Overview of shower panels

Showers with many features - the dream of many. However, not everyone can install such devices. This is due to their high cost, the need to dismantle the bathroom and install the cabin (this option is available to most apartment buildings). Consider the main nuances and types of shower panels.

Shower panel - an open design without a pallet. It is a compact, functional device with several options that can replace a shower stall or be mounted on a wall next to the bathroom. Its cost is much lower than the price of showers with similar capabilities, and installation is simpler and faster.Due to the presence of a variety of design designs, you can choose a device for any interior.

The components of the panels are the housing, equipment and accessories. At the base of the case are acrylic, aluminum alloy or special glass. They are characterized by strength, resistance to water. Under the internal equipment means shower heads, nozzles, various nozzles and mixer, as well as a control system. The latter can be mechanical (manual) or electronic (in this case, it is equipped with a display).

As a rule, the panels have 2 shower heads: upper (static) and manual (fixed in a special holder, connected to the mixer with a hose). Some manufacturers equip low-cost models only with a hand shower. Depending on the method, or rather the installation location, there are 3 variants of shower panels.

• Corner. Used primarily for small spaces.Allows you to get the maximum comfort of the procedure in a limited space.

• Wall mounted. It can be mounted anywhere in the room, so it is usually used for large rooms. Wall panels are also embedded.
• Universal. Unlike the first two, it is installed at the request of the user (in the corner, on the wall).

Based on the design features, there are the following types of devices.

They are a block on which all the buttons and control knobs are located. The convenience of such systems is easier installation (just fix and connect the panel).

The design, the elements of which are installed separately. Despite the more time-consuming installation process, such systems allow you to customize each element in accordance with their own preferences. For example, it is possible to set up an autonomous shower in accordance with growth. When using monolithic counterparts, this is not possible.

Depending on how the mixer is equipped with a panel, there are several types.

Faucets with spout suitable for those who not only uses the shower, but also takes a bath.Devices with pouring water into the bathroom allow you to quickly get the required amount of water without spreading the spray around.

High-precision devices in which you can set the required water temperature with an accuracy of a degree. Such varieties are convenient, they are somewhat unusual, but already marked by the high evaluation of specialists.

Their feature is the ability to set the desired temperature, which will subsequently be set automatically. Users of this model do not face the problem of a sudden change in temperature in the process of taking a shower. This is due to the fact that the thermostat present in the system does not respond to changes in pressure in the pipes by raising or lowering the temperature.

In devices with a mixer, the latter can be single lever (the temperature of the water is regulated by changing the position of the lever in the horizontal direction, the degree of pressure - its vertical movement) and the traditional double lever (equipped with cold and hot water valves).

Speaking about the types of panels, it should be noted that this unit has 3 classes.

The device of this class has a plastic or acrylic panel, 1-4 nozzles, providing acupressure. Characterized by the lowest cost.

Better and more functional devices made of acrylic or aluminum. Equipped with 2 types of nozzles: side (their number is from 4 to 6) and central (usually 3, designed for back massage).

The most expensive option, the equipment of which is the same as in the panels "Medium". The difference lies in the ability to set a different rhythm of the nozzles.

Depending on the availability of certain options, the devices are:

Such models can be located above the bathroom or directly on the wall (when the panel does not imply its joint use with the bathroom). The hydromassage panel has a lot of nozzles, of which water jets are beating under different pressure.

Such procedures:

• allow to improve blood circulation;
• increase immunity;
• help in the fight against obesity and cellulite;
• invigorate;
• help relieve stress.

The procedure of taking a shower is like walking in the rain. Large drops gently fall from above, slowly flowing through the body. Maximum relaxation while swimming is guaranteed. Due to the wide surface of the shower and a special type of water holes, the effect of a tropical shower is created.

The color of the water during the procedure may vary. This feature, like the backlight, is found in more expensive models. "Tropical shower" can have several modes. The most popular is the mode in which droplets have an average size (rain effect), an uninterrupted jet (waterfall feeling) is noted, as well as the mode of feeding small droplets (mist).

If the classification is based on the principle of control, then the panels have different controls.

• Electronic. Such devices are more expensive, they are equipped with a special display, make it possible with an accuracy of 1 degree to change the water temperature, turn on the backlight, change the mode of operation of the injectors.
• Mechanical. These are simpler and less functional models.

When installing the panel should take into account its future location (above the bathroom, in the purchased shower box, homemade shower without a tray). In the shower box (closed device) you can install the panel on the wall or in the corner. If you install a panel with a hydromassage, the space from the floor to the sewer pipe should be no more than 7 cm. If it is larger, you need to install a podium under the cabin drain. Another important point is the presence of sealing at the points of attachment of the panel to the cabin surfaces. Acrylics are used for docking outside the cabin, and silicone sealants are used inside.

If you decide to make a simple shower without a pallet with your own hands, then initially in the floor you should make a hole to drain the water.After that, the floor is covered with an anti-slip tile, which is laid at a small angle to the drain hole. Next, you need to assemble and install the racks of the fence, after which you can bring water to the mixer panel.

Rating shower panels are usually headed by the device of the German company Hansgrohe. In the manufacturer's collection there are models of all classes, and this means that each user will find a device that meets their requirements and financial capabilities. Even the cheapest models of this brand have 2 shower heads - manual and top. 80% of products are equipped with a thermostat at the user's choice (manual or electronic control). Feature of the product is ergonomic, concise and stylish design. The panels are based on high-tech metal alloys that are resistant to corrosion, temperature and mechanical damage.

Not less consumer demand panels of the Italian brand Albatros. It is appreciated by the owners of small sanitary facilities, since there are a lot of corner panels in the collection. Products differ in compactness, high quality and duration of operation. Ergonomics and functionality are different and devices from another Italian manufacturer Jacuzzi. For example, model sizes REI they are only 1.43 meters high and 17 cm wide. This model provides the effect of tropical rain, it is equipped with 4 hydromassage jets.

Brand deserves attention Grohe. Its products - the embodiment of the famous German quality. The choice of buyers offered systems with overhead and hand shower, a variety of options. The price depends on the class of the device, its functionality. All elements, including accessories of ceramic plates, are characterized by reliability and durability. If you entrust the installation of the panel to the manufacturer’s service center, the guarantee for the products will be 5 years.

Premium-class shower panels can be found in the company's collection. River. There are a lot of models equipped with a mixer with a spout, all devices have a thermostat.Feature of the product is a large number of nozzles (in many models, the maximum number is 6 pieces). Among the useful accessories - shelves, mirrors, lights.

Lovers of comfort and practical solutions will appreciate the shower panels. Dorff (Germany). Their devices are inherent conciseness, ergonomics and maximum functionality. Due to the use of durable glass as the basis of panels, they have a modern, dynamic appearance. These products are characterized by durability.

Another brand that invariably falls into a leading position in the ranking of shower panels - Avek. The country of manufacture is Russia, the components used in production are received by the brand from German suppliers. Buying such a shower panel is a great opportunity to get a product of European quality and style at an affordable price. The body and shower models are made of stainless steel. This is a worthy option for small premises (ergonomic), while having a solid list of options.

If the aesthetic component of the panel is important to you, pay attention to the company's proposals. Gllon. Their devices are always the author's design, an exquisite combination of forms and functionality. There are models, the frame of which is made of colored glass, as well as devices in retro style. Those who are looking for more affordable panels, you can advise the device with a hydromassage from the Czech company Ravak. Its products are a harmonious combination of innovative developments, ease of management and design solutions in the design of aggregates. Among the devices in the average price range can be called products Byon.

If you are concerned about the consumption of water, choose models of European manufacturers to save water. The principle of their functioning can be based on reducing the amount of water at a high flow rate. Another option is the presence of a special mechanism whose task is to reduce the number of channels of the shower head at a high flow rate. The use of such devices allows a 10-30% reduction in water consumption. Of course, such a system is somewhat more expensive, but the price will pay off in the first months of using the panel.

Choosing the panel, pay attention to the design of the water distributor in the watering can (the part from which they beat the water jets). An optimal watering can is a model equipped with nozzles (silicone tubes that are inserted into each water hole). Due to their presence, the holes will not become clogged up with lime deposits; if there is insufficient pressure, the drops will not merge. The most convenient to use is a shower with the shape of a watering can in the form of a circle, oval, square. Using a device with a rectangular watering can or a design form option may not always be comfortable.

In the next video you will find the installation of a shower panel Gllon SL094-1 with hydromassage.