Shower column: an overview of the best manufacturers

A shower rack is a type of plumbing fixture. Initially, it was developed specifically for the equipment of hotels and hostels, but together with showers, it quickly gained popularity when used in small private apartments.

The area of ​​a modern bathroom cannot boast of a large footage., so you have to resort to various methods that offer to rationalize the use of workspace, hence such a high demand for shower racks.

A persistent shower is commonly called a device that provides a comfortable shower. The rack bar is reinforced with metal or plastic spacers parallel to the wall, all other parts of the kit are attached to it. The extension bar (with an overhead shower) is also used to supply water. Nozzles for a hand shower cannot boast of a great variety in most models, especially since replacing a watering can is not difficult. As a rule, different watering cans have built-in options and offer up to a dozen modes, most often not all are used, choosing 2-3 preferable ones.

If there is an overhead shower, then in this case the variety of its modes is highly desirable. Usually manufacturers recommend to choose those models that are equipped with a "tropical" shower and hydromassage. A "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 convenient and multifunctional.

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

Modern versions of premium shower racks include hydromassage features. Thanks to the function of saturating the water with air bubbles (aeration), the skin is exposed to a hydromassage effect, the shower improves blood circulation in the muscles, the general tone of the body, mood increases, the level of stress decreases, and muscles relax.

For the modes of hydromassage and "tropical" shower, different ways of supplying water are usually provided, such as:

• regular shower;
• pouring out a wide continuous stream;
• the smallest warm drops of small size, creating the effect of "tropical rain";
• spraying into tiny droplets in the form of a cloud of fog or spray;
• some models have the function of cascading water to massage the muscles and relax them in parallel.

The most common layout for a standard shower column consists of a wall-mounted mixer, a strip with one or two valves, and an overhead shower connected by a hose or extension cord. Today, manufacturing firms can offer racks that satisfy the most demanding tastes, as well as having a variety of designs 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 a right to exist. What you can't do is call them “shower panels” and “shower sets”. The color choice is also varied - from standard black and white colors to the most incredible color combinations in accordance with the design and color scheme of the shower room solution.

Today the shower column is equipped with various control devices.

• Single lever the controls are considered the most practical for the shower. It is a single-point shower mixer with stand without protruding elements. Usually installation is carried out in a hidden way, and all protruding parts are hidden in the wall.
• Two-valve a shower rack is a rarity today. It is customary to perform such a shower element in a retro style. It is not so economical, since the rack is equipped with a mixer and a spout, needs long-term adjustment of the balance of cold and hot water temperatures, and its efficiency is reduced.

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

The selection criteria should be as follows:

• control mechanism;
• ease of adjusting 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 soaps, shampoos and hygiene items to be attached to the bar. Alternatively, they can be easily replaced with something similar, for example, shelves mounted on the wall.
• LED backlighting can be a very useful option. It is used by installing it on the overhead shower head, which creates a beautiful picture of the fall of multicolored water jets. If you turn off the overhead light, you can get a romantic atmosphere. If you judge this option sensibly, it is just a toy that can quickly get bored. For safety reasons, it is powered not from the mains, but from batteries.
• A predominantly built-in crane is included with many mid-range and premium models, and rarely for budget racks. The shower column combined with it is quite comfortable to use and looks like a single whole, because all the components of the kit are made in the same design. Some stands are equipped with an additional spout.

Shower racks can be made from a variety of materials.

• Plastic used mainly for budget models (the approximate price range is up to 3000 rubles). One of the disadvantages of such models is their unattractiveness.
• Chrome plated or nickel plated steel goes to the manufacture of models of the middle class (approximate price range from 6000 rubles). The quality of the racks made from ordinary steel largely depends on the steel itself and its coating. The latter can vary in a very wide range - from a film, which can become unusable within a fairly short period of time after purchase, to high-quality multi-layer protection, ready to last up to ten years.
• Brass, bronze and stainless steel used in the manufacture of premium models (approximate price range from 25,000 rubles). The names of these materials speak for themselves. They are suitable for the manufacture of sanitary ware in almost all their 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 from which they are made shower heads, then most manufacturers prefer plastic due to its low weight (watering cans often fall from a considerable height and can damage the bath coating). However, for premium models, there are often metal watering cans with ceramic inserts.
• Metal racks guarantee reliability and long service life. Surfaces made of metal require corrosion protection, so they have to be painted, electroplated, chrome plated, which increases the visual appeal of products, their durability, but this affects their cost.

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 holder that moves on it, it is necessary to take into account the wishes of everyone who will use the shower. This will allow you not to get into a situation where, with a large difference in the growth of family members, a situation arises when the child, for example, cannot reach the watering can raised up all the way. Shower controls (valves, buttons and other elements) should be optimally placed in the chest level of a standing person of average height. Pipes for cold and hot water are usually laid side by side, but care must be taken that the distance between them exceeds 8-10 cm.

Today, the choice of manufacturers of shower racks from both Russia and abroad is very wide. The best reputation and the highest rating were 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.

Systems equipped with functions such as overhead shower and spout, which are manufactured by the company, have received many positive reviews. Hansgrohe (Germany). Has gained particular popularity Hansgrohe Croma 22.

The criteria for choosing a shower rack are of no small importance given the modern variety of offers in a wide range of prices. Today's trade networks of the corresponding profile offer the widest 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, as well as avoid overpaying for additional functions that are not used.

Before going to the store, there are a few things to think about.

• Duration of showering time and frequency of visits. If the daily visit time is only 5-10 minutes, there is no need to purchase a model with dozens of different functions. An excellent solution would be a model with 2-3 of the most frequently used modes. The purchase of an advanced model would mean unnecessary overpayment for features that will not apply.
• If a rack with a "tropical" shower is planned to be used together with a bathtub, then it must have not only a mixer, but also a spout mode.
• If you opt for a large rain shower head, which is attached to a vertical bar, then it is recommended to inquire whether it comes with a hand shower with a flexible hose.
• It should be noted that the set of racks for the "tropical" shower with mixer does not include a separate bath faucet. You will have to purchase it for a fee.

Typically, the shower rack is hung on the walls using standard spacers. Its bar, as already mentioned, is connected to the tap using a flexible extension hose. The way they are connected is determined by the layout and interior of the bathroom.

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

Follow these steps:

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

Installation of a shower system in a hidden way using a spout and the effect of a "tropical" shower is most popular, but installing it with your own hands will be fraught with certain difficulties. It is necessary to have significant experience, as there are a number of installation features that you should definitely take into account. With small square meters, the corner stand with or without an 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 the facing work. It must be borne in mind that the water pressure in the pipes must exceed 2 atmospheres. At lower pressure, the hydromassage will not be able to fully function.

You should consider the instructions for use on a simple standard version of the shower column, periodically receiving minor modifications.

The rack has a relatively low price, as close as possible to the ideal in terms of 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, which not only changes the slope of the fall of the water flow, but additionally it is very convenient to change the height level in accordance with the growth. I must say that the completeness of the concealed rack with an overhead shower further enhances the advantages of this design, since the sensations of a warm summer rain are insanely pleasant and contribute to relaxation.

It is known that if the water has an increased hardness, 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 start from the preferences of the buyer and the design of the bathroom. The most popular shapes are round (like a hanging saucer) and rectangular.

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

• Chrome-plated or nickel-plated parts of sanitary ware (watering can or faucet) should not be cleaned with abrasives (products containing solid particles), as the risk of scratches increases.
• Lime stains are removed with a microfiber cloth with the addition of vinegar or a weak organic acid. You can also use a regular lemon wedge.
• After each use of the shower, it is recommended to wipe dry.
• Various contaminants, including those from fingerprints, can be 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, since it retains its beautiful appearance for a long time.To get rid of the scratches that appear, use a silver polishing paste.

Watch a video on the topic.