How to choose a shower cabin

In modern interiors of bathrooms, shower cabins are increasingly appearing, which are replaced by baths that occupy too much space and so a small room. Cabs are given different sizes and shapes, so they can be selected even for the bathroom standard small-sized apartment. A variety of models allows you to find one that is perfect for taking shower and baths, as the trays in the shower cabins can be wide and deep enough to match the angular variants of the baths.

How to choose a shower cabin, and what to pay attention to? This issue arises almost all the owners of housing, started repair with the replacement of plumbing and changing the design of the bathroom. To fully answer this question, you should consider the shower in detail and determine the selection criteria.

selecting this item you need to make for yourself a short list of the qualities and parameters that must be followed for the acquired model.

• The size of the shower. This parameter is determined depending on the size of the bathroom and the space allocated for mounting the new thing.
• Price for shower cabins. This factor can be called one of the most important, since each family, beginning repairs, plans the distribution of available funds. The range of prices for showers is quite large, it varies from fifteen to one hundred thousand rubles and the fret is much higher. The cost depends on the design of the product, the material of its manufacture, functional equipment, design design and rating of the manufacturer. Therefore, it is necessary to determine in advance and with the functions that the consumer wants to have in his booth, and with the amount that he is willing to pay for this purchase.
• Cabin construction. Shower cabins in this plan are divided into several criteria, which will be discussed in detail below.

It should be understood that the excessive complexity of the design is by no means always a boon. Sliding constructions are produced, with even six flaps - their number depends on the size of the shower and its tray. But the simpler the design, the more durable it is, as a rule, and its mechanisms are less likely to fail.

• Shower trays. These structural elements may differ in material of manufacture, size, depth and shape.
• Cabin equipment. Here - a very wide variety of options. Shower cabins can have many built-in functions, both very popular and those whose expediency causes a certain skepticism. So, cabs can be equipped with:

- only an ordinary shower head, which is present in almost all designs;

- vertical and horizontal hydromassage;

- steam generator;

- LED-chromotherapy;

- aromatherapy;

- shower type "tropical rain";

- touch control;

- FM radio, MP3 player and speakerphone, mobile communication capability;

- shelves, dispenser, seat and head restraint;

- sauna function and / and "Turkish bath"

Expensive booths can have all these functions in a complex, more affordable, only some of them. More details of the basic functions will be discussed below.

Now that the basic selection criteria are outlined, you can consider them in more detail.

Bathroom arrangement plan

You should start with the choice of the size of the shower cubicle, since any accessory that will be installed in a small room should ideally fit into the space reserved for it. To do this, it is best to make a plan of the bathroom on a sheet of paper with the exact dimensions transferred to scale, and then distribute in the resulting space all the plumbing accessories and appliances that are planned to be installed there. Projects can be done a few, and then choose the most successful of them - and only then you can make a choice of the cabin for this parameter. Probably everyone understands that it is easier to make an installation or rearrangement on a piece of paper, to correct possible mistakes and inaccuracies, than to carry out these actions on the spot.

. When designing the plan, you need to take into account not only the dimensions of the sanitary ware items themselves, but also the distance between them. This must be done in order to make it clear how much space there will be left to pass through the room between the installed objects, whether the doors will open, etc.

In addition, when designing a project, it is necessary to take into account the location of the communications, and if the shower cubicle or other elements are mounted far from the risers, you should immediately think about how to extend or hold the pipes, and they will be open or embedded in the walls.

Shower enclosure design

The cab design is evaluated according to various parameters.

Closed and open cabin designs

Shower cabins are divided into closed and open, and this in most cases depends on the price of the product.

Closed cab

Closed is a cabin with rear walls and a roof. It is possible to connect to the internal wiring of cold and hot water pipes. The total closeness allows the cabin to be almost sealed, and from this it follows that it can be equipped with various functions that will not be effective in an open design.

Open cabin

The open cab structure is quite simple, and it is a pallet and a kind of screen that can consist of front walls and sliding or swinging doors, and sometimes even just from waterproof curtains. The back wall for such a cubicle is the wall of the bathroom.

Such structures are usually equipped with only ordinary, more rarely - "tropical" shower, and a similar booth can be called an economical option. But, despite the lack of various additional functions, open showers are in high demand, since they are quite convenient to operate. When receiving water procedures in such a cabin, the water does not fall on the bathroom floor, but will drain down the walls into the pallet. In addition, the space closed on all sides will keep the heat from hot water longer.

• Closed and open cabins are divided into types that define their design:

- shower enclosure - the simplest version, without a roof and rear walls. Most often sold even without equipment, so you can choose any model of the mixer with a shower-watering can, and if desired - and with a top watering can of "tropical rain";

- cabin-box - a closed type of cabin, coming on sale with minimal additional equipment;

- the hydromassage cabin-box can be equipped with several or all the existing additional functions, which will be discussed in detail below;

- cabins with sauna - this type, most often includes all the functions that are only possible in the shower cabins, in about the number and the steam generator.

Shower enclosure

The enclosure design of the shower enclosure can be framed and frameless. It can include walls, one or two doors, as well as simply shower curtains. The frame for fencing is usually made of aluminum or plastic. The first option is considered more reliable and durable in use, therefore has a fairly high price.

The frame can be chrome plated or painted. Its coating often mimics the old bronze or is made "under gold."

Doors installed in the enclosure have a sliding or swing design. And swinging can be opened inside the cabin or outside, and also can be right or left. These parameters should also be taken into account, and not only for comfortable use of the cab, but also to avoid damage to the doors when opening, especially in a very small room. The made plan of arrangement of accessories in the bathroom will help to determine which construction of doors is best for a particular interior.

Both the price and the duration of operation of the shower enclosure are affected by the material from which the fence is made and from its coverage. For the doors and walls of the cab are usually used impact-resistant tempered glass or high-strength plastic( usually - an acrylic group).

Materials can have anti-reflective coating, which prevents glare, reflection and mirror effects.

Sometimes the glass is covered with a means to prevent the deposition of limescale and opacity of the glass, for example, AntiCalc®.

Glass or plastic walls of the door leaf can also be decorated in different ways. So, transparent( with a different degree of light transmission) are produced, matte, colored, decorated with relief patterns. Glass can also have a textured corrugated pattern or sandblast, made on a smooth surface.

Walls and door leaves, made of tempered glass with thickness from 6 to 8 mm, are installed mainly on expensive models of shower cabins. Glass leaves are more durable, as it is difficult not only to break them.but even scratch. They are easy to clean, and on them, unlike plastic, there is no divorce.

If an inexpensive model of a shower cubicle with plastic walls is chosen, then it is better to choose a matte option, since all deposits, dried droplets and stains will appear on the transparent one. It will take a lot of effort to get rid of them, and during the cleaning process you can accidentally cause scratches. Over time, the transparent walls from the abrasive action begin to grow turbid.

A sandblasting pattern on glass or embossed on plastic will not only decorate the doors of the cabin, but also make them less transparent, which is especially good for combined bathrooms. Drops that linger and dried on such a surface will be less visible, and the cabin will not look messy.

Shower tray

Shower trays can also have different designs and dimensions, as they are assembled with a glass fence. Quite often, if the size of the space allows, select pallets that are similar in shape, size, and height to the small bathroom.

The height of the sides can be different - it varies from 100 to 600 mm - this parameter will depend on whether it is planned to take water procedures in a reclining( sitting) position or it will be enough to stand under pleasant shower sprays.

Some cabs are installed without a pallet. Such a construction is usually installed in the bathroom of a private house, having previously made a good waterproofing, by organizing a drainage of water and laying on the floor surface a ceramic tile or filling it with a special polymer compound.

without a pallet. When choosing a pallet, it should be remembered that the biggest load from the entire shower enclosure falls on it. Therefore, an important factor in its choice is the material from which it is made.

Pallet bowls are made of cast iron, steel, acrylic, quarrel, ceramic or artificial stone. The material of manufacture also determines the price category of the product. To correctly determine the choice of this parameter, you must, first of all, pay attention to the performance characteristics of each of the materials.

• Cast-iron pallets and bathtubs are known for their reliability for many decades, so they do not lose their demand, despite the abundance of modern materials. Enameled cast iron has a strong coating that is resistant to mechanical damage, so the bowl of this material will last a long time without restoration and repair. The thickness and weight of the material will make the basis stable and safe.

Cast iron pallets are mounted on a frame base with adjustable legs, which are then closed with a decorative screen.

The disadvantage of pallets made of cast iron is that they can not boast of a variety of shapes - they usually produce either rectangular or one semicircular side, but you can choose the desired depth of the bowl.

The cast-iron tray is also suitable if the shower enclosure is manufactured on its own. It is possible to embed it safely into a concrete or brick podium without using any frame and legs.

• Acrylic pallets are becoming more popular, and many consumers prefer them to others. This circumstance is explained by the elegant appearance of bowls made of this material, the variety of shapes of pallets, and also by the fact that acrylic is very pleasant to the touch and not as cold as all metal products.

Acrylic bowls quickly heat up and retain heat for a long time. They are wear-resistant and do not absorb odors. Small scratches on their surface are almost invisible, especially since they are easy to disguise by treating the damaged area with sandpaper with fine grain. Spoil the surface of high-quality acrylic - not so easy, so the probability of such damage is low.

Acrylic pallets must be installed on a specially designed frame, otherwise the material may become deformed when heated and under the influence of the weight of the washable. The lack of acrylic can be considered its comparative fragility, but this factor depends on the quality of the material and the accuracy of the operation of the bowl.

• Steel enamelled pallets are the most affordable and durable enough to operate. A major drawback of the bowl from this material is the high noise level when water jets hit its surface. However, this flaw is completely eliminated if before installing the pallet, cover its external surface with a layer of mounting foam or paste on it an anti-noise kit made of special foam material.

This version of the pallet is by far probably the second most popular after acrylic.

• Artificial stone, which usually simulates marble or granite, is made from stone crumbs and polymers. From such a composite by the technology of casting and pallets are manufactured.

Such pallets have high strength, low thermal conductivity and are pleasant to the touch. In addition, the surface of the artificial stone does not slip, and, therefore, it is safe. But, unfortunately, mostly of this material are made low, shallow pallets, which can hardly be used in an apartment.

Such products made of artificial stone have a fairly high price, so they are not very popular.

• Kvaril is a relatively new material from which pallets and corner baths are made. Kvaril is a mixture of acrylic and quartz sand, so it produces stronger products that have all the positive qualities of pallets made of acrylic. In addition, from this material, pallets of different colors are made, so you can pick up the product, ideally suited to the color of one of the surfaces of the room.

If the pallet is purchased separately, then, in the presence of the required space, you can choose from several options in depth. So, the pallets are:

- deep - 250 ÷ 450 mm;

- medium depth - 100 ÷ 180;

- flat or small - 60 ÷ 100 mm.

The depth of the pallet should be selected considering the following factors:

• If a shower is purchased for use in a family consisting of adults, then you need to decide how often the baths are taken.

Some people can not do with one shower, therefore, taking into account the interests of all living in the apartment, you need to choose a compromise option by purchasing a bath with a shower. The bathtub can be standard size or compact angled.

• If the family has a child who needs to bathe often enough, it is recommended to purchase either the above presented version, or a shower with a deep pallet, in fact, is a corner bath.
• If an elderly person lives in the family, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for him to receive water procedures.

For this, the developers have provided structures that have a seat. There are several options for such sedentary bath-pallets, so you can choose an acceptable and convenient for all members of the family.

• Perhaps everyone will arrange a version with a small pallet. In this booth, by the way, the easiest way is for children, people of age or with certain physical limitations.

Of course, always customers evaluate the design of the shower cubicle and by its external appearance - how well it will look in the bathroom.

How to write a shower in the bathroom interior?

The question is far from idle, especially when the bathroom does not have a large area. Useful tips on design bathroom interior with a shower booth - in a separate special publication of our portal.

Equipment for the shower cabin

The cost of the models depends to a large extent on what additional functions the shower cabins are equipped with. To understand what some functional elements are and determine how much they will be needed, you need to get to know them better.

Hydromassage in the shower cabin

The hydromassage functions realized in the shower booths can be of several types:

• The hydromassage, which is produced by the supply of water under pressure through nozzles located on a special panel, is one of the most popular functions. The nozzles that feed the jets of water can be from one to 20 pieces, and the more of them, the more intense will be the whirlpool.

It is better to choose a car with rotating nozzles - you can use it to set the direction of the jet during the procedure. These elements can produce vertical and horizontal jets, depending on their installation and adjustment.

Hydromassage will work effectively if the water pressure is at least 1.5 ÷ 3 atmospheres - this should be taken into account when purchasing a cabin with numerous built-in functions.

• The aeromassage is also integrated into the panel mounted on the wall. This element works to supply air under pressure into the water, which creates numerous bubbles, which produce a pleasant massaging of the skin.
• The combined version combines both aeromassage and hydromassage. The nozzles, supplying air and water, are located at different levels, which allows you to massage individual areas of the body.

The intensity of air and water jets is calculated in such a way that the force of the head is influenced by certain parts of the body. For example, at the level of the lumbar region the jets are more intense, and in the area of ​​the calves of the legs and neck the force of the pressure is somewhat softer.

Cabs with hydromassage function are an excellent tool for relieving fatigue, normalizing blood circulation, creating a tonic effect for the skin, relaxing muscle tissue and relieving tension. If it is possible to install a model of a shower cabin with a hydromassage, it must be used, as the whole family will enjoy such sessions.

Steam generator

The steam generator is designed to maintain steam saturation in the shower cabin of various degrees of heating. It turns out a kind of bath, that is, with maximum humidity in the cabin, high temperature is maintained. This function significantly increases the cost of the cabin, but it is worth it, since not only a shower and a bath are located on a small area, but also its own private Turkish bath.

The steam generator mechanism is located behind the shower stand. It heats the water, turning it into steam, having a temperature of 45 ÷ 50 ° C, and then passes it to the booth through a special window. Steam heated to this level is optimal for heating the body and cleaning the skin and the entire body from antioxidants and excess fluid.

steam generator If a cabin with a steam generator is chosen, it is recommended that it has glass walls and doors, as the plastic, when heated, will inevitably produce chemicals that are not always harmless to humans. It is clear that the cabin, equipped with plastic walls, has a lower price, so it is often preferred to models with glass, although this is not true. To get the maximum benefit from the steam room, the materials for making the cabin must be environmentally friendly.

In combination with the steam generator, a ventilation system is mandatory, which ensures intensive air circulation and efficiently removes exhaust steam. From the description of the design it becomes clear that these devices can only be installed in a closed shower cubicle model, otherwise they simply will not be of use. At the same time during the adoption of such procedures, the cabin is sealed.

Cabs equipped with a steam generator are most often equipped with seats. This is necessary so that the person taking the procedures can choose for himself the optimal temperature level. As you know, heated steam rises upwards, under the ceiling, and it is there that the highest temperature is created, and in the middle part of the cabin the most comfortable zone will be formed.

A shower enclosure equipped with a similar function does not necessarily have to be large. On the contrary, the optimal option for it will be the size of the sides of only 900 mm - this space is faster heated at low energy costs.

Since boilers with a steam generator have a very high price, some prefer to purchase this device separately and install it on their own. To save in this case, it will turn out very much.

Chromotherapy

Chromotherapy is one of the methods of beneficial effect on the human body with the help of color. This function, installed in hydromassage cabins, has a good effect on the human hormonal and nervous system, it is also able to normalize blood circulation and stop inflammatory processes. Water, highlighted by a variety of shades of color, enhances its effect and promotes emotional and physical relaxation.

«Timo Elta H-312 R / L» manufacture - Finland	900 × 900 × 2200 mm	The bunk has walls made of impact-resistant tempered glass, 6 mm thick. The pallet, 150 mm high, is made of acrylic. Shower cabin is equipped with: ordinary, tropical shower; with vertical hydromassage for 6 nozzles; top and side lighting; touch control panel; function of aromatherapy and steam generator. Additional functions: handsfree, FM radio, connectivity to CD, LED chromotherapy - 7 colors. The cabin is equipped with seats, shelves, dispenser and headrest. The framing of the glass panoramic roof, door hinges, center console and rain shower are made of nickel-plated stainless steel. Doors can be left-hand and right-hand, depending on the installation site. Warranty from the manufacturer is 5 years.	85600 rub.
"Appollo TS-621". Manufacturing - China.	945 × 945 × 2000 mm	The shower cubicle has semi-circular glass walls and one door made of durable glass with a thickness of 5-6 mm. The door is equipped with a roller mechanism, so it is easy to open. In addition, the door is equipped with hinges and a door handle. This shower enclosure kit includes the following elements: glass wall and door, complete with sliding mechanism, acrylic drip tray with metal frame, siphon drain system, fittings. models are produced, equipped with rear glass walls or panels with hydromassage elements and watering can - these options have a higher price, but do not have to think out how and where to install the shower installation. Warranty from the manufacturer is 1 year.	26400 ÷ 30 000 rub.
«Luxus 518». Country of origin - Czech Republic.	910 × 910 × 2050 mm	This shower enclosure is equipped with the following components: hydromassage panel made of nickel-plated stainless steel with eight massage nozzles, acrylic tray, metal frame, ordinary and tropical shower, ventilation system, upperlighting and chromotherapy system, acupuncture massage, bottom spout for filling the pallet, seat with soft hydromassage back, touch screen control, FM radio, a shampoo shelf, a mirror, and a towel rack. Semicircular cabin consists of glass walls and two sliding doors. Glass with a thickness of 6 mm has a gray tint, which fits well with the white color of the pallet, having a height of 430 mm. The watering can installed in the cockpit is equipped with three modes of operation - regular and two massage modes. The upper( tropical) shower has built-in lighting. Warranty from the manufacturer is 2 years.	Price, depending on the region of sale, varies from 41,000 to 50,000 rubles.
Shower room "Cezares FAMILY R2". Country of origin -Italy.	This model is produced in two sizes: 800 × 800 × 1950 and 900 × 900 × 1950 mm.	This shower enclosure is equipped with the following elements: with two sliding doors made of impact-resistant glass 6 mm thick and equipped with magnetic seals and an original double roller design. Glass can be transparent or have a textured picture - this factor, as well as the presence of a pallet, directly affects its price. If the pallet is not included, it is immediately purchased with the rest of the elements. The pallet for this model should be made of acrylic, the radius of its semicircle should be 550 mm, the rims are low. The manufacturer does not specify its exact height, as it can vary slightly.	Price for the product - from 25500 to 49000 rubles, depending on whether the cabin is sold complete with a pallet, or the latter is purchased separately.
Shower Enclosure "Cezares Magic A1 90 C Br R" Country of origin - Italy.	This model is produced in two sizes: 800 × 800 × 1950 and 900 × 900 × 1950 mm.	This model is made in different versions and can differ not only in size but also in some functional elements. Constant factor is always the shape of the cubicle - a square, and the type of doors - swinging. Other parameters may vary. For example, tempered glass of walls and doors can have a thickness of 6 to 8 mm. It can be completely transparent or have a relief pattern. The profile of the frame can have different coatings - bronze, chrome or "gold". The kit includes an acrylic pallet or an artificial stone barrier, but most often these items are purchased separately. Glass is coated with a protective film, which increases safety during the reception of water procedures. The manufacturer gives a guarantee for its products for a period of 3 years.	The price varies from 37000 to 73500 rubles, depending on the equipment.
Sauna with shower "POTTER A-902A". Country of origin - China.		This shower enclosure is fenced with tempered shockproof glass, which is favorable for water and steam procedures. The low pallet is made of sanitary acrylic. The cockpit includes a mixer, a shower with a conventional watering can and a "rain shower", a ventilation system, an FM radio. Cab illumination is carried out from the top side of the control panel, and also has a chromotherapy function. In addition, massage functions are implemented: acupuncture massage, back and neck hydro-massage, vertical massage. All functions are controlled via touch screen and remote control. In addition, the cabin set includes shelves, seat, hourglass, thermometer and scoop for the sauna. The cubicle is equipped with a steam generator and a "Finnish sauna" function. The cabin itself can be made in the left or right version. The acrylic of the pallet is silvery gray, the finish of the sauna is made by the Canadian cedar. The manufacturer gives a warranty for your product - 2 years.	Depending on the configuration - from 178,000 to 338,000 rubles.
Model name	Appearance, drawing, dimensions( width × depth × height)	Model features	Average cost

Different colors affect the human condition in different ways. Some of them are capable of charging with energy for the whole day, others calming and relieving tension, which is extremely important in preparing for bed.

The chronotherapy system, as a rule, is built into expensive variants of models, and information about its application can be found in the instructions attached to the shower. Drawing up of color scale can be carried out according to the recommendations developed by experts in this area, or you can choose independently, following your own feelings.

Shower "tropical rain"

"Tropical" shower - this is another device that performs a kind of massage function. At first glance, this device resembles an ordinary shower head, but large in diameter. A tropical shower is installed on the ceiling of the cabin. With a special supply, distribution, intensity of jets of water and air, this procedure creates a true impression of a real warm pouring rain.

Water from this device is fed through a grate located on a panel of a rather large size, so the falling jets cover almost the entire area of ​​the cabin, dropping large rain drops onto the body of the receiving procedure.

In a rain shower type, very often light-emitting diodes of different colors are built in, which produce a chromotherapeutic effect on a person in combination with falling jets of water.

Aromatherapy

The procedures of aromatherapy since ancient times are used to treat and prevent many diseases. To carry out procedures, essential oils of various plants are used, which have calming or, conversely, invigorating properties.

To carry out a similar therapeutic procedure in the shower, equipped with the functions of "tropical shower" or "Turkish bath", a special container is built, which is filled with aromatic balm or essential oil. When heated, they evaporate, and along with the steam or water, the aroma enters the cabin.

The user can change the formulations, depending on the need to achieve a particular condition. Each of the plants, whose oils are used for such purposes, has its own healing properties. For example:

- fennel eliminates nervousness and relieves stress;

- mint refreshes and invigorates;

- lavender relieves fatigue and promotes calm sleep;

- Thuja gives an optimistic attitude and promotes recovery;

- Jasmine regenerates skin cells;

- juniper has the property of removing skin inflammation and itching.

Shower cabins with sauna

Today you can find shower cabins with the function "sauna", and many models are small enough that you can place them even in a standard combined bathroom or in the bathroom.

This cabin consists of two compartments, one of which has a shower, and in the other there is a sauna with natural wood finish, thanks to which a microclimate favorable for the removal of fatigue and tension is created in the compartment. The steam generator creates an increased humidity reaching 100%, and heats the air to 50 ° C - these parameters are optimal for making health-improving procedures.

In addition, some models of saunas are equipped with infrared emitters, capable of heating the body and normalizing blood circulation without the use of steam. This is especially important for people who are contraindicated in steam treatments under high temperature conditions with high humidity.

After familiarizing yourself with the functions that can be integrated in the shower, it is possible to consider the characteristics of several models that are on sale and are in good demand:

Shower care for the

To ensure that the shower cabin lasts as long as possible while maintaining its respectable and neat appearance, It should be well looked after:

• The shower cubicle must be cleaned after each intake of water procedures. If you take this action as a rule, then the limestone plaque will not be deposited on the elements of the cabin, which will then be very difficult to remove, and there will be no divorce from water droplets and jets.

Any liquid detergent can be used for daily cleaning. Do not use formulations containing abrasive substances, ammonia alcohol, acetone, as well as other organic solvents.

• In order to have less limescale during the use of the shower cubicle, it is necessary, when connecting it to the water pipes, to install filters - softeners, which will purify the water of the hardness salts.
• The main filter for mechanical water treatment is also superfluous, in order to clean it from solid inclusions, which can do a lot of harm to the entire plumbing "stuffing" of the cabin. Naturally, one should not forget about periodic washing or replacement of any installed filters.
• The shower enclosure, in order to avoid the formation of mold on its details and surfaces, should be ventilated after each water treatment, that is, its doors must be opened. This should be taken into account when choosing the place of its installation in a small room, especially if a cabin with swinging doors opening outward is selected.

Having compiled your own list of all, in the opinion of the consumer, the necessary qualities and functions of the shower enclosure, based on the recommendations given, it will be possible to choose the right option, optimal both in price and in size and in "hardware equipment".

At the end of the article, traditionally, a small video with advice on the choice of a shower booth:

Video: what should be taken into account when choosing a shower cubicle