Varieties of shower cabins: selection criteria

Increasingly, people are installing showers near or instead of bathtubs. One of the reasons is the ergonomics of the device. However, the functionality of the shower cabins is also worth noting.

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

However, in order 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 to be used in a standing position (in some models also in a sitting position). However, if you choose a structure with a high pallet and large enough dimensions, it can also be used for bathing.

Showers can be installed in private houses, apartments, baths and saunas. The main thing is that the building has a water supply, and water is supplied under a constant pressure of at least 3 bar.

Shower cabins have a number of advantages:

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

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

The disadvantage of the system is the requirement for a constant water pressure. For the operation of additional options, a pressure in the pipes of at least 3 bar is required, for the shower to work - at least 1.5 bar. It is possible to level the head inconstancy 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 into the apartment or house.

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

The downside is the higher cost of a quality shower cabin model compared to the price of a bathtub. As a rule, showers are installed instead of it, therefore, in addition to the cost of buying a cabin, you cannot avoid spending on dismantling the bath, repairing the room after dismantling.

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

It is necessary to choose this or that model based on your own needs and the size of the room. If you just need to wash, then there is no point in spending money on closed cabins equipped with many options. An open design with a shower is enough.

Corner models are optimal for small and medium-sized rooms.as they are more ergonomic. In this case, the type of door should also be taken into account. The best in quality and reliability are swing ones (that is, opening outward, in some models in both directions). However, they require free space when opening. If the room does not have one, you can choose a sliding door.

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

When choosing a pallet, pay attention to its height. Taller ones, from 30 cm, are usually chosen by families with children. A baby can be bathed in such a tray. Those who like to soak up the bathroom should purchase pallets 50 cm high. However, the latter should be in a large enough cabin (so that you can take a reclining position). Otherwise, all sense 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 a cabin with a low (20-25 cm) pallet.

Depending on what criterion is the basis for 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 cabins.

• 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 covering part. A pallet is installed below, in the cabin itself - a mixer 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 it is impossible to organize additional functions (hydromassage, steam generator, etc.). Its advantage is mobility, low cost.

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

• Combined. Contains the features of a shower stall and a bath. That is, this is a design that is similar in appearance and function to a shower cabin, but at the same time the owner has the opportunity to take a bathroom. Transparent, like a hinged, design can cover the entire bathroom or only part of it. The advantage is comfort, versatility of use, ergonomics and economy (installing a combined cabin will cost less and take up less space than installing a shower box and a bathtub at the same time). However, such systems require a lot of installation space, and their price is quite high.

Speaking about materials for shower cabins, one should distinguish between those from which the pallets are made, and those that are used for doors.

Depending on the type of material, several types of pallets are distinguished.

• Acrylic. They are characterized by a variety of forms, ease of care, and affordability. However, acrylic itself is a fragile material, so it is important that there is a reinforcing layer inside the pallet. In the absence of such, it is necessary to install the pallet on a concrete base covered with a metal sheet.With such "support", the pallet will last up to 15 years. A stronger and more durable variation of the acrylic pallet is the analogue of the quaril. Its distinctive 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) pallet service life. Unlike acrylic, it heats up more slowly, but also cools down longer. The disadvantage of this model is its heavy weight, high cost and limited choice of shapes.

• Ceramic. They are distinguished by their impeccable appearance, thanks to which they fit into any interior. Despite the large margin of safety, the model requires careful handling. The downside is the high price.

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

Various materials are used for the manufacture of cab doors.

• Plexiglass. One of the most affordable options, which, unfortunately, cannot boast of high impact resistance and safety. With careless handling, cracks form on its surface, and the material itself is considered fire hazardous, since it is easily flammable.

• Plastic. Another budget door option made of polystyrene. Such doors are of low cost and small thickness. However, plastic is not very durable; if handled carelessly, it can become cracked, and when exposed to high temperatures and "jumps" in water temperature, it can deform. In addition, under the influence of water, the surface of the door can become covered with stains and stains (they are especially noticeable on colored doors). The purchase of a door with a special polymer coating will help to avoid this. Water drains from it without affecting the plastic.

• Strained glass. It has increased strength characteristics, which is due to the special technology of its production. The glass first heats up to high temperatures, and then immediately cools down. The surface is resistant to temperature extremes and impacts. If, however, the glass breaks, its shards will not have sharp edges.

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

The side and back walls are made from the same materials. As for open models, they usually involve tiling. The fixing of the tiles must be carried out before installing the pallet. At the same time, it is important that the tiles are designed for rooms characterized by high humidity.

If we talk about multifunctional cabins, then certain models of them may have a sauna. Such constructions represent 2 boxes: a washing box and the one directly where bath procedures are taken. For the decoration of the sauna, plastic or wooden surfaces are used.

The shape of the shower stall is determined by the shape of the shower tray.

• Rectangular Is the most common variety. Depending on the size, it can be installed in any room. The minimum size (length-width) for the cab is 90x70 cm, the maximum is 170x90 cm.
• Square. It can have different variations, the most convenient are models with sides 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 can be spherical. The best option for small rooms, since it allows you to increase the usable area of ​​the room. The dimensions of the sides forming a right angle range from 80 to 150 cm.

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

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

An important selection criterion is the depth of the pallet.

There are several types of pallets.

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

• Shallow. Such models are also called averages. Their height is from 10 to 18 cm. In principle, this height is sufficient to prevent water from spilling out 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, a shower cabin includes walls, a shower head, a top panel (dome), a tray, and a door. Open models are characterized by a simpler organization - they are not equipped with side and top surfaces. The walls of the room itself act here as the walls of the unit.

Closed cabins are more complex and have all the elements indicated for the general view of the cabins. To be more precise, even more, since closed boxes usually have additional functions. Such systems have a framework. It comes in plastic and metal. The latter is more durable, but due to the fact that it is made on the basis of aluminum profiles, lightweight. Panels, dome, doors are assembled on the frame, after which the entire system is mounted on a pallet.

The shower head and additional nozzles (if additional options are available) are located on the panel. Today's watering cans have many openings for different water jet modes. The specific program is set by changing the position of the lever on the device. The shower is connected to a rubber hose, which can be of different lengths. The optimum is 1.5 m.

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

They can be of the following types:

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

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

The pallet can have special legs, the adjustment of which ensures the correct position of the pallet - it must be strictly parallel to the floor. If legs are missing, care should be taken to ensure that the flooring is perfectly flat.

There are 2 types of mixers for the shower cabin.

• Single valve. Convenient and practical option, also called single-lever. Due to the presence of an air generator, it is possible to reduce water consumption. One movement of your hand is enough to adjust the temperature and water pressure.
• Two-valve. Traditional mixer model, also called thermostat.

The organization of the drain involves connecting the drain of the structure with a pipe passing under it. The pipe, in turn, goes into a sump, and it is connected to the sewer.

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

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

• Hinged doors. They can have one or two doors, the first always open outward, the second can also open inside 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 such a door requires free space, and therefore is not always suitable for small rooms.
• Sliding. The door leaf opens in the same way as a wardrobe door. Ideal for small rooms, since opening the door does not "eat up" the useful area of ​​the room. Considered less reliable than the previous version. When choosing a sliding door type, you should give preference to aluminum profiles and metal rollers.

• Swivel. Such canvases have several flaps that can be easily moved apart, being fixed on a hinge.
• Foldable. Such designs are also invented to save space. The swing-open halves of the canvas are simply bent and superimposed on each other. Such systems are also called "books". If the sashes are made of soft materials, then they are assembled with an accordion, for which the model received this name. Folding structures, despite their ergonomics and low cost, are rarely used. This is due to their unreliability and low thermal efficiency.

The design of the cabin with a sauna deserves special attention. It consists of 2 cabins, separated by a partition. The first is for taking 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 separate entrances to each of the zones.

To make the process of using the shower as comfortable as possible, choose cabins with a seat. Such a kind of "chair" will help to relax as much as possible, and people of old age or poor health sometimes find it completely impossible to take a shower. When buying such a design, be sure to sit on a bench. The place should be deep enough so as not to slip off it, located at an optimal height. For an ergonomic interior, choose models with a folding seat.

Modern shower cabins are a whole spa complex in your home. Among the most common, there are several types of options.

• Hydromassage. Represents water jets gushing under pressure. For their organization, nozzles are used, placing them in different parts of the cockpit panel. Hydromassage stimulates blood circulation, energizes, relieves fatigue and irritability.
• Rain shower. The system simulates a tropical rainfall, which is achieved by installing a special shower head. It divides the stream of water into separate droplets. A rain shower is a great way to relax.
• Ozonation of air. A useful function that allows you to get rid of the characteristic odor in wet rooms, as well as an excellent prevention of mold.

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

Among the useful options is general ventilation, thanks to which it is possible to quickly ventilate the cabin or distribute steam evenly.

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

The first are conventional closed structures equipped with a steam generator.

Constructions with a steam room allow you to feel like in a bath, since higher humidity and temperature (up to 120C) are set here.

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

• Finnish sauna with its characteristic dry hot steam;
• Turkish bath, a feature of which is high (up to 60C) temperature and 90-100% humidity;
• Bath with infrared radiation, which ensures uniform heating of the human body. An excellent option for those who want to sweat well, but do not like the scalding humid air of the bath.

Among the options requested is the ability to listen to radio or your favorite music via DVD or USB system. Thanks to the design features, the sound of pouring water does not drown out your favorite tracks.

Modern models can also be equipped with a radiotelephone, 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 latter, the stored bottles of shampoos and gels will not slip and fall to the bottom of the booth. A shape resembling a basket will also turn out to be convenient.

It is important that its bottom and side parts have perforations, then water will not linger on the shelf. Only closed and combined cabins have this type of additional functions.

The design of the booth should be consistent with the overall style of the interior. When organizing the unit below, as well as in corner devices and boxes made of transparent glass, the adjacent walls need cladding. The facing with ceramic tiles looks beautiful, practical and beautiful. It is important to seal the seams well. Indeed, the durability of the coating depends on this.

Mosaic surfaces look original and stylish. The cost of such registration will be higher. The combination of 2-3 shades of mosaic, close or contrasting, looks interesting. Also using this material, you can lay out fantasy patterns, thematic pictures.

Wood paneling has always been associated with a steam room. That is why in such a 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, such a cabin looks as attractive and logical as possible in large rooms. The most popular cladding is 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 from various materials. The most practical and attractive are glass curtains, which differ little from glass non-profile doors. Plastic options are close to them in their execution, which have a more affordable price, but are somewhat inferior in their performance characteristics to glass options.

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

The first country to launch the mass production of shower cabins is Italy. It is not surprising that today Italian products are considered one of the best and topped the ratings in device reviews. One of the most famous brands here is Jacuzzi. The products combine bathroom and cubicle features. The cost of the structures is above average.

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

The young Spanish brand is also worth noting. Esbano, combining the world's leading technologies in the field of shower cabins and meeting the requirements of the Russian buyer. The products are simple, elegant, yet reliable and versatile. In the manufacturer's catalog you can find all the most popular cab configurations, as well as individual elements (curtains in a niche, doors, fittings, mirrors).

Pallets - white acrylic, deep, medium and low. Panels - tempered glass, matte or tinted. As for dimensions, the most compact are corner models with side dimensions of 80 cm, many pentagonal structures, as well as asymmetric versions. The advantage of the brand is affordability. The cost of the simplest models starts from 23,000 - 25,000 rubles.

Germany is another leading manufacturer of shower devices.

German designs represent the following brands:

• CRW - manufactures high-quality cabins, the bearing elements of which are made of stainless steel;
• Hueppe - their pride are cabins made of durable glass, which, due to the peculiarities of production, does not get dirty;
• 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 shower cabins of the German brand Lagard... It is worth noting that the products belong to the Lux class, the cost ranges from 80,000 to 200,000 rubles. Outwardly, the devices appear as laconic glass structures, but their functionality will delight even the most sophisticated user. The bestsellers are booths with asymmetric, round, square and rectangular pallets. The combination of chrome-plated silver aluminum profiles and glass is an example of noble sophistication. The smallest cabins are 90x90 in size.

Finnish companies are not inferior to the leading positions. The most authoritative is Timothe hallmark of which is not only the highest quality, but also a 5-year guarantee on the cabins, and IDO Showerama... The latter produces expensive models, the cost of which, however, is fully justified by its multifunctionality and reliability.

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

As practice and customer reviews show, Russian-made cabins are not much inferior to foreign counterparts in the middle price segment. At the same time, the domestic product has a lower cost. Devices from Alavann, Eurolux, Domani-Spa, Aqualife enjoy consumer confidence. The Radomir company manufactures products using innovative Western technologies. The average price is 40,000-50,000 rubles. The only drawback is that our cabins are inferior to Western counterparts in their aesthetic characteristics.

Showers from foreign companies such as Westerhof, Sturm and Edelform, the cost of which is from 70,000 rubles.

If we talk about models located in the middle price segment, then these are Italian devices Axa, Primo, Valenciaas well as Finnish brands Timo, Novitek... The Czech Republic can also boast of the optimal combination of price and quality of construction - here you should pay attention to manufacturers Luxus and Riho... The presented foreign cabins are cheaper in comparison with German products.

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

When choosing a pallet, be guided not only by its size, but also safety. The inner part must have a special anti-slip coating or relief. If they are not available, it is advisable to put a rubber mat on the bottom of the pallet. The most numerous are steel models, the safest are stone, acrylic.

By purchasing a shower cabin, users strive for comfort. It is hardly possible to call the cabins comfortable, which make noise and thunder at the time when jets of water hit the pallet. The most noisy are steel and enamelled structures. Cast iron pallets are also not quiet.

Continuing to consider the criterion of comfortable use, let us dwell on the speed of heating the pallet. Acrylic and steel pallets heat up the fastest. But before stepping on ceramic, cast iron and stone elements, you will first have to drain 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. Owners of apartments 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 one, as well as when there is insufficient water in the steam generator. Such models cost a little more than analogues without these systems, but they significantly surpass them in terms of safety.

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 arranging the drainage 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. After this operation, assess the dryness of the leaf, if it is completely dry, the drainage system is tight and safe.

One of the easiest and most popular ways to place a shower stall is to install it in the 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. The illusion of a spacious room is created, even if we are talking about a bathroom in the "Khrushchev".

In a similar way, if the dimensions of the room allow, rectangular cabins can be organized, the back panel of which is replaced by the wall of the room. The use of transparent tempered glass will also help to achieve the effect of "dissolving" the structure.

In elongated rooms, 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 designs. The depth of the pallet is medium, since 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 shabby chic style, it is logical to opt for antique fittings.

In interiors in the spirit of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, gilded trim elements look organically.

It is important that the finish of the shower stall is in harmony with the design of the walls and floor. The classic solution is the combination of light lower ends of the walls and even lighter center pieces with a darker floor. The curb on the wall surfaces and accessories allow the shade of the flooring to be maintained.

Reflective surfaces such as mirrors, shiny tiles, chrome plumbing will help to visually expand the space. You can add depth to the bathroom and bring notes of elegance and mystery using shades of blue, aquamarine. You can divert attention from the modest dimensions of the room with the help of floor tiles. Choose "honeycomb" tiles with geometric patterns.

For information on how to assemble and install a shower stall with your own hands, see the next video.