Category: Home Automation

  • An In-depth Guide on Digital Shower Control

    A digital shower control features a digital thermostat that allows you to configure your preferred water temperature to attain the perfect shower.

    The smart shower works by drawing cold and hot water and mixing it in a processing unit to the set temperature. The great aspect of such smart showers is that they can provide you with ultimate control over your shower experience.

    Depending on your preferred model, you can enjoy Wi-Fi integration, multiple outlet valve control, digital temperature control and voice control.

    Still, some systems provide you with the option to create different users so that everyone in your household can have their desired temperature programmed into the shower system.

    Factors to Consider when Buying a Digital Shower Control

    There are plenty of digital showers available in the market, making it challenging to select one that best suits your needs.

    So, if you are searching for a digital shower control for your new bathroom and not sure of a design that best suits your needs, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

    1. Research on the Best Digital Shower

    Digital shower controls come in different options, including mixer, electric and un-pumped. Proper research makes the difference between a negative attitude towards a new technology and a pleasant shower experience.

    Some of the critical aspects to consider when researching a digital shower include the design, quality, water pressure, and budget for a digital shower.

    You can always find information about your most preferred digital shower control online. Still, you have the option to inquire from your friends and family who are using digital showers.

    It is, however, recommended to ask about their deciding factor to ensure that you settle on the right product.

    2. The Placement of the Processor Box

    A processor box is a crucial part of your digital shower because it’s where the blending of cold and hot water occurs. Depending on your preference, you can place the processor box outside or inside the shower enclosure.

    Most standard showers interrupt the flow of water and temperature when a tap is opened. On the other hand, digital shower control with the best processor box guarantees that your family never experiences sudden spikes in temperature whenever they take a shower.

    3. Temperature Control

    A quality digital shower provides you with the option to control your water temperature to your liking. Many smart showers support temperatures ranging from 0 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

    As a safety precaution, some digital shower control systems automatically shut off or revert to the set limit whenever you try to increase the temperature further.

    4. Automatic Timer

    A timer that automatically turns off the water supply after a specific time is an important consideration you shouldn’t overlook.

    Setting the number of minutes you wish to spend in the shower is an excellent way to save on the amount of water you’re using in the shower.

    Still, they are a great option if you’re training yourself to spend less time in the bathroom.

    5. Valve Connection

    The valve is the link between the control unit of your shower system and the shower hose. Some valves are exposed on the wall, while others stay hidden behind the walls.

    These two designs work well, with the only difference being that the exposed/open valve is suited for a traditional bathroom. The hidden option is preferred by those in search of a contemporary, sleek, and minimalist look.

    The open valve’s simple design and concept make it easier to install than the concealed option. In some smart shower models, they are connected to sensors that can initiate water cut-off when you step out of the shower or after a preset time lapse.

    6. The Shower Tower

    When planning to invest in a digital shower control, you should think about installing the shower tower. This is a complete shower system consisting of body jets, handheld shower, shower head and valve.

    The shower tower comes as one tall structure, and you don’t have to install separate valves. Compared to the regular shower, it’s easy to use and gives your bathroom a contemporary, neat look.

    This smart shower system is also easy to use because the digital processor and wireless composition come preinstalled, which means that the system operates as it was built without fiddling with its components.


    Now that you have a better understanding of the factors to consider when searching for a digital shower control. Here are some of the highly-rated digital shower products you may want to consider.

    The Kohler K-527-0

    This digital shower comes in a modern and clean design with an in-built touch-screen with smart control for convenient profile selection.

    This means that you can easily adjust your ideal spray patterns and water temperature from the body spray system. The Kohler K-527-0 even features a DTV prompt that allows you to set your shower duration, helping you conserve energy and water.

    Pros

    • Eco-mode helps in saving water
    • Easy to use interface
    • LCD Display
    • Single and dual-outlet operation

    Cons 

    • A bit pricey 

    Moen U Connected & Smart Shower/Bathroom Controller

    The Moen U smart shower features a personalization option that warms your water to a set temperature for a great showering experience.

    This digital shower even features a smartphone application that allows you to personalize your controller whenever you are in your house, provided the two devices are synced.

    This digital shower even features a two-spray and four-spray outlet connected to the body sprays, hand showers and showerheads. You can even use one outlet at a time or all outlets at the same time when you toggle between the options.

    The digital shower controller can be easily installed since it comes with a mounting bracket. The controller can even be connected to a digital valve using a waterproof cable.

    Pros

    • Two spray outlet option
    • Easy to operate
    • Wi-Fi connected app
    • Easy to install

    Cons

    • Features a poor finish

    Moen SA340BL ioDIGITAL Remote for Shower or Vertical Spa, Black

    Moen is a reputable brand for all home automation products. The brand has come up with yet another innovative product- the digital shower control.

    The product is versatile and works great with vertical showers, spas, and Roman tubs.

    The product is highly intelligent and provides visual feedback and LED flash until you’ve achieved your desired temperatures.

    The most interesting thing is that the device can alert you whenever the hot water supply runs low. 

    What’s more is that, you can even set the device to memorize your most ideal temperatures.

    You can program up to 4 settings for different members of the family. This is a feature we have tested in my home and found to give the utmost convenience any homeowner would want. 

    This Moen digital shower remote control is black in color making it ideal for any home as it can blend with almost any decor. The product also comes with a wall mount for easier installation. 

    Pros 

    • Affordable and gives value for the money 
    • Easy to install and use
    • Compatible with any home theme
    • You can operate the device from 30 feet away 

    Cons 

    • You need to have a compatible controller and valve

    KOHLER K-558-1CP DTV Prompt Three-Outlet Digital Interface

    Yet another digital shower control from Kohler. The product offers the convenience to enjoy warm showers with the touch of a button.

    As we were testing the product, we realized that it even has shower pause features. The feature pauses water flow when the ideal temperature is reached thus conserving water. 

    The shower control also has a large LCD display that shows time and temperature. No more guesswork with this digital shower control!

    The digital thermostat also guarantees not only accurate but also safe temperatures to give you that perfect shower you deserve in the morning or after a long hectic day. 

    The intuitive digital shower control also eliminates the need to have knobs and other handles in the bathroom.

    The shower control therefore saves on space and at the same time gives your space a neat look. 

    You can also customize your preferred settings using the control. Whether you want a rainhead, a showerhead, or handspray, you can customize them using the device.

    Installation of this shower system is also very fast and easy. You only need to have an interface and a digital thermostat valve. The valve comes together with a fly lead and plug to connect to the power supply. 

    During installation, you can choose to have the valve on the same wall as the shower or on adjacent spaces such as walls or cabinets.

    Notably, the product comes with a 20 feet cable that can facilitate this to give you more flexibility. 

    Pros 

    • Has a large digital display 
    • Gives accurate temperature control 
    • Conserves water as you can set shower limits 
    • Easy to install and use 

    Cons 

    • Needs a compatible valve and controller to operate 

    SR SUN RISE Shower System

    One aspect that stands out about this digital shower is its 12-inch nickel shower head that features innovative air injection technology. This means that the head mixes air and water, increasing water pressure and ultimately stimulating natural rain.

    We chose this because you get to save 30% on water, which is great for low water pressure areas.

    This shower system even allows for easy maintenance of the mixing valve. All you’ve got to do is close the mixing valve adjustment button to stop the water without having to close the main water switch.

    It even comes with an adjustable brass ball joint that adjusts your head until you can find a comfortable angle.

    Pros

    • Offers value for money
    • Features a sleek eye-catching design
    • Easy to install
    • Refreshing and relaxing rain like shower

    Cons

    • The showerhead gives slow drips a few minutes after turning off the shower

    DreamSpa All Chrome Showerhead

    The DreamSpa showerhead is an exceptionally designed digital shower control that has incorporated LED light display.

    The light turns blue when you are on low-temperature, green means that you are in the warm setting and red shows that you’ve switched to hot. The other outstanding feature about this showerhead is that it comes with five smart settings controls (economy rain, pulsating massage etc).

    So, if you are searching for an electronic shower control with a massaging jet, this is an attractive and functional smart shower that won’t disappoint.

    Pros

    • It’s easy to install
    • Colored LED light to indicate water temperature
    • Runs on hydroelectric power
    • Features an attractive 5-inch chrome face

    Cons

    • The shower head sometimes makes a loud ratcheting sound

    FAQs

    Do I Need A Pump For My Digital Shower?

    There is no need to invest in a pump once you have a digital shower. If you are looking to install a digital shower, the equipment you’ll need to have includes a shower controller, tankless or a conventional tank-based water heater.

    For your outlets, you can consider body spray tiles or smart showerheads.

    Can I Install a Digital Shower without Seeking the Services of a Specialist?

    It is always recommended that you seek a plumber’s service whenever you are installing your shower system.

    Keep in mind that some models may come in a simple design with a straightforward installation process.

    But, a simple mistake can tamper with your plumbing system and can turn out to be costly to remedy.

    How Safe Is a Digital Shower Control?

    If properly installed, a digital shower is safe to use by people of all ages. Some models may have safety features like a cap on maximum temperature and anti-scalding technology.

    If you’ve got children using the shower, it’s recommended that you pre-set the temperature so that their shower isn’t too hot or too cold.

    Conclusion

    The digital shower control is an excellent addition to your home since it can significantly transform the way you shower.

    Suppose you’ve got a bathroom that is shared by most of your family members. In that case, the inclusion of a digital shower control offers you the option to save different spray patterns and temperature settings.

    This way, everyone gets to enjoy their favorite shower by the touch of a dial.

    You even have the option to link with Alexa, which means that you can get to control your shower regardless of where you are around your home.