pros/cons of showerhead styles

[Anonymous]

Redoing a couple of bathrooms - obe is tub/shower combo and the other is shower only.

We plan to add a handheld showerhead to each. We’re debating whether to-

(1) fully replace the existing standard showerhead with a handheld that mounts at the same place/height as a standard showerhead, so the one showerhead can be used as/when desired as a standard showerhead or a handheld, or

(2) install a slide bar adjacent to a mounted showerhead, with a handheld attached to the slidebar, so it can be used as just the handheld in one’s hand, or the handheld in position anyplace on the slide bar, with or without the mounted showerhead simultaneously (I know if simultaneous use, the water pressure decreases).

These are both small bathrooms, and one will eventually have an older person using.

Option 2 seems better and more flexible, but is more expensive and I question how often the slide bar will be used (if I’m being honest I question how much any handheld will be used, but that may be because I’ve never had that option in my shower).

Would appreciate input from those who have or had these options in their bathrooms. Is it worth springing for the slide bar, especially if it is a smallish shower. Likewise, are there any downsides to a handheld “mounted” as the only showerhead (because of course a third unnamed option is bypass all of this and just install standard mounted showerheads).

[Anonymous]

Since you are renovating the showers go with the wall mount and the separate hand shower on the slide bar.
The handheld that mounts is often too high up for short people or people that need a shower stool to sit on.
The handheld one on the high mount is also hard to position properly and the hose thing that the water flows through gets in the way.

You will use the hand held on the slide bar more often that you think. IT is lovely for just washing your feet.
It also makes rinsing your shower tile so easy when you are cleaning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since you are renovating the showers go with the wall mount and the separate hand shower on the slide bar.
The handheld that mounts is often too high up for short people or people that need a shower stool to sit on.
The handheld one on the high mount is also hard to position properly and the hose thing that the water flows through gets in the way.

You will use the hand held on the slide bar more often that you think. IT is lovely for just washing your feet.
It also makes rinsing your shower tile so easy when you are cleaning.

This is exactly the kind of information I was seeking. Thanks for the detailed reply.
- OP

[Anonymous]

The slide bar is a pain in the neck and won’t get used. I replaced my handheld with one that’s a magnetic attachment and it’s wonderful. Easy on and off.

Next time I re-do a bathroom I’m adding a steam shower unit. Have you considered that?

[Anonymous]

This is what you need. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GROHE-2-spray-8-25-in-Dual-Shower-Head-and-Handheld-Shower-Head-in-Chrome-26123001/305325014
Just don't forget to remove flow restrictors once they are installed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The slide bar is a pain in the neck and won’t get used. I replaced my handheld with one that’s a magnetic attachment and it’s wonderful. Easy on and off.

Next time I re-do a bathroom I’m adding a steam shower unit. Have you considered that?

Thanks for this information. Why do you say the slide bar is a pain? Did you never bother moving the handheld to different heights, is that what you mean?

I don’t plan to do a steam shower as making a spa-like shower isn’t the reason I’m looking to add a handheld, but thanks for the suggestion.

- OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is what you need. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GROHE-2-spray-8-25-in-Dual-Shower-Head-and-Handheld-Shower-Head-in-Chrome-26123001/305325014
Just don't forget to remove flow restrictors once they are installed.

Appreciate this link, but I am not a fan of those overhead showerhead styles as they don’t permit you to angle the shower how you prefer.
-OP

[Anonymous]

The only shower head is a Speakman Anystream. The hose and handheld can be anything that works.