Showers: Selection Criteria

Increasingly, people are installing shower enclosures near the baths or in their stead. One of the reasons is the ergonomics of the device. However, it is worth noting the functionality of the shower.

In addition to the ability to perform hygienic procedures, the owners of the unit have the opportunity to enjoy the spa treatments without leaving home. Even inexpensive modern models are equipped with hydromassage, different types of showers.

However, for the design to meet all your requirements, serve for a long time and do not require repair, it is important to know what to look for when buying a device.

Shower cabins are designed for use in the standing (in some models also sitting) position. However, if you choose a design with a high pallet and a fairly large size, it can also be used for bathing.

It is possible to install shower cabins in private houses, apartments, baths and saunas. The main thing is that the building has water supply, and the water is supplied under a constant pressure of at least 3 bar.

Shower cabins have several advantages:

• they save space, since on average they occupy only 1-1.5 square meters. m;
• reduction of water consumption in comparison with water consumption in the bathroom about 3 times;
• multifunctionality - modern models are not just a place to wash, but combine a lot of pleasant healing procedures;
• ease of use - the ergonomic organization of the internal space of the cabin allows you to quickly reach the washcloth or detergent;

• high thermal efficiency when it comes to closed and combined models - due to the tightness of the structure, it warms up quickly and retains heat;
• variety of models, so you can find a suitable model for a variety of rooms (from the bathroom in the "Khrushchev" to the overall room in a private house);
• ease of care (for care, it is enough to use special means, it is recommended to wipe the surfaces dry after water procedures and ventilate the cabin);
• safety (the pan has an anti-slip coating, all surfaces are impact resistant, the heating elements are “hidden” inside the system);
• the ability to heat water, which is especially valuable if you suddenly turned off the hot water.

The disadvantage of the system is the requirement for constant water pressure. For the operation of additional options, pressure in the pipes of at least 3 bar is required, for the operation of the shower at least 1.5 bar. To level the variability of pressure by using special pumps. If it is not possible to achieve the latest indicators, special pumps are used, which are recommended to be installed as close as possible to the point of entry of the water supply system to the apartment or house.

To avoid such a breakdown will help the use of a three-stage filter for water purification.

The disadvantage is the higher cost of a qualitative model of a shower cabin compared to the price of a bath.As a rule, showers are installed instead of it, therefore, in addition to the cost of buying a cabin, it is impossible to avoid spending on dismantling a bath and repairing a room after dismantling.

Finally, even the most modern models will not replace the bath, because the shower is just its alternative.

Choose a particular model is necessary based on their own needs and the size of the room. If you just need to wash, it makes no sense to spend money on closed cabins, equipped with many options. Enough open design, equipped with a shower.

Angle models are optimal for small and medium sized roomsbecause they are more ergonomic. At the same time, the type of door should be taken into account. The best in quality and reliability are considered swing (i.e., opening outwards, in some models in both directions). However, they require free space when opening. If the room does not have this, you can choose a sliding door.

For small rooms, quarter-angle corner models are recommended with a pallet, the sides of which are 80-100 cm in size.

Choosing a pallet, pay attention to its height.Higher, from 30 cm, usually choose families with children. In such a pallet, you can bathe the child. Lovers to soak in the bathroom should purchase pallets with a height of 50 cm. However, the latter should be in a sufficiently large cabin (so that you can take a reclining position). Otherwise, the whole point of acquiring such a pallet is lost. If there are elderly people in the family, most likely, it will be convenient for them to use the cabin with a low (20-25 cm) tray.

Depending on which criterion is the basis of the classification, shower cabins can be divided into different types.

First of all, it should be noted that, depending on the type of construction, there are 3 types of cabs.

• Open Such systems are organized near one or two walls of the bathroom, and therefore they have only front panels and doors and do not have an upper closing part. A pallet is installed below, in the cockpit itself there is a faucet and a shower head. Such cabins can also be organized in a wall niche. Models without a roof are prefabricated. This is the simplest model of the cabin, in which the organization of additional functions (hydromassage, steam generator, etc.) is impossible.Its advantage is mobility, low cost.

• Closed. They are closed boxes with frame, ceiling and front doors. Thanks to their tightness, it is possible to manufacture a cabin of any shape, to install it in a convenient place and to equip it with numerous additional options. Such cabins warm up quickly and retain heat for a long time. Vertical walls - a guarantee that the water will quickly flow down, leaving no traces and stains. Naturally, they have a higher cost.

• Combined. Enclose the features of a shower and bath. That is, this design, which is externally and functionally close to the shower, but the owner has the opportunity to take a bath. Transparent, as if mounted, the design can cover the entire bathroom or only part of it. The advantage is comfort, versatility, ergonomics and economy (installation of a combination cabin will cost less and take up less space than installing a shower box and a bath at the same time).However, such systems require a large space for installation, and their price is quite high.

Speaking about the materials for showers, one should distinguish between those of which pallets are made and those used for doors.

Depending on the type of material there are several types of pallets.

• Acrylic. Characterized by a variety of forms, ease of care, affordability. However, acrylic itself is a fragile material, so it is important that there is a reinforcing layer inside the pan. In the absence of such, it is necessary to install the pallet on a concrete base covered with a metal sheet. With such a “support”, the pallet will last up to 15 years. More durable and durable variation of the acrylic pallet is similar to the quarian. Its distinguishing feature is the presence of quartz chips in the composition, due to which the strength indicators increase.

• Cast iron. Their main feature is increased strength characteristics, which ensures a long (up to 30 years) service life of the pallet. Unlike acrylic, it heats up more slowly, but also cools longer. The disadvantage of the model is its large weight, high cost and limited choice of forms.

• Ceramic. They have an impeccable appearance, thanks to which they fit into any interior. Despite the large margin of safety, the model requires careful handling. Minus - high price.

• Stone They are based on natural stone with unrivaled strength. It is worth noting the high price of pallets, especially when it comes to marble.

Various materials are used for the manufacture of cabin doors.

• Plexiglas. One of the most affordable options, which, unfortunately, can not boast of high impact strength and safety. When handled carelessly, cracks form on its surface, and the material itself is considered to be fire hazardous, since it is flammable.

• Plastic. Another budget option doors made of polystyrene. Such doors have low cost and small thickness. However, the plastic does not have high strength, with careless handling it can become covered with cracks, and under the influence of high temperatures and "jumps" of water temperature - deform.In addition, under the influence of water, the surface of the door may become stained and stained (they are especially noticeable on colored doors). To avoid this, buying a door with a special polymer coating will help. Water drains from it without affecting the plastic.

• Strained glass. It has enhanced strength characteristics, due to the special technology of its production. The glass is first heated to high temperatures, and then cooled immediately. The surface is resistant to temperature fluctuations, shock. If, however, the glass is broken, its fragments will not have sharp edges.

• Triplex. The technology of its manufacture is similar to the production of automotive glass. The material is 2 or 3 layers of glass, between which a polymer film is laid. This provides high surface strength, including mechanical damage, resistance to temperature. If the triplex is damaged, its fragments will remain on the interlayer film.

The side and rear walls are made of the same materials. As for the open models, they usually assume tile facing. Fixing the tile should be carried out before installing the pallet.It is important that the tiles were designed for rooms characterized by high humidity.

If we talk about multi-functional cabins, then some of their models may have a sauna. Such constructions are 2 boxes: a washing room and directly the one where bathing procedures are taken. Plastic or wooden surfaces are used to decorate the sauna.

The shape of the shower is determined by the shape of the pan.

• Rectangular - the most common variety. Depending on the size can be installed in any room. The minimum size (length-width) for the cabin are dimensions of 90x70 cm, maximum - 170x90 cm.
• Square It may have different variations, the most convenient are models, the sides of which are equal to 80-150 cm.
• Corner. It can be represented by a semicircular shape, as well as a quarter circle shape. In this case, the door may have a spherical shape. The best option for small premises, because it allows to increase the useful area of ​​the room.The dimensions of the sides that form the right angle vary between 80-150 cm.

• Round. Differs original design, therefore, allows you to recreate a stylish interior. Depending on the size, it fits well in both small and spacious rooms. A feature of the model is the versatility of its installation. You can mount the structure both near the wall and in the center of the room. As a rule, a round cabin has a radius of 90-120 cm.
• Pentagonal. Also suitable for installation in a corner of the room, while it looks more attractive than angular counterparts. Despite the greater number of components, its production is simpler than the production of corner models with a smooth contour.
• Asymmetrical. The width of the wall in such models is usually 80-150 cm.

The dimensions of the shower cabin should be selected based on the size of the bathroom. At the same time, it is important that the largest family member is comfortable and quite spacious in the cabin - a person must freely move his arms, be able to bend his knees.

An important selection criterion is the depth of the pallet.

There are several types of pallets.

• Deep. Characterized by a height of 25-35 cm and more. There are models whose height is up to 50 cm. Provided that the cabin itself is large enough, such a tray will easily replace the bath, and if it is equipped with additional elements, the tray will turn into a jacuzzi.

• Shallow Such models are also called medium. Their height is from 10 to 18 cm. In principle, this height is sufficient to prevent water from pouring onto the floor.

• As flat as possible the pallet has a height that does not exceed 10 cm. As a rule, they are installed in structures intended for baths and saunas.

In general, the shower cabin includes walls, a shower watering can, the top panel (dome), a tray, a door. Open models are characterized by simpler organization - they are not equipped with side and top surfaces. The walls of the room itself act as the walls of the unit.

Closed cabins are organized harder. and have all the elements specified for the general appearance of the booths. And to be more precise, even more, since closed boxes usually have additional functions. Such systems have a frame. It is plastic and metal. The latter is more durable, but due to the fact that it is made on the basis of aluminum profiles, it is light. Panels, domes, doors are assembled on the frame, after which the whole system is mounted on a pallet.

The shower watering can and additional nozzles (in the presence of additional options) settle down on the panel. Today's watering cans have many holes for different modes of water jet. A specific program is set by changing the position of the lever on the device. The shower is attached to a rubber hose, which can have a different length. The optimum is 1.5 m.

The possibility of hydromassage is provided by nozzles located on the wall panel.

They may be of the following types:

• hydromassage (massage effect is provided by a jet of water supplied under high pressure);
• aero massage (instead of water, air is blown into the nozzles, which forms bubbles when released into the water);
• combined (nozzles of this type combine the capabilities of 2 previous types).

The nozzles are installed at different heights, and the power supplied by the jet depends on the massaged part of the body. So, in the neck, legs are trickles weaker than those that fall in the back.

The pallet may have special legs, the adjustment of which ensures the correct position of the pallet - it must be strictly parallel to the floor. If the legs are missing, care should be taken of the perfect flatness of the floor covering.

For shower there are 2 types of faucets.

• Odnoventilny. Convenient and practical option, also called single lever. Due to the presence of the air generator it is possible to reduce water consumption. One hand movement is enough to adjust the temperature and water pressure.
• Duplex. The traditional model of the mixer, which also has the name thermostatic.

The organization of the drain involves the connection of the drain of the structure with the pipe passing under it. The pipe, in turn, goes into a sump, and it connects to the sewage system.

Ease of use, durability and ergonomics of the design also depend on the type of doors used.

Depending on their design features, there are several types of doors.

• Hinged doors on hinges. They can have one or two leaves, the first always open to the outside, the second can also open to the inside of the cabin. Doors of this type are considered the most reliable, even with a significant impact, they will not fly out of the hinges. The only "minus" - when opening this door requires free space, and therefore is not always suitable for small rooms.
• Sliding. The door leaf also opens as a closet door. Ideal for small rooms, because when you open the door is not "eaten" useful area of ​​the room. They are considered less reliable compared to the previous version. When choosing a sliding door type, preference should be given to aluminum profiles and metal rollers.

• Swivel. Such canvases have several flaps that are easily moved apart when attached to a hinge.
• Folding. Such designs are also invented to save space. Swinging halves of the fabric at the same time simply bend and overlap each other. Such systems are also called "books." If the doors are made of soft materials, then they are going to be an accordion, for which the model received such a name. Folding design, despite its ergonomics and low cost, are rarely used. This is due to their unreliability and low thermal efficiency.

Special attention is given to the design of the cabin with a sauna. It is a 2 cabins, separated by a partition. The first is designed to take a shower, the second is a mini-sauna. The transition from one zone to another is carried out through the door. There are also models with a separate entrance to each of the zones.

To the process of using the shower was the most comfortable, choose a cabin with a seat.Such a kind of “stool” will help to relax as much as possible, and it is sometimes impossible for people of old age or poor health to take a shower. When buying such a design, be sure to sit on the bench. The place should be deep enough not to slip off it, to be located at the optimum height. In order to make the cabin's interior ergonomic, choose models with a folding seat.

Modern showers are a whole SPA complex in your home. Among the most common are several types of options.

• Hydromassage. It is a water jetting under pressure. For their organization use nozzles, placing them in different parts of the cockpit panel. Hydro massage stimulates blood circulation, energizes, eliminates the feeling of tiredness and irritability.
• Tropical shower. The system simulates tropical rain, which is achieved by installing a special nozzle on the shower. She divides a stream of water into individual drops. A tropical shower is a great way to relax.
• Air ozonation. A useful feature that allows you to get rid of the odor characteristic of wet rooms,as well as excellent prevention of mold.

• Aromatherapy. This implies filling the cabin (as well as the bathroom itself) with your favorite scent. To this end, a few drops of essential oils are added to the special compartment. Under the action of hot water and steam, they evaporate, delighting users with fragrance. The procedure allows you to relax or, on the contrary, cheer up, acts as an effective prevention of colds.
• Chromotherapy. In other words, color therapy. Together with the flow of water on the person affects the multi-colored lights. Scientists have proved that each color has a beneficial effect on different organs and systems of a person.
• With a bath. Allow to recreate the atmosphere of a steam room.
• Jacuzzi. A relaxing bubble bath is organized in high pallets, for which they are equipped with special equipment.

Among the useful options - general ventilation, through which you can quickly ventilate the cabin or evenly distribute steam.

Separate attention deserve a cabin with a sauna. They can be of 2 types: those that have a steam generator, as well as devices equipped with a separate steam unit.

The first ones are ordinary closed constructions equipped with a steam generator.

Designs with a steam room make you feel like in a bath, because here you can set higher levels of humidity and temperature (up to 120 ° C).

Depending on the characteristics of the microclimate, there are 3 types of cabins with a sauna.

• Finnish sauna with its characteristic hot steam;
• Turkish bath, a feature of which is high (up to 60 ° C) temperature and humidity of 90-100%;
• Bath with infrared radiation, which provides uniform heating of the human body. A great option for those who want to sweat well, but does not like the burning moist air of the bath.

Among the popular options - the ability to listen to the radio or your favorite music through a DVD or USB-system. Due to the design features, the sound of flowing water does not drown out favorite tracks.

Modern models can also be equipped with a radio telephone, have a voice control system.

For more convenient use, the structures are equipped with one or more shelves on which you can store bath accessories. Pay attention to whether the shelf has protective bumpers. In the presence of the latest stored bottles of shampoos and gels will not slip and fall to the bottom of the booth. A shape resembling a basket will also be convenient.

It is important that its lower and side parts have perforations, then the water will not linger on the shelf. The indicated type of additional functions is provided only by closed and combined cabins.

Cabin design must comply with the general style of the interior. When organizing the unit in below, as well as in corner units and transparent glass boxes, the adjacent walls need lining. Beautiful, practical and beautiful facing ceramic tiles. It is important to seal the seams well. After all, the durability of the coating depends on it.

Original and stylish look surface, decorated with mosaics. The cost of such registration will be higher. It looks interesting combination of 2-3 shades of mosaic, close or contrasting.Also using this material, you can upload fantasy patterns, themed images.

Wood paneling is always associated with a steam room. That is why in such booth it is especially cozy and homely warm. This option is especially relevant in a private house.

Stone decoration (natural or artificial) will appeal to connoisseurs of luxury. Naturally, the most attractive and logical this cabin looks in large rooms. The most popular is facing marble, granite, brick, as well as a combination of several stone textures.

When organizing corner devices and structures in a niche, curtains can be used instead of doors. They can be made of various materials. The most practical and attractive - curtains made of glass, which are not very different from the glass without profile doors. Plastic versions are close to them in their performance, which have a more affordable price, but are somewhat inferior in their performance characteristics to glass ones.

Fabric patterns are well-known variations of shower curtains. Today they are more practical, durable, made of environmentally friendly materials and delight the variety of design performance. An innovative kind of fabric modifications are those made from polyester.

The first country to launch the mass production of showers is Italy. It is not surprising that today Italian products are considered one of the best and are headed by ratings in reviews of devices. One of the most famous trademarks here is Jacuzzi Products combines the characteristic features of a bathroom and a cabin. The cost of structures is above average.

By the way, those who want to buy products made on the equipment Jacuzzi, but at the same time seeks to save, may consider products of the Chinese brand Parly. This is a budget line of a world famous company. Appollo. The main advantage is the optimal combination of high quality and affordable cost.

It is worth noting the young Spanish brand Esbano, combining the world's leading technology in the field of showers and compliance with the requirements of the Russian buyer. The products are characterized by simplicity, elegance, but at the same time reliable and multifunctional.In the manufacturer's catalog you can find all the most popular configurations of cabs, as well as individual elements (curtains in a niche, doors, accessories, mirrors).

Pallets are white, acrylic, deep, medium and low. The panels are made of tempered glass, frosted or tinted. As for the dimensions, the most compact ones are corner models with dimensions of 80 cm sides, many pentagonal structures, as well as asymmetric versions. Advantage of the brand can be called affordability. The cost of the simplest models starts from 23 000 - 25 000 rubles.

Germany is another leading manufacturer of shower products.

German designs represent such brands:

• CRW - produces high quality cabins, bearing elements of which are made of stainless metals;
• Hueppe - their pride are sturdy glass cabins, which, thanks to the peculiarities of production, are not polluted;
• Hyber - the choice of those who prefer simplicity and functionality;
• Grossman - A worthy example of a successful combination of durability, compactness and variety of options.

Traditional German quality and durability for centuries have been embodied in the showers of the German brand Lagard. It is worth noting that the products belong to the luxury class, the cost varies from 80,000 to 200,000 rubles. Externally, the devices appear laconic glass structures, but their functionality will delight even the most sophisticated user. Top sales are booths with asymmetrical, round, square and rectangular pan. The combination of chrome silver aluminum profiles and glass is an example of noble sophistication. The smallest cabins are 90x90.

Finnish companies are not inferior to the leading positions. The most authoritative is Timowhose distinguishing feature is not just the highest quality, but also a 5-year cab warranty, and Ido showerama. The latter produces expensive models, the cost of which, however, is fully justified by its versatility and reliability.

The company boasts a large product line, including both expensive and affordable devices. Eago. The brand belongs to the DPRK, the main part of the booths are assembled here, and the rest are assembled in China. The "plus" of the product is the use of reinforced pallets of sanitary acrylic.This ensures the strength, durability of the unit while maintaining an attractive appearance. In these cabins, a powerful protective system - in the event of a short circuit, the absence of water in the steam generator and other unforeseen cases, the system is automatically turned off. Devices differ original design and capacity of the pallet.

As practice shows and customer reviews, Russian-made cabins are not much inferior to the foreign analogue of the average price segment. In this case, the domestic product has a lower cost. Consumer confidence enjoy the device Alavann, Eurolux, Domani-Spa, Aqualife. The Radomir company makes production on innovative western technologies. The average price is 40000-50000 rubles. The only drawback - according to its aesthetic characteristics, our booths are inferior to Western counterparts.

Premium products are shower cabins from foreign companies such as Westerhof, Sturm, and Edelformwhich cost - from 70 000 rubles.

If we talk about models that are located in the middle price segment, then these are Italian devices. Axa, Primo, Valencia, as well as Finnish brands Timo, Novitek. The Czech Republic also boasts the optimal combination of price and quality of design - here you should pay attention to manufacturers Luxus and Riho. Presented overseas cabins are cheaper compared to German products.

The budget option is a booth from Chinese companies HX, Avanta, Baraka, Eago. The average price is from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles. As you can see, at quite an affordable price, you can purchase quite reliable and multifunctional devices. But the purchase of cheap booths of unknown Chinese brands should be abandoned. As a rule, they do not have a long service life, and when components fail, it is almost impossible for them to find a replacement.

At the choice of the pallet be guided not only by its sizes, but also safety. The interior must have a special anti-slip coating or relief. If they are not available, it is recommended to put a rubber mat on the bottom of the pallet. Most are models of steel, the safest - stone, acrylic.

Buying a shower cabin, users seek for comfort. It is hardly possible to call comfortable cabins that make noise and rumble at a time when jets of water hit the pallet.The most noisy are steel and enameled structures. Cast iron pallets also can not be called quiet.

Continuing to consider the criterion of comfortable use, we will focus on the heating rate of the pallet. Acrylic and steel pallets heat up the fastest. But before treading on ceramic, cast iron and stone elements, you will first have to flush the water a little to heat them.

If you live in an apartment building, the higher your apartment is, the lower your water pressure in the pipes. Apartment owners on floors 7-8 and above almost always have to install a pump.

When choosing cabins with a sauna, give preference to systems that have an automatic shutdown function when the temperature rises above the required, as well as when there is insufficient water in the steam generator. Such models are worth a little more than analogs without these systems, but they are far superior to them in terms of security.

It is recommended to invite a professional to connect the electrical part of the structure. Do not forget that you need to use the cab from a separate electrical wiring. When organizing the drain system immediately after installation, check its tightness. To do this, place a sheet of paper under the booth, fill it with water, and then drain it. After this operation, evaluate the dryness of the sheet, if it is completely dry, the drain system is tight and safe.

One of the easiest and most popular ways to place a shower cabin is to install it in a corner of the bathroom. In this case, a partition is mounted between the 2 walls and a door is installed. Such a cabin fits perfectly into the interior, and if you use transparent structures, it becomes almost invisible. It creates the illusion of a spacious room, even if we are talking about a bathroom in the "Khrushchev".

Similarly, if room dimensions allow, rectangular cabs can be arranged, the back panel of which replaces the wall of the room. The use of transparent tempered glass will also help to achieve the effect of “dissolving” the structure.

In rooms of elongated shape, you can mount a rectangular or elliptical structure along a narrow wall.

When organizing a cabin in a small space, preference should be given to translucent or light pastel shades. The depth of the pallet is medium, because too high can look cumbersome.

If the bathroom is made in a certain style, then the accessories of the cabin should correspond to it as much as possible. So, in classic interiors and when using the chebbi-chic style, it is logical to stop the choice on the accessories of antiquity.

In the interiors in the spirit of Baroque, Rococo, neoclassicism, gilded elements of decoration look organically.

It is important that the decoration of the shower stall is harmoniously combined with the design of the walls and the floor. The classic solution is a combination of bright lower extremities of the walls and even lighter central elements with a darker floor. To maintain the shade of the flooring allow the curb on the surface of walls and accessories.

Reflecting surfaces will help to visually expand the space - mirrors, shiny tiles, chrome-plated plumbing.Add depth to the bathroom and bring a touch of elegance, mystery, using shades of blue, aquamarine. To divert attention from the modest dimensions of the room can be using floor tiles. Choose a "honeycomb", tiles with geometric patterns.

How to assemble and install a shower cabin with your own hands, see the next video.