Nothing says “spa experience” like standing under a showerhead as big as, well, your head. But while indoor rain showers may seem like only a perk for the posh, you can actually have the same experience in your own home. Since 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has required that every showerhead sold in America have a flow of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less. That means a fancy dinner-plate-sized rainforest showerhead has just as much flow as a handheld nozzle. But how can this be? How can a spa showerhead seem to have so much more water pressure than your home showerhead? Here are the secrets to making your home showers more luxurious—without increasing your water usage.

Feel the Pressure

Some states require even lower flows than the EPA standards, meaning that you can buy showerheads with 2 gpm or even 1 gpm flows. That’s caused showerhead manufacturers to get creative. They’ve developed ways to channel the water once it enters the showerhead that makes it feel like you’re getting much more flow. These processes are so sophisticated that some manufacturers have patented them. The downside to all of this secrecy means you’ll have to do some research to find the showerheads with the most pressure. Look for words like “high pressure,” “high efficiency” or “pressure-compensating” on the label, or read the product description.

Consider the Spray Pattern

A luxurious shower may mean different things to different people. Some might like a gentle rain, while others like a pounding massage. That’s why it’s important to choose a spray pattern that fits your desires. Or, if multiple people with multiple requirements use a single showerhead, opt for one that can adjust its spray patterns.

The most common spray patterns include:

• Wide. Water sprays out of each nozzle at the same speed and consistency. This is the default setting for most showerheads.
• Targeted. Water comes out strongly from a few nozzles. This is good for massaging sore muscles.
• Pulsating. Water comes out from multiple nozzles in alternating patterns. This is good for an overall massage.
• Rinse. Water comes out from the central nozzle. This is good for soaking.

Analyze the Air

If your definition of a luxurious shower is one with plenty of water pressure, choose an aerating showerhead. These heads mix air into the water stream, which maintains an even, steady flow. The spray tends to be mist-like, making aerating showerheads a good choice if you like steamy, rainwater-type showers.

Your other option is a laminar-flow showerhead, in which streams of water flow out of numerous nozzles. These showerheads are a good option if you like more of a massage feel.

It takes a little research to turn your low-flow showerhead into a luxury experience. But the benefit for both you and the planet that comes from using less water can make this time well spent.

Visit our Save Energy and Water Program page to request a free water-saving kit including a new showerhead, faucet aerators and more.

Check out our showerhead installation video here.