Shower cabins: types, brands and choices

A shower cabin is a worthy alternative to a classic bathtub. Of course, it is impossible to relax in it reclining as in a font, but it has a number of other advantages. In favor of the shower cabins are their compact sizes, 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 sanitary products - from the simplest to ultramodern solutions with an impressive range of additional options.

Shower cabin - Plumbing fixture designed to take a shower in a standing position. There are also models with a large and recessed tray that can be used as a bathtub. However, such models are not so popular because of the impressive dimensions.

Shower cabins are installed everywhere - they are equipped with private country houses, country houses, bathrooms in apartments, baths and saunas. The main thing is that the design can be connected to the water supply systemwhile the water pressure should be at least 3 bar. In this case, the plumbing will function without interruption.

The shower cabin has numerous advantages. Consider the main advantages.

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

Along with the advantages, showers also have disadvantages. The main minus is the cost of products. Prices for such products are higher than for traditional bathtubs.

The disadvantages also include the need to maintain constant pressure in the water supply system. If for standard models a pressure of at least 1.5 bar is required, then for products with additional options you need more pressure. Otherwise, they will not function.

The minuses 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 this rule is neglected, limescale may form on the surface of the sanitary ware (especially on glass).

And one more minus, which is often noted by buyers of expensive showers, - nozzle breakdown due to increased water hardness. When they fail, you will not be able to use most of the provided additional functions.

Showers are divided into several varieties. They are open, closed and combined type. Each of them has its own characteristics.

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

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

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

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

Closed and combined showers due to optional equipment can represent a spa system. Thanks to special equipment, they support many functions:

• hydromassage;
• air ozonation;
• aromatherapy;
• rain 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 basis of the shower, manufacturers use various materials. Consider the most popular.

• Acrylic. Due to the good flexibility of this polymer, pallets of various shapes are made from it. Acrylic products are famous for their unpretentious care, excellent appearance and relative cheapness. However, this kind of polymer in itself is quite fragile.

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

• Cast iron. Pallets made of this material are incredibly durable, so they are able to serve for at least 30 years. Unlike acrylic, cast iron heats up much more slowly, but it cools down in time longer. The significant disadvantages of cast-iron foundations include their weightiness, 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. Of the shortcomings highlight the high cost and the need for utmost accuracy during transportation, installation and use.

• A natural stone. Stone pallets are one of the most durable, reliable and durable. They provide a pleasant tactile sensation when taking a shower. Their minuses include a 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 operational qualities. Partitions in budget shower systems are often made of plexiglass or plastic.

Plexiglass is unsafe. It is very fragile, which is why it often breaks down with careless movements or with careless operation. Plexiglas products are highly flammable and at the same time emit substances harmful to health.

Plastic - Another financially accessible material. However, low price is the only advantage of polystyrene. Plastic doors are very thin and fragile, due to which, from a small blow, their surface can become covered with cracks. In this case, the product will be damaged and require replacement.

In addition, plastic is afraid of high temperatures and sudden temperature changes. For example, due to hot water or when taking a contrast shower, the 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 special technology. In 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 withstands severe mechanical loads, due to which it is famous for its durability. Glass partitions are safe - if the doors break apart, the fragments will not be sharp, which will prevent injuries.

Another reliable material is triplex. The technology of its production is similar to the manufacture of car windshields. Material include 2-3 layers of glass with polymer films laid between them.

Triplex has high strength. It withstands strong shocks, temperature surges and exposure to hot water. To break this material, you will have to try hard.

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

The shape of the shower cubicle directly depends on the configuration of the tray. The most "running" are considered rectangular products. They are available in a wide range and have different sizes - there are compact models, medium in size and spacious solutions.

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

For sale there are showers of the following forms.

• Corner Such structures may be semicircular or visually represent a quarter of a circle. Corner boxes are placed in one of the corners of the bathroom, so they save space as much as possible - this is especially true for small rooms, where they try to use every centimeter. Angular shower systems have various dimensions.

• Round. They are distinguished by a 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. Cabs with faces look more interesting than semicircular counterparts with smooth streamlined shapes. They have the exact same dimensions as the corner options.

• Asymmetric. These are non-standard showers that attract the eye with their unusual shapes and originality.

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

Shower cubicles with an average depth of the pallet, the height of which is 10-20 cm, are especially popular among consumers. Basically, this is enough to prevent water from leaking onto the floor when taking a shower. Manufacturers also produce flat pallets. Their depth does not exceed 10 cm.

Doors and partitions of showers made of glass are transparent or matte. Transparent solutions are light and airy. They visually increase the space, so they are chosen by the owners of small bathrooms. There are models on which the drawing is applied (on the outside of the glass). Partition patterns add a special charm and elegance to plumbing.

Frosted doors keep privacy in the bathroom. They create a reliable visual barrier and have excellent sound insulation. The surface of the matte partitions can be:

• homogeneous rough;
• aesthetically designed through the application of drawings and patterns.

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

Shower hydroboxes can be colored. They are made of tempered stained 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 sanitary ware stores an extensive selection of showers of domestic and foreign production. On sale there are boxes of both popular brands and unknown recently appeared on the market. Consider some manufacturers who managed to fall in love with the consumer for the production of reliable and durable plumbing equipment.

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

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

These companies offer premium showers. They are made of elite materials, equipped with high-quality accessories, fittings and reliable parts (mixers, cartridges). Thanks to these components, hydroboxes are able to last for more than a dozen years, while maintaining their performance and impeccable appearance throughout the entire period of operation. Having decided to buy a product of one of these trademarks, the consumer should know that he will give a considerable amount not only for high quality products, but also for the “untwisted” brand.

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

Budget models of shower stalls are produced Chinese and domestic manufacturers. The most popular of them are Aquanet, Arcus, Serena, Optima, Niagara, Appollo.

When choosing a particular type of shower, it is important to be guided by the dimensions of the bathroom and personal preferences. If such a product is needed only for showering, 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 or medium in size, it is recommended to opt for angular 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 sanitary product, it is important to pay attention to the depth of the pan. 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 a child. It will be more convenient for older households to use a box with a pallet depth of 15-20 cm.

If the family likes to soak in the bath, it is worth choosing models with a side height of 50 cm. At the same time, 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, doors open and close freely, without extraneous noise. The design of such plumbing is strong, stable and reliable. Scratches, abrasions, 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.

Issues related to the proper location of the shower cabin often arise with owners of private houses and city apartments. The most difficult thing is to place the box on several squares in small 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 it comes to the bathroom in the old "Khrushchev" houses.

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

You can install a shower cabin yourself, without resorting to the help of professional masters. For installation, you will need screwdrivers, a gas wrench, hoses to connect the structure to the water supply system, a siphon, a drill, foam and sealant.

Work should begin with the assembly of the pallet. If the base is "weak", it is installed on the frame (frame cross-shaped structure made of metal beams). For small pallets, a frame is not required.

Next, a drainage system is organized. To do this, a siphon is installed and its tightness is checked. If leaks are found, a sealing compound must be used.

After the actions done, the pallet slightly raise and fill the bottom with foam. Sand or cement bags must be placed on the base to create maximum load. After drying, the shower cabin is brought to the communication systems.

Final stage - installation of walls, doors and ceiling base. During work, follow the instructions from the manufacturer. It provides detailed recommendations and installation tips. All elements are fixed using the bolts that come with the product.

To wash the shower cabin, it is necessary to use a gel-like detergent, soft rags or a sponge. For these purposes, compositions with abrasive particles, containing ammonia, solvents or acetone, are not suitable. All chemically aggressive substances should be excluded. To avoid damage to the surface, do not use a metal or excessively stiff sponge. For cleaning and polishing showers are sold specialized formulations specifically designed for these purposes.

Due to excessive water hardness, calcareous deposits form on the structural parts of the cab. 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 on the inside. It is recommended to wipe the metal elements with a damp cloth and then wipe dry. Clear glass can be washed with window care products.

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

To clean the hydromassage system, you need to fill the pan, adding any gel-like detergent to the water. After 5-10 minutes, the shower turns on, the liquid drains. Then you need to repeat the same procedure, only without the use of a detergent composition. Thanks to the correct and timely care, the shower cabin will retain its flawless appearance and smooth operation.

The responses of those who use showers are contradictory. Mostly negative reviews are left by buyers who preferred the budget models of Chinese production. Their shortcomings include:

• weak pallet;
• poor tightness of doors, due to which water, when taking a shower, flows outside the box;
• unreliable hardware;
• weak hose;
• lack of shelves in most low-cost models.

Absolutely all buyers of transparent glass structures note the difficulty of maintenance.. To keep the product clean, its doors and sashes must be washed after each use. Eliminating stains on glass after cleaning is another challenge that consumers face.

Buyers of expensive sanitary products from leading European companies are more satisfied with their choice. They note the versatility of hydroboxes, their stylish appearance, strength and quality of the materials and accessories used. However, judging by some reviews, most functions cease to work during operation. This applies to the systems of "rain shower" and "hydromassage." The reason is simple - nozzle clogging with calcareous deposits.

In general, shower cabins are convenient to use. To be happy with the 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 global market.

See below for how to choose a shower.