Do you want to install a spa-style shower tower in your bathroom without having to do lots of plumbing work?
The ANZZI Retrofit Shower Panel provides the easiest way to install a massage shower because you simply connect it to the existing shower head pipe. (You also don’t have to run plumbing through the ceiling to enjoy a rainshower.)
How Do You Install a Retrofit Shower Panel Yourself?
First, you disconnect your old showerhead and arm. Then, decide where you want to hang your panel and screw the hanging brackets into the wall.
Next, connect the adjustable hose on the retrofit panel to the existing pipe in the wall. The end of the hose has a round cover that conceals any imperfections in the wall opening.
This short shower panel is designed to work with your current on/off valve that controls the hot and cold water. Therefore, you don’t have to remove your old valve.
That said, you’ll need to position the shower panel either above or beside the valve. The good news is that this model has a flexible water hose that gives you more versatility as far as where to set up your unit.
As you can see, this DIY home improvement project is fairly straightforward. In fact, many people choose retrofit showers because they can install these units themselves without having to pay a plumber or contractor.
Note: You can save a bunch of time and money, yet you still get to enjoy many of the benefits of a full-length shower panel. These smaller panels even include the shower wand attachment!
You’ll Like this Shower Even More with its Easy-Care Design:
Similar to many other full-size massage showers, this model has a low-maintenance design. For example, the finish has a special “nano technology” coating that minimizes finger prints, water spots and dust.
In addition, nozzles on the rainshower and wall jets are made of silicone. As a result, you can rub your fingers across them occasionally and easily loosen any mineral deposits.
This only takes a few seconds and will keep water flowing freely without mineral buildup.
Specs for the Retrofit Shower Panel:
- Dimensions: 38″ Tall x 6″ Wide x 18.125″ Deep
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Material: 304 stainless steel
- Finish: Matte (with chrome wand)
- 2 Wall Massage Jets
- UPC/c-UPC certified
- Installation Instructions
- Model #: SP-AZ057
- Manufacturer: ANZZI
- For Sale: Where to Buy the Retrofit Panel
The video below demonstrates how to install a retrofit shower step by step:
Valore 7 has Jets & Showerhead that Pivot:
Valore makes another easy-to-install panel that works virtually the same way as the model above. However, this version is significantly shorter and therefore can be installed in more compact bathrooms.
This smaller shower panel also costs less, even though you get the rain shower, the jet and a separate handheld sprayer. For this price and easy installation, it’s a great deal for people who want to try out a shower panel.
Specs for the Effusion Shower Panel System:
- Dimensions: 26 1/2 Tall x 4 3/4″ Wide x 19 7/8″ Deep
- Weight: 14 lbs
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- Finish: Stainless Steel
- 1 large Wall Massage Jet
- UPC/c-UPC certified
- Manufacturer: Valore
- For Sale: Where to Buy the Valore 7 Shower Tower
Want to Update Your On/Off Valve?
Because this shower spa is designed to be used with an existing mixing valve, it doesn’t come with one if its own. Therefore, if this is a new installation (or you want to replace your existing valve), you’ll need to purchase one.
This mixing valve has a square-shaped design and comes with a square stainless cover plate to better match the panel.
Vigo Gardenia & Orchid Retrofit Shower Tower Panels:
In addition, Vigo makes 2 more retrofit shower panels that work with your current on/off handle. Therefore, you can modernize your bathroom with a massage style shower while saving money at the same time.
As you can tell by the photo above, both models look virtually the same in size, style and finish. However, the Orchid features square fixtures, while the Gardenia has round.
They both measure approximately 39 inches long, have an industrial stainless steel finish, a rainshower head and 2 massage jets. In addition, they both have a water flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute, so you can get a relaxing, therapeutic shower in either.
The premium stainless steel finish resists rust and corrosion, plus the interior components are solid brass. In other words, you can use these showers daily with minimal maintenance and a long life.
Another way to do a “DIY Upgrade” in your bathroom is with faux concrete shower panels. Not only do they have a sophisticated and industrial look, but they cost less than traditional shower renovations.
