Frequently Asked Questions

Conventional ‘aerating’ showers use the Venturi principle to restrict flow and draw atmospheric air into the water through a small hole in the showerhead. This is a very cheap way to reduce the mass flow of water, and aerate it to change the ‘feel’ of the shower, but has no measurable boost in force or performance, regardless of flow rate.

In contrast, Kelda’s patented Air-Powered™ showers use the principles of fuel injection technology. Each shower features an intelligent microprocessor and powerful digital fan which controls the delivery of water and air to the showerhead. Within the showerhead, water is injected into a high-velocity air stream where it is broken up into 100s of droplets that are 2.5X the size of a standard shower. Larger droplets yield larger momenta providing the sensation of more spray pressure, making less water feel like so much more. With 15X more impact than a standard shower, a Kelda shower is more effective at rinsing shampoo out of even the thickest of hair.

A typical household with four people each showering once a day could save around £291.74 in water bills, and £120.71 in energy bills, totalling £412.46 per year.

This is based on the below assumptions:

1. Shower duration 10.7 minutes – this is the average according to the Bathroom Manufacturers Association.
2. Showering 365 days a year.
3. Gas boiler efficiency 91%.
4. Energy costs are an average according to British Gas Average Bills – gas £0.04/kWh, electricity £0.15/kWh.
5. Water costs – an average taken based on highest (South West Water £5.25/m³, and lowest (Thames Water £2.22/m³). Includes water supply and for foul, surface and highway.

A Kelda shower has been designed to simply replace a conventional bar mixer shower. The hot and cold feed to the thermostatic mixer are set at 150mm centres, similar to a standard bar mixer shower for easy retrofit. An electrical supply is required to power the fan. Installation of this product must be carried out in accordance with these instructions by qualified, competent personnel. Please refer to the Instruction Manual for further guidance.

A Kelda Air-Powered™ shower has a flow rate of 5 litres per minute, exceeding compliance.

To meet Part-G of the Building Regulations at the optional ‘higher’ level (110 litres/person/day) an 8 litres/minute shower flow rate is permitted. But what if homes could have showers with a lower flow rate, say 5 litres/minute? That would give more flexibility over WC and tap specification when using the Part-G calculator to demonstrate compliance. And specifying super-efficient showers has a win-win benefit as both water and carbon will be saved. It will also enable the specification of a smaller hot water cylinder – a key consideration when using heat pumps to heat hot water, where a 200-litre capacity cylinder is now commonplace.

Every Kelda shower is designed using premium materials such as optical white glass and stainless steel providing a sleek design. It is designed to provide years of enjoyment but without regular cleaning, a combination of dirt, soap scum, limescale and mould can build-up and affect operation. To help keep your Kelda shower in good working condition you should aim to clean once a week and a deep clean once a month. These will help you remove awkward limescale and prevent its build-up.

Shower Head

Limescale build up around the nozzles in your shower head not only looks unsightly, but can also affect water flow. A simple fix is to remove the showerhead components, insert into a sealable plastic bag or container and fully immerse in vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Afterwards remove and give the nozzles a quick brush or wipe to remove any remaining deposits. Finally, rinse with water and refit. Please refer to the Instruction Manual for assembly instructions.

Please Note

During regular cleaning of the shower area, do not direct a water hose at the shower head while the shower is functioning. It’s important to keep in mind that some everyday cleaners contain harsh chemical components that should not be applied directly to the surface of the shower.

Watch our latest installation video on YouTube here. Turn subtitles on.

Watch our latest maintenance video on YouTube here. Turn subtitles on.

Kelda Showers Ltd. guarantees its products against any defect in materials or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase (shower fittings for one year).

Your guarantee is only valid if you follow the guidance within this installation and user guide, including the `Maintenance’ section.

Kelda showers are designed to be safe, provided that they are installed, used and maintained in good working order, in accordance with our instructions and recommendations. Installation of this product must be carried out in accordance with these instructions by qualified, competent personnel. Read all instructions before commencing installation.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or injury please read the important information listed below.

Electrical:

• The electrical installation must comply with BS 7671 (commonly referred to as the IET Wiring Regulations) and all relevant building regulations, or any particular regulation or practice specified by the local electricity supply company.
• A 30mA Residual Current Device (RCD) must be included in the electrical circuit. This may be part of the consumer unit or a separate unit.
• The shower must be permanently connected through a 3A double pole switched fused spur with means for disconnection incorporated in the fixed wiring in accordance with the wiring regulations.
• This shower is only to be used and supplied at SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) using only the supplied detachable power supply unit.
• DO NOT operate the shower at voltages other than that stated on the rating label.
• Isolate the electrical and water supplies before commencing installation.
• DO NOT install this product in areas with high humidity and temperature e.g. steam rooms and saunas.
• DO NOT install this product where it may be exposed to freezing conditions.
• If the product is dismantled during installation or servicing then, upon completion, an inspection must be made to ensure all electrical connections are secure and that there are no leaks.
• The supply cord of the power supply unit cannot be replaced. If the cord is damaged the power supply must be replaced.
• DO NOT perform any unspecified modifications, drill or cut holes in the product other than instructed by this guide. When servicing only use genuine Kelda Showers Ltd. replacement parts.

Plumbing:

• The plumbing installation must comply with all national or local water regulations and all relevant building regulations, or any particular regulation or practice specified by the local water supply company.
• DO NOT use excessive force when making connections.
• Ensure that any pipework is properly insulated.
• For any copper pipework, ensure supplementary bonding is provided in accordance with the wiring regulations.
• Avoid layouts where the shower hose will be sharply kinked. This may reduce the life of the hose.
• The position of the shower fittings must provide a minimum air gap of 25mm between the handset and the spillover level of any bath, shower tray or basin. There must be a minimum distance of 30mm between the handset and the spillover level of any toilet, bidet or other appliance with a Fluid Category 5 backflow risk.
• The water temperature needs to be set at a suitable temperature (body temperature is approximately 38°C). Children are more sensitive to temperature than adults and it is recommended to check the delivered water temperature is safe for users.
• The maximum mixed water temperature from the product is 48°C. This is not a safe showering temperature. Showers are typically commissioned to have a maximum set-temperature of 41 ºC or below. Always check the water temperature is safe before showering.

General:

• Make sure that you fully understand how to operate this shower and make sure that it is properly maintained in accordance with the instructions given in this manual.
• DO NOT operate the shower if water is leaking from inside the unit. Isolate electrical and water supplies to the product and refer to the ‘Troubleshooting’ section.
• DO NOT operate the product if it is thought to have been exposed to freezing conditions. Isolate electrical and water supplies to the product and contact Kelda Showers Ltd.
• Children under 8 must be supervised when showering. This product can be used by children aged 8 years and above if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
• DO NOT allow children to play with the product.
• DO NOT allow children to clean or perform any user maintenance without supervision.
• DO NOT remotely operate or alter any of this product’s shower settings if it is already occupied and/or being used by another person.
• In the event of a cold water failure, the product is designed to turn off. Depending on the temperature of the hot water, the valve may shut down to prevent scalding.