High tech hits the showers: 5 ways to go deluxe in the bathroom

Slava Lazebnikov can set the water temperature of his shower from the living room, program a shower playlist while having dinner and lift the toilet lid while lying in bed.

After 15 years in his Rockville, Md., home, Lazebnikov said the bathrooms were outdated and needed something, well, a little splashy.

Now showering in the upstairs bathroom is a digital spa experience. "It's really like in a car wash," he said.

In the rooms where families consume their media, technology's long been commonplace. And devices now allow homeowners to program their music and TV. Kitchens have refrigerators that tell them when they're low on milk.

But ... the bathroom?

A fall 2013 survey of 7,600 homeowners by Houzz an online community focused on remodeling and design found that 60 percent of people are renovating bathrooms. Multiple shower heads, including those that simulate rain, are particularly popular, the survey said.

Lazebnikov and his wife, Margarita, live in a modest townhouse. But Lazebnikov, a software systems manager, "likes all sorts of gadgets that can be adjusted for the heck of it," he said and can install them himself.

A digital valve with five control panels is connected to both their smartphones and enables them to personalize every aspect of the shower. The devices can be pricey: The Kohler DTV system with rain head, four body sprays, fixed head and hand shower typically retails for $4,500. Add another $12,000 for the media package.

"Water comes at you from all sides and above," said Lazebnikov, pointing to various ceiling and wall water tiles from which the water flow and pressure can be regulated. You can create a drizzle, thunderstorm, waterfall, fountain or body spray.

Lazebnikov can set a rhythmic pattern of alternating water temperature. He can add steam "to surround me in warmth."

More:
High tech hits the showers: 5 ways to go deluxe in the bathroom