All About Shower Spray Selections

A good shower can turn a good day into a great one!

With shower head manufacturers competing to be the best in the business, there are a dizzying array of shower spray options. With so many spray options, how can you choose? At the ShowerStore.com, we have decades of experience and have watched shower sprays progress over the years. There are some fundamental ways to form a spray pattern. And most sprays are based on these fundamentals. So let’s take a look at what makes a shower spray and what they are good for so you can get the showerhead with the sprays that you want.

Regular spray

The “regular” spray is the thing we are all familiar with: a spray of water coming at us from a shower head. All shower heads have a regular spray. There are two basic ways of forming a regular spray: A channel patterns where each pray is directed out of a hole (think garden watering can), or a random pattern where water is shot out randomly (think of a basic garden sprinkler). You can tell the difference by looking for individual spray streams versus a random spray pattern.

Directed hole pattern



A directed hole spray offers a rounder, softer droplet. These sprays maintain their water temperature better than the alternative random spray, which means you can save on your gas or electric bill because you use less hot water. They feel gentler on the skin, although in some adjustable spray models they can be made needly for a more invigorating effect.

Random spray pattern



A random spray pattern is what many of us are familiar with from a gym locker room or a navy shower. These sprays direct a burst of water into a cone, which comes out in a random spray pattern. These showerheads offer an invigorating effect because the spray drops are smaller. The Oxygenics shower head uses this approach with added air. Most showers offering this type of spray are less expensive models because the pattern is easier to make. They are sometimes sold as high-pressure shower heads because it feels like there is more pressure coming out of the showerhead.

Massage Spray



The "massage" spray pattern is based on a spray jet that pulsates out of a small number of holes. One set of holes is temporally covered as water exits another set of holes, then those holes are opened as another set is closed. This pattern continues and creates a pulsating jet of water, which may help relieve stress. It may also relieve some minor aches and pains. ALWAYS CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE TREATING ACHES AND PAINS WITH THESE OR ANY OTHER PRODUCTS. When used underwater, the pulsating effect splashes less and may be more comforting.

Aeration spray



The "aeration spray" – sometimes called "Champagne" – is a flow of water that has been infused with air. Tiny air bubbles make this spray pattern super soft. It’s great for bathing infants, or for people with sensitive skin.

Mist Spray



The "mist" spray pattern is created by forcing water through tiny holes. As the water exits, it breaks apart into millions of tiny droplets. These droplets rapidly loose their heat. They also evaporate quickly leaving the bather with a cooling sensation. The mist spray is great for hot summer days, or after a long, hard workout. Many mist sprays give you a tingling sensation, which helps invigorate the body.

Other Sprays

Center Jet or Intense Spray



A “center jet” is a regular spray that has been concentrated into a small area. These are great for getting shampoo out of hair quickly.

Combination sprays



Combination sprays are often a regular spray combined with another spray. The pattern provides another option for the bather. Some manufacturers name these sprays “combination”, or they may give them a unique name like “surf massage”.

Twirling sprays



The Moen Revolution Shower Massage offers a twirling shower spray. In addition to being fun to look at, their effect is to draw a circle on your body. This pattern is like a regular spray or massage, but it moves in a circular pattern creating a different effect than a fixed version of the same spray.

Buy Moen Revolution Massage Shower Head on ShowerStore.com