Choosing between different types of shower is not only about picking a shower head. The complete setup can include an overhead shower, hand shower, body sprays, thermostatic controls or multiple outlets. The right combination depends on your bathroom layout, available water pressure, preferred way of showering and how much flexibility you need.
Types of Shower: Quick Answer
There are several types of bathroom showers, from simple overhead or hand-shower setups to combinations with multiple outlets.
Shower setup | Best for | Main advantage | What to consider |
Overhead shower | Everyday showering | Broad overhead flow | Fixed position and available space |
Hand shower | Flexible use | Easy to direct | Needs a suitable holder or rail |
Dual shower | Families and shared bathrooms | Overhead and handheld options | More components and plumbing |
Body shower | A more immersive setup | Side-directed water jets | Requires suitable wall installation |
Thermostatic system | Consistent temperature | Temperature control | Check the system and plumbing requirements |
Digital / touch system | Technology-led bathrooms | Control and multiple outlets | More specialised installation |
Jaquar's UAE shower range includes overhead showers, hand showers, body showers and shower pipe concepts. Its Cloud range also includes thermostatic and touch shower systems with two, three and four outlet configurations.
What Do We Mean by 'Shower Type'?
It helps to separate a shower head from a shower setup.
An overhead shower or hand shower is one part of the installation. A shower system can bring several elements together, such as an overhead shower, hand shower and body jets, along with the controls needed to operate them.
Jaquar's shower pipe concepts, for example, combine shower components into a more integrated arrangement. Its range includes exposed shower pipes with hand-shower holders, as well as systems combining overhead and handheld showers with thermostatic mixers.
So when considering the best shower types for a bathroom, it is useful to first decide how you want the complete setup to work.
Main Types of Shower Setups
Overhead Shower Setup
An overhead shower is positioned above the user and provides water from a fixed point. Jaquar offers both wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted overhead shower options, depending on the model.
This setup can keep the shower area relatively simple. It may suit someone who prefers a straightforward shower without multiple outlets.
Before installation, check the available space, mounting position and water pressure requirements of the selected model.
Hand Shower Setup
A hand shower is different because it can be picked up and directed. Jaquar describes hand showers around flexibility and control, and its UAE range includes both single-function and multifunction models.
For everyday use, this can be useful when the water needs to be directed towards a particular area. It can also be installed with a holder or sliding arrangement, depending on the setup.
For a smaller bathroom, keeping the arrangement simple with a hand shower can also make sense when you do not need several outlets.
Dual Shower Setup
A dual shower combines an overhead shower with a hand shower.
The advantage is fairly straightforward. You can use the overhead shower when you want water from above, then switch to the hand shower when you want more control.
Jaquar offers shower arrangements combining overhead and hand showers, while its shower systems can also provide multiple outlets through diverter configurations.
This can be a practical arrangement for a family bathroom where different users may prefer different ways of showering.
Body Shower / Body Jet Setup
Body showers add another point of water delivery. Jaquar's body showers are wall-mounted fixtures designed to deliver targeted water jets across the body.
They can be included as part of a larger shower arrangement rather than being treated as a replacement for an overhead or hand shower.
Jaquar's shower panels also bring several functions together. Selected panels include an overhead shower, hand shower and adjustable vertical jets.
This type of setup needs more planning because the position of the outlets and the available wall space need to work together.
Thermostatic Shower System
A thermostatic shower system focuses on temperature control as part of the overall shower setup.
Jaquar's Cloud shower range includes concealed thermostatic shower mixer bodies and touch shower systems with two, three and four outlets. The system is designed for temperature regulation and water-flow control.
For a bathroom being planned from scratch, this type of system needs to be considered alongside the plumbing and the number of outlets required.
Digital / Smart Shower System
Digital or touch-controlled systems add another level of control to the shower setup.
Jaquar's Cloud range includes Touch Shower Systems with multiple outlet configurations. Its Oasis Steam & Shower Cabin also features a digital touchpad alongside several integrated shower and control functions.
These systems are more relevant when technology and multiple shower functions are part of the bathroom plan. They should be considered before installation rather than added as an afterthought.
Which Shower Type Is Best for Different Bathrooms?
There is no single setup that works for every bathroom.
For a small bathroom: A straightforward overhead or hand-shower setup can keep the arrangement simple. Jaquar also offers shower panels that bring multiple functions into a wall-mounted unit and are described by the brand as suitable for space-efficient installation.
For a family bathroom: A dual setup can be useful when different users want different levels of flexibility. The overhead shower provides one option, while the hand shower can be directed as required.
For a larger or luxury bathroom: A multi-outlet arrangement can bring together overhead, hand and body shower functions. Jaquar's shower systems include configurations with multiple outlets.
For users who prefer control: A hand shower allows the water to be directed rather than relying only on a fixed outlet.
For users who want temperature control: A thermostatic system may be worth considering, particularly when temperature consistency is an important part of the shower experience. Jaquar's thermostatic systems are designed to regulate water temperature.
Factors to Check Before Choosing a Shower Type
Before choosing between different types of shower, look at the bathroom as a whole.
Bathroom size: How much wall and shower-area space is available?
Water pressure: The requirements can vary between products and configurations. Jaquar also has Booster Technology on selected showers, which the brand says creates the sensation of a full shower regardless of water pressure.
Number of users: A family bathroom may benefit from more flexibility than a bathroom used by one person.
Preferred experience: Decide whether you want a simple setup, handheld flexibility, overhead coverage or several shower functions.
Plumbing: Multiple outlets need to be considered before installation. Jaquar's shower systems include two, three and four-outlet configurations, so the plumbing arrangement needs to match the selected system.
Maintenance: More components can mean more areas to maintain. Jaquar's Advanced Rubit Technology is designed to make limescale easier to remove from selected shower spray jets.
Installation: Some systems are designed as concealed installations, while others use exposed shower pipes or wall-mounted components. The choice should be made with the bathroom layout and installation stage in mind.
FAQs
Q. What are the main types of showers?
Common shower setups include overhead showers, hand showers, dual showers, body showers and systems with thermostatic or touch controls. Jaquar's UAE range includes these different shower components and systems.
Q. Which shower type is best for a small bathroom?
A compact overhead or hand-shower setup can work well where space is limited. A shower panel is another option, as Jaquar describes its panels as space-efficient systems that combine several shower functions in one wall-mounted unit.
Q. Is a dual shower better than a single shower?
A dual setup gives you both overhead and handheld functionality. A single setup has fewer components and may be more suitable when basic showering is all that is required.
Q. Which shower type is best for families?
A combination of overhead and hand-shower functionality can provide more flexibility for different users. Jaquar's shower range includes both types and dual shower arrangements.
Q. Do all shower types require high water pressure?
No. Water-pressure requirements vary between products and systems. Check the specifications of the selected shower before installation.
Q. What is a thermostatic shower system?
A thermostatic shower system regulates water temperature. Jaquar's Cloud shower systems use thermostatic shower mixer bodies and are designed for temperature and water-flow control.
Q. Are smart showers worth considering?
The decision depends on how much control and technology you want in the bathroom. Jaquar offers touch-controlled shower systems with multiple outlet configurations, providing a more technology-led approach to shower control.
Q. What should I consider before choosing a shower type?
Consider bathroom size, plumbing, water pressure, number of users, preferred shower experience, installation requirements and maintenance. It is also important to decide whether you need one outlet or a combination of overhead, hand and body shower functions.