Shower racks: varieties, brands, selection, installation

Shower racks are a popular plumbing fixture and are in high demand among the public. The demand for structures is due to their high functionality, laconic forms and attractive appearance.

The shower column is a metal rod with a watering can fixed on it, installed as close as possible to the wall and designed specifically for hotels and hostels. This arrangement made it possible to unload the bathroom space as much as possible and allocate a very small corner for the shower.

A little later, the idea of ​​a compact shower arrangement was appreciated by the owners of small apartments, who thus solved the problem of small bathrooms. This allowed them to remove large baths from them and free up enough space for free placement of a washing machine, cabinets and a washbasin.

It should be noted that the shower rack is used in the bathroom not only as a forced option - the structures have proven themselves perfectly in spacious rooms, where they serve not only as a plumbing fixture, but also act as an important design element. Moreover, using a shower rack is much more convenient than a flexible shower, since there is no need to hold the watering can with one hand, which is especially inconvenient for children and the elderly.

The high consumer demand for shower racks is due to a number of undeniable advantages of such designs over a traditional shower consisting of a flexible hose and a hand shower.

• Most modern racks are equipped with the rain shower function, which has become so popular in recent years.
• On many samples, the shower head can move up and down the bar, which allows it to be set at the desired height depending on the person's height.
• Racks are often equipped with a washcloth hook and a soap dish, which allows all the items needed for washing to always be at hand.
• Due to the simplicity of the design and the presence of a minimum number of parts, the racks are very easy to assemble and mount to the water supply.
• Compared to showers and panels, the racks are quite compact, well suited for small spaces and are much cheaper.
• A wide range of shower racks allows you to choose plumbing for any color and style of the bathroom or shower.

As for the cons, then in comparison with a traditional flexible shower, shower racks have no drawbacks and are superior in almost all respects... But they are undoubtedly inferior to shower cabins in the number of functions and ease of use.

Shower racks are classified according to parameters such as design, control and installation methods.

• At the place of installation, the racks are floor-mounted and wall-mounted. The first ones are installed in large rooms, where, in addition to their main task, they also perform a decorative function, as well as in cases where the sides of the bath are not close to the wall. The latter are more widespread, much easier to install and can be installed on an old mixer.

• Another design difference between shower systems is the presence or absence of a mixer.... The first ones are quite convenient to use, and the mixer and the rod are made in the same style.

• It should also be said about the device of the rods, which are static and telescopic. The former are a fixed structure of stable length, while the latter's height can vary depending on the preferences and height of the consumer.

• Another design difference is the short spout. Models with a tap are more convenient in cases where the stand is installed above the bathtub and the tap allows you to quickly and without splashing fill the bowl. However, there are not too many such models on the market, and most of the range is represented by racks without cranes.

• Shower racks also differ in the number of watering cans, many models have two. The first one is fixed on a flexible hose, movable and represents a classic shower. The second - stationary - has a much larger size, is located directly on the rack and is responsible for "tropical rain" and other modes of water supply.

According to the control method, shower racks are divided into single-lever, two-valve and contactless... The former are considered more convenient and allow you to adjust the supply of hot and cold water with one hand. Such models are often mounted in a hidden way, which allows you to hide the nodes in the wall. The latter, in most cases, are made in a retro style and are intended for installation in rooms decorated in classic styles.

Such models are often made of copper or brass or have a gold or bronze coating and are distinguished by ornate shapes. They are not as economical as single-lever samples, and they are much more expensive. Proximity racks are very economical, allow you to set the desired temperature and are easy to use. Water is supplied to the watering can automatically by a highly sensitive sensor.

Installation of shower racks is done using open or closed installation. In the first case, the bar and other structural elements are not covered by the facing material and are clearly visible. In the second, only a watering can, a spout (if any) and control levers remain outside, and all other parts of the rack are hidden in the wall. Each of the options has its own strengths and weaknesses and is chosen at the discretion of the landlord. For example, an open counter is actively involved in the formation of the overall style of a bathroom and often acts as one of the central design elements.

In the event of a breakdown, such models are easier to repair, since all the components of the structure are visible and do not require dismantling the wall. In addition, the bar often acts as a support for soap dishes, shelves and all kinds of holders. As for the enclosed racks, such models visually relieve the room and look quite original. They fit perfectly into most modern interiors such as minimalism, metallic or techno.

Different materials are used for the manufacture of shower racks, each of which has its pros and cons and endows the finished product with certain working properties.

• Stainless steel is the most common material used in the production of racks. From above, the metal is coated with chrome or nickel, which makes its surface mirror-like. The advantages of steel samples are their strength, long service life and low cost.

• Brass It is also used for the production of racks and is characterized by resistance to corrosion, attractive appearance and long service life. The cost of brass samples slightly exceeds the cost of steel products, but this price is quite justified.

• Plastic used for the production of budget samples and has low performance. The service life of plastic racks is much shorter than that of metal ones, and a beautiful glossy finish will quickly peel off, revealing the plastic "essence" of the product.

The modern market offers shower counters in a wide variety of shapes and designs, so choosing the right product for the style of your room is not difficult. When choosing a model it is desirable that it matches the interior and repeats the shape and color of other plumbing fixtures or bathroom accessories (furniture handles, heated towel rails, hangers and hooks). For example, if the room is dominated by strict geometric shapes, then the best option would be a stand consisting of a straight bar and a square watering can, controlled by one lever.

In warmer styles such as classic or ethnic style, it is recommended to use racks with round watering cans and two-valve control. More expensive specimens designed for retrodirection have a dome-shaped watering can, a curved bar and a patinated surface. For minimalism a laconic model with a straight thin rod and a flat watering can is suitable.

The color of the shower rack should be good fit into the overall color scheme and form a single ensemble with her. In this case, you need to focus on the color of other plumbing fixtures, furniture sets and bathroom accessories. It is necessary to take into account and style, in which the room is decorated, and try not to spoil the contrasting ethnic direction with a persistent gold color. For such a design, it is better to buy a matte bronze model, made in dark colors.

Today, a huge number of companies are engaged in the production of shower racks. Below is an overview of the most popular of them with a brief description of the most popular and highly rated models.

• Shower column Standard LM2160C produced by Lemark from the Czech Republic. The product is made of brass, has a chrome finish and is made in a modern style. The rounded watering can is placed on a rod with a height of 131.8 cm, has dimensions of 23x18 cm and is equipped with a system of anti-lime deposits. The model is capable of operating in the "tropical rain" mode; there is no hand shower or spout. The rack is equipped with a two-valve mixer, the crane axle boxes have ceramic plates, the cost of the product is 14 420 rubles.

• Model from Germany Wasserkraft A14401 made of brass and chrome plated. The stand is equipped with a spout and a hand shower, the bar is 125 cm, the diameter of the upper shower is 25 cm, the lower is 8.1 cm. The upper shower has 135 silicone nozzles and is capable of deflecting 22 degrees. The spout is equipped with a Neoperl Cascade silicone aerator, which provides a gentle flow and reduces water consumption by 10%. The model is capable of operating in three modes, has a 5-year warranty and costs 18,800 rubles.

• Shower column Damixa Palace Evo 974200063 manufactured in Denmark is capable of working in one mode, has a "rain shower" function, is equipped with a soap dish and a flexible shower. The height of the rod is 116.6 cm, the length of the flexible hose is 150 cm, the standard of the liner is 1/2. The product is intended for wall mounting, has a divertor, is made of brass and plated with chrome. The cost of the model is 11,190 rubles.

• German model Kaiser Arena 33182 It is made of brass, requires wall mounting, has a single-lever mixer and is equipped with a spout 12.5 cm long. The stand is equipped with a hand shower, can be adjusted in height and costs 10,520 rubles.

• Product from Germany Bravat Palace F9172217CP-A-RUS it stands out with a very large guarantee of 10 years, which compares favorably with analogues. The device has a hand shower capable of working in three modes and is equipped with a 35 mm Sedal cartridge. The upper watering can has a diameter of 23 cm, the length of the flexible hose is 150 cm, the height of the rod is 103.7 cm. The model has a lever control and costs 21,960 rubles.

• Shower column Gappo G2401 made in Germany belongs to the category of budget samples and costs 5 788 rubles. The model is made of brass, has a chrome finish and a flexible shower. The upper watering can is made in the shape of a square and is capable of operating in the "tropical shower" mode, the installation method is wall-mounted, there is no spout.

• Model from Spain Teka Universe 79.002.54 (chrome) has a round hand shower with a diameter of 20 cm, with rain shower function and a hand shower. The height of the rod is 105 cm, the length of the flexible hose is 150 cm, the type of attachment is wall-mounted. Such a sample costs 11,029 rubles.

• Stand from Finland Timo Helmi SX-1070/00 2100 has a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, made of brass and chrome plated. The model has a hand shower with a metal hose and a plastic hand shower with a diameter of 12.4 cm, equipped with a spout for filling bathtubs. The top watering can also has a plastic design and is capable of changing the angle of inclination up to 45 degrees. There is a movable holder for attaching the hand shower to the shower bar. The model costs 26,210 rubles.

• German model AM PM Gem F0790000 made of brass, chrome plated, guaranteed for 2 years and designed for wall mounting. The counter is equipped with a Rub & Clean function for easy cleaning of the shower nozzles. The bar is 104.4 cm long, there is a flexible shower, and the proprietary shower head holder is able to adjust its position in three planes. The cost of the product is 11,190 rubles.

• Shower set for wall mounting Kludi Logo Dual made in Germany, made of brass and weighs 8 kg. The round watering can is height adjustable and has one water supply mode. The model belongs to a very popular brand and costs 36,300 rubles.

• Russian shower system Smart SM1207AA consists of a bar, a soap dish, a 5-function hand shower, a 23 cm wide overhead shower and a flexible hose. The height of the rod is 1 m, there is no spout and mixer, the cover is chrome, the guarantee is 4 years. The cost of the model is 8,487 rubles.

• Finnish shower column Oras Optima 7193U made of brass and plastic, equipped with aerator, diverter, hand shower holder, overhead shower arm, soap dish, mixer, flexible hose and thermostatic cartridge. The width of the upper watering can is 25.7 cm, the lower - 9 cm, there is also a spout and an anti-lime system. The cost of the product is 39 445 rubles.

• Italian rack Cezares Lira has a single lever mixer, painted in bronze and designed for retro styles. The height of the bar is 126 cm, there is a hand shower, the warranty is 5 years, the cost is 28 671 rubles.

• German model Ganzer GZ77061E has a 5 year warranty, single lever control and is made of brass. The product is painted in a beautiful gold or silver color, is equipped with a hand shower that can be adjusted in height and a spout. The height of the bar is 120 cm, the width of the top watering can is 25 cm, the cost is 24,940 rubles.

• Model from France Jacob Delafon Aparu E98769-CP belongs to the elite-class plumbing and is equipped with a diverter, built-in thermostat, hand shower, anti-twist hose, built-in shelf for accessories and anti-backflow mechanism. The upper watering can is made in the form of a square with a side length of 34.4 cm, the cost of the product is 54,430 rubles.

The functionality of each individual rack is determined by the number of additional functions that make the use of plumbing easy and convenient. A common function of all shower racks is to mix and deliver water through the shower bar to the top shower head. The availability of additional options is determined by the cost of the product and may vary depending on the model.

• Spout included in the design of the bathtub racks. In shower rooms, on the contrary, it may turn out to be an unnecessary and inconvenient device and will interfere with taking a shower.
• Mixers not all shower systems are equipped. This allows the rack to be installed on an existing mixer, significantly saving money. However, at the same time it is necessary to ensure that the bar matches the color and design of the mixer and does not look like something foreign.
• Thermostat significantly increases the cost of the rack and is not available on all samples. The presence of a built-in thermostat completely eliminates the risk of burns, which is very convenient for families with small children and the elderly.
• LED lights top watering can is the prerogative of expensive samples and has more decorative than practical function. The illuminated counters look very nice and make the bathroom more cozy and romantic. To increase the safety of using the backlight, it is powered not from the mains, but from batteries.
• Soap dishes, shelves for shampoos and other hygiene items, as well hooks for washcloths are usually mounted on a bar and are present on models of the middle price category. Their presence frees you from the need to install wall shelves, which is very valuable in small bathrooms and showers.
• Self-cleaning function present on expensive models. It helps to get rid of plaque in a timely manner and prevents the diffusers from clogging up with salt deposits from the mains water.
• Hydromassage function is present mainly on expensive premium models. The water passing through the watering can is saturated with air bubbles, as a result of which the skin experiences a moderate hydromassage effect. It improves muscle tone, improves mood, promotes relaxation and relieves stress. In addition, overhead shower diffusers are able to vary the intensity of the jet and can make it softer, thinner or wider and more continuous. The "tropical rain" function is very popular, which can also be classified as hydromassage.

Small and frequent drops of water perfectly tone up the skin and improve the general condition of the body.Some models are capable of spraying water like a cloud or fog, while more expensive samples can cascade water, massaging and relaxing the muscles.

There are a number of important points to keep in mind when choosing a shower rack.

• When buying plumbing, you need to take into account the time you take a shower, as well as the preferences and number of family members.... So, if a person lives alone and spends in the shower no more than 10 minutes a day, then he does not need to spend money on an expensive product with a large number of modes, backlighting and a thermostat. In this case, a simple model with 2-3 commonly used modes will be sufficient. If one of the family members is a great lover of water procedures and spends a lot of time in the shower, then the best gift for him will be a multifunctional sample with a hydromassage and a rain shower.
• If small children or retirees live in the house, then it is advisable to purchase a model with a thermostat. Having set the desired temperature once, in the future you can be sure that none of the household members will burn themselves while taking a shower.
• If the shower compartment is planned to be located in the corner, then the best option would be to buy a corner model. Such products are often equipped with all kinds of shelves, holders and are very functional.
• When choosing a rack for a small shower room, the concealed model will be the ideal option. With this installation, only the water control lever and the overhead shower head remain on the wall surface.
• When choosing a bathtub stand, it is better to purchase sets with spout, the presence of which will allow you to quickly and without unnecessary splashes to take a bath.
• An important criterion for choosing a rack is the length of the rod, which is selected taking into account the height of the tallest member of the family. The best option would be a telescopic rack with a movable overhead shower that can move up and down and be fixed at the desired level. This function is especially useful when there are small children in the house.
• If the quality of tap water is poor, then it is better to purchase a rack equipped with the Speed ​​Clean system., cleansing the watering can from limescale.

For information on how to choose the right shower system, see the next video.