All About Performance

Two parts performance, one part art is an apt description for the latest and greatest shower systems. Clean lines and striking finishes accentuate luxury shower systems that offer plenty of bells and whistles ­– from drenching, multi-directional body sprays to built-in music, mood lighting and even sun tanning capabilities.

Green performance is also a hot issue right now, with many showerheads incorporating technology that uses less water while still creating a full-bodied –­ and body – shower experience.

Likewise, soaking tubs are being re-engineered to offer full immersion while using less water. And these tubs also offer a host of spa-like amenities, from chromatherapy and aromatherapy to vibration therapy.

These are just a few of the hot trends noted by shower system and tub manufacturers recently interviewed by KBDN.

Personalization remains key. Indeed, with both shower systems and soaking tubs, the spa trend continues to drive interest in customization. As Dale Carruthers, product marketing manager for the Chino Hills, CA-based Jacuzzi notes, “Customers are seeking customization in their bathrooms and especially in their showers. It’s clear that ‘one size does not fit all’ when it comes to the American family.”

Beyond Basic

Consumers at all price points are seeking shower systems and soaking tubs that provide a soothing and luxurious water experience, with plenty of bells and whistles.

According to Rob Larson, director of new business development for the Woodridge, IL-based Danze, even in a more challenging climate, consumers want showers that go far beyond the basics. He explains, “Discriminating consumers shopping for a new shower want an enhanced hydrotherapy experience – they want more than a basic shower. Their shower has to be versatile, safe and comfortable, but also fun, invigorating and relaxing.”

Lou Rohl, COO/managing partner for the Irvine, CA-base Rohl agrees: “Options are important, and built-in seats, steamers, shelves and decorative grab bars are [increasingly] common.”

Rohl notes that two-person showers are also growing in popularity. “Consumers prefer the flexibility if the space permits. It’s a chance for couples to reconnect during these hectic times and save time since there’s no waiting for the shower. It also allows for different showerhead preferences all in one shower.”

Carruthers agrees: “Many upscale master bathrooms are being designed to accommodate two people who can bathe or shower at the same time.

Jason McClain, marketing communications manager for the Alpharetta, GA-based Hansgrohe also sees the two-person shower as a hot trend. “We do an entire training session [for our dealers] built around custom showers, and the most requested product by far is his-and-her showers with the showerheads on opposing walls. Consumers usually choose the hand shower option to go along with that so they have the showerhead and the hand shower or the body sprays. Our sales trends over the past year and a half show the body sprays are really popular.”

Of course, the key is to personalize each experience. According to Alex Oorin, v.p./sales & marketing for the Anthem, AZ-based Methven, “With the dual-person shower with multiple showerheads and valves, a lot of people do thermostatic valves so they can set one temperature for his side and another temperature for her side. They will also put showerheads at different heights for the same purpose: the lady is shorter, the husband is taller, [so neither needs to reach].”

He adds that a common request includes “a hand shower and a bench on her side, body sprays on his.”

Rohl notes that the wellness trend continues to impact shower design. For example, “Showers are utilizing safety features that didn’t exist 50 years ago,” he states.