How to choose a shower cabin: types, material, manufacturer

Today, shower cabins are so popular that they gradually begin to crowd out traditional baths. They are chosen when there are places for a bath and a washing machine. lacks, or when it is necessary to minimize the time for the adoption of water procedures. In addition, a shower cabin is a good opportunity to save, because the water consumption compared to using a conventional bath is reduced by 5-6 times. Appearance, functions, sizes can radically differ, and in order to choose a shower cabin it was easier, it is better to know in advance what the modern market offers us and what exactly we want from this device.

Type of shower

Depending on the configuration and equipment, all showers can be divided into designs of open or closed type. The former are also called shower enclosures.

Open shower - The easiest and budget option. It often consists of only two walls and pallet, and the walls of the bathroom act as the rest of the enclosing structures. As a rule, there is no top cover in such booths. Naturally, shower head and mixer present and attached to the wall, tiled. This is a relatively cheap way to equip a shower at home, but you can try to save even more, and replace the finished pallet with a tile with a special anti-slip coating. In this case, you need to install only the doors, which will serve as a fence. You can reduce the cost of the construction even more if you use a curtain made of moisture-resistant fabric instead of doors, but this option is already difficult to classify as shower cabins, so we will not consider it.

Closed shower - This is an independent structure consisting of two walls, sealed doors, a pallet and a top cover. Of course, such products are more expensive, but the time for arranging at home the soul is reduced at times, and its functionality only increases. In addition, ready-made shower boxes in which case it will be more or less easy to move to a new place or to a new apartment. The walls behind the shower can be laid out with the simplest tiles to reduce the cost of bathroom repairbut leaving them without any trim is not recommended.

Functionality such designs can bribe anyone. Of course, you can choose a shower box with a minimum of functions, or you can look at an option with a wide range of features. So, many models are equipped illuminated, radio, telephone, hydromassage and rain shower. Among the more sophisticated features: cascading shower, aromatherapy, ozonation, Sharko shower, Turkish bath, telephone, steam generator etc. The more features the cabin has, the naturally higher its price. In attempts to equip the most comfortable and multi-functional vacation spot, do not forget to think through all the details and understand how necessary this or that opportunity is and whether it can be realized in the conditions of your apartment.

If the shower is equipped hydromassagethen the pressure in water supply system it must be at least 2-3 bar, otherwise you can’t use this wonderful function. It is better to clarify this indicator in the Housing Office in advance, and only then make your choice.By the way, some manufacturers produce showers in which the hydromassage will work even at low water pressure, so you need to know what kind of water pressure is in the apartment.

Some models of shower boxes may even replace the bathbut here you need to keep an eye out. In showers may be presentTurkish saunawhich has a positive effect on health. This mode provides an increase in humidity up to 100%, and the temperature of the steam rises to 40-50⁰C. This is the maximum that the human body can withstand, and manufacturers who declare a steam temperature of 60⁰C, it’s better not to believe - this is a clear exaggeration. Not only is this almost impossible, it is also hazardous to health. If there is a separate compartment in the box with wood trim, then it can easily replace a trip to Finnish sauna.

What manufacturers just did not come up with to increase comfort! In addition to the function of the bath, modern showers can also be equipped with aromatherapyand smells, as you know, tend to affect the body: they relax or invigorate, soothe, cheer up, treat. It remains only to select aromatic oil, pour it into the corresponding hole, and turn on the “bath” function so that the escaping steam is saturated with particles of the substance used.

If the shower box is equipped steam generator, then note that a fan is also available. Its task is to drive air through the cabin and evenly distribute the temperature. If there is no fan, then the escaping steam will rise up: it will be cold in the legs and hot in the head, which is not very comfortable.

Function rain shower equipped with almost all even the most budgetary shower boxes. A large-diameter watering can is located in the lid, has many holes, and during operation creates the impression of a real summer rainfall.

More recently, showers with infrared heating function. Such radiation has a positive effect on the body, and allows not only to warm up and sweat, but also to disperse blood circulation, improve the condition of many systems and organs.

Shower boxes can be of different sizes and configurations. In a small bathroom it is better to choose an angular model, and if the area allows, you can buy a whole SPA center, where the pallet will more resemble a huge bathtub. By the way, such mix of shower and bath - An excellent option, because it combines the capabilities of two devices, and the temperature with the doors closed will remain the same for a long time.

Which pallet to choose?

Dimensions and shape

The initial value when choosing a shower are its dimensions. In this matter, attention should be paid both to the size of the bathroom and to the parameters of family members. The minimum dimensions of the pallet that can be found and at which the box remains comfortable are 80 * 80 and 90 * 90 cm. The maximum values ​​in width and length are close to 170 * 180 cm. If there is no clear certainty that the booth will be convenient for everyone, then it’s better to let the largest member of the family climb right into the store and check how suitable it is for height and size.

Another important parameter is pallet depth. If a shower cabin is the only place for taking water procedures, if children or animals are bathing in it, or large things are washed manually, it is better to opt for options with a depth of 25-45 cm. As a result, you will get a mini-bath. But if the family has elderly people, then it will be much more convenient for them to use a shower flat pallet. By the way, today from Western countries we have a tendency to build flat pallets in the floor, and arrange water drainage along almost imperceptible grooves around the perimeter.

Most often, pallets are made as rectangle, square, circle sector or half circlebut you can also find options in the form oval, polyhedron, circle, shell etc.Shower cubicles with a rectangular tray are cheaper, but in a small bathroom they are not very convenient, they take up space, and you will have to constantly cling to the corner. In this case, it is better to choose a rounded pallet and overpay for radial walls.

Production material

The material the pallet is made of is another key parameter when choosing a shower cabin. It depends on him how much the whole product will be strong, durable and expensive. Unlike bathtubs, where when bathing, the load of the lying one is evenly distributed over the entire plane, in our case the weight of a person affects one point, so the requirements for the reliability of the pallet are increased.

The most common today are the following pallets:

• 

  acrylic pallet

  acrylic. They confidently take first place in terms of popularity. This is a cheap material that has good heat-saving properties, does not make noise, and most importantly, from it you can get a pallet of any shape. At the bottom, as a rule, there are small pimples or slightly noticeable stripes that resist gliding. Such pallets with a large weight of the swimmer can bend, therefore, to give greater stability, they should be equipped with a fifth leg, which is located in the middle, just in the place where the load is maximum. Also, scratches remain on them over time, but they are easy to sand. Now the plumbing market has appeared and kvarilny pallets: with all the advantages of acrylic, they have increased strength and stability, but are more expensive;

• 

  cast iron pan

  cast iron and steel quite rarely used for the manufacture of shower trays. Cast iron warms up for a long time, heavy, difficult to transport, does not differ in a wide variety of forms, and steel pallets are too noisy when splashes of water fall on them from a height. But it should be noted that these materials are considered the most durable and reliable;

• ceramic pallets They attract attention with their worthy snow-white appearance. This is a safe material, absolutely hygienic, so it is the best suited for use in plumbing. Such products fit perfectly into the classic interior of the bathroom, but they are also expensive. Other disadvantages include
  

  ceramic pallet

  carry heavy weight and excessive fragility: the fall of a heavy object can damage and split such a pallet. In order for ceramics to maintain their original appearance, it must be carefully looked after: otherwise it may darken or turn yellow;

• faux marble pallets not yet so common, but due to its operational qualities they can easily compete with acrylic. They are made from marble chips and various synthetic additives. The result is a durable, sturdy product that is resistant to low-quality water. The material holds heat perfectly,
  

  marble pallet

  absorbs noise, it is also easy to care for;

• wooden pallets - It is rather a whim for the sake of an exclusive interior, since they are very expensive. They are made from elite wood species, mainly from teak. Such products are environmentally friendly and beautiful, but their cost and the need for painstaking care can still scare away many buyers.

Shower Doors

Doors of a shower cabin - an important element which is responsible for tightness, comfort and appearance. First of all, it is necessary to determine the material of their manufacture and the opening system.

Material for the manufacture of shower doors

Doors of a shower cabin can be:

• glass;
• plastic.

Naturally, glass doors - This is a more expensive option, but with them the cabin as a whole looks more solid. 5–8 mm thick tempered glass is used, so the risk of breaking it is reduced to zero. Such doors are reliable and durable, do not lose their original appearance. They can be made of completely transparent, frosted, tinted glass, have some kind of pattern.There is nothing complicated in terms of care, but so that order and comfort always reign in the bathroom, it is better to wipe the glass doors after each shower, it will not take much time.

Plastic doors - A more affordable option, but over time, the material dims and becomes not as attractive in appearance as when buying. If the budget is limited, and only cabins with plastic curtains are considered, then it is better to choose matte ones, because over time, clouding will not be so visible.

Shower door opening system

Today, most showers are equipped with these types of doors:

• swinging;
• sliding.

Swing system provides for one or two doors that are attached either to the walls of the room or to the surface of the shower. Be sure to pay attention to the hinges: if they are made powder pressed metal, as Chinese manufacturers often do, the system runs the risk of quickly failing. Solid metal hinges are more reliable. Shower cabins with hinged doors are cheaper, but if the goal is to save space, then it is better to choose a model with a sliding system: often in bathrooms there is not enough space so that the door leaves can swing open normally.

Shower boxes with sliding doors work by the principle of a sliding wardrobe. There are two guides, magnets and rubber strips are fixed on the doors to ensure maximum tightness. The movement is carried out thanks to the rollers that ride along the guides. The latter can be plastic, aluminum or steel. Plastic elements are unreliable and after a few years will become loose, ceasing to hold the rollers securely. Replacing them will cost almost the same as a shower cabin, so it’s better to immediately overpay a little, but choose a product with metal guides. Swing systems are a good option for rooms where every square centimeter counts.

Another interesting option, an alternative to the usual doors - protective screen. It divides the space, is in a stationary position, but at the same time provides access from two sides. This solution looks very stylish and unusual, but is suitable only for large bathrooms.

Shower manufacturers

Everyone who makes repairs in the bathroom wants the new plumbing to work as long as possible. Remembering that the avaricious pays twice, do not rush on too cheap models without the appropriate documentation and guarantees. It is better to pay a little more, but be sure of the quality and reliability of the product. In the market for showers for each manufacturer the corresponding reputation has already been fixed, according to which it is possible to distinguish conscientious companies.

In terms of quality, European-made showers are the leaders, and the price can radically differ. So, cabins from German companies Villeroy & Boch, Hueppe Hoesch, Kermi belong to the premium segment as well as Italian Jacuzzi, Albatros and Cerutti. The Spanish company appears in the middle price segment Roca, italian HatriaSwiss GeberitFinnish Ideal standardSlovenian Gorenje and some others. The most advantageous offers in the European market are showers Cersanit, Ravak and IDO.

Recently, domestic manufacturers are pleased with the increasing quality of products. Now the market is confidently featured by manufacturers such as Bandhours, Doctor Jet, Akrilan, Radomir, Aqua Joy, Indeo, Aquarelle, Aquatic.

Showers among domestic users from South Korea Niagara. But there is no consensus on Chinese manufacturers: there are those that offer products of very low quality, without any guarantees, but there are more or less good ones. The latter include Aqualux, Fituche, Appolo, Golden Fish.

Finally

A shower cabin is an excellent alternative to a bathtub.With it, you can save space, the amount of water used, acquire many useful functions like aromatherapy or baths. This is a great option when in a small area you need to place all the necessary items of plumbing, furniture and appliances. When choosing a shower, it is worth weighing a lot of factors: room size, dimensions of family members, budget, room interior, personal preferences. A variety of shapes, sizes, materials, functions of these products will allow everyone to find the ideal option that best meets the requirements and desires. By the way, now there are also models on sale that combine a bath and a shower cabin: with their help, these two necessary items can be placed in a small room.