Further to my enquiry about shower pumps, to maximise my "new shower"
experience i am also considerring changing the mixer taps to a
thermostatic bath/shower mixer tap. this would also have the benefit
of replacing the shower hose with one that can tolerate the higher
pressures and also provide more variations in spray type from the
shower head.

Remember that it is also very useful to specify one with "pressure
balancing" operation. This responds much quicker to other outlets in the
house being turned on and off and also helps if there is a considerable
pressure mismatch between hot and cold. It is possible to get standalone
pressure balancing valves if your chosen shower mixer doesn't have it built
in.

Christian.