Low Pressure Shower Heads

I have an issue with the low pressure shower heads. Do they really save water and energy?

This past Thanksgiving, we went to Yosemite and stayed at the Apple Tree Inn (great place, highly recommend the place). Like most hotels in California, they had the low pressure shower heads. I understand the thought of conserving water and I am behind trying to save our natural resources. I do question if they really accomplish what they are supposed to do.

Point 1: I found that I took longer showers. The low pressure shower head really does a terrible job of getting water on the body. It takes longer to get the hair wet enough to prepare to put in the shampoo. It takes longer to get the shampoo out. People who know me know I, too suffer from male-pattern-baldness. I can only imagine how long it takes to wash the the hair when you HAVE hair. Rinsing the soap off the body takes just as long and it never feels like you get it all. So, doest it really save water, these low pressure shower heads?

Point 2: I found that I set the temperature of the water higher. These shower heads send out a fine mist. The smaller the droplet, the quicker the heat transfers out of the water and into the air. Half the body is out of the water because there is not enough water flowing to run over the shoulders and down the other side of the body. Therefore, that side of the body gets cold. Thus, the need for the higher temperature setting.

The other side of the coin is staying longer in the shower with regular flow shower heads. I am happy to say that we have a shower head in our house that flows very well. But, if I stay in too long, then I am guilty of wasting water. It does feel great and my wife does takes the long shower, but I can't complain. That is her fortress of solitude. She does deserve to take that indulgence because she does a great job taking care of the house and family.

I guess it all comes down the persons attitude in the shower. All I know is that when I am on vacation I want to have a good shower experience and the low pressure shower head is not the answer. (just not the Commando 450)