The bar size shower pump you need will be determined by the pressure requirements of your home. Understanding the significance of "bar" for shower pumps is crucial for your morning shower.

But what exactly does "bar" mean, and how do you determine the right pressure rating for your shower pump? In this guide, we'll delve into the world of shower pump pressure ratings, giving you the knowledge to make the best decision when buying a shower pump.

It may seem like a good idea to purchase a cheaper, low-pressure shower pump, but if you have a large shower head then it may fail to adequately boost the water pressure in your shower.

To help you consider which bar shower pump is right for your home, we have a few general rules that should help you make a purchase decision.

This guide will cover the following:

  • What does bar mean on a shower pump?
  • Showerhead size
  • Size of your home
  • Size of Your Cold Water Tank

What does bar mean on a shower pump?

The bar on a shower pump typically refers to the pressure rating of the pump. It indicates the amount of pressure the pump can generate to push water through the shower system. This pressure is usually measured in bars, with 1 bar being roughly equivalent to the atmospheric pressure at sea level.

When purchasing a shower pump, you'll often see a specification such as "1.5 bar" or "2.0 bar." This indicates the pressure output of the pump. Higher pressure ratings typically mean the pump can deliver water with more force, resulting in a stronger flow from the showerhead. 

However, it's important to ensure that the pressure rating of the pump is suitable for your specific shower system to avoid issues such as water leakage or damage to the fixtures.

Showerhead Size

The bigger your showerhead the more powerful the pump you will need. This is because you will need a larger flow of water, at a higher pressure, to deliver a refreshing boost at your showerhead.

The image below is a rough guide to help. Where your measurements fall between two categories, always choose the higher bar shower pump.

graphic showing what bar size shower pump you need based on the showerhead diameter

Size of Your Home

Big family homes will generally require bigger shower pumps. This is because more people will be using water outlets in your home at the same time. In larger homes, the water will have further to travel and are also likely to have larger showerheads.

We’ve detailed some general rules below, but there are likely to be exceptions to these rules.

graphic showing you which shower pump to get for your different size home

A small flat

If you’re living in a small flat, apartment or house as a bachelor/bachelorette or with one partner, then you will generally need to purchase a shower pump with 1.0 to 1.5 bar pressure. You should also consider the size of your showerhead. If your showerhead is quite large, then you may need a pump with a bit more pressure.

A small family (2 Bedroom House)

A young, small family in a smaller house will generally need something around 2.0 bar of pressure. You may be able to get away with 1.5 bar, but again it will really depend on the size of your showerhead. For a normal shower with low-pressure issues, we would recommend a 2.0 bar shower pump.

A family of four (3 Bedroom House)

The average family of four in a standard semi-detached house will need a shower pump of around 3.0 bars of pressure. And again, if the showerhead is quite large, over 10cm in diameter, or has booster jets, then we recommend going for the higher pressure shower pump.

Multiple showers

If you live in a more modern home with multiple showers in use at one time, then we suggest purchasing a pump with at least 3.0 bars of pressure. If the showerheads are quite large, or have a booster or massage function, then you should consider even 3.6 bars and above.

Size of Your Cold Water Tank

You should also check the size of your cold water tank. You will need at least a 50 gallon (225 litres) water tank to supply any shower pump upwards of 1.5 bar. A shower pump above this bar will use all your water before you’ve even got in the shower. For bigger homes using a powerful shower pump, you should consider installing an even bigger tank to ensure you have adequate water supplies.

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.