The most popular type of shower heads are those with spray settings that can be adjusted. Adjustable shower head settings can be any where from a pulsating massage to a soft mist to needle-like jets. Make sure that you select a model that can be adjusted with slippery soapy fingers.

Some adjustable shower heads are also of the handheld variety, allowing you to leave the head mounted on the wall like or to move around your body. The versatility provided by adjustable shower heads make them great using a shower chair (e.g., for the elderly or disabled) and for bathing children.

Water Pressure and Temperature

If you have low water pressure in your home you’ll want to strongly consider purchasing an adjustable shower head so that you will be able to increase the flow level. To determine a rough estimate of the water pressure in your home you can call your local water company and ask for the static water pressure for your neighborhood. If you’d like a more precise measurement then you can buy an inexpensive (about $10) pressure gauge from the home supply store. The Uniform Plumbing Code calls for water pressures of 50 to 70 psi to residential homes, but the average water pressure in the U.S. Is closer to 45 psi. If your water pressure is less than 40 psi then you have low water pressure.

Some newer shower heads mix air with the water to make the water pressure feel more substantial, sometimes powerful enough to get the ultra high-pressure needle-like water spray. But if you like the water hot you may want to avoid aerating shower heads since they can cause the water temperature to drop by as much as 15 degrees before it reaches your body. If you like a very hot shower, and can’t safely increase your water heater’s temperature setting, then you’ll want to look at product descriptions and reviews to identify shower heads that do well with keeping the temperature high.

Consider Hard Water

White chalky residue on faucets, shower doors, and tiles is a sign of hard water. (If you aren’t sure if you have hard water, the local water company can tell you.) Hard water leaves mineral deposits that, over time, can clog your shower head and divert spray from its intended direction. Some shower heads are engineered with hard-water in mind and advertise anti-hard water features in their product descriptions. If you have hard water, one of the most important things to look for in a shower head is rubbery nozzles that make it easy to whisk away weeks worth of buildup with the tip of your finger. All-metal shower heads don’t usually stand up so well to hard water deposits, and may require disassembly to clean or the use of a straight pin to scrape buildup out of the nozzles.

Rain Shower Luxury

If you crave a gentle shower with a natural feel then you might like rainfall shower heads. These oversized shower heads extend out from the wall and spray a relaxing rain shower straight down onto your head and body. Because of the wide face on these shower heads, they do not provide a high pressure shower experience. And since the water rains directly downward it can be awkward to target the flow to different parts of your body. For example, it may not be easy to keep your hair dry and wash your body at the same time. The lack of power and spray targeting make it more difficult to rinse away soap and shampoo. Also, keep in mind that rain shower heads are usually more difficult to install than a standard shower head, and may even require special parts.