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KOHLER Shower System Guide: DTV+, Custom Valves, Rain Panels & Digital Showering
A KOHLER shower system can be as simple as a pressure-balance valve with a rain head, or as sophisticated as the DTV+ digital showering system with preset user profiles and steam. This guide covers the full range of KOHLER shower options.
KOHLER Digital Showering: DTV+
What Is DTV+?
DTV+ is KOHLER's digital shower interface. Instead of mechanical valves and handles, a sleek touchscreen panel controls water temperature, flow, outlets, music, steam, and lighting. You create personalized presets — "Morning Wake Up" might deliver 104°F from the rain head with energizing music, while "Evening Unwind" might add steam and lower the lighting.
DTV+ Components
- Interface: Wall-mounted touchscreen with intuitive controls
- Digital thermostatic valves: Precisely maintain set temperature within 1°F
- Outlets: Controls up to 4 independently — rain head, handshower, body sprays, tub filler
- Optional steam generator: Transform your shower into a steam room
- KOHLER Konnect: App and voice control via Alexa or Google
Traditional Valve Systems
Pressure-Balance Valves
The standard for single-outlet showers. Automatically adjusts water pressure to maintain consistent temperature when other fixtures are used (prevents scalding). KOHLER's Rite-Temp pressure-balance valve is their most popular. Single-handle control of temperature and volume.
Thermostatic Valves
Essential for multi-outlet systems. Set an exact temperature on one handle; control volume to each outlet with separate handles. KOHLER's MasterShower thermostatic valve maintains temperature within 2°F regardless of pressure changes. Required for systems with rain head + handshower + body sprays.
Transfer Valves
Divert water between outlets (e.g., switch from rain head to handshower). Available in 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way configurations. Used alongside thermostatic valves for custom multi-outlet systems.
KOHLER Showerheads & Rain Panels
| Type | Coverage | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Rain head (8-10") | Standard overhead coverage | Gentle, full-body rain effect |
| Rain panel (large format) | Wide rectangular coverage | Immersive, spa-like drenching |
| Multifunction head | Varies by spray mode | Toggle between rain, massage, mist |
| Handshower | Targeted | Flexible — rinsing, cleaning, bathing children |
| Body sprays | Targeted jets at multiple heights | Massage, stimulating, luxury |
Planning Your Shower System
| Level | Components | Valve Needed | Estimated Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | Pressure-balance valve + rain head | Rite-Temp | $400-$800 |
| Upgrade | Thermostatic + rain head + handshower | Thermostatic + transfer valve | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Premium | Thermostatic + rain + handshower + body sprays | Thermostatic + 3-way transfer | $2,500-$5,000 |
| DTV+ Digital | Touchscreen + digital valves + multi-outlet + optional steam | DTV+ digital valve | $5,000-$15,000+ |
Water Supply Requirements
Before planning a multi-outlet system, confirm your water supply:
- Single outlet: Standard 1/2" supply, 2.0-2.5 GPM — no special requirements
- Two outlets: 3/4" valve recommended, 4.0+ GPM capacity
- Three+ outlets or body sprays: 3/4" valve required, 6-8+ GPM, may need dedicated supply line
- DTV+ with steam: Dedicated electrical circuit for steam generator (240V, 30-60 amp depending on enclosure size)
Our Recommendation
For a master bathroom renovation, a KOHLER thermostatic valve with a large rain head and slide-bar handshower delivers a luxury experience at an accessible price. For the ultimate smart shower, DTV+ lets you automate your daily routine with personalized presets. Our Kohler Signature Store team can design a custom shower system from concept to component list.
Browse our selection: KOHLER Shower Systems | Shower Trims