Power, Electric or Pumped Shower? Pros, Cons & Costs
Power vs Electric vs Pumped Showers: Pros, Cons & Costs Power shower systems use a built-in pump to increase water pressure, delivering a stronger and more consistent flow than standard or electric showers. They draw both hot and cold water from storage tanks, making them ideal for gravity-fed systems with low pressure. However, they can’t be used with combi boilers and typically consume more water and energy than electric showers (source: Viessmann UK)) Power Shower vs Electric Shower vs Pumped Shower: Pros, Cons & Costs Not sure whether a power shower, electric shower, or pumped shower is right for your home? This straightforward guide compares the pros, cons, and costs of each option — plus which one works best for Dublin water systems. Whether you’re dealing with low pressure, planning a bathroom upgrade, or replacing an old unit, you’ll get clear answers to help you choose with confidence. 💡 Quick Comparison Table Here’s a side-by-side look at the three most common shower types and how they stack up: Feature Electric Shower Power Shower Pumped Shower Built‑in pump ❌ ✅ ❌ (external pump) Boosts water pressure ❌ ✅ (Best for low pressure with mains) ✅(Best for low pressure with gravity-fed) Works with gravity‑fed ✅ ✅ ✅ Needs cold mains ✅(Best for quick installation) ✅ ❌ Average cost (Dublin) €250–€450 €450–€700 €500–€900+ Want to know what’s involved in setting any of these up? We cover that in our Guide to Shower Pump Installation. 🚿 What’s an Electric Shower? Electric showers are great if you want something simple, reliable, and cost-effective. They heat cold water on demand—no hot water tank needed—which means you can enjoy a hot shower even if your boiler’s on the blink. They’re also quick to install and popular in smaller homes or apartments with good mains pressure. Why choose electric? They’re budget-friendly Easy to install or replace Work independently of your hot water system What to watch out for: Pressure can feel a bit weak if your mains supply is low They won’t solve low-pressure issues on their own If you’re dealing with poor pressure, we’ve got a few tips in our post on how to prevent airlocks in your shower pump that might help. 🔊 What’s a Power Shower? Power showers are like the confident big sibling of electric showers. They come with a built-in pump that boosts your water pressure straight out of the box—perfect if you’ve got a traditional gravity-fed system with low flow. Unlike electric showers, they draw both hot and cold water from your home’s tank. That gives you a lovely, strong stream of water without needing high-pressure mains. Why go for a power shower? Built-in pump gives better pressure Great for older homes with water tanks More luxurious showering experience Keep in mind: Can’t be used with combi boilers Slightly noisier than other systems Higher energy use than electric models If you’re planning to install one yourself—or just want to know what’s involved—our Shower Pump Installation Guide walks you through it step by step. 💪 What’s a Pumped Shower? A pumped shower gives you even more control. Instead of a built-in pump like the power shower, it uses a separate external shower pump to boost the pressure to a standard mixer shower. This setup is ideal when you’re trying to upgrade pressure in an older home, or you want a bit more freedom to choose your own shower fixtures. Why choose a pumped system? Tailored to your setup (e.g. large homes or multi-bathroom layouts) Can deliver seriously good pressure Lets you pair with designer shower heads or digital controls Things to know: Slightly more complex to install Needs space for the external pump May require professional help if you’re not confident with plumbing If you’re replacing an old pump or planning an upgrade, our Step-by-Step Guide on Replacing a Shower Pump is a good place to start. 💶 What’s the Cost Difference? Let’s talk money—because your budget matters just as much as your water pressure. Here’s a rough idea of what each system might set you back in Dublin (as of 2025), including both the unit and a standard installation: Electric Shower: €250–€450 Power Shower: €450–€700 Pumped Shower: €500–€900+ (depending on setup complexity) Pumped showers tend to cost more upfront due to the external pump and extra plumbing. But if you’re battling really poor pressure, they’re often worth every cent. We also get a lot of questions about specific brands. If you’re wondering whether spending more on a brand like Stuart Turner is worth it, check out our post on Stuart Turner’s Best-Selling Shower Pumps. It’s packed with pros, cons, and real-world feedback from Irish homes. 🤔 Which One’s Right for You? Still unsure? That’s totally normal. A lot depends on your plumbing setup—and what you want out of your shower experience. Here’s a quick way to decide: If your pressure is decent and you want something simple → go with an electric shower If you’ve got gravity-fed tanks and want more power → a power shower is your friend If you want full control, strong pressure, and flexibility → you’ll want a pumped system Also think about your long-term plans. If you’re doing a bathroom renovation or planning to add a second shower down the line, investing in a pumped system now could save you hassle later. Still on the fence? No pressure—pun intended. We’re always happy to give personalised advice. Drop us a message and we’ll help you find the best option based on your home and budget. 🔁 Recap Let’s bring it all together: Electric showers are simple, affordable, and easy to install. Great if your water pressure is already decent. Power showers include a built-in pump and work best with gravity-fed systems. Ideal for older homes that need more punch. Pumped showers use an external shower pump to give you full flexibility and powerful water flow. Perfect for custom setups or homes with low pressure throughout. Each one has a place. The “right” choice really depends on what