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Smart Showers in Colorado: What they Are & How to Choose the Right One

November 11th, 2025

9 min read

By Coley O'Brien McAvoy

“Smart shower system with digital touchscreen controls and rainfall head in a modern Colorado bathroom featuring KOHLER's DTV smart shower system and phone app
Smart Showers in Colorado: What they Are & How to Choose the Right One
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The Colorado bathroom is evolving.  It’s no longer just a place to wash up.  It’s where comfort, technology, and wellness meet.  Whether you’re a Fort Collins family looking to simplify your morning routine, an eco-conscious couple in Colorado Springs aiming to cut water, or a Baby Boomer in Jefferson County planning to age in place comfortably, more homeowners are investing in smart showers to bring the spa experience home while keeping an eye on water use.

But with so many options on the market in 2025, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.  Should you add smart technology to your bathroom?  What features truly enhance your daily routine?  Which ones are more flash than function?  And how do these smart systems align with Colorado’s commitment to water conservation?

To help guide you through these decisions, we reviewed four of the top-rated smart showers trending in Colorado.  This article shares what they delivered—and what they didn’t.

 

What We Tested

We took a hands-on look at four leading smart shower systems, each catering to different homeowner priorities, and verified through consumer and industry sources.  

 

UbyMoen_Feature01-Alexa_L_2

1.  Moen U™ 

Moen U is a Wi-Fi and cloud-enabled digital showering system that provides three distinct control methods: smartphone app, voice assistants, and an in-shower digital controller.  The system features a digital thermostatic valve that delivers precise temperature control between 60 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, with the ability to connect up to four separate shower outlets such as rain heads, handshowers, and body sprays.

The U by Moen app enables users to create up to 12 personalized shower presets, each with customizable settings including name, personalized greeting, outlet configuration, exact temperature, shower duration timer, and notifications.  A signature feature is the "warm up and pause" function, which allows users to remotely start their shower from bed, have it heat to their desired temperature, then automatically pause until they're ready to step in—saving both water and time. 

 

Voice control is available through Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit with Siri, and Google Assistant, allowing users to activate their shower with commands like "Alexa, start preset 'Morning Shower'" or "Hey Siri, turn on my shower to 103 degrees."  The five-inch non-touch LCD controller provides visual feedback through color-changing displays, transitioning from blue to purple to orange to red as water warms, then turning white when ready—accompanied by on-screen notifications and an audible tone.

 

Flow Loop

2. Flow Loop™ Circular Showers

Flow Loop represents a revolutionary approach to showering through real-time water recirculation technology that reduces water consumption by up to 80% and energy usage by approximately 70%.  While a conventional shower consumes 70-100 liters (18-26 gallons) of water, the LOOP system uses only 15-25 liters (4-7 gallons) for the same shower experience by continuously filtering and recirculating water. 

The system works by collecting a few millimeters of water on the shower floor, which is then drawn through a sophisticated three-stage purification process: a pre-filter captures larger particles, a microfilter removes smaller contaminants, and UV light illuminates the water to eliminate bacteria and viruses.  The UV purification system has been quality-tested and approved by the Technical University of Denmark and Eurofins, eliminating a remarkable 99.999% of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The system delivers up to 12 liters per minute of flow rate while maintaining consistent water temperature throughout the shower.

Flow Loop includes intelligent IoT integration with built-in NB/IoT connectivity that tracks and displays water savings data through an online savings module, allowing users to monitor their environmental impact in real time.  Users maintain full control with the ability to activate or deactivate the recirculation function simply by tapping the drain cover, giving them the option to use LOOP as a traditional shower when desired.

 

Kohler DTV

3. Kohler DTV+ with Konnect Module

Kohler's DTV+ is an advanced multi-sensory digital showering system that integrates four distinct elements—water, steam, lighting, and music—into a cohesive, customizable experience controlled through an intuitive touchscreen interface.  The modular platform offers exceptional flexibility with digital valves available in two-outlet, three-outlet, or six-outlet configurations, and the unique capability to control two separate valves simultaneously to deliver two different water temperatures for different outlets.

The system includes six user-defined presets for saving personalized settings, plus integrated preprogrammed hydrotherapy experiences based on actual spa techniques and organized into three therapeutic themes: Relaxation for unwinding and de-stressing, Well-Being for targeting sore muscles and joints, and Energy for invigorating intervals of varying temperatures.  These hydrotherapy programs use carefully chosen temperature variations directed at specific body parts to deliver wellness benefits inspired by professional spa treatments.

When equipped with the optional Konnect module, DTV+ gains voice control compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, plus remote operation through the Kohler Konnect smartphone app.  Users can issue commands to start their shower at a specific temperature or activate named presets, and the system includes warm-up and pause functionality along with duration countdown timers.  The water-resistant touchscreen interface features icon-based controls consistent with modern digital devices, with the ability to connect up to three interfaces to a single system for multiple users or installation locations.

 

Grohe

4. GROHE Rainshower 310 SmartConnect

The GROHE Rainshower 310 SmartConnect is a premium 12-inch rainfall shower head system featuring wireless remote control technology specifically designed as a simple retrofit solution for existing showers.  The battery-powered wireless remote can be attached anywhere in the shower using included adhesive tape or screws, requiring no electrical connection or tile cutting, and allowing users to switch spray patterns without reaching up to the shower head.

The system provides three distinct spray experiences: the gentle GROHE PureRain spray for relaxation, the powerful ActiveRain spray for invigoration, or both sprays activated simultaneously in combination mode.  Installation requires only basic tools—a screwdriver and adjustable wrench—making it accessible for DIY homeowners, and the remote automatically pairs with the shower head using batteries that typically last approximately four years for a family of four.

The Rainshower 310 SmartConnect incorporates several advanced GROHE technologies including DreamSpray for consistent water distribution to each nozzle, SpeedClean anti-lime system for easy maintenance, and Inner WaterGuide that channels hot water away from surfaces for touch-safe operation.  The system is WaterSense certified, ensuring 20% less water consumption than standard shower heads at 1.75 GPM while maintaining performance quality.

Available in both round and square designs with multiple mounting options, it's designed to seamlessly integrate into various bathroom aesthetics from ultra-modern to traditional styles.

 

Why We Chose These

We selected these four smart shower systems not only because of their popularity, but also because they reflect the wide range of options available to Colorado homeowners in 2025.  They span different price points—from budget-conscious to luxury—and showcase varied feature sets, including voice control, app integration, and water-saving technologies. 

We also chose models with different installation requirements to reflect real-world remodeling scenarios, from plug-and-play upgrades to full bathroom overhauls.  Most importantly, these systems represent the most talked-about and top-rated choices in Colorado today, giving us a solid foundation for evaluating what works, what doesn’t, and what matters most to homeowners like you.

 

What Worked: Features That Actually Help Homeowners

1.  Consistent, Precise Water Temperature

No more guessing.  All four systems delivered steady, on-target water temperature.  No more fiddling with knobs or enduring cold bursts.  The Moen U stood out with its personal profiles and the ability to remember individual preferences, allowing it to recall precisely how hot you like your morning shower.  As Ormond in the Pines notes, digital controls are especially helpful for safety-conscious families and aging adults.

❝ “The preset temp and voice command on the Moen U makes my bathroom arthritis-friendly and so much easier to manage.” – Susan R., Colorado Springs

2.  Water Savings with the Right Setup

Colorado’s dry climate demands more innovative water use.  Smart showers like the Flow Loop system and Kohler DTV+ offer features such as flow rate monitoring, eco-modes, and preset shower durations.  Flow Loop, in particular, can reduce water use by up to 80% by recycling and filtering water during the shower cycle, making it highly relevant for Colorado’s water-conscious homeowners.  

Quick Fact: The average 8-minute shower uses 17 gallons of water.  The EPA’s WaterSense program reminds us that smart systems help reduce that, but only if you stick to the eco-settings.

3.  Voice, App, and Touch—Convenience That Clicks

Moen U and Kohler DTV+ were surprisingly useful, as they allowed full shower control via phone or voice—great when your hands are wet or soapy.  Features like personalized profiles, chromatherapy lighting, and integrated audio elevated the shower experience, aligning with the broader trend of wellness-focused home designs.  As Houzz’s Remodel Insight report highlights, personalization is now a top priority for bathroom remodels, with differing age groups having separate priorities and concerns.  

4.  A Design Upgrade for Any Bathroom

Smart showers are sleek.  Digital interfaces, minimalist fixtures, and integrated lighting elevate your bathroom design—something that’s increasingly important in Colorado’s competitive housing market.  On average, homes with smart technology bathroom upgrades sell for 29% more than expected, suggesting they significantly boost buyer appeal and resale value  (Zillow).

 

Smart Shower System Comparison

System 📱 Phone App Control 🎤 Voice Control Key Features
Moen U ✅ Yes

✅ Yes

(Alexa, Google & Siri)

Full control via app and voice; supports creating presets, temperature adjustment, on/off control, and more
Flow Loop Circular Showers ❌ No ❌ No Focuses on water/energy savings and IoT data tracking; does not offer app or voice shower control
Kohler DTV+<br><sub>(with Konnect module)</sub> ✅ Yes

✅ Yes

(Alexa, Google & Siri)

Full control via KOHLER Konnect app and voice; supports presets, temperature, multiple outlets, and more
GROHE Rainshower 310 SmartConnect ❌ No ❌ No Remote control only (physical wireless remote); no app or voice integration

Legend:
✅ = Supported | ❌ = Not Supported

 

💬 Want to find the best water-saving upgrades for your home?

📍 Schedule a Smart Shower Consult with a HomePride Expert →

 

What Didn’t Work: Real-World Trade-Offs to Consider

1.  Installation Is More Involved—and More Expensive

Installing a smart shower isn't as simple as swapping out a showerhead.  Most systems require both plumbing and electrical updates, which can drive up the cost and complexity.  Take the Moen U Smart Shower system—it ranges from $1,160 to $2,200 just for the valve and controller.  Add another $300 to $1,000 for professional installation. 

Suppose you’re remodeling the whole bathroom with integrated tech.  In that case, J Allen Homes reports that the price for Colorado homeowners can balloon to $30,000 or above, depending on their material and labor choices. 

2.  Technology Comes with Hiccups

These systems are smart—but they’re not perfect.  Connectivity issues, app crashes, and temperature control glitches can still happen.  For instance, the Moen U occasionally required a complete reset due to app instability or calibration errors.  As CNET puts it: “The app isn’t perfect and the system isn’t magic.” Homeowners should be prepared for occasional troubleshooting, especially in the early weeks after installation.

3.  Water Savings?  Only If You Stick to the Settings

Smart showers often come with WaterSense-certified fixtures that can save more than 2,700 gallons per year, but those savings aren’t automatic.  A study published in the ACEEE Proceedings points out that “water-saving technology alone doesn’t guarantee conservation if users prolong showers.” In other words, you have to use the timers, flow restrictors, and eco-modes consistently—or the tech won’t make much difference.  The EPA emphasizes in a recent article that smart features only deliver on their promise when they’re used as intended.

4.  Battery Maintenance Adds Another Layer

Many wireless remotes, such as those in the Grohe Rainshower 310 SmartConnect, run on batteries, which means they require occasional recharging or replacement.  On the upside, some systems like the Moen U come with battery backups, which can help keep things running during a power outage. 

 

🔔 KEY TAKEAWAY:  Water conservation isn’t optional here—it’s a necessity.  Smart showers can help, but they’re just one part of the puzzle.  As Nature.com and other credible sources remind us, technology works best when paired with mindful habits.

 

Looking to do your part?  Opt for a WaterSense-labeled system and commit to using its eco-features daily.  The EPA’s WaterSense label ensures products meet strict efficiency and performance criteria—ideal for Colorado homeowners who want to be part of the solution.

 

What Local Contractors Are Saying

Across Colorado, contractors are seeing a sharp rise in demand for smart bathrooms.  Here’s how they’re responding:

  • Training teams to install and service smart systems

  • Partnering with product manufacturers to stay current on technology advancements

  • Helping homeowners understand how to use features effectively

  • Advising on compatibility with home wiring and smart hubs

In a recent blog article, noted speaker and author Jeff Shore emphasizes that smart tech is now a key differentiator in remodeling services.  

—“Builders and trade contractors must have both the expertise and technology integration abilities to deliver on these demands.  Get it right, and you’ll be well-prepared for the new generation of homebuyers.  Get it wrong, and you risk falling into a competitive disadvantage.”

 

So—Is a Smart Shower Right for You?

It depends.  These systems aren’t for everyone.  For the right homeowner, they’re a game-changer.  Here’s how to decide:

  • Do you value comfort and personalization?

  • Is water conservation a priority in your household?

  • Do you have—or plan to install—other smart home features?

  • Are you comfortable with the cost and maintenance?

If you answered yes to most of the above, a smart shower might be a perfect fit.

💡 Pro Tip: Talk to a local expert before you buy.  A trusted contractor can help match the right system to your home, your budget, and your goals.

 

Match Your Goals: Smart Shower Recommendations

🎯 Homeowner Goal ⭐ Best Match 💡 Why This System Wins
💰 Lower Water Bills Flow Loop Highest water savings with innovative recirculating technology that reuses water during warm-up
♿ Accessibility/Safety Moen U Personal profiles for each family member, voice and app controls eliminate the need for physical knobs
🏡 High Resale Value Kohler DTV+ Premium aesthetic appeal, modern voice control capabilities, and seamless app integration impress buyers
🔧 Minimal Tech/Effort GROHE 310 Straightforward installation process with simple wireless remote—no complex smart home setup required

 

Final Thoughts: The Future of Showers in Colorado

Smart showers represent more than a tech trend.  When chosen with care and used intentionally, these systems can elevate your daily routine while supporting Colorado’s conservation goals.

Just remember: a smart shower is only as smart as the person using it.

Ready to explore your smart shower options?  We’re here to help. 

Visit the HomePride Bath website to explore remodeling options, get expert guidance, and find the system that fits your lifestyle, your home, and your Colorado values.  Let’s make your bathroom the smartest room in the house.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Are smart showers really worth the investment for Colorado homeowners?
Yes—especially if you value comfort, convenience, and water conservation. Smart showers like Moen U or Flow Loop help regulate temperature precisely and can reduce water and energy use over time. In Colorado, where water efficiency directly impacts utility costs, these systems often pay off through lower bills and improved home resale appeal.

 

2. How much does it cost to install a smart shower in Colorado?
Installation costs vary by system complexity. Entry-level models such as the GROHE SmartConnect can start under $500 for DIY setups, while advanced options like Kohler DTV+ or Moen U typically range between $1,500 and $3,000 installed. For full bathroom remodels that integrate smart tech, expect $15,000 to $30,000 depending on finishes, electrical upgrades, and labor rates in your area.

3. Which smart shower system is best for my home?
It depends on your priorities:

  • Water savings: Flow Loop’s recirculating system reduces water use by up to 80%.

  • Accessibility & voice control: Moen U offers voice commands and personalized presets.

  • Luxury experience: Kohler DTV+ combines steam, light, and music for spa-level comfort.

  • Simple upgrade: GROHE SmartConnect installs easily without major renovation.
    A local HomePride Bath consultant can help you choose the right match for your space, lifestyle, and budget.

Coley O'Brien McAvoy

Coley McAvoy is a Colorado-based home remodeling writer and content strategist with 20+ years in inbound marketing. He blends creative storytelling with proven strategy to educate, build trust, inspire homeowners, and deliver lasting impact, based on sincerity and service.