What Is a Power Shower?

A power shower is a type of shower that combines hot and cold water from your home’s supply and boosts the flow using an integrated pump. This pump increases water pressure, giving you a stronger and more forceful shower. An electric shower, on the other hand, heats cold water instantly using an internal heating element. It doesn't rely on your home's hot water system and usually runs from a mains cold water feed.

The key difference between them is how they manage temperature and pressure. Power showers offer better flow, especially in homes with low water pressure, while electric showers are more energy-efficient and easier to install because they only need a cold water connection.

Why Buy a Power Shower?

You might choose a power shower if you want a more luxurious, high-pressure showering experience. They’re especially beneficial in homes with gravity-fed water systems, where the pressure from the water tank isn’t strong enough to deliver a satisfying shower. The built-in pump ensures consistent pressure, which is ideal if you’re tired of weak dribbles from the showerhead or waiting for water to heat up.

Power showers are also great for families or households with higher water demands, since they provide strong, stable flow even when multiple outlets are in use.

How Are They Different to Other Types of Showers?

Power showers are often confused with electric or mixer showers, but they’re quite distinct. Unlike electric showers, which rely solely on mains cold water and heat it on demand, power showers draw both hot and cold water from your home's system and mix them to your desired temperature. Then they use a pump to boost the flow.

Mixer showers, on the other hand, also blend hot and cold water, but without a built-in pump. They depend on existing water pressure. So if your pressure is low, a mixer shower won’t perform any better unless it’s paired with an external pump.

Digital showers are a more high-tech option, allowing remote temperature control, but even some digital systems require separate boosting mechanisms in low-pressure homes.

Can I Have a Power Shower?

Whether you can install a power shower depends on your current plumbing setup. Power showers are compatible with gravity-fed systems that have a hot water tank and a cold water storage cistern, usually located in the loft. If your home uses a combi boiler or an unvented high-pressure system, a power shower isn’t suitable — the high incoming pressure may damage the pump or create an unsafe system.

It’s essential to check your water system before buying. A qualified plumber can tell you what type of system you have and whether a power shower can be installed safely and legally.

What Types of Power Shower Are There?

Power showers come in a few different styles, but most fall into two main categories: thermostatic and manual. Thermostatic power showers maintain a consistent water temperature, even if someone else in the house uses a tap or flushes a toilet. Manual versions let you adjust the temperature freely, but they don’t automatically balance temperature changes caused by fluctuations in water supply.

Some power showers also come with eco settings, multiple spray patterns, or digital controls. The right choice depends on how much control and consistency you want from your shower.

How Much Do Power Showers Cost?

The cost of a power shower varies depending on the brand, features, and whether installation is included. Basic models start at around £150 to £200. Mid-range models with thermostatic control and better build quality usually cost between £250 and £400. High-end or digitally controlled units can exceed £500, not including installation.

Installation typically costs between £300 and £600, depending on the complexity of the job and whether your plumbing system needs upgrades. If you need to fit a pump externally or adjust pipework, costs can rise further.

Is My Water Pressure Adequate Enough?

Power showers are specifically designed for low-pressure systems. If you have a gravity-fed system and experience weak flow, a power shower is probably the best solution. However, if you’re unsure about your home’s water pressure, it’s worth doing a pressure test. You can use a pressure gauge or ask a plumber to assess your setup.

The minimum pressure for a standard shower is around 0.1 bar, but most people prefer at least 1 bar for a satisfying flow. Power showers usually work with pressures as low as 0.1 to 0.5 bar, thanks to the built-in pump that compensates for the weak supply.

Power Showers Use More Water

Because power showers boost flow using a pump, they can use significantly more water per minute than electric or mixer showers. A standard electric shower might use 3–6 litres per minute, while a power shower can push out 12–15 litres per minute or more. That means:

• Higher water bills (especially if you're on a metered supply)

• More hot water used, which increases energy costs if you're heating from a tank

• Not the most eco-friendly choice if water efficiency is a concern

So while they feel amazing, they’re not the best fit for people trying to save water or run an energy-efficient home.

Not Suitable for All Boilers

Power showers do not work with combi boilers or unvented pressurised systems. These systems already operate at mains pressure and don’t need — and shouldn’t have — an additional pump. Adding one could cause dangerous pressure build-up or void your warranty.

If you’ve got a combi boiler and want a strong flow, a mixer shower designed for high-pressure systems or a digital pumped shower designed for combi use might be a better fit.

Noise from the Pump

Because the pump is inside the shower unit, power showers can be noisy, especially in smaller bathrooms. Some users compare the sound to a dishwasher or low-level vacuum cleaner. Newer models are quieter than older ones, but if noise is a concern — for example, in an en-suite next to a bedroom — it's something to consider before buying.

Maintenance and Durability

Power showers have more moving parts than electric or mixer showers, which means there’s more that can go wrong. The pump, in particular, can wear out over time — especially if your water supply has a lot of sediment or isn’t properly filtered. Cleaning shower heads and checking filters regularly helps prolong the lifespan.

You should also check if your home’s pipework can handle the stronger pressure. Old or narrow pipes might need upgrading to avoid leaks or bursting under higher flow.

Water Storage Limits

If you have a small hot water tank, a power shower could drain it very quickly. Some units can empty a standard 100-litre tank in under 10 minutes. This matters in homes where multiple people need to shower in the morning — your hot water supply may not keep up without a larger tank or faster recovery time from your boiler.

Thermostatic Versions Are Safer

If the shower will be used by children, elderly family members, or anyone with limited mobility, thermostatic power showers are much safer than manual ones. They regulate water temperature to prevent scalding, even if the cold water supply drops or someone else turns on a tap elsewhere in the house.