Showers: types, brands and selection

The shower cubicle is a worthy alternative to the classic bathtub. Of course, one cannot relax in it reclining like in a font, but it has a number of other advantages. Showers are favored by their compact size, the ability to quickly take a shower and, at the same time, save the volume of used water. In addition, manufacturers offer a huge selection of these plumbing products - from the simplest to ultra-modern solutions with an impressive range of additional options.

Shower cabin - sanitary ware designed for taking a shower in a standing position. There are also models with a large and recessed base that can be used as a bathtub. However, such models are not so popular due to their impressive dimensions.

Shower cabins are installed everywhere - they are used to equip private country houses, country houses, bathrooms in apartments, baths and saunas. The main thing is that the structure can be connected to the water supply system.while the water pressure must be at least 3 bar. In this case, the plumbing will function without interruption.

The shower cabin has many advantages. Let's consider the main advantages.

1. Compact dimensions. Due to their small dimensions (typical structures take 1-1.5 m2), they will perfectly fit into small combined bathrooms in apartments with an old layout. Compact cabins in spacious rooms are often installed together with a bathroom.
2. Reduced water consumption - about 2-3 times compared to the bathroom.
3. Convenient operation. Thanks to the ergonomics, the person in the booth can easily get out soap, loofah, shampoo and other personal hygiene products. When the shower is on, water will not spray outside the structure.
4. High heat efficiency in closed and combined models. Due to the tightness, the cabin heats up in a short period of time and retains heat for a long time.
5. Safe operation... The pallets have an anti-slip surface, so the risk of injury is minimal. At the same time, in order to wash, a person does not have to overcome an obstacle in the form of high sides. The low pallet height is especially important in families with small children and the elderly.
6. Huge selection of models. Each buyer will be able to choose the optimal solution for himself, regardless of financial capabilities, requirements for the functionality of plumbing, its appearance and technical parameters.

Along with the advantages, shower cabins also have disadvantages. The main disadvantage is the cost of products. The prices for these items are higher than for traditional baths.

The disadvantages also include the need to maintain constant pressure in the water supply system... Whereas conventional models require a pressure of at least 1.5 bar, products with additional options require more pressure. Otherwise, they will not function.

The disadvantages include risks of loss of tightness and loosening of doors in budget models. The disadvantage is the need to wipe the structure dry after each use. If you neglect this rule, limescale can form on the surface of the plumbing (especially on glass).

And one more disadvantage, which is often noted by buyers of expensive shower cabins - breakage of nozzles due to increased water hardness. If they fail, you will not be able to use most of the additional functions provided.

Shower cabins are divided into several types. They are open, closed and combined. Each of them has its own characteristics.

• Open design... It is a cabin integrated into the layout of the room. Such models are classified as prefabricated. The structure includes a pallet and walls. The systems are installed close to one or two walls, tiled with ceramic tiles.

Prefabricated models without a back panel do not have a roof. In some cases, they do not provide for the installation of a pallet and take the floor surface as a basis. In this situation, ceramic tiles with a non-slip surface are laid on the floor.

• Closed design. Such models are hydroboxes, including pallets, walls and ceiling bases. Enclosed cabins can support all existing options. The main advantages of such solutions are their quick installation, isolation from the bathroom microclimate, good sound and heat insulation. The disadvantage of such systems is one - high cost.

• Combined designs... The main feature of these models is the presence of a bath instead of a pallet. These include walls and a ceiling (there are options that do not have a ceiling base). A significant advantage of such solutions lies in the combination of all the advantages of a shower cabin and a bath in one system. The disadvantage of the combined design is the high cost.

Closed and combined shower enclosures, due to additional equipment, can represent a spa system. Thanks to special hardware, they support many functions:

• hydromassage;
• air ozonation;
• aromatherapy;
• tropical shower;
• color therapy;
• Jacuzzi (provided for models with a bath);
• built-in USB system for listening to your favorite tunes.

For the manufacture of the base of the shower stall, manufacturers use various materials. Let's consider the most popular ones.

• Acrylic. Due to the good pliability of this polymer, pallets of various shapes are made from it. Acrylic products are famous for their ease of maintenance, excellent appearance and relative cheapness. However, this type of polymer itself is quite fragile.

Due to its weak mechanical strength, it is important to ensure that the pallet has a metal reinforcement. In the absence of such, the product should be mounted on a concrete base, on top of which a sheet of metal will be installed. In this case, the pallet will serve for at least 15 years.

• Cast iron. Pallets made of this material are incredibly durable, thanks to which they can serve for at least 30 years. Unlike acrylic, cast iron heats up much more slowly, but it also cools down longer. The significant disadvantages of cast-iron bases include their weight, a limited choice of forms and high cost.

• Ceramics... Ceramic pallets are a combination of elegance and sophisticated style. They are easy to care for and have excellent performance. Among the disadvantages are the high cost and the need for utmost care during transportation, installation and use.

• A natural stone. Stone pallets are among the strongest, most reliable and durable. They provide a pleasant tactile sensation while showering. Their disadvantages include the high price.

Less popular materials include artificial stone, earthenware and steel.

Partitions are sometimes called shower doors. For their manufacture, use various materials differing in both technical characteristics and performance. Partitions in budget shower systems are often made of plexiglass or plastic.

Plexiglas is not safe. It is very fragile, which is why it often breaks with careless movements or careless use. Plexiglas products are highly flammable and, at the same time, emit substances harmful to health.

Plastic Is another financially available material. However, the low price is the only advantage of polystyrene. Plastic doors are very thin and fragile, which can cause cracks on their surface from a small impact. In this case, the product will be damaged and will require replacement.

In addition, plastic is afraid of high temperatures and sudden temperature changes. For example, because of hot water or when taking a contrast shower, partitions are easily deformed, which spoils the appearance of the entire system.

More expensive, high-quality and reliable materials include strained glass... It is made using a special technology. During the production process, glass undergoes heat treatment, as a result of which it becomes very hot. Upon reaching certain temperatures, the product is immediately cooled. The result is a durable material that is resistant to hot water.

It can withstand serious mechanical stress, due to which it is famous for its durability. Glass partitions are safe - if the doors suddenly break, the fragments will not be sharp, which will prevent injury.

Another reliable material includes triplex. Its production technology is similar to the manufacture of car windshields. Material includes 2-3 layers of glass with polymer films interposed between them.

Triplex is highly durable. It can withstand heavy shocks, temperature fluctuations and hot water.It will take a lot of work to break this material.

Some multifunctional hydroboxes have a sauna. Such systems include 2 booths - one for taking water procedures, the other for a steam room. Wooden surfaces are often used for cladding saunas. With their help, it is possible to create an atmosphere of a full-fledged sauna or bath.

The shape of the shower cabin directly depends on the configuration of the pallet. The most "popular" are rectangular products. They are available in a wide range and have different dimensions - there are compact models, medium-sized and spacious solutions.

Small booths measure 90 x 70 (length to width ratio), and the largest are 170 x 70 cm. Less popular square cabins. They are also available in various sizes.

Showers of the following forms are on sale.

• Corner. Such designs can be semicircular or visually represent a quarter of a circle. Corner boxes are placed in one of the corners of the bathroom, thanks to which they save free space as much as possible - this is especially true for small rooms, where they try to use every centimeter. Corner shower systems are available in various sizes.

• Round. They are distinguished by stylish design and original appearance. They are most often chosen by owners of spacious bathrooms. Such models can be installed both near walls and in the center of the room. Most round cabins have a radius of 90 to 120 cm.

• Pentahedral. Like corner models, such solutions are designed for installation in one of the corners of the bathroom. Cabins with edges look more interesting than semicircular counterparts with smooth streamlined shapes. They have exactly the same dimensions as the corner options.

• Asymmetrical... These are non-standard shower cabins that catch the eye with their unusual shapes and originality.

In addition to the size of the shower box itself, an important parameter is considered pallet depth value. Such products can be deep, with a side height of 30 cm or more. There are options that resemble the depth of the bath: the height of their sides can reach 50 cm.

Among consumers, shower cabins with an average depth of the pallet, the height of which is 10-20 cm, are especially popular. Basically, this is enough so that water does not flow out onto the floor when taking a shower. Manufacturers also produce flat pallets. Their depth does not exceed 10 cm.

Doors and partitions of shower cabins, made of glass, are transparent or opaque... Transparent solutions are light and airy. They visually enlarge the space, so they are chosen by the owners of small bathrooms. There are models on which the drawing is applied (from the outside of the glass). The patterns on the partitions add a special charm and elegance to the bathroom fixtures.

Frosted doors allow you to maintain privacy in the bathroom. They create a reliable visual barrier and have excellent sound insulation. The surface of the frosted partitions can be:

• homogeneous rough;
• aesthetically designed by applying drawings and patterns.

Shower cabinet manufacturers often use laser engraving technology. With its help, images of any complexity are recreated on the glass surface. For example, the partitions depict flowers, animals, birds, cities, frost, waves.

Shower boxes can be colored. They are made of tempered painted glass or plastic.A colored shower cubicle is not only an important sanitary product, but also an exclusive piece of furniture. Particularly popular are blue, blue, pink and greenish partitions.

In plumbing stores, there is an extensive selection of shower cabins of domestic and foreign production. On sale there are boxes of both popular brands and unknown ones that have recently appeared on the market. Consider some manufacturers who have managed to fall in love with the consumer for the release of reliable and durable plumbing equipment.

The rating of the best models in terms of quality is opened by the products of the following companies:

• Jacuzzi (Italy);
• Villeroy & Boch (German trade mark);
• Esbano (Spanish manufacturer);
• Laufen (Austrian brand);
• Byon, INR, Ifo (Swedish manufacturers).

These companies offer premium shower enclosures. They are made of elite materials, equipped with quality accessories, fittings and reliable parts (mixers, cartridges). Thanks to these components, hydroboxes are able to serve for more than a dozen years, maintaining their performance and perfection in appearance throughout the entire period of operation. Having decided to buy a product from one of these brands, the consumer should know that he will give a considerable sum not only for the high quality of the product, but also for the “promoted” brand.

The rating of companies offering inexpensive boxes in the middle price segment includes brands such as Roca, Geberit and Timo.

Budget models of shower cubicles are released Chinese and domestic manufacturers. The most popular ones are Aquanet, Arcus, Serena, Optima, Niagara, Appollo.

When choosing one or another type of shower stall, it is important to be guided by the dimensions of the bathroom and personal preferences. If such a product is needed only for taking a shower, there is no need to overpay for additional functionality of the equipment. In this case, it is recommended to give preference to inexpensive open booths.

If the room is small to medium in size, it is recommended to opt for corner variations, as they are considered the most ergonomic. Wherein it is important to consider the type of door opening. They are swing (open outward) or sliding.

When choosing a plumbing product, it is important to pay attention to pallet depth. If the family has small children, it is best to purchase a model with a side height of at least 30 cm. This depth is enough to bathe the child. It will be more convenient for older households to use a box with a pallet depth of 15-20 cm.

If the family loves to soak up the bath, it is worth choosing models with a side height of 50 cm. In this case, the structure itself must be voluminous so that it can fit in a reclining position. If you want to get the maximum of positive emotions from taking a shower, it is recommended to buy a model of a combined type with various options. This solution is suitable for spacious rooms.

Choosing plumbing, it is important to pay attention to its functioning and appearance... For quality products, the doors open and close freely, without extraneous noise. The design of such plumbing fixtures is durable, stable and reliable.Scratches, scuffs, air bubbles in the glass and other defects will tell about the use of low-quality raw materials in the production and will indicate a violation of the production technology.

Questions related to the correct location of the shower stall often arise among the owners of private houses and city apartments. The most difficult thing is to place the box on several squares in small-sized rooms. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a small corner booth, shaped like a quarter circle. Small transparent structures will be almost invisible. They will help create the illusion of a spacious room, even if we are talking about a bathroom in the old "Khrushchev" houses.

It is best to mount corner products to the farthest right or left corner. The optimal solution would be to install a box close to communications (ventilation, plumbing and sewerage systems). If the room has an elongated shape, it is advisable to mount a rectangular structure along a narrow wall.

You can install a shower cabin with your own hands, without resorting to the help of professional craftsmen. For installation, you will need screwdrivers, a gas wrench, hoses for connecting the structure to the water supply system, a siphon, a drill, foam and sealant.

Work should begin with assembling the pallet. If the base is "weak", it is installed on a frame (a cruciform frame structure made of metal beams). No frame is required for small pallets.

Further, a drainage system is organized. For this, a siphon is installed and its tightness is checked. If leaks are found, a sealant must be used.

After the actions taken, the pallet slightly raise and fill the bottom with polyurethane foam. Sand or cement bags should be placed on the base to create maximum load. After drying, the shower stall is connected to the communication systems.

Final stage - installation of walls, doors and ceiling base. During work, you must follow the instructions from the manufacturer. It provides detailed guidelines and installation tips. Fixation of all elements is carried out using the bolts supplied with the product.

To wash the shower stall, use a gel detergent, soft cloth or sponge. For these purposes, formulations with abrasive particles, containing ammonia, solvents or acetone, are not suitable. All chemically aggressive substances should be excluded. To avoid surface damage, do not use a metal or overly hard sponge. For cleaning and polishing shower cabins are sold specialized formulations designed specifically for these purposes.

Excessive water hardness forms lime deposits on the structural parts of the booth. To remove plaque, you need to prepare a solution, for which add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to a liter of water (citric acid can be used). In the resulting liquid, moisten a cloth and wipe the walls and doors with it from the inside. It is recommended to wipe metal elements with a damp cloth and then wipe dry. Clear glass can be washed with a window care product.

Not only the panels need cleaning, but also the pallet.... For acrylic products, it is recommended to use special detergents without abrasives.The surface is afraid of mechanical stress, it is not resistant to abrasion, which is why you need to be careful when choosing a product and a sponge.

To clean the whirlpool system, fill the tray, by adding any gel-like detergent to the water... After 5-10 minutes, the shower turns on, the liquid is drained. Then you need to repeat the same procedure, only without using a detergent composition. Thanks to proper and timely care, the shower stall will retain its impeccable appearance and smooth functioning.

Feedback from those who use showers has been conflicting. Mostly negative reviews are left by buyers who preferred Chinese-made budget models. They refer to their disadvantages:

• fragile pallet;
• poor tightness of the doors, due to which water flows out of the box when taking a shower;
• unreliable fittings;
• fragile hose;
• lack of shelves in most inexpensive models.

Absolutely all buyers of transparent glass structures note the complexity of care... To keep the product clean, its doors and sashes must be washed after each use. Removing stains on glass after cleaning is another daunting task facing consumers.

Buyers of expensive sanitary ware from leading European companies are more satisfied with their choice. They note the versatility of the hydroboxes, their stylish appearance, durability and quality of the materials and fittings used. However, judging by some reviews, most of the functions stop working during operation. This applies to the systems "rain shower" and "hydromassage". The reason is simple - clogging of the nozzles with lime deposits.

In general, shower cabins are easy to use. To be satisfied with your purchase, you should refuse to purchase budget models of dubious production. It is better to overpay and choose a worthy solution from well-known companies that have managed to establish themselves in the world market.

How to choose a shower cabin, see below.