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Hydromassage is a pleasant and useful procedure that relaxes muscles, relieves pain, and also has a therapeutic effect on the entire body. Once the sessions of the whirlpool could be received only in medical institutions or sanatoriums. With the advent of shower cabins, this procedure has become available to anyone who can afford the purchase of this miracle device.
If you can not buy a shower for some reason, but you still want to get a relaxing massage at any time, take a look at the hydromassage panels that have appeared on sale relatively recently. They are much cheaper than a full-fledged shower box and take up very little space. In addition, hydromassage panels are sure to be appreciated by those who do not like the commercially available shower models. In this case, you can build a shower with your own hands, focusing on your own preferences, and equip it with all the necessary equipment, including a panel for hydromassage.
Advantages of
One of the main advantages of this type of sanitary equipment is undoubtedly the therapeutic effect of , which produces a hydromassage. Regular procedures can strengthen immunity, relieve insomnia, fight diseases of the nervous system, improve blood circulation. The impact of water jets under pressure is useful for three injuries, varicosity, stomach diseases, metabolic disorders.
The hydromassage panel can be placed anywhere in the bathroom. If the dimensions of the room do not allow the installation of a shower cabin, the hydromassage panel can be hung on the wall, directly above the bathroom. Also, the hydromassage panel can be a good solution for those who are not going to buy a ready-made shower, but want to build a shower-receiving area on their own - by fencing it with a brick wall, curtain or glass / plastic panel.
Among the advantages of the panels for hydromassage can be called and their price availability. However, this advantage is relative, as some models of hydromassage panels are two to three times more expensive than the most unpretentious shower cabins equipped with hydromassage.
Cons
In order for the hydromassage panel to function well, it is necessary that the sanitary equipment in your home meets two conditions, without which the purchase of this device does not make sense:
Sufficient pressure level in the water supply. Normal operation of the hydromassage panel is possible only at a pressure of not less than two atmospheres( more accurate information is usually indicated in the product description).Unlike shower boxes, the hydromassage panel is not equipped with a built-in pump, so the water pressure in the pipes plays an important role here.
Availability of hot water. If your house has its own boiler room or you live in a city apartment, then this item can be omitted. In houses where flow-through water heaters with a capacity of at least 24 kW are installed, the hydromassage panels will also operate normally. If there is a water heater of a storage type installed in the house, or the capacity of the running water heater is not enough, you will have to forget about buying a hydromassage panel.
Principle of operation of
The hydromassage panel is a flat, oblong module that is attached to the wall in an upright position. The main instrument of this instrument is the hydromassage nozzles( holes through which water jets emerge).The number of holes and their location in different models can vary. This affects the quality and sensation of the massage. Usually on the hydromassage panel there are from 3 to 8 holes, arranged in several rows, which correspond to different parts of the body. The neck zone corresponds to the upper row, the back to the middle, and the buttocks to the lower row. Some models are equipped with rotary nozzles, which can change the direction of water jets, providing with a massage the sensation of waves washing the body.
Types of hydromassage
In the medical literature, the following types of whirlpool are described: jet, vortex, vibratory. With the hydromassage model, you can perform jet massage sessions, which is a dotted action of water jets under pressure on certain areas of the body. According to the type of action, the jet massage is divided into:
- classic - a moderate effect of water jets on the body, combined with the adoption of an ordinary shower;
- invigorating - a strong water pressure will help to gain energy after a morning awakening;
- superbobryaschy - water jets, massaging the body in different directions, have a strong tonic effect;
- relaxing - calm nerves and get ready for bed will help soft massage with warm water jets.
Complete
The hydromassage panels are available in different configurations. The standard kit includes the module itself, controls and a shower head with a hose. The extended equipment can include a stationary overhead shower( also called tropical), shelves for storage of soap-shaving accessories, LED lighting, seats and remote control for models with electronic control. The equipment of the hydromassage panel directly depends on its cost, so be prepared to pay extra for the availability of additional functions, which include, for example, a cascade shower or spraying aerated water.
Control
Manufacturers of hydromassage panels offer models with mechanical and electronic control. Electronic models can be equipped with conventional buttons or a sensor, some of them have an IR remote control included.
Specialists recommend to stop the choice on models with traditional control, as they, first, are cheaper, and, secondly, have a longer service life. In the event of a breakdown, this device will be easier to repair yourself, because the spare parts for them can be purchased at any hardware store.
Assembly
It is not difficult to install the hydromassage panel yourself. All the necessary fasteners, which are needed for this, are usually included in the kit. In addition, it may be necessary to use a sealant on a silicone or acrylic base, which should be smeared on the joints of the elements.
By way of installation, the wall and corner models of the hydromassage panels are distinguished. Also available are universal panels that can be attached anywhere in the bathroom. Installation differs only in some details, and in the main stages it is the same for different models.
First, the hydromassage module is attached to the wall using a set of fasteners that come with the kit. Then, having previously turned off the water supply, the device should be connected to the water pipes. To do this, use the details of the concealed leash, which are also sold together with the hydromassage panel. If you connect a panel equipped with illumination and electronic control, you need to take care of the grounding and connect it to the electrical network. In this case, the socket and the transformer must meet all the safety requirements for electrical appliances used in a room with a high humidity level.
Advice for choosing
- For the production of hydromassage panels, stainless metals, acrylic or plastic are usually used. Decorative elements can be made of wood, glass or other materials. According to experts, the best option is hydromassage panels made of aluminum, as acryle eventually becomes indelible, and plastic is prone to abrasion and is subject to mechanical damage.
- Choosing between models equipped with only a hand or stationary shower, it is best to stay on the latter option, as with a shower head on a long, flexible hose, it is convenient to wash the hydro massage panel and the space around it.
- When buying, pay special attention to the quality of the components, in particular, to the water mixing unit. A mixer from a trusted manufacturer using high-quality materials is the guarantee of an even and constant head of water, without which effective massage is impossible.
