Looking for some easy ways to save tons of water this year?
Check out WaterPik’s new EcoFlow showerhead.
The folks at WaterPik were nice enough to send me one of their EcoFlow 5 mode handheld shower heads to test and review.
I must say, I knew the EcoFlow would have to be something special if it were going to out perform my Sprite Shower Falls filtered detachable shower head.
WaterPik EcoFlow vs Sprite Shower Falls
Believe me when I say that it was one tough match-up!
I bought my Sprite Shower Falls showerhead about a year ago and have been pretty happy with it so far. This showerhead resides in my master bathroom and I wondered if the WaterPik EcoFlow would be enough of a contender to move him to my guest bathroom.
The only issue I take with the Shower Falls handheld shower head is that the most powerful “massage” setting doesn’t function properly. I’m fairly confident that this is due to the slightly low water pressure that I suffer from in my home.
As a matter of fact, I was a little concerned that the WaterPik EcoFlow would have a hard time handling this issue as well. Many low-flow shower heads fail miserably when faced with low water pressure.
What’s Special About The WaterPik Handheld EcoFlow?
The EcoFlow 5 Mode (ECO-563) features:
- 3-1/2″ Round Shower Head
- Advanced OptiFLOW Technology
- Spray Control Lever
- Pause Control on Handle
- 5 Ft Faux Metal Hose
- Easy Clean Nozzles
- Lifetime Warranty
- 5 Spray Modes: Full Body Coverage, Concentrated Fan Spray, Circular Massage + Mist, Mist, Circular Massage
One of the most interesting features of the WaterPik EcoFlow is the spray control lever. At the base of the handheld portion of the shower head, there is a lever that allows you to reduce or increase the flow level.
At first, I was unsure about why this feature would be handy. After showering with the EcoFlow I realized that it was, in face, quite useful for your rinse phases. When washing your hair or body this lever allows you to wet your hair in full strength spray, reduce the spray down while you’re lathering up, and then increase the flow so you can better rinse the soap or shampoo in full strength.
I’m also pleased to report that the WaterPik EcoFlow handled my low water pressure with the greatest of ease in all settings — even in all the settings while the flow is throttled back.
WaterPik says that the hand held 1.5 gpm EcoFlow shower head will save you $90 annually on your water bill, based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2007 estimate that average showers last 10 minutes each.
The EcoFlow comes in 7 different configurations, with the 1.5 gpm hand held 5 mode shower head that I tested being the most expensive, at $49.99.
What I Did NOT Like About The WaterPik EcoFlow
The list of cons is a short one for the EcoFlow:
- Shorter hose than the Sprite Shower Falls, at 60”, compared to 72”
- Lightweight plastic construction with flimsy feeling house construction
Did The WaterPik EcoFlow Replace My Sprite Shower Falls?
Nope.
Though I like it for a LOT of reasons, the heavy duty construction, longer hose, and water filter of my Sprite Shower Falls shower head was just too much to allow the EcoFlow to dethrone it as my primary shower head.
The EcoFlow does remain in the guest bathroom as a nice treat for house guests. That said, I do find myself slipping into the guest bathroom from time to time to take advantage of the EcoFlow’s spray settings — which I like better than the Shower Falls’ settings.
I should also note that the 60” hose of the EcoFlow is only a strike against it in my book because I’m used to the 72” of the Shower Falls handheld shower head. In actuality, 60” hoses are more standard in the shower head industry.
Should you put the WaterPik EcoFlow on your list of shower heads to consider? I’d say, “YES!”
What’s your favorite water filtering or water saving shower head?
I think every little step toward living green is an awesome one… but eco-snobbery sucks! My goal is to help newbies learn the most important steps toward living green — individually and collectively. Personally, I strive to have as little impact as possible on Planet Earth while I'm here.
