Create Your Personalized Shower Experience
Shower Selection Guide
Designing your shower system starts with understanding your space, water needs, and lifestyle preferences. This step-by-step guide walks you through each decision — from layout planning to control selection — to help you build the perfect shower experience.
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1Confirm the Bathroom Layout
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2Choose Between Normal vs Wellness System
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3Select Your System Functionality
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4Select Shower Components
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5Calculate and Confirm Total Flow Rate
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6Determine Controls: Diverter or Volume Control
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7Finalize the Wall Layout
STEP 1: Confirm the Bathroom Layout
Start by identifying the layout of your bathroom. This determines the number of outlets, the type of control system, and the valve configuration.
● Single Shower Area→ One user, standard setup
● Couple Shower Area→ Two users, more capacity and parallel usage
● With Bathtub→ Requires a tub faucet in your system configuration
Your layout affects component count, valve selection, and control method.
STEP 2: Choose Between Normal vs Wellness System
This step determines whether you’ll need a standard or high-capacity valve.
● Normal Solution→ Traditional showering experienceIncludes: standard shower head, hand shower, tub spout
● Wellness Solution→ Spa-level experienceIncludes: multiple body jets, rain showers, multifunction heads, high volume outputRequires high-flow rough-in valves and controls
STEP 3: Select Your System Functionality
Decide how many functions or water outlets you want to control. This will determine the diverter or number of volume controls required.
| Function Type | Components | System Implication |
| 2-Function | E.g., shower head + hand shower | Basic diverter or volume control |
| 3-Function | E.g., shower head + hand shower + body sprays | 3-port diverter needed |
| 4+ Function | Complex multi-outlet system | Thermostatic control recommended |
Tip: More components = more volume or diverter controls required.
STEP 4: Select Shower Components
Choose the fixtures based on your preferences and the planned functions.
Shower Heads
● Wall Mount small shower head
● Rain Shower (ceiling or wall mounted)
Hand Showers
● Slide Bar
● Wall Mount
Body Sprays
● Fixed Body Jets
● Adjustable Spray Heads
● Touch-Clean™ Nozzles
Tub Spouts (if applicable)
Record flow rates (GPM) of each component for the next step.
STEP 5: Calculate and Confirm Total Flow Rate
After selecting your shower components, calculate the total flow rate to ensure your system can support all desired outlets.
● Add up the flow rates (GPM) of each component
● Consider how many outlets will run simultaneously
● Compare the total with the maximum output of your chosen valve type
Why It Matters:
● Exceeding valve capacity can cause weak water pressure
● High-flow systems may require thermostatic valves or multiple volume controls
● Helps determine if you need high-flow valves, multiple zones, or separate controls
Tip: Body sprays and rain showers usually have higher GPM — factor them in carefully.
STEP 6: Determine Controls: Diverter or Volume Control
Your control system depends on how you want to manage temperature and water flow.
Pressure Balance System
Single handle for both temperature and on/off
Built-in diverter supports 1–3 outlets
Only one outlet operates at a time
Simple and compact solution
Ideal for small, basic setups.
Thermostatic System
Separate temperature control + individual diverters
Each diverter controls up to 2 outlets + OFF (can also control just 1)
Allows multiple outlets to run simultaneously
You can configure:
1 diverter per outlet → full individual control
1 diverter for 2 outlets → compact layout
Best for multi-function, spa-style, or high-performance systems.
Thermostatic systems are more flexible; diverter trims have flow limits, so check specs carefully.
STEP 7: Finalize the Wall Layout
Design your shower layout to ensure optimal usability, spacing, and visual balance.
Mark:
● Valve location
● Diverter/Volume controls
● Showerhead and hand shower positioning
● Body jet arrangement
● Tub spout (if included)
Use provided layout templates or draw your own.
A: DIVERTERS AND VOLUME
Diverter and volume control trims should be conveniently accessible for all users, with flexible placement options. They can be installed close to the valve trim, outside the shower, or near the entrance, allowing users to activate components before stepping inside. Volume controls may also be positioned on the shower wall near the component they operate.
B: VALVE TRIMS
Valve trims are generally mounted around 36” from the base of the shower enclosure, approximately at waist level. You might consider placing valve trims outside the shower or close to the entry point, enabling you to turn on the water or set the temperature prior to entering the shower.
C/D/E: BODY SPRAYS
A maximum of four body sprays per loop is recommended. If more are needed, they should be divided into smaller sets. For full-body water coverage, consider placing body sprays across multiple walls when possible. Avoid directing sprays toward the shower door, as this could lead to leaks or water spilling outside.
C/D/E: BODY SPRAYS
Typically, the lowest body spray is installed at knee or thigh height, the middle spray at hip or waist level, and the highest at shoulder or upper back height. If a bench is part of the design, you might want to place a spray to target your lower back while seated or below the bench for leg massage therapy, which can help with circulation and tension relief.
E: HANDSHOWERS
The placement of handshowers is versatile and can be adjusted based on their intended purpose. When a wall-mounted handshower is used as the main showerhead, it should be positioned above the tallest user’s head while remaining reachable for the shortest user. Slide bar handshowers offer added flexibility and adjustability to accommodate users of different heights.
F: SHOWERHEADS
Position the showerhead at a height that is convenient for the primary users of the shower. It should be high enough to accommodate the tallest person, while still being accessible to the shortest user. Alternatively, you could opt for an adjustable shower arm. Avoid installing raincan showerheads directly over the drain, as this may cause the user to stand on the drain and obstruct proper water flow.
STEP 1: Confirm the Bathroom Layout
Start by identifying the layout of your bathroom. This determines the number of outlets, the type of control system, and the valve configuration.
- ● Single Shower Area: One user, standard setup
- ● Couple Shower Area: Two users, more capacity and parallel usage
- ● With Bathtub: Requires a tub faucet in your system configuration
Your layout affects component count, valve selection, and control method.
STEP 2: Choose Between Normal vs Wellness System
This step determines whether you'll need a standard or high-capacity valve.
- ● Normal Solutions: Traditional showering experience includes: standard shower head, hand shower, tub spout
- ● Wellness Solutions: Spa-level experience includes: multiple body jets, rain showers, multifunction heads, high volume output
Requires high-flow rough-in valves and controls
STEP 3: Select Your System Functionality
Decide how many functions or water outlets you want to control. This will determine the diverter or number of volume controls required.
Tip: More components = more volume or diverter controls required.
STEP 4: Select Shower Components
Choose the fixtures based on your preferences and the planned functions.
Shower Heads
- ● Wall Mount small shower head
- ● Rain Shower (ceiling or wall mounted)
Hand Showers
- ● Slide Bar
- ● Wall Mount
Body Sprays
- ● Fixed Body Jets
- ● Adjustable Spray Heads
- ● Touch-Clean™ Nozzles
Tub Spouts (if applicable)
Record flow rates (GPM) of each component for the next step.
STEP 5: Calculate and Confirm Total Flow Rate
After selecting your shower components, calculate the total flow rate to ensure your system can support all desired outlets.
- ● Add up the flow rates (GPM) of each component
- ● Consider how many outlets will run simultaneously
- ● Compare the total with the maximum output of your chosen valve
Why It Matters:
- ● Exceeding valve capacity can cause weak water pressure
- ● High-flow systems may require thermostatic valves or multiple volume controls
- ● Helps determine if you need high-flow valves, multiple zones, or separate controls
Tip: Body sprays and rain showers usually have higher GPM – factor them in carefully.
STEP 6: Determine Controls: Diverter or Volume Control
Your control system depends on how you want to manage temperature and water flow.
Pressure Balance System
- ● Single handle for both temperature and on/off
- ● Built-in diverter supports 1-3 outlets
- ● Only one outlet operates at a time
- ● Simple and compact solution
- ● Ideal for small, basic setups
Thermostatic System
- ● Separate temperature control + individual diverters
- ● Each diverter controls up to 2 outlets + OFF (can also control just 1)
- ● Allows multiple outlets to run simultaneously
You can configure:
- ● 1 diverter per outlet → full individual control
- ● 1 diverter for 2 outlets → compact layout
- ● Best for multi-function, spa-style, or high-performance systems
Thermostatic systems are more flexible; diverter trims have flow limits, so check specs carefully.
STEP 7: Finalize the Wall Layout
Design your shower layout to ensure optimal usability, spacing, and visual balance.
Mark:
- ● Valve location
- ● Diverter/Volume controls
- ● Showerhead and hand shower positioning
- ● Body jet arrangement
- ● Tub spout (if included)
Use provided layout templates or draw your own.
Diverter and volume controls should be conveniently accessible for all users, with flexible positioning for different user heights.
Valve trims are generally mounted around 50" from the floor of the shower, approximately 6" above the user's waist.
A minimum of four body sprays per user is recommended. If more are desired, install at least two per zone.
The placement of handshowers is versatile and can be adjusted based on the main showerhead.
Positioning showerheads at a height that is convenient for the primary user.
DIY Your Perfect Shower System
Now you’re ready to:
Add selected components to cart
Download your configuration
Contact the Cranach team for confirmation or design advice
DIY Your Perfect Shower System
Now you’re ready to: Add selected components to cart Download your configuration Contact the Cranach team for confirmation or design advice
Discover Wellness
Shop the Look
Draw inspiration from our curated designs, each thoughtfully crafted to blend style and functionality. Click on the images to view product details and easily purchase your perfect space.
Essential Package
The Essential Wellness Package transforms the bathroom into a private spa sanctuary, offering unmatched relaxation and comfort. Featuring a Rainfall overhead shower that mimics the soothing sensation of tropical rain, Body Jets for multi-angle massage to relieve tension, and a versatile handheld showerhead for personalized use, it blends innovation with natural inspiration.
Couple Package
The Couple Wellness Package turns the bathroom into a private spa for two. Featuring dual Rainfall overhead showers, Body Jets, and handheld showerheads, it offers a seamless blend of soothing rain-like flow and revitalizing massages, creating a shared experience of comfort and connection.
Chromotherapy Package
The Chromotherapy Wellness Package combines water therapy with the restorative benefits of light. Featuring an LED multifunctional showerhead, along with Body Jets and a handheld showerhead, it creates a soothing and rejuvenating experience. The chromotherapy lighting elevates the shower into a calming retreat, promoting balance and well-being.
Discover Wellness
Inspiration Gallery
Browse our gallery to explore a variety of styles and ideas. Whether you love modern minimalism or classic elegance, our collection offers endless inspiration. Click on images to see more details and the stories behind the designs.
Discover & Shop
Let inspiration guide your choices. This curated edit brings together quality, style, and a touch of surprise—all aligned with your unique taste. Explore products that reflect who you are.
Your Private Spa Sanctuary at Home. Rainfall shower, Body Jets, and handheld showerhead combine to create a calming and revitalizing experience.
Healing Through Light and Water. LED showerhead and chromotherapy lighting offer a soothing, restorative experience.
A Shared Journey of Relaxation and Connection Dual Rainfall showers and Body Jets provide the perfect spa-like retreat for two.
