Replacing shower and thinking bout Shower Pump

Goozer16

I'm replacing a burnt out electric shower in my ensuite. I have the same shower operational in my main bathroom (ensuite and bathroom upstairs) and the pressure in both was always terrible.
So....was thinking bout a pump shower in my ensuite (Mira Elite) then got to thinking bout a shower pump in the attic to feed both showers. Hotpress pretty tight for space. What do I do? Negative head pump? Feeding hot and cold to showers? Maybe not needed as I have one electric shower working.
What sort of pump do I get, what do I feed off it and what's the best shower to put in my ensuite?

Thanks for all suggestions in advance.

air

How much head have you got between your cold tank and your shower head?
If you do decided to go with a pumped shower I'd go with one for each individual shower as in my (limited) experience they are a lot quieter than those which pressurise the whole system.

Goozer16

not sure exactly....but I wasn't aware that the Mira Elite will heat and pump so maybe that's the answer?

air

There is some discussion on pumped vs electric in this recent thread:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=75355286

Goozer16

Yep - cheers for that and very informative. Of course the plumber I talked to yesterday is going to suggest (already has) the pumped shower option (as in Mira Elite or something) because it's easiest for him.

My thoughts would be along the attic pump (1.5 bar) and the mixer showers...but in the summer I'd have to be more aware of what's in the hot water cylinder. 5 people for showers, highly irregular, twice a day for me if I'm going out gigging that night...teenagers...

The Mira may be actually be the most efficient, cost effective option for me...

Say you?

air

Personally I think electric showers are only of use for very infrequent use. 5 showers a day is a good amount of usage and personally I wouldn't consider an electric shower for it.

A lot is made of standing losses on hot water tanks but these can be reduced a lot and are only an issue for half the year if your hot tank is inside your house because during the heating season the losses contribute to heating your house. It also means you have hot water for your sinks and gives you the option to use multiple heat sources down the line - solar, solid fuel or whatever.

As you say electric showers are simple to fit and that along with the convenience factor are why people go for them. Furthermore, in my opinion when smart meters are introduced they will almost certainly penalise high power usage at peak times. Showers are generally taken at peak times (morning & evening) and an electric shower is pretty much the highest power electrical device ever used in a domestic situation.

Joey the lips

I would keep the mira elite in one bathroom as its an instantanious shower and no stored water is required. I would fit a power shower on the wall in the other.

That way you can pump your stored water. Wont need to use your hot press or attic so wont need a negative head pump and will have the benefit of an instantanious shower if you forget to set the heating.

An aquastream thermostatic power shower is the dogs...Imported by M T Agencies in finglas.

A close second is the New team power shower imported by KMT Wholesales Kilkenny

Goozer16

Thanks a lot guys. Joey I think that's the way to go alright...
Cheers for the help