amazing!"
Edward Hartley, Knutsford

"Fantastic service, and most of all an unbeatable price! My wife has never been happier!"
John, Chorley

"How on earth have you managed to get your prices so low? I am truly shocked at how low your prices are!"
Chris, Surrey

"Since kitting out my new bathroom with an amazing bargain from your site, I've now recommended you onto all of my friends, who will be buying shortly!"
Peter, Wythenshawe

"Quality products, friendly staff, excellent prices...What more can I say?"
V Campbell, Dudley

"Bathshop321 was excellent, they delivered fast and the prices were great. Would definitely recommend and use again."
S Gray, Cheadle Hulme

We love getting feedback from our customers, positive or negative, so please keep your comments coming. Click here to send us your feedback.

Whirpools For Great Prices, Why Not Splash Out?
In a recent survey of over 25,000 customers, over 10,000 stated that if they had extra funds to spend on a bathroom suite they would add a whirlpool system to the bath. The popularity of whirlpools began in the early 1980's with the Jacuzzi becoming a brand leader. At the time whirlpools cost the earth, tended to be very loud and not very relaxing. Fortunately technology has improved and cost has decreased.

We have many whirlpool suites available on the site from just £499, and can supply a 1700mm whirlpool bath at £299.
We are also offering our customers the opportunity to upgrade from the standard P shaped bath priced at £349, with the option of upgrading to a 6 jet whirlpool for just £230 extra.

Please ask us for details of how to upgrade.

Whirlpool systems can have health benefits, increasing circulation, massaging muscles and generally aiding relaxation. They do this through pumping air and water around the outside of the bath and then pumping it into the bathing area through chrome jets. The jets can be adjusted in direction and flow rate giving the user total control of the system.

All our systems feature rigid pipework, self drain system, fixed mounted pump and chrome body jets. Each system is also guaranteed for a minimum of 12 months and some systems upto 5 years. You can have peace of mind that when you buy from Bathshop321.com you are getting a quality product.

Whirlpool systems are more obtainable than you first thought and we can add them to almost any bath on the site! Go on treat yourself!

Cheap Bathroom Suites

Hi, to all readers of our Bathshop321 blog.

A thought occurred to me when i think of the popularity of P Shape Shower Bath Suites. They are our biggest seller by some way and i thought about trying to establish why. Go back 10 years and almost all baths were straight, of course trends come and go and maybe another design will evolve which suits consumers even more.

Maybe it is just the fact that most people are very limited for space in their bathrooms and need the bath to perform as an enclosed showering area and bath as required. My personal preference would be a enclosed power shower and a separate free standing bath just because i think it would look great in my bathroom.

Of course this is part of the problem most people don't really have the room to fit a separate bath and shower area in their houses and so naturally a p shape suite is the ideal solution.

A lot of people seem to go for the curved screen which encloses the bath providing the user with an enclosed showering area. So from that point of view i can certainly understand their popularity with the end user. I think that a lot of the ideas come from the media and home improvement programmes showing the user just how easy [at least in theory] it is to fit a bathroom suite without paying a plumber.