Shower cabins with sauna: choice and characteristics

Shower cabins have long won the popularity of the owners of private houses and apartments due to its functionality and ergonomics.

Modern models allow not only to perform hygienic procedures, but also provide an opportunity to relax, enjoy the hydromassage. Increased comfort devices due to the presence of additional functions. Most modern models are equipped with steam generators, with which you can recreate the atmosphere of a sauna in the shower.

Of course, the main advantage of a shower cabin with a sauna is the multifunctionality of the device, the ability to use a steam generator. It is noteworthy that the maximum steam temperature in this case is 50-55C,that provides well-being of a person. The ability to adjust the temperature of the steam is another advantage of the devices. By lowering the temperature, you can customize the atmosphere of the sauna specifically for each user, including for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, for children. In short, for those who are too hot steam is contraindicated.

Home shower cubicles with the effect of a sauna allow you to add various essential oils to the steam generator. Thus, the possibility of using aromatherapy is added to the warming effect. After taking a shower, you can leave the walls of the booth open to a pleasant aroma filled the whole house. For music lovers, there are devices that allow you to enjoy your favorite tracks or listen to the radio while taking a shower.

If we talk about cabins equipped with infrared saunas, it should be noted the positive effect of the emitted radiation on the human body.

It is important that the booths are very compact and fit even in small spaces, including the bathroom in the "Khrushchev". Standard models occupy 1-1,5 m2. Connecting the device does not require much preparation. Enough to connect to a 220 watt outlet.

There are such advantages of such systems.

• Convenience, because in the shower all at your fingertips, no need to reach for a washcloth or shampoo. Foam or water splash does not get on the walls in the bathroom.
• Ease of care. Modern devices are easily cleaned with special tools. If you do not want to spend a lot of time cleaning, choose models with smooth walls. After bathing procedures, wipe the surface of the cabin dry.
• Economical water consumption. Customer reviews suggest that with the installation of a shower stall, water consumption is almost halved.

• The possibility of heating water. Advanced models have a system for heating cold water to a predetermined temperature. This allows you to take a warm shower, even if turned off the hot water.
• Security. The cabins have an anti-slip coating, their walls and doors are made of eco-friendly and impact-resistant materials, and the temperature of water and steam is regulated by a thermometer.

Among the shortcomings, or rather, even the features of the functioning of the system, we can highlight the need to use filters to soften and purify water, as well as devices that control the constancy of water pressure in pipes (pumps). If the pressure in the pipeline is insufficient or variable, it will not be possible to get steam.

Use hard water (namely, such flows from the tap in our apartments) will lead to clogged nozzles and system failure. It is better to use three-stage filters and install them in the place of water supply to the house.

The cost of a shower cabin with a sauna is considerable, as is the repair, which requires a professional approach. In addition, it is worth being prepared for increased electricity bills.

From the point of view of the organization, it is correct to allocate 2 types of shower cabins with a sauna:

• The device with the effect of the sauna. It is a cabin with a steam generator, thanks to which it is possible to adopt steam procedures. The design is compact.The maximum possible steam temperature is up to 60 ° C, which is obtained by heating water.

• Cabin combined with mini-sauna. It is a more massive device, consisting of 2 compartments. The first is the shower area itself, the second is the box with an infrared sauna. Between the branches is the door. In such structures, the temperature of the steam is almost 2 times higher - from 60 to 120C. Despite the modest size, being in a box is no different from visiting a traditional steam room.

Some devices are lined with wood (clapboard made of oak, pine, fir), which allows you to most accurately recreate the atmosphere of a steam room in a Finnish sauna. Leaning against the surface of the skin, you will not get burned.

Depending on the type of steam room, there are 3 types of devices with a sauna.

• Finnish sauna, which feature is dry hot steam. Its generation is carried out at the expense of the electric heater. As cladding, wood, acrylic, heat-resistant glass or a combination of several options are used here.

• Turkish sauna for lovers of hot steam (50-55C) and high humidity (90-100%). This type of steam room is softer compared to the atmosphere of a Russian bath; it is indicated for people with poor health.
• Infrared bath, a characteristic feature of which is high temperature and the absence of high humidity. The result is a dry heat that warms up the human body, and not the surrounding air. In such a box will be able to sweat, and breathing will not be hampered by too humid air.

In addition to the sauna, modern models (even inexpensive ones) have a number of additional devices that have a healing effect.

• Cabins with hydromassage, which are devices with nozzles, of which water jets are beating under different pressure.
• Chromotherapy, that is, the supply of ultraviolet light waves during a shower. It improves blood circulation.
• Cabins with the effect of the Turkish bath, which is characterized by high humidity and steam temperature not higher than 45-50C. Thanks to the closed doors of the booth, it is possible to recreate the necessary conditions, and a thermometer and a hygrometer take control of the temperature and humidity level.

Depending on the shape, round, square, rectangular, semicircular (as well as quarter-circle shape) and corner models are distinguished. Models of a semicircular and angular form, and also in the form of a semicircle are convenient for installation in small rooms.

If the cabin structure is made entirely of transparent materials, it is called open. Opposite her closed cabin. Intermediate option - the combined cab. Shower cabins with a sauna can be closed or combined. The use of open systems is impossible because they do not have their own ceiling. This means that high-quality steam generation in such structures is impossible.

Cab differences can also be based on the types of doors:

• with a swing door (swing open to the outside, mounted on hinges);
• hinged models (visually do not differ from swing ones, however, they have a more reliable fastening on hinges);
• models with a sliding door (work on the wardrobe principle, convenient for small rooms);
• cab with a swivel mechanism (another option for small rooms).

In addition, structures with a sauna can have not one, but two doors, where the entrance to the washing and shower areas is separate.

Finally, showers differ in the material from which the pallet is made.

Differ in price availability. Service life is up to 15 years, while it is important that the pallet has a reinforcing layer. Otherwise, it will simply crack under the weight of users. The advantage is also the variety of forms of acrylic pallets.

An improved model of acrylic pallets is quartz. The latter are characterized by increased strength, since they contain quartz dust.

Service life is up to 30 years, but such a pallet cannot boast of a variety of forms. It is characterized by increased strength, however, it is heavy and warms up for a long time.

They have improved aesthetic characteristics, long service life. However, they require careful handling, and they cost a lot.

As a rule, it is marble (more expensive option) or porcelain tile (a little cheaper). They are characterized by a long service life, impeccable appearance, enhanced durability. The only negative is the high cost.

Shower cabins are available in various sizes, so when buying a device for an apartment, carefully measure the bathroom space.For small rooms, it is preferable to buy cabins with a steam generator, since they are more ergonomic.

The optimum power of the steam generator is from 2 to 4 W, and its volume is 10-15 liters.

Warming up of devices with a sauna is carried out by means of electric heating systems or infrared panels. In such models, it is assumed that there is a control panel with the help of which temperature and humidity indicators are set. The console is located outside the sauna.

Arrangement of structures with steam function or built-in sauna is carried out in the same way as the connection of a regular shower cabin. The important point is that great attention should be paid to tightness in order to prevent water and steam from contacting electrical cables.

As for the size, there are no defined standards. The cabins can have a width from 70 to 185 cm, the length varies between 70-160 cm. If we are talking about devices with a separate sauna box, their dimensions increase by about 2-2.5 times.

Grounding and installation of the RCD system (residual current device) is obligatory, and not only for the cabin, but also all the metal elements in the bathroom that are in contact with electricity. Installation of heating elements is permitted only when the power is turned off. The cabin lighting is possible with lamps whose power is not more than 100 watts.

Choosing the right device from the variety presented is not easy. First you need to identify the most popular models that have won the trust of customers. Among them are the following showers with sauna:

• AM brand cabins. They have almost no negative reviews, due to reliability, versatility and affordability. They are devices with a steam generator and hydromassage. Price on average from 70 000 rubles.
• Lovers of Finnish Sauna can recommend a cabin "Niagara". In the compartment lined with wooden slats, the authentic atmosphere of the Finnish steam room is recreated, while the design itself is very ergonomic. The average price is from 100,000 rubles.

• Aggregates Luxus 532 equipped with steam generation function. Distinctive feature - deep pallets.Various system configurations are possible, which affects the cost. It ranges from 50 000 - 90 000 rubles.
• Modification Aqvapol with an infrared bath is characterized by affordability (from 30 000 rubles). It is a closed construction with sliding doors. The disadvantage is quite large.

Constantly popular designs Canadian brand Banff. The pride of the manufacturer is considered to be a cabin with a sauna. Their finish is made of Canadian red cedar wood. In contact with the steam produces healing healing fragrance. The material itself does not have a certain shade - it is a whole range of pale lemon to dark chocolate.

Impeccable aesthetics are combined in these models with innovative solutions and versatility. The manufacturer boasts a variety of pallets - it is a ceramic, cast iron and acrylic models. The premium segment products use natural marble pallets.

The internal organization of the cabin space is always thought out - these are folding seats, comfortable shelves, modern anti-slip coatings.Standard models include a sauna box, a control panel, an aromatherapy device, hydro-massage through 6-10 nozzles, and a rain shower. The cost of models depends on the configuration and size, the average price - 150 000 -200 000 rubles.

How to choose a shower cabin, look in the following video.