Shower Pump Reviews UK 2026
Stuart Turner, Aqualisa, Salamander & More Compared
Honest comparison with real customer reviews. When pumps work, when they DON'T, and which brand is right for your Hampshire home.
CRITICAL: When Shower Pumps CANNOT Be Installed
Before considering any shower pump purchase, you MUST check your hot water system type. Installing a pump on the wrong system can cause catastrophic damage.
Combi Boiler Systems
NEVER install a pump. Combi boilers are sealed systems. A pump would cause pressure changes that could lead to boiler implosion.
Unvented Hot Water Systems
NEVER install a pump. These take water directly from mains. A pump would create a partial vacuum risking catastrophic cylinder implosion.
Direct Mains Connection
NOT suitable. Mixer and power showers should never be connected directly to mains water without a break tank.
When Shower Pumps CAN Be Installed
Shower pumps are suitable ONLY for conventional gravity-fed systems
Gravity-Fed Systems (Vented)
You can install a shower pump if you have:
- A cold water storage tank in your loft or roof space
- A hot water cylinder in an airing cupboard
- Both hot and cold water supplied by gravity from the tank
Quick test: If filling a 1-litre jug from your cold tap takes more than 8 seconds, you likely have a gravity-fed system that would benefit from a pump.
Positive Head Pump
Use when: Your cold water tank is at least 600mm above your shower head.
- • Relies on gravity to start water flowing
- • Needs minimum 2 litres/min natural flow
- • Best for standard bathrooms below the loft
- • Price: £150-£300
Negative Head (Universal)
Use when: Your tank is less than 600mm above or at the same level as your shower.
- • Pressurises pipework to detect when tap opens
- • Works without gravity assistance
- • Ideal for loft conversions, en-suites
- • Price: £300-£600+
Complete Brand Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of 6 leading UK shower pump brands
| Brand | Rating | Reviews | Warranty | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stuart Turner Best Premium Choice | ★4.6/5 | 568 | 5 years (Monsoon) | £160-£400+ | Premium quality & longevity |
 Aqualisa Best for Longevity | ★4.6/5 | 12,463 | 3-5 years | £400-£800+ | Integrated power showers |
 Salamander Best Customer Service | ★4.1/5 | 2,541 | 2-5 years | £100-£350 | Customer service & support |
 Grundfos Quietest Pump | ★4.5/5 | Various | 2 years | £200-£450 | Quiet operation |
 Bristan Best Budget Choice | ★5/5 | 4,000 | 3-5 years | £150-£300 | Budget-friendly reliability |
 Mira Best for Mira Systems | ★4/5 | 13,000 | 2-5 years | £250-£600 | Existing Mira owners |
Stuart Turner
Pros
- Industry-leading 5-year warranty on brass pumps
- Exceptional build quality with brass construction
- Outstanding customer support praised consistently
Cons
- Higher price point than competitors
- Basic models have shorter warranty (1 year)
"Always been pretty much the best pump you can buy, but are far from cheap. Robust and well built, easy to install and quiet. A quality product that lasts for years."
— Professional Plumber, Forum Review
"Their so-called warranty isn't worth the paper it is written on. Useless!"
— Mi Windsor, December 2025
Note: Disputed due to purchase from unauthorized retailer
Aqualisa
Pros
- Exceptional product longevity (20-30 years reported)
- Integrated pump systems for easy installation
- Digital shower options with smart features
Cons
- Customer service wait times can be long
- Premium pricing for all products
"The best shower on the market, just replaced my last Aqualisa after more than 30 years service."
— Mr Coulbeck, January 2026
"That's 4 engines in 10 years... I'll be avoiding Aqualisa like the plague as showers only last 2-3 years."
— D. Ham, January 2026
Salamander
Pros
- Industry-leading customer service
- UK manufactured in Sunderland
- Wide range of models for all budgets
Cons
- Higher 1-star review percentage (16%)
- Some reliability concerns from professional plumbers
"Cannot recommend this company enough, especially Vikkie, who provided the most outstanding customer service and care. A few bigger companies could take lessons from Salamander."
— Lynn Rose, January 2026
"Do not get a Salamander pump. Get a Stuart Turner. Fitted probably 30-40 of these and never had an issue. Almost every Salamander I ever fitted either leaked or failed very quickly."
— 15-year experienced plumber, Forum Review
Grundfos
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet operation
- Danish engineering quality
- WRAS approved
Cons
- Customer service can be difficult to reach
- Limited UK support compared to British brands
"Knocks the socks off the Mira... how well it works and how quiet it is. No vibration. Performed brilliantly and a lot quieter than the Salamander unit."
— Product Review, November 2025
"Cannot offer any technical information regarding their pumps. Very expensive and last less than three years."
— Trustpilot Review, 2025
Bristan
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Powered by Stuart Turner engineering
- Quick customer service response
Cons
- Pumps are rebranded Stuart Turner
- Some quality concerns on shower products
"You won't go too far wrong with Bristan. Good quality and well worth paying the extra for. Don't waste your money being cheap with non-name brands."
— Screwfix Forum User, Forum Review
"The supplier told me they made good taps and not so good showers. The chrome finish was poor and components felt cheap."
— Ultimate Handyman Forum, Forum Review
Mira
Pros
- Large UK brand presence
- Wide range of pumped electric showers
- Airboost technology for 30% more flow
Cons
- Noise complaints on some models
- Mixed reliability reviews
"Replaced my old Mira shower which had worked well for 17 years. Very pleased with the new one and love the booster mode."
— Product Review, 2025
"The Mira Elite 2 and similar pumped showers are terribly noisy. The shower is quite loud when in boost mode."
— Amazon Review, 2025
Shower Pump Prices UK 2026
What you'll pay for pumps and professional installation
Pump Prices (Supply Only)
| Model | Price | Warranty | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Turner Showermate S1.5 | ~£160 | 3 years | 1.5 bar |
| Stuart Turner Showermate S2.0 | ~£211 | 3 years | 2.0 bar |
| Stuart Turner Monsoon 3.0 | ~£350+ | 5 years | 3.0 bar |
| Salamander CT50 Xtra 1.5 | ~£138 | 2 years | 1.5 bar |
| Salamander CT85XTRA 2.5 | ~£200-250 | 2 years | 2.5 bar |
| Bristan 2.0 Bar Twin | ~£150-180 | 3 years | 2.0 bar |
| Grundfos Amazon 3.0 | ~£200-250 | 2 years | 3.0 bar |
Installation Costs by Region
Rosebourne Plumbing: Professional pump installation from £285 includes supply, fitting, and testing for gravity-fed systems across Andover, Marlborough & Hungerford.
Hampshire Hard Water Considerations
Special considerations for Andover, Marlborough & Hungerford homeowners
Hampshire has VERY hard water (280-320mg/L calcium carbonate)
This significantly affects shower pump lifespan and maintenance requirements.
Impact on Shower Pumps:
- Limescale buildup can reduce pump efficiency by 30-50%
- Pump lifespan can be reduced without regular descaling
- Impeller chambers can clog, causing noise and reduced flow
- Warranty may not cover scale-related failures
Our Recommendations:
- Choose brass-bodied pumps (Stuart Turner Monsoon) for durability
- Consider a water conditioner or softener before the pump
- Annual descaling/service recommended
- 5-year warranty pumps justify the extra cost in hard water areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about shower pump selection and installation
QCan I install a shower pump with a combi boiler?
NO - Never install a shower pump with a combi boiler. Combi boilers are sealed systems, and adding a pump would cause dangerous pressure changes that could potentially cause the boiler to implode. This is a critical safety rule with no exceptions.
QWhat's the difference between positive and negative head pumps?
Positive head pumps work when your cold water tank is at least 600mm above your shower head - gravity creates enough natural flow to activate the pump. Negative head (universal) pumps work when the tank is at the same level or below the shower, like in loft conversions. If unsure, always choose a negative head pump as it works in both situations.
QHow long do shower pumps last?
Quality shower pumps typically last 5-10 years with proper installation and maintenance. Stuart Turner and Aqualisa customers regularly report 15-20+ years of service. Cheaper pumps may only last 3-5 years. Regular descaling in hard water areas like Hampshire can significantly extend lifespan.
QWhat bar rating do I need?
For a single shower: 1.5-2.0 bar is usually sufficient. For larger showers or multiple outlets: 2.5-3.0 bar provides better performance. For whole house supply: 3.0 bar or higher is recommended. A simple test: if filling a 1-litre jug takes more than 8 seconds, you need a pump upgrade.
QWhy is my shower pump noisy?
Common causes include: worn bearings, loose anti-vibration feet, airlock in the system, incorrect sizing (pump working too hard), or poor quality pump. Stuart Turner Monsoon and Grundfos pumps are consistently rated as the quietest. Proper installation with anti-vibration mounting is essential.
Professional Shower Pump Installation
Let our experienced team assess your system and recommend the right pump. Professional installation ensures optimal performance and protects your warranty.
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From £285
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