Most folks seem to like it that way, with the handheld like you described.

I have had a handheld for over 15 years, that I don't think I have once used.

So I opted not to put it in when we renovated (in process).

As a matter of fact, the only reason I even considered it was for the rinsing of the walls, just like you mention. That really just seemed silly in the end.

The only other thought was if I were to get a rain shower head, then I think a traditional spray on a handheld may come in handy, but the shower head I chose was sort of like a hybrid, so I was happy all around.

I am sure I will be mostly alone on this issue, but it really depends on whether you think you will use it!!!

One thing you might like to consider is what I did: no wall-mount shower head at all and only the hand-held shower head on a bar. This would be a way to save money, too. I had this at my old house in both the master bath and the kids' bath, and I did it again in my new house when we renovated. I really like having the hand-held for washing the walls, not just for the weekly scrub, but for rinsing after every use to get the soap off and prevent scum from forming. I also like it for washing intimate areas and the kids' hair, and it's nice to have the shower head height adjustable on a bar if any children will ever use your shower. I have never missed having a regular wall-mount shower head. I have used Grohe and Hansgrohe shower heads. One warning about the rain shower head is that some people have complained that they have insufficient force to rinse out thick hair. I have never used one, but you might look on the forum.

Thanks...I think that i was scared to do just the hand-held because my hubby originally wanted a rainhead..but that cost alot more and I really don't even like them.

any one else want to talk me into it or out of it?

Use the hansgrohe thermobalance controller III. It can divert to three outlets, and the volume and the temperature!

You can then have a face shower head (dont like those), a rain head (love those) and a hand held (useful). Or get the thermobalance II, use one for rain head and put the hand held on a slider.

astridh: Thanks for your post. This is what I had planned to do in my kids bath as well. I am glad you found it useful. Can the handheld be swapped out for a regular shower head down the road? Does the handheld have the same pressure as a regular shower head?

Jillie,
Personally, I would do a rain shower with air injection and a handheld for cleaning the shower. I was ill for a few days and needed assistance in the shower. Having the handheld shower was very helpful. I don't know what your budget is but Hansgrohe is really a good combination of price and quality. I would search out ebay and craigslist. I purchased my shower head from Craigslist for about $40 over the $80 price tag in the stores. Try homeclick or Irawoods for different styles in the air series. Again, not knowing your budget, this is what I would recommend. THe Grohe thermobalance is a great option for the valve controller.

Good luck!

Alterit,

We are just in the process of renovating Bathroom #1 out of three. Our shower pack literally arrived yesterday, so I have not unpacked the two boxes, and cannot tell you more, but here is a link to Hudson Reed, where you can find many complete shower packs with fixed shower head, diverter, and handheld for less than $500 in total.

This will be for the guest bath, and the kid's bath when they come home. We figured the handheld on a bar the best solution for DD and DS who vary over a foot in height. Plus, I'm thinking it will be great for visiting children, and for rinsing off the shower walls. I plan to put in a teak bench, and think it will be nice for ladies to shave legs, etc.

We plan to do a similar set up in the Master Bath- but this will be a first for us, so sorry, I have no actual experience yet.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hudson Reed

jillie, it will NOT be easy to change out later. The wall bar will be probably installed in the center of the wall. The place where the water comes out of the wall will be off-center. See the picture above. The round thing under the big rectangle is where the hand-held hose comes out of the wall.

I like having the water come from the side so that I don't have water in my face if I don't want it. I have wondered whether the ceiling-mounted one would annoy me that way. I have been happy with my hand-held shower head. I never felt that I needed more water pressure. I don't feel that I am pummeled with water, but I don't really want that. I live in California and we have strict water restrictions, so I couldn't have that, anyway. I think our shower heads are limited to 2.5 gall/min. I have heard that aerators make it feel like you have more flow.