Getting a decent shower in the morning shouldn’t cost too much. That said, with shower pump quality at least, you always get what you pay for. 

If you’re looking to buy a shower pump, the general rule is the more expensive the shower pump, the more power you get. The more power you buy, the stronger the water flow you can expect from your shower head. 

You also need to consider the materials that the pump you are purchasing is made from. The more expensive you go, the more quality you get. Cheaper pumps are made from plastic and the parts will generally suffer quicker from general wear and tear. More expensive pumps will use brass materials. Brass will last longer and also make less sound.

As the cost of pumps varies depending on make and model, it can be a tricky process deciding which one to fit into your system. Can you get the same quality and flow from a £110 pump as a £350 pump?

To help you decide, we’ve listed the best shower pumps for each pricing category.

Best Positive Head Shower Pumps Under £150

Salamander CT75 Xtra 2.0 Bar

When considering which shower pump to buy, along with the price there are two main factors which people tend to look for — ease of installation and versatility. The Salamander CT75 meets both of these criteria. Not only is it relatively straightforward to install, but it is suitable for use in a number of different shower types, including conventional models, multi-function showers and those with Victorian can-style shower heads.

Stuart Turner ShowerMate S1.5

Looking for the best quality shower pump on the market but at a bargain price? Then look no further than the Stuart Turner ShowerMate. Suitable for use in open-vented hot and cold water systems, the twin pump boosts the supply of both hot and cold water in equal measure. The ShowerMate works equally well in both single-function and multi-function showers, in addition to bath or basin mixer taps. The ShowerMate pumps from Stuart Turner also come with a two-year warranty making it the perfect budget choice.

Best Negative Head Shower Pumps Under £150

There are currently no high-quality negative head shower pumps under £150. We will keep an eye out to see what arrives on the market, but at this point, we can no longer recommend any negative head pumps at this price point.

Best Positive Head Shower Pumps Under £300

Salamander CT Force 20PT 2.0 Bar

This is one of the more expensive Salamander pumps on the market, and with the latest in patented noise vibration reduction technology – it definitely counts as money well spent. Pumping out a huge 2 bars of pressure, the twin pump boasts quality design, maximum power and reduced noise at a super low price. A “middle of the road” option that offers a powerful shower at an affordable price.

Stuart Turner ShowerMate S2.6 

If you're installing in 15mm systems, then the ShowerMate S2.6 is the ideal pump for you. Supplied with four 15mm anti vibration flexible hoses, this pump is suitable for open vented positive applications and can pump both hot and cold water supplies to a shower or bath as required.

Stuart Turner Monsoon S4.5 Bar

Packed with all the latest pumping technology you can be assured of getting the rejuvenating and invigorating morning shower you dream of with this technology. Pumping out 4.5 bar worth of pressure, the Stuart Turner Monsoon pump is brass bodied and fitted with anti-vibration feet. The premium option for the person who wants maximum pumping output in their home.

Best Negative Head Shower Pumps Under £350

Salamander CT60BU

If you’re looking for ease of installation at a bargain price, then look no further than Salamander's finest, budget negative head shower pump. Built using Salamander’s unique technology (NVR), the CT60BU has won several awards for its superb sound cancelling abilities. Another great pump with a great price to match.

Grundfos STR2-2.0 CN Twin Impeller

New to the market, Grundfos’ STR2 pump range is one of the ultimate universal (negative head capabilities) pumps on the market. This regenerative style pump has been specifically designed to minimise turbulence within the pump head, giving a quality performance with little to no noise. This smooth and reliable negative head shower pump is one of the best on the market, and it comes at an affordable price.

Best Positive Head Shower Pumps £300 or above

Salamander CT Force 30TU 3.0

Salamander is far from renowned for expensive pumps, in fact usually, you will find that Salamander’s range of shower pumps are the cheapest on the market. Surprisingly though, we’ve found the Salamander CT Force 30TU 3.0 to be one of the best available pumps on the market. The 3.0 bars worth of pressure tends to feel way more powerful than competitors and with the unique NVR technology, you are again purchasing the latest tech with ultimate power.

Grundfos Amazon STP 2.0B

Designed to the highest standard of performance and durability, the Grundfos Amazon STP 2.0B is the premium option in the low-cost category. These pumps are low noise, low vibration due to anti-vibration feet and the long life silicon carbide seals which are fitted as standard absorb any movement. This pump comes with a 5-year warranty making it a smart, budget shower pump choice.

Best Negative Head Shower Pumps £300 or above

Salamander RP75TU 2.0 Bar

Designed for the family of four in need of a serious boost, this negative head pump is one of most powerful on the market. Built on a centrifugal system, the Salamander RP75TU pushes out 2.0 bars of pressure and can work on both positive and negative head solutions.

Note: The Salamander RP75TU is the replacement model for the Salamander ESP75 CPV model.

Stuart Turner Monsoon U3.0 TechFlo QT U3.3

Nicknamed the ‘super silent’, you know what to expect with this piece of tech - pure silence. Built using Stuart Turner’s latest Monsoon technology, this centrifugal pump is suitable for pumping both hot and cold water, used in positive or negative head applications and boost water pressure for the whole home including up to 3 bathrooms.

Note: The Stuart Turner Monsoon U3.0 is the replacement model for the Stuart Turner TechFlo QT U3.3

Grundfos Amazon STN 3.0 Bar 

For the ultimate shower pump in terms of high performance and durability, look no further than the Amazon STN from Grundfos. Built using heavy duty brass impellers, these pumps are low-noise and low-vibration due and work in both positive and negative head applications.

Note: The Grundfos Amazon STN-3.0B replaces the ANHBP100D model.

Best Shower Pump Brands

The amount of choice can seem a little daunting, but in our opinion, there are three shower pump brands that stand out from the competition for their combination of high performance and low noise levels.

Stuart Turner

Stuart Turner is a major name in the pumping industry. They are the largest brand in the shower pumping market and make pumps that cover the cheap and cheerful right through to what we call “brass class”. Known for quality design made with quality parts, the company has a fantastic reputation and their Monsoon range is one of the UK’s best sellers. Made from high-quality brass, there are various models to choose from, including single-head or twin-head options, and they are all low-voltage and therefore cost-effective.

Salamander

Salamander is a technological giant of the pumping world. Investing heavily in a variety of pump tech, Salamander was recently awarded the title of the quietest shower pump on the market. Their product ranges cover both the more expensive and value options on the pumping market and are all made to the highest standards of quality.

Grundfos

As the largest heating pump manufacturer in the UK, it was only a matter of time until Grundfos branched out into the shower pump market. So far they have seen huge success as they transfer innovative pump technology from other sectors into the shower sector.
Specifically, Grundfos pumps offer carefully designed, well-constructed and thoroughly reliable pumps which are easy to install and fitted with high-density long-life carbon-graphite seals, integral controls and anti-vibration feet.

Warranty and Reliability

Stuart Turner or Salamander? Grundfos or Monsoon? Whichever type of pump you go for, you will be glad to know that Anchor Pumps offer a range of warranties that offer you and your customers peace of mind.

With Anchor Pumps, receive a 5-year warranty for a brass pump, while you will only receive a 1 or 2-year warranty for a plastic pump.

Free Advice

Shower pumps can be complicated tools, and each home will create an exception to the rule. For more dedicated advice, speak to our shower pump experts for free on: 0800 112 3134 or 0333 577 3134.

We’re open Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30 and Saturday 08:30 - 12:30.