Delta Shower Systems: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Setup

A shower can be one of the most important parts of a bathroom, and the right setup can make it more comfortable, functional, and visually appealing. Delta shower systems give homeowners several ways to customize that experience, from a simple showerhead and faucet combination to more advanced setups with handheld showers, body sprays, diverters, and digital controls.

The best Delta shower system depends on the size of your bathroom, existing plumbing, preferred water experience, and how much customization you want. Delta’s current showering collection includes showerheads, hand showers, shower components, shower columns, smart showers, and tub-and-shower products.

What Are Delta Shower Systems?

Delta shower systems are combinations of shower components designed to work together to deliver water and control the shower experience. A system can include a showerhead, hand shower, shower faucet, valve, diverter, body sprays, or other components depending on the configuration.

A basic setup may include only a showerhead and shower control, while a custom shower can include multiple water outlets and controls. Delta’s shower design guide describes standard showers as an option for changing the shower’s appearance or spray experience, while custom showers allow homeowners to combine components such as hand showers and body sprays.

This range makes Delta suitable for both straightforward bathroom updates and larger remodeling projects.

Types of Delta Shower Systems

Standard Shower Systems

A standard shower system is a practical choice when you want a familiar shower experience without extensive plumbing changes. It can include a showerhead, faucet or control, and compatible valve.

This option works well for homeowners who are replacing outdated fixtures or refreshing the bathroom without completely redesigning the shower.

If your existing setup already uses a compatible Delta MultiChoice Universal Valve, Delta explains that you may be able to change the shower style or function without altering the plumbing behind the wall.

Showerhead and Hand Shower Systems

Adding a handheld shower can make a standard shower more flexible. The fixed showerhead provides overhead coverage, while the hand shower can be removed from its holder and directed where needed.

This combination can be useful for rinsing hair, cleaning the shower, bathing children, or simply changing the way water reaches your body.

Delta’s current showering collection includes dedicated showerheads, hand showers, and two-in-one showerhead products.

If you are comparing different brands for the showerhead portion of your system, you can also read our guides to Kohler shower heads and GROHE shower heads.

Custom Shower Systems

A custom shower system gives you more control over the layout and shower experience. Depending on the design, you can combine multiple showerheads, hand showers, body sprays, diverters, and volume controls.

Delta’s official shower guide recommends considering components such as hand showers and body sprays when creating a custom shower.

Custom systems require more planning because additional outlets can mean additional plumbing behind the wall. The valve and diverter configuration should therefore be decided before construction or remodeling work begins.

Smart Shower Systems

For homeowners interested in connected bathroom technology, Delta also offers digital smart shower products. Its current range includes ShowerSense digital shower components with thermostatic roughs and digital interfaces.

A smart shower can provide a more advanced experience, but it also requires more planning and may involve additional installation considerations compared with a standard shower.

Important Components of a Delta Shower System

Shower Valve

The shower valve is the plumbing foundation of the system. It controls the incoming hot and cold water and works with the selected cartridge and trim.

Delta offers several rough valve configurations, including MultiChoice Universal models and more advanced thermostatic shower roughs.

If you are planning a new installation, selecting the valve early is important because it can affect which trim and shower functions you can use.

For more information, read our guide to the Delta shower valve.

Showerhead

The showerhead determines the primary spray experience. Delta offers a broad range of showerheads, including standard models, multi-setting designs, and two-in-one products.

When choosing one, consider the spray pattern, coverage, finish, flow rate, and whether you want a fixed or adjustable design.

Hand Shower

A handheld shower adds flexibility to the system. It can be installed on a wall bracket, slide bar, or as part of a combination setup, depending on the selected configuration.

For many households, adding a hand shower is one of the easiest ways to make a shower system more versatile without creating a highly complicated setup.

Diverter

A diverter directs water between different outlets. In a multi-function shower, it can help determine whether water flows through the fixed showerhead, hand shower, body sprays, or another outlet.

Delta’s shower components collection includes diverters and volume controls as well as rough valves and other components.

How to Choose the Right Delta Shower System

Start by deciding how much functionality you actually need. If you simply want a better showerhead and updated controls, a standard system may be enough. If you want multiple ways to use the shower, consider a combination of a fixed showerhead and hand shower.

Next, look at your existing plumbing. If you are replacing fixtures rather than remodeling the entire bathroom, determine which valve is already installed and whether your preferred Delta components are compatible.

For a new bathroom, plan the valve, trim, showerhead, hand shower, and diverter together. This helps prevent compatibility problems later.

You should also consider the size of the shower. A small shower may not need several water outlets, while a large walk-in shower can provide enough space for a more customized arrangement.

Finally, choose a finish that works with the rest of your bathroom. Delta offers shower products in a variety of finishes and collections, allowing you to coordinate the shower with faucets and other fixtures.

Final Thoughts

Delta shower systems offer flexibility for homeowners who want to create a shower around their preferred style and functionality. You can keep things simple with a standard showerhead and control or create a more customized setup with a hand shower, body sprays, diverters, and advanced controls.

The most important step is planning the system before installation. Consider the valve, shower outlets, plumbing requirements, finish, and compatibility of every component.

For a remodel, Delta’s MultiChoice Universal Valve can provide additional flexibility for compatible future upgrades, while the brand’s broader showering collection provides numerous options for building a system around your bathroom.

FAQs

What is included in a Delta shower system?

The components depend on the configuration. A system may include a showerhead, hand shower, faucet or trim, valve, diverter, body sprays, and other shower components.

Are Delta shower systems customizable?

Yes. Delta offers standard and custom shower approaches, with components such as hand showers, body sprays, diverters, and multiple shower outlets available for compatible configurations.

What is the Delta MultiChoice Universal Valve?

It is a rough-in valve platform designed to provide flexibility for compatible Delta shower trim and cartridge configurations. It can allow certain shower styles or functions to be changed without replacing the in-wall plumbing.

Can I add a hand shower to a Delta shower system?

Yes, compatible Delta systems can include a hand shower. Delta offers dedicated hand showers and combination products designed to provide additional flexibility.

Do Delta shower systems include smart options?

Delta offers digital smart shower products, including ShowerSense systems with digital interfaces and thermostatic roughs.

Should I choose a standard or custom Delta shower system?

A standard system is usually sufficient for a straightforward bathroom update. A custom system may be better if you want multiple outlets, hand showers, body sprays, or greater control over the shower experience.