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1. Showerhead ratings. In 1992 the US Energy Policy and Conservation Act declared that no showerhead could go over the maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at 80 pounds per square inch (psi). This standard ensures that these fixtures will save more water than older fixtures, up to 74 gallons per person per shower each day. The gpm rating on a showerhead can be lower but can never go above the 2.5 standard. Imported showerheads do not have this restriction so it is important to look for the rating if you are concerned about your water use. The less water you use the more money you will save on your energy and water bills. 

 2. Fixed showerhead. The fixed showerhead is the most basic style. Fixed showerheads are mounted on the wall permanently. They are usually placed at the height of the average person which can be uncomfortable for short or tall people. The advantage of this style is that you can change the shower nozzle if you decide you want one that is more powerful, has more options or saves water. 

 3. Handheld showerhead. A handheld showerhead hangs from a bracket that screws into the existing wall shower pipe and has a long tube or hose that allows you a multitude of range and motion. Handheld models come in different sprays, styles and finishes. These are especially handy if you have young children or pets and for cleaning the tub or shower stall. 

 4. Adjustable arm showerhead. An adjustable arm showerhead is great for people who are taller or shorter than the average person. The adjustable arm is attached directly to the shower pipe and can move up and down for the desired height. A shower nozzle is attached to the end and it can come in a variety of sprays or multiple sprays in one. 

5. Variety of finishes. Showerheads come in a variety of finishes and styles to suit your decorating needs. They can come in plastic, chrome, stainless steel, brass, nickel, porcelain and the many versions of each like brushed or polished. Prices reflect the finish you choose ranging anywhere from 8.99 to 1000.00. With this variety available you are sure to find the right style of showerhead for you. 

 6. Cut-off valve. A cut-off valve on a showerhead is a small handle that allows you to slow down or turn off the water spray while you shampoo, suds up, or shave your legs. This saves on the amount of water you are using in your shower. Many showerheads come with an attached valve but you can also buy the valve separately. This attaches to the shower pipe before you screw on the showerhead. A cut-off valve can also be nice if you have high pressure and want to lower the pressure for comfort during your shower. You can install your own cut-off valve for under 10.00. 

 7. Low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads are not what they used to be. Models today have excellent pressure while saving on your use of water. There are two styles to choose from, low-flow aerating or the non-aerating style. The low-flow aerating showerhead maintains a steady flow by mixing air into the water stream. The non-aerating low-flow showerhead uses a pulse flow like a massaging showerhead to give you the feeling of high pressure. If you use a low-flow aerating showerhead you can reduce your water consumption by 50% and your energy cost of heating the water up to 50%. 

 8. Low pressure showerhead. Not all homes have water pressure at 80psi and this can cause your current showerhead to produce a very low pressure spray. There are showerheads made especially for low pressure situations. These showerheads make the most of your current water pressure even if it is as low as 3psi. Low pressure showerheads can be purchased for as little as 20.00. 

 9. High pressure showerheads. You can still have a high pressure shower without sacrificing your energy bills. Many manufacturers make high pressure showerheads that use a special flow pattern to give you a high pressure shower without going over the gpm standards. Be sure to check the gpm rating before purchasing because some foreign brands do not follow the ratings and you may be wasting as much as 10gpm with their high pressure showerheads. 

10. Variety of spray styles. There is a multitude of spray styles available to suit just about everyones taste. There is the large round showerhead that delivers a drenching rain pattern and the many styles of massaging showerheads. The fine mist pattern and the sharp spray are very popular styles. You can also find duel showerheads and triple showerheads for a completely relaxing experience. Many showerheads come with multiple spray selections so you dont have to choose just one. You might even try a showerhead at each end of the shower for the ultimate showering experience. 

Whether you use the shower as a relaxing experience or as an invigorating wake-up call you are sure to find the right showerhead for you, from our selection of shower heads.