Four Shower Valve Set-Ups: From Entry-Level to Premium

Choosing the right shower valve setup plays a major role in how a shower performs, how easy it is to use, and how much flexibility it offers. At Artos, we offer several shower valve options designed to fit different types of installations, from straightforward everyday set-ups to fully customized luxury systems.

Below is a look at four common shower valve set-ups, starting with an entry-level pressure balance option and moving up to a premium thermostatic system built for maximum control.

FP232V: A Straightforward Pressure Balance Valve for Everyday Set-Ups

The FP232V is a great choice for those who want a simple, familiar, and reliable shower valve. It is especially well suited for standard tub and shower applications, where it pairs with a diverter tub spout and shower head. It can also be used as a single-function valve to control one outlet, such as a shower head or hand shower.

What makes the FP232V especially appealing is how intuitive it is to use. It features progressive pressure balance operation, so the temperature cycles smoothly from cold to hot as the handle turns. Throughout that cycle, it maintains even pressure for a comfortable and consistent showering experience.

This valve is also popular for its simplicity. With a straightforward design, there is not much to go wrong, which makes it dependable over time. It is easy to install, easy to service, and familiar to work with, which is why many plumbers appreciate it for both new installations and maintenance.

With a 6.3 GPM flow rate, the FP232V is a strong fit for standard residential shower and tub applications. It also pairs with prebuilt shower set options, making it easy to create a complete solution.

Key Features of the FP232V

Easy to install and service
Its straightforward design makes installation simple and long-term servicing easier.

Progressive pressure balance operation
The handle movement feels intuitive, with temperature cycling smoothly from cold to hot while maintaining even pressure throughout the range.

Simple and familiar design
A proven valve style that is easy to understand, easy to use, and trusted by plumbers.

6.3 GPM flow rate
Well suited for standard shower and tub applications.

Ideal for simple set-ups
Best for a tub spout with diverter and shower head, or as a single-function valve for one outlet.

F980V: Familiar Pressure Balance Performance with More Flexibility

The F980V is the valve you choose when you want the same familiar pressure balance design as the FP232V, but with much more freedom in how the shower is configured.

While the FP232V is generally limited to a tub spout with diverter and shower head, or a single-function set-up, the F980V allows you to choose any two outlets. That opens the door to a much wider range of combinations, whether that means a tub filler and hand shower, a shower head and body jets, or a slide bar and shower head. The flexibility makes it a strong option for more customized pressure balance showers.

An important detail is that the F980V is non-shared. It allows you to select between two outlets, but it does not run them simultaneously. For many projects, that is exactly the right balance of flexibility and simplicity.

Like the FP232V, the F980V also features a reversible cartridge. This is especially helpful for retrofit installations using existing piping, as well as back-to-back installations, because the installer does not need to reverse hot and cold lines from one side to the other.

With a 6.3 GPM flow rate, the F980V delivers the same dependable performance as the FP232V while greatly expanding outlet options. It also pairs with prebuilt shower sets, and it is a strong fit for installations where flexibility matters.

Key Features of the F980V

Familiar pressure balance design
Offers the same intuitive, proven style of operation as the FP232V.

Greater outlet flexibility
Allows any two outlets to be selected, creating far more design freedom than a standard tub and shower configuration.

Non-shared functionality
Designed to operate one of the two outlets at a time.

Reversible cartridge
A major advantage for retrofit and back-to-back installations, helping simplify plumbing layout challenges.

6.3 GPM flow rate
Dependable flow for a wide range of two-outlet configurations.

Ideal for customized pressure balance set-ups
Works well with combinations like tub filler and hand shower, shower head and body jets, or slide bar and shower head.

F973AVO: Thermostatic Control with Shared Three-Outlet Flexibility

The F973AVO is where the shower experience begins to step up into thermostatic control. This valve combines a thermostat with a three-way shared diverter, giving users more precision, more comfort, and more flexibility in how the shower operates.

The bottom handle is dedicated to temperature control only. Once you find the temperature you like, you can leave it there and simply use the diverter handle to control which outlets come on. That set-it-and-forget-it convenience is one of the main reasons people choose a thermostatic valve. It creates a more refined experience because there is no need to keep adjusting temperature every time the shower is used.

For best long-term performance, we recommend cycling the thermostat handle from cold to hot once per month as a simple maintenance tip.

The F973AVO is built around premium internal components from world-renowned European suppliers. The valve is made in Holland, with a thermostat cartridge from Vernet in France and a diverter cartridge from Flühs in Germany. The quality is second to none, and it shows in the valve’s performance and reliability.

This valve can control up to three outlets of your choice. Because it is a shared diverter, it allows two outlets to run at the same time in select positions, giving the user more flexibility and a more elevated shower experience. With an 8 GPM flow rate, it is well equipped to support multi-function shower set-ups while maintaining strong performance.

The F973AVO pairs with many prebuilt shower set options, and it can also serve as the foundation for a more personalized configuration through the Components in Motion collection. For projects that want thermostatic comfort and multi-function flexibility without moving up to separate volume controls, this is a strong and versatile option.

A non-shared version is also available as the F973ANSVO for projects that need three-outlet control without shared functionality.

Key Features of the F973AVO

Thermostatic temperature control
The bottom handle controls temperature only, allowing users to set their preferred temperature and leave it there.

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience
Once the desired temperature is set, the user only needs to operate the diverter to control the outlets.

Three-way shared diverter
Controls up to three outlets and allows two functions to run at once in shared positions.

Premium European components
Made in Holland with a Vernet thermostat cartridge from France and a Flühs diverter cartridge from Germany.

8 GPM flow rate
Provides strong performance for multi-function shower set-ups.

Shared and non-shared options available
Choose the F973AVO for shared operation or the F973ANSVO for non-shared functionality.

Works with prebuilt and custom shower systems
Pairs with many prebuilt sets or can be used to build a customized shower through Components in Motion.

F904A-VO: A Premium Thermostatic System with Total Outlet Control

The F904A-VO is a stand-alone thermostat valve designed for those who want the highest level of shower customization. On its own, it controls temperature only. It is then paired with separate volume control valves, either the F906A-VO for 1/2" connections or the F906A34-VO for 3/4" connections, to create a fully independent multi-outlet system.

This is the setup you choose when the F973AVO is not enough. While the F973AVO can control up to three outlets and share between two at a time, the F904A-VO system takes flexibility to another level. By pairing it with up to four volume controls, each outlet can be operated independently. That means you can run one outlet at a time, any two together, three together, or even all four at once.

This is what makes the system feel truly premium. It gives the user complete control over the shower experience and allows the space to function more like a personalized spa system. Rainhead, hand shower, body jets, and tub filler can all be controlled individually and combined however desired.

The thermostat valve itself delivers a 16 GPM flow rate, which is twice the flow of the F973AVO. That additional capacity makes it especially well suited for larger showers and more demanding multi-function set-ups. Of course, if all four outlets are running at the same time, the available pressure will be split across them, so each outlet will not feel as strong as when only one is in use. Still, the system offers a level of freedom and performance that is hard to match.

For those designing a true statement shower, the F904A-VO paired with volume controls is the most advanced option in the lineup.

Key Features of the F904A-VO

Stand-alone thermostatic valve
Controls temperature only and pairs with separate volume controls for outlet operation.

Pairs with up to four volume controls
Compatible with the F906A-VO for 1/2" connections or the F906A34-VO for 3/4" connections.

Independent outlet control
Each outlet operates separately, allowing one, two, three, or four outlets to run at a time.

16 GPM flow rate
Delivers twice the flow of the F973AVO, making it ideal for larger and more demanding shower systems.

Maximum shower customization
Perfect for combining rainheads, hand showers, body jets, tub fillers, and other outlets into one highly personalized system.

Built for premium applications
The best choice for those who want the highest level of flexibility and a truly immersive shower experience.

Conclusion

Artos offers shower valve solutions for a wide range of bathroom styles, budgets, and performance goals. The FP232V delivers simplicity and familiarity. The F980V builds on that same pressure balance comfort with greater outlet flexibility. The F973AVO introduces thermostatic control and shared multi-function performance. The F904A-VO takes it even further with fully independent outlet control and premium-level flow.

Whether you are planning a simple shower upgrade or designing a high-performance custom system, there is an Artos valve set-up designed to fit the project.

Looking to build the right shower system for your space? Explore our prebuilt shower sets, browse Components in Motion, or reach out to our team for guidance.