Help & advice
Recycling Showers
Last updated: May 24, 2026
It's about to get easier to make more sustainable choices for our bathrooms with the innovative water recycling shower solution.
What is a Recycling Shower?
A recycling shower, also known as a water recycling or closed—loop shower system, is designed to reduce water consumption by reusing and filtering water during your shower. Instead of allowing used water to go down the drain, a recycling shower system treats, filters, and purifies the water for repeated use, effectively creating a "closed—loop" water cycle.
Key Components of a Recycling Shower:
Filtration System:
Advanced filtration systems that remove impurities, soap residues, and contaminants from the water.
Treatment Mechanism:
The system typically includes a treatment process, which may involve UV light, ozone, or other methods to ensure water quality.
Storage Tank:
The treated water is stored in a tank and then reintroduced into the shower for subsequent use.
Smart Controls:
Many recycling showers come with smart controls that allow users to monitor water usage, adjust settings, and ensure optimal performance.
Pros:
- Recycling showers can significantly reduce water consumption by reusing the same water during a single shower session
- Less water usage means less energy required to heat water, contributing to overall energy savings
Cons:
- Higher initial cost compared to traditional showers due to the advanced technology involved
- Regular maintenance to ensure effective water treatment and filtration
- May require additional space for installation, which could be a constraint in smaller bathrooms
- Retrofitting an existing bathroom might be more challenging
Frequently asked questions
What is a recycling shower?
A recycling shower is a shower system that filters and reuses water during the same shower. Instead of all the water going straight down the drain, it is treated, cleaned and recirculated to reduce water and energy use.
How does a recycling shower work?
A recycling shower collects used shower water, filters and treats it, then sends it back through the shower system. Many systems use filtration, UV treatment or similar technology to keep the water clean during use.
Do recycling showers save water?
Yes, recycling showers are designed to reduce water consumption by reusing the same water during a shower session. This can make them much more water efficient than a standard shower.
Do recycling showers save energy?
Yes, they can help reduce energy use because less new water needs to be heated. Saving hot water usually means saving both water and energy.
Are recycling showers expensive?
Recycling showers usually cost more upfront than standard showers because the system includes filters, treatment technology, controls and sometimes storage. The higher initial cost needs to be weighed against potential water and energy savings.
Can you retrofit a recycling shower into an existing bathroom?
Sometimes, but it can be more complicated than installing one in a new bathroom. Recycling showers may need extra space, access for maintenance and changes to plumbing, so they are easiest to plan before the bathroom is built or renovated.
Do recycling showers need maintenance?
Yes, recycling showers need regular maintenance to keep the filtration and treatment system working properly. Filters may need cleaning or replacing, depending on the system.
Are recycling showers good for small bathrooms?
They can be harder to fit in small bathrooms because the system may need extra space for filtration, treatment or storage. If you are planning a small bathroom, it is worth checking installation requirements early.
Renovating? Read more...
Bathroom
Wet room or enclosed shower?
Here’s a handy comparison of wet rooms and enclosed showers, including advantages and disadvantages.
Bathroom
Green and energy-saving tips for bathroom renovations
Top energy saving tips to make your bathroom renovation project more eco-friendly, saving water, energy and money.
Bathroom
What needs to be waterproofed in a bathroom?
Tiling a bathroom does not make it waterproof. The waterproofing sits behind the visible finish and protects the structure of your home.
Bathroom
Where to start planning a new bathroom
What is the to do list? What should I work out first, what comes later?
Bathroom
Why moving a toilet is a big decision
It will add to the overall time required to complete the project, which, in turn, increases the cost.
Free tools to get started
Join our mailing list and get 10% off
Who are you? *
By signing up, you are agreeing to our Terms and Privacy Policy including receiving emails from us at Reno (you can unsubscribe at any time). Opted out but want back in? Re-subscribe to the mailing list .
Start your renovation with Reno