How to choose a bath?

Plumbing is among the required items in any home. For hygienic procedures, many people prefer a bath - in it you can not only wash, but also to relax, after lying in warm water with foam. To make the product last a long time, you need to know how to choose the right bath, compare different options and choose the best solution.

Speaking of the bath, usually imply a tank for swimming, which can be fully immersed. It is this plumbing is present in most apartments. But the baths are also other - children's, hydromassage, sedentary. And the Japanese bathroom is a wooden tub in which a person sinks along the shoulders, and on top of it covers with a lid so that the heat does not go away too quickly.Baths differ in shape, they can be not only familiar, but also original - in the form of a sea shell or a tea mug. They make plumbing from different materials - from the usual acrylic to glass or natural stone.

Most people have one bathroom in the house, and this room is usually small, so the question arises whether it is better to put a bath or shower. Cabin is often chosen on the principle of saving space.

But even in a small bathroom you can install a bath, and this solution has its advantages.

• Extra place to stay. After a hard day you want to relax, the bath is perfect for this. Warm water and fluffy foam are a good way to calm down and get ready for bed.
• Home SPA complex. For girls who devote a lot of time to caring for themselves, the bath will become a convenient place where you can perform different procedures. Masks for hair and face, scrubs, special salts and peels - with all this wealth it is much easier to sit in the bath rather than in the shower. In addition, hot water steam out the skin, the pores expand, and dead cells are easier to remove, so the effect of caring cosmetics will be more pronounced.

• Fun for kids.Kids love to splash in the water, and the older child will not give up such a pleasure. Children can spend hours in the bath in the company of their favorite toys, arranging water adventures.
• Pet care. It is much more convenient to wash animals after a walk in the bath, which allows you to do everything you need without flooding the floor.

• Cleaning and washing. Periodically there is a need to soak the laundry before washing in a typewriter. In the bath you can place several basins with things, and if you need to soak something volumetric, for example, curtains or bedding, you can use the entire capacity for soaking. It is also possible to leave it to soak large dishes - pans, pots.
• Stock of water. Unplanned shutdown of water is not such a rarity. In such a situation, it is worthwhile to pre-fill the bath, in order to be able to cook, wash dishes and do other chores.

It is more convenient to wash the bath, there are no stains on it, unlike the glass doors of the booth. And if you want, you can always upgrade the plumbing, attaching a shower watering can and hanging the curtain. Therefore, the owners can not only swim, but also quickly rinse under a shower. By cost, you can find options that fit any budget. Manufacturers produce and low-cost products.

The only significant disadvantage is the size. Miniature toilets often provide the ability to place only a stall. If the apartment owners do not want to do serious repairs with redevelopment, then they have no other options. Other pros and cons of plumbing in this case no longer play a role.

All types of containers are usually divided into several categories depending on the following parameters:

• material;
• the size;
• the form.

These criteria are basic when choosing.

In addition to products of mass production, there are also such unusual options as:

• double bath for those who want to turn bathing in a romantic evening and enjoy relaxation with your loved one; the distinguishing feature is the increased size of the tank, and two head restraints may be present;
• built-in design is an unusual version on the legs, which is installed in a special podium or even on the floor; built-in bath can be of any size and shape;
• Modern products often have additional features, popular with massage options, which make relaxation even more pleasant, while the types of massage systems may differ;
• cast tanks are very durable, they are more durable, but they are more expensive;
• A sitz bath is a solution for miniature rooms, but most people in such a situation prefer to install a shower cabin.

In addition to these options, there are models with handles designed for older people and people with disabilities to use the plumbing was more convenient. Manufacturers often produce plumbing kits, so you can immediately pick up the sink, toilet, bidet, so that all products are in the same style. But if there is no need for a complete replacement, then there are many baths in the shops, which have a universal design and will be able to fit into almost any interior. If desired, you can optionally install a watering can with a shower in the bathtub.

Cast iron products are very popular. Iron baths with high carbon content are very durable. They are able to inflict serious damage only a aimed blow with a sledgehammer. The container is enameled on top, depending on the quality of the application, the service life of this coating can vary from 10 to 40 years, and the bath itself can stand for much longer.

She has such advantages as:

• slow cooling of water due to the low thermal conductivity of the material;
• easy care;
• there is almost no noise when typing water.

Among the drawbacks is a lot of weight. Products turn out very heavy, therefore there are even certain restrictions on their installation in some buildings. Delivery and installation of this design also causes difficulties. These baths will not please the original form - it will not be possible to make something intricate from cast iron, therefore, they produce only standard products. Another problem - the restoration of enamel on such products is expensive.

Steel baths are no less popular, they are made of various types of steel, including copper alloys. Such materials are plastic, so they can be given a variety of shapes and create original designs.

In addition, they have the following advantages:

• products made of constructional grades are several times cheaper than cast-iron ones, which makes it possible to save, but stainless steel options will be more expensive;
• low weight allows you to install a bath without any restrictions, and the installation process is much easier;
• for durability, these products are not inferior to cast iron, if you ensure timely cleaning and care of enamel, and the restoration of enamel, if necessary, is cheaper.

The minus is high thermal conductivity.The water cools quickly, so the tanks have to be further warmed. The same solution helps to get rid of the excess noise that occurs when typing water. Products with thin walls can sag, therefore, despite their cheapness, it is better to choose a more durable option.

Acrylic plumbing is made of polymeric materials in special forms under pressure.

She has her own features.

• Wide price range. For manufacturing, they use both more durable materials and inexpensive types of plastic, which serve for 8–10 years, therefore the cost varies considerably.
• Various shapes and colors. Modern technologies allow not to limit the imagination, so you can choose an option for any design.
• Additional functions. It is acrylic structures most often supplied with a hydromassage system and other similar devices.
• Low weight. It is easy to deliver and carry out installation, there are no restrictions on installation.
• Low thermal conductivity. In this parameter, the products are comparable to cast-iron baths.
• Uncomplicated care. The material has practically no pores, so the dirt is not eroded into the surface.In addition, many types of plastic have a special antibacterial additive that helps maintain purity.

Recently, a new material has appeared on the plumbing market - quark. It is a composite of quartz particles. It is strong and durable, and also withstands high temperatures. Quarile products combine the advantages of cast-iron and acrylic solutions, but do not have the disadvantages of these materials. There is only one drawback - this is not the most affordable price.

There are more rare original products. Bath can be solid wood, artificial stone, brick or ceramics. Typically, such plumbing do to order, so its cost is rather big. But with the availability of funds for the purchase of such a bath, the customer will receive a durable product with an unusual design, free from the drawbacks of typical products.

For comfortable use, you must correctly determine the size of the plumbing.

The following dimensions are of great importance:

• side height;
• depth and width of the tank;
• length.

The choice is made according to individual parameters, in addition, the scale of the bathroom plays a role - in some rooms you can install only small baths, narrow and short.

The optimal average parameters are the following:

• side height - 60–70 cm;
• depth - 50–60 cm;
• length –150–180 cm;
• width - 70–80 cm.

These figures are calculated on a person with a height of 170-180 cm, who does not have excessive fullness. If there are children in the house, then a low bath is better - it is more convenient and safe for the child. The size of the bath may also depend on the material from which it is made.

Manufacturers supply products to the market with the following parameters:

• cast iron products do not differ in a variety of dimensions, they are either small, represented by miniature models 100x70 cm, or correspond to the European standard format - 150x70 cm;
• steel can be up to 180 cm in length and up to 85 cm in width, but also come across small ones with a length of 120 cm;
• the configuration of acrylic is more diverse, there are baths of 160x70 cm, the length can be up to 190 cm, and the width is up to 170 cm,non-standard forms are present, the capacity itself can also be deep.

There are such common forms as:

• the classics are rectangular options that fit most of the bathrooms in typical apartments;
• angular semicircular bath allows you to save space, but at the same time to comfortably swim, you can find different models with a beveled corner, from miniature to roomy;
• round or oval models often become the central element of bathroom design, they are quite large, so these options are only suitable for spacious rooms.

Standard models often have white color, but now you can find other options in plumbing stores. Different colored baths make the setting more interesting. Bathroom in bright colors has already become a classic, so some people prefer to choose the opposite solution and install a black bath.It looks very stylish, but it is important to add colors to the interior. It is necessary to choose some more cheerful colors, so that the situation does not seem gloomy or oppressive, because it is also a place to relax.

The gray model doesn’t seem so gloomy, if someone is repelled by black, in addition, it has an important advantage - this color is combined with other tones, so it will be easy to fit the plumbing in the interior. Red bath is an original and even bold decision, bright color creates a cheerful mood, so it is better to balance the interior with more calm pastel shades, and plumbing can act as a peculiar accent. As an alternative is the pink model. She looks more restrained, because this color is not so flashy. Gentle pink shade will be a good substitute for annoying white. An interesting solution could be a purple model that will look good in a light blue gamut setting. This option looks original, while the colors create a relaxed mood, allowing you to relax after a difficult day and tune in to sleep.

Given the abundance of options in stores, it is better to determine in advance the following characteristics and plumbing parameters:

• first of all, the question of the budget for the purchase; you need to immediately determine the upper limit on the cost to reduce the number of searches;
• it is necessary to make measurements of the area of ​​the bathroom, and also it is necessary to measure the old plumbing, if it is not yet dismantled, in order to be guided by these parameters;
• when choosing the dimensions, it is taken into account who will use the bathroom - whether there are children in the house, elderly people, how tall the owners are;
• Immediately you should choose the material, comparing the pros and cons of different options, as well as financial capabilities.

Too cheap models are not the best option, as the quality is appropriate. Their maximum lifespan is 8–10 years, after which the plumber will have to change again. It is better to choose something from the middle price category. If the bathroom is small, then a compact bath may be a suitable option. Such products are also presented in stores, although the most popular medium size - the so-called European standard. There are also large roomy models, if the area allows, then this option will provide an opportunity to relax in comfort.

New plumbing can be installed by hand.To do this, you must first prepare the bathroom. If you plan to complete the repair in the room, it is better to first complete the installation, and then engage in wall covering to make a waterproofing and choose the right tile. In the case when changing only the bath, the height of the new product should not be lower than the previous one. Otherwise, the old tile will be visible, in which dirt has entered.

The floor must be durable, especially if you plan to put a cast iron plumbing. Under its weight, fragile tiles can crack, so it is better to give the coating no less careful attention. It must be laid on solid cement with extrusion so that there are no voids under the layer, otherwise damage will be inevitable. The height of the installation is important not only for correlation with the existing lining. A bath raised to 4–5 cm allows you to make a siphon with a deeper knee, which reduces the likelihood of blockages, and also accelerates the flow of water. In such a position, small debris and hair practically do not accumulate in the siphon, respectively, and then you don’t have to clean the sewage system.

Possible different installation methods.Most often used to mount to the wall, if the space in the room a bit, then push the bath close. In this case, it is important to ensure a good seal so that the water does not flow down and does not accumulate there. This will prevent rotting finishes, fungi and mildew.

To make the water treatments comfortable, It is worth choosing special accessories that will make the process more convenient.

• Handrails are useful for older people who find it difficult to change their position or keep their balance on slippery surfaces. Special devices allow you to avoid injury and the need to call someone for help. People with disabilities also use handrails to independently manage hygiene procedures.
• Headrest enjoy lovers soak in hot water. It is made of waterproof material, easy to clean. Most often it has attachments in the form of suckers, so it can be conveniently placed on the side.

• Anti-slip mats are another safety accessory. They are useful if you want to take a shower.Such a product is placed directly on the bottom of the bathroom so that you can stand on it without fear of accidentally slipping. The mat can also be laid on the floor if the room is slippery tiles.
• The back holder is a device that helps bathe small children. With it, they will remain seated and not swallow water.
• The bath stand is a handy accessory that can be used to house various accessories that can come in handy when swimming.
• If you can, then it is worthwhile to install special mounts and hang a curtain for the bathroom. She will allow to take a shower and not to arrange a flood indoors, and also will add an interior if to pick up beautiful color or drawing.

It is equally important when choosing to pay attention to the manufacturer. A well-known company is a guarantee of quality, because such a company carefully monitors its reputation. Most famous Italian brands. They differ in the highest prices of their products.

You can find decent options among representatives of other countries, as well as in the domestic market.

• Aqunet is a good example of import substitution. This Russian company produces a variety of plumbing, from affordable models to premium. It produces not only baths, but also shower cabins, furniture, all kinds of accessories, so you can fully equip a bathroom by purchasing everything you need. For this, entire collections are produced, for example, Laguna, which includes furnishings and plumbing. The main part of the production is acrylic baths, which are made on Italian equipment, but there is also a collection of products from artificial stone.

• Santek is another Russian brand that specializes in the production of acrylic and whirlpool baths, as well as various plumbing fixtures - bidets, toilets, and sinks. It offers products for residential and public buildings. The brand has earned good reviews and the award “Brand No. 1 in Russia”.

• Esse is a manufacturing plant that produces products from cast marble. The Russian brand represents a variety of products, among which attract the attention of the bath of various shapes and sizes, shower trays and sinks. The factory produces not only standard products, but also makes the original plumbing to order.

• Vitra is one of the world leaders in plumbing and ceramic tile manufacturing.The history of this company began with a small factory in Istanbul, and now it has offices around the world, including a factory in Russia. The range of the company consists of plumbing, furniture and accessories.

It is not necessary to have a large area and come up with some complex details to make the original design. The design can be quite minimalistic - it is both popular and stylish. The contrast of black and white attracts attention, and the design itself with a podium looks interesting, and also allows you to hide all sanitary pipes and fixtures at the bottom. At the same time, the bath itself, if viewed separately from the interior, is quite ordinary, and the secret of style lies precisely in the harmonious combination of all elements of the atmosphere.

The unusual shape can be a highlight in the design. This bath with its outlines resembles a sheet of paper or even a sea stingray. At the same time it does not have any extra details, so it looks quite restrained and can be combined with different colors in the interior. Of course, to accommodate such a design will require free space, because for a small room this solution is not suitable, but the model looks very impressive.

An interesting leg bath with white and gold decor looks really luxurious. The legs are made in the form of shells, which can be used to create a design with a marine theme. But you can also choose classic motifs, due to its chic and expensive type of plumbing fit in this direction.

A practical solution is a bath with a protective screen, which is useful when you want to take a shower. If the curtains seem to be ugly or there is no possibility to install a mount for them, then this option can be a good alternative. At the same time, the product itself is small, with angular placement. If you wish, you can create such an environment in a regular apartment with an average bathroom size or combined bathroom.

Brown bath looks original. This color creates a feeling of comfort, allowing you to relax and rest. You can complement the interior with suitable shades of the same color, combined with white or beige, as well as with wood-like textures. Plumbing is equipped with a handrail for convenience, which can act as a towel holder.

Red bath is a bold and non-standard solution that can look really stylish if you put it in a suitable setting.Since red is a bright and defiant shade, the product itself becomes the main accent. The rest of the interior should be more restrained, for example, using gray shades or white, which is considered neutral and looks calm. This will balance the design and make it original, not vulgar.

Futurism is a fashionable trend that involves the use of elements reminiscent of future technologies or spacecraft. This design seems really extraterrestrial due to its unusual shape and the upper part with light. No less original looks and rounded shape. Such a product looks like a miniature space capsule.

Tea lovers can now get the opportunity to even swim in a teacup. With such an unusual bathroom it will be quite real. It looks like a mug from a classic service, but due to the harmoniously designed design it does not seem strange or ridiculous. Such a decision will be truly original if there is enough space and love of tea drinks.

And this stone product looks like it was created by nature itself.Surrounded by wood, bamboo curtains and green vegetation, the bath looks very harmonious, and the unusual shape and all kinds of chips just give it a similarity to a real stone boulder. Of course, to put such a structure in the apartment will not work, but for a country cottage it may be the ideal solution to enjoy a swim in silence, admiring the view of your garden.

A solid wood bath is really beautiful. Just look at its walls, which have retained a characteristic natural pattern and a variety of brown shades. Such a product does not need any additional decor, since it is already a completely self-sufficient thing. That is why the environment should not be overloaded, it is better to choose calm and subtle tones, creating a restrained design that will not attract attention to itself.

Vintage and retro have a lot of fans who are likely to want to decorate the interior in their favorite style. Such a model immediately creates a sense of antiquity, combining antique motifs and Victorian classics. The shade of aqua color makes the overall impression even more interesting, and the legs and shell-like patterns continue the line associated with the sea.

You can make the interior more stylish by using unusual shapes. The round model looks more interesting than the usual oval or rectangular solutions, and the laconic gray shade is perfect for a minimalist design. You can complement the situation with several original accessories.

How to choose the right bath, see the next video.