Shower rack: an overview of the best manufacturers

A shower stand is a type of sanitary fixture. Initially, it was designed specifically for the equipment of hotels and hostels, but together with shower cabins it quickly gained popularity when used in private small-sized apartments.

The area of ​​modern bathroom can not boast of large footagetherefore, it is necessary to resort to various methods that suggest rationalizing the use of working space, hence the high demand for shower stands.

A shower stand in everyday life is a device that provides a comfortable shower. The bar of the rack is fixed with metal or plastic struts parallel to the wall, all other parts of the kit are attached to it.A bar with an extension (in the presence of the upper shower) is also used to supply water. Nozzles for hand-held watering can not boast of a great variety in most models, especially since the replacement of a watering can is not. As a rule, different watering cans have built-in options and offer up to a dozen modes, most often they are far from being used by everyone, choosing 2-3 preferred ones.

If there is an overhead shower, then in this case a variety of its modes is highly desirable. Typically, manufacturers recommend to choose those models that are equipped with a mode of "tropical" shower and hydromassage. "Tropical" shower is an imitation of rain, as it is equipped with a special nozzle that sprays water. This mode makes the shower incredibly enjoyable. Such products are comfortable and versatile.

A good practical addition to the rack is a thermostat. This will be very useful if there is a small child in the family. The thermostat is set to the desired temperature, which eliminates the risk of thermal burns or prevents the child from catching cold in too cold water.As a rule, the presence of a thermostat is provided for models of a higher price category.

Modern options for premium shower racks provide hydromassage features. Thanks to the function of water saturation with air bubbles (aeration), the skin is exposed to hydromassage effects, the shower improves blood circulation in the muscles, increases the overall tone of the body, mood, decreases the level of stress, relaxes the muscles.

For the modes of hydromassage and "tropical" soul, various methods of water supply are usually provided, such as:

• ordinary shower;
• spout of a wide continuous jet;
• tiny warm drops of small size, creating the effect of "tropical rain";
• spray on the smallest droplets in the form of a cloud of mist or spray;
• Some models have the function of supplying water in a cascade for muscle massage and parallel relaxation.

The most common layout of a standard shower rack consists of a faucet mounted on a wall plane, a slat with one or two valves, and an upper watering can, connected by a hose or extension. Today, manufacturers can offer racks that satisfy the most demanding taste,as well as having a diverse design in the spirit of minimalism, vintage, rustic design and retro style.

Shower racks have different names depending on the manufacturer. Most often they can be called "shower column", "shower set", "shower system" or "shower set". These options have the right to exist. What you can not do - is to call them "duPanel" and "shower set." The color choice is also varied - from standard black and white colors to the most inconceivable color combinations in accordance with the design and color scheme of the shower room solution.

Today the shower rack is equipped with different control devices.

• Single lever management is considered the most practical for the soul. It is a single-point shower mixer with stand without protruding elements. Usually installation is performed in a hidden way, and all protruding parts are hidden in the wall.
• Duplex shower rack today is a rarity. This element of the shower is usually performed in retro style. It is not as economical as the stand is equipped with a mixer and spout,It requires a long adjustment of the balance of cold and hot water temperature, its efficiency is reduced.

At the same time, the convenience of control and cost effectiveness of the consumed amount of water were revealed.

The selection criteria should be the following:

• control mechanism;
• easy adjustment of the water pressure;
• setting the water temperature level.

Additional options are present even in the most basic plumbing, which is a shower rack.

• Various holders for soap, shampoos and places for placing hygiene products, attached to the bar. Alternatively, they are easily replaced by something similar, for example, shelves attached to the wall.
• A very useful option may be the backlight of the LEDs. It is used by installing on the upper shower head, which creates a beautiful picture of the fall of multicolor water jets. If you turn off the overhead light, you can get a romantic atmosphere. If you evaluate this option sensibly, it is just a toy that can quickly get bored.For security reasons, it is made with power not from the network, but from batteries.
• Mostly built-in crane is included in the delivery of many models of medium and premium class and rarely for budget racks. Soul rack, combined with him, quite comfortable to use and looks as a whole, because all the components of the kit are made in the same design. Some racks are equipped with an extra spout.

Shower racks can be made of various materials.

• Plastic Used mainly for budget models (approximate price category is up to 3,000 rubles). One of the drawbacks of such models is unattractiveness.
• Chrome or nickel plated steel goes to the manufacture of models of the middle class (approximate price category from 6000 rubles). The quality of the racks made from ordinary steel depends largely on the steel itself and its cover. The latter can vary in a very wide range - from a film that can become unusable after a relatively short period of time after purchase, to high-quality multi-layer protection, ready to serve up to ten years.
• Brass, bronze and stainless steel used in the manufacture of premium models (approximate price category of 25,000 rubles). The names of these materials speak for themselves. They are suitable for the manufacture of sanitary ware in almost all of its parameters and are used by companies that have proven themselves in the market. If you choose between stainless steel, chrome or brass, then preference should be given to the first option.
• If we talk about the materials of which are made shower heads, most manufacturers prefer plastic because of its low weight (watering can often fall from a considerable height and can damage the coating of the bath). However, for models of premium class, watering cans of metal with ceramic inserts are often found.
• Metal rack guarantee reliability and long service life. Surfaces made of metal require protection against corrosion, so they have to be painted, electroplated, chrome plated, which increases the visual appeal of products, their durability, but this affects their value.

When choosing and installing a shower rack, it is worth starting from the growth of those who will take a shower.In the presence of a vertical bar and a shower head moving on it, it is necessary to take into account the wishes of all those who will use the shower. This will allow you not to get into a situation when, with a big difference in the growth of family members, a situation arises when a child, for example, cannot reach the watering can, raised up to the stop. Control of the shower (valves, buttons and other elements) should be optimally placed in the region of the chest level of a standing person of medium height. Pipes for cold and hot water are usually laid side by side, but care must be taken to ensure that the distance between them exceeds 8–10 cm.

To date, the choice of manufacturers of shower racks from both Russia and from abroad is very wide. The best reputation and the highest rating was won by manufacturers from Italy - Aksy Bagno, BelBagno, Cezares, Migliore, Magliezza, Veragio. Good reviews can be heard about manufacturers from Germany - Bravat, Ganzer, Hansgrohe, Grohe.

Many positive reviews have been received by systems equipped with features such as overhead showers and spouts, which are manufactured by the company. Hansgrohe (Germany). Especially popular won Hansgrohe Croma 22.

The criteria for choosing a shower stand are of no small importance with the current variety of offers in a wide range of prices.Today's trade networks of the corresponding profile offer the broadest selection of shower racks with mixers. The question is how to choose a rack that is suitable for the purpose of use, quality of performance and price category for the buyer, and also to avoid overpayment for additional functions that are not used.

Before going to the store you need to think about a few points.

• The length of time of taking a shower and the frequency of visits. If the daily visit time is only 5–10 minutes, there is no need to acquire a model with dozens of different functions. An excellent solution would be a model with 2-3 most frequently used modes. Acquiring an advanced model would mean an overpayment for features that will not be applied.
• If the rack with the regime of "tropical" shower is planned to be used together with the bathroom, then it should have not only a mixer, but also a spout.
• If you stop the choice on a large watering can for the “tropical” shower mode, which is attached to the vertical bar, then it is recommended to ask if the manual watering can with a flexible hose comes with it.
• It should be noted that a stand for a “tropical” shower with a mixer does not include a separate bath tap. It will have to be purchased for a fee.

Usually, a shower rack is hung on the walls using standard spacers. Her rod, as already mentioned, is connected to the crane with a flexible extension hose. The method of their connection is determined by the layout and interior of the bathroom.

The classic method of installation is open. In this case, the design with a shower system and with a mixer is mounted on the wall, while 2–3 holes are made as when installing a standard faucet.

Follow these steps:

• mark the level of shower attachment in height, determine the level of the location of the mixer, various wall-mounted soap dishes and shelves for storing detergents;
• install the shower column and mixer with or without spout;
• set eccentrics;
• attach washers lining - this is a prerequisite for mounting on the wall;
• install the mixer tap (usually, the racks and shower columns with a bath mixer with or without a spout are disassembled, so they have to be installed independently);
• you must first assemble the crane;
• set the barbell;
• place on the wall a separate holder of the shower head (this is the difference between mounting and the classical method).

Installing a shower system in a hidden way with the use of a spout and the effect of a "tropical" shower is most popular, but installing it yourself will be fraught with certain difficulties. It is necessary to have significant experience, as presented a number of installation features that you should definitely take into account. With small square meters, the corner of the corner version with or without the overhead shower fits perfectly into the interior. Here you can make a division into models: full-featured and classic type.

The pipeline is installed before the completion of facing works. It should be borne in mind that the water pressure in the pipes must exceed 2 atmospheres. With less pressure hydromassage can not fully function.

You should consider the instruction manual on a simple standard version of the shower strut, periodically receiving minor modifications.

The stand has a relatively low price, as close as possible to the ideal in practicality and functionality. The convenience of using a removable shower is visible to the naked eye, since the watering can is inserted into a special mount that not only changes the slope of the water flow drop, but in addition it is very convenient to change the height level in accordance with the height. It must be said that the staffing of the concealed installation stand with the overhead shower further enhances the advantages of such a design, since the sensations of a warm summer rain are insanely pleasant and contribute to relaxation.

It is known that if water has an increased hardness indicator, then the surface of the rack is covered with limescale, which must be removed in a timely manner. When choosing the shape of the overhead shower, one should be repelled by the buyer's preferences and the bathroom design.The most popular forms are round (similar to a hanging saucer) and rectangular.

There are also more unusual forms, but, as a rule, they are not so popular, because for their use the design of the bathroom must be quite unusual.

• Chrome-plated or nickel-plated plumbing parts (watering can or faucet) are not cleaned with abrasives (products containing solids), as the risk of scratches increases.
• Lime stains are removed with a microfiber wipe with an acetic acid solution or a weak organic acid. You can use the usual slice of lemon.
• After each use, showers are recommended to wipe dry.
• Various contaminants, including those from fingerprints, are easily removed with liquid detergents; after cleaning, the surface should be wiped dry.
• If the plumbing is made of stainless steel, it does not require thorough cleaning, because it preserves a beautiful appearance for a long time. To get rid of scratches, you should use a paste for polishing silver.

Installing a shower stand with your own hands - in the next video.