');pd.close(); }else {if(!omw)pWin[wp].location.href=imgs[0];} if((acT&&acT>0)||(slT&&slT>0&&isSL)){if(pWin[wp].document.body)pWin[wp].document.body.onunload=function(){if(acH)window.clearInterval(acH);if(slH)window.clearInterval(slH)}} if(acT&&acT>0)acH=window.setTimeout("pWin["+wp+"].close()",acT*1000);if(slT&&slT>0&&isSL)slH=window.setTimeout("if(pWin["+wp+"].nImg)pWin["+wp+"].nImg()",slT*1000); if(pu&&pu!=""){pWin[wp].blur();window.focus()} else pWin[wp].focus();document.MM_returnValue=(il&&il!="")?false:true; } //-->

29 November 2002 Power Showers There is nothing quite like an invigorating power shower to awaken the senses and induce an all over feeling of well being. In the morning, after work or after sport, power showers are now a part of everyday life for people of all ages. And the popularity of these shower systems has led to a steady stream of increased sales for leading bathroom supplier Norman & Underwood in Leicester. Rob Betts, bathroom showroom manager at the company’s St Peter’s Lane premises, said the growth in sales was partly attributable to the current trend for en-suite shower rooms. He added: “Many homes now have en-suite shower rooms and once people have experienced a power shower that’s the sort of system they prefer. “Similarly, people get used to high pressure showers while abroad on holiday. When they return home they are keen to buy one of their own.” In addition to the high performance benefits of opting for a power shower, design is also a serious consideration for many consumers. Mr Betts said: “Our Axor Hansgrohe range, for example, includes products designed by renowned designers such as Philippe Starck. “In the same way that people choose bathroom suites by top names such as Villeroy & Boch (also available from Norman & Underwood), they also look for similar design prestige when buying a shower system.” Power showers are available in a wide price band, with ranges starting from £650 up to £6,000 depending on performance and the number of special features they incorporate. For example, Hansgrohe’s range includes the ultimate shower package offering every possible choice of shower combination. This package has a hand shower, hose and wall bar, together with an overhead shower and four body showers – plus a diverter control that allows any two shower functions to be selected at any one time. From a visual perspective, the designs available extend to a complete bathroom range from matching basin mixer through to robe hooks. Showerheads and switches also come in a variety of styles and sizes to continue the design theme – be it contemporary or traditional. Safety, comfort and reliability are also key features of power showers, with the latest systems incorporating fail-safe thermostats to control water temperature. Mr Betts added: “Depending on the system installed, power showers use between 18 to 45 litres of water a minute, so a large tank is required if you like to stay in the shower for a long time.” However, some Hansgrohe showers, for example, feature water-saving options that allow water flow from jets to be reduced. Spray modes offered by the latest designs also include a pulsating, vigorous spray to massage away aches and pains and an aerated option that produces soft, bubbly spray. Mr Betts added: “A few years ago, power shower sales were fairly seasonal, with people installing them during the spring and summer. These days, though, power showers are an all year round-purchase as more people discover their high performance benefits.” back to top back to previous page   11-27 Freeschool Lane, Leicester LE1 4FX, England tel: 0116 251 5000 fax: 0116 253 2669 e-mail: [email protected]