Shower panels: features, types and choices

Shower panels are installed in places where it is not possible to mount a full bath or shower. Sometimes they are used for design decisions, if you need to create an interior in the style of minimalism or loft.

The shower panel is a an elongated plate (case) on which the equipment and hydromassage nozzles are mounted. It is made from materials resistant to moisture, temperature extremes and household chemicals. It can be metal, plastic, glass or acrylic. They produce combined options, for example, combine glass with metal.

It is necessary to distinguish between a shower panel and a stand, although they are often called the same. The stand is a watering can on the bar, and the panel is equipped with nozzles for hydromassage, it contains an overhead or flexible shower, it can be endowed with a number of additional functions, the more there are, the more expensive the product. Additional devices include thermostat, backlight, aromatherapy option, shelves.

The panel can have several types of control: manual and electronic (touch). Electronic models require a power supply cable (220 V), but passing through a transformer that reduces current, the panel receives a voltage of 12 W, ensuring safety for the user.

The panel cannot compete in comfort with a full-fledged hot tub or shower box, but it performs its hygienic functions in good faith.

One small panel virtually eliminates the presence of a shower and bath in the bathroom. It can be used not only in cramped conditions, the panel is good for lovers of space and asceticism in the interior. Modern urban styles often use it for their design. In addition to aesthetic capabilities, the device has other advantages:

• it is compact, does not take up much space;
• easy and simple to mount;
• it is convenient to operate;
• various types of materials help to choose a model stylized as a bathroom design;
• a variety of options and different types of control allow you to purchase products of different price categories;
• hydromassage and aromatherapy functions make it possible to carry out wellness procedures at home;
• shower with aeration can save up to 10 liters of water at one time;
• a wide watering can is able to immediately wash the whole body.

It is not possible to clearly classify shower panels, since they differ by different criteria: material, design, installation method, number of options and different types of nozzles. Overall models can be with a screen, have a pallet. On sale there are products of three classes.

• The comfort panels belong to the first class. They can be with either a top or a flexible shower. The material used is acrylic or plastic. One large nozzle is a multi-jet hydromassage, but four standard elements can replace it.

• The second class is called "medium"It has acrylic or metal panels. The nozzles are located on the side, and three of them - with massage purpose - in the center.

• Third class ("premium") also endowed with side and central hydromassage nozzles, which can be started alternately or all at the same time.

According to the installation method, they are of the following types:

• wall mounted answering their name, they are mounted on the plane of the wall;
• wall mounted productslook very impressive - only nozzles, hand shower, shelves, holders are presented to the view, and the panel itself is hidden in the wall;
• corner models occupy any suitable angle, they can be compact or rush up from the floor itself;
• universal panels can be fixed in the corner, on the wall and even on the ceiling.

Showers are divided into household and professional. The difference lies in the number of nozzles: if from 2 to 8 elements are used for a house, then shower panels of sanatoriums and hydropathic centers can have up to 15 pieces.

Different types of panels contain mechanical or electronic control, the second type is more expensive.

• Mechanical control Introduces a simple mixer with levers and a minimum number of options. Water temperature and pressure are set manually.
• Touch models have great features, they are endowed with many functions. The control buttons are displayed on the display, with the help of which not only the pressure and temperature of the water are regulated, but also music, lighting, radio, aromas and more are ordered.

Reliable functionality is no longer enough for today's consumers - people want to take a shower in a beautiful setting. The panel itself and its surroundings should have a style and a spectacular appearance, what can be seen by looking at photos of bathrooms.

• Panel mounted on the wall. Convenient ceiling spout and lighting.

• Compact wall model maintains a minimalist style in the bathroom.

• Creating special interiors, you can choose equipment with a retro mixer made of antique brass. For the manufacture of panels, bronze, copper, and gold-plated steel are also used.

• Mechanically controlled metal products Perfectly fit into the Scandinavian style of the bathroom.

• Contemporary wall panelindicated by a glass screen, suitable for high-tech styles, minimalism.

• A kind of metal product with manual control perfectly matches the country direction.

• Panel made under the treewith overhead and flexible shower.

• Corner panelmounted in the shower.

• Eco-friendly bathroomsimulating natural conditions, successfully decorated with shower panels.

• White shower panel goes well with plumbing the same color

Shower panels have recently entered the Russian market, but have already found their fans. Designers are constantly improving products of this kind, and today it is not just ergonomic and compact equipment, but also a stylish piece of furniture. To have an idea of ​​modern shower panels, we give examples of the products of the most popular world brands.

• The leader in the plumbing market of a German company Hansgrohe, that produces Pharo series shower products. The Prestige panel of the Pharo brand has a top and manual watering can. The upper swivel is able to change the flow mode to pulsating, soft and standard. The panel body is made of aluminum, acrylic and glass.

• No less famous company Grohe (Germany)producing shower panels with a beautiful design. Particularly popular models with a large top watering can endowed with the function of tropical rain. The rain effect heals and relaxes after a busy day.

• Italian shower panel Jacuzzi rei small size - 143x27 cm, but endowed with all the necessary options. It has an overhead shower with rain effect, a watering can on a flexible hose, 4 hydromassage nozzles, a mixer. The bath kit is equipped with a seat.

• Company Albatros (Italy) launches Albatros HR 214 shower panel model with a pleasant design. It has 6 nozzles, two watering cans, a thermostat, and is complemented by two elegant shelves.

• Italian company Teuco offers the P 546 model with dimensions of 194x20.5 cm, aluminum body. The kit includes a pallet. Equipped with hydromassage nozzles and a single lever mixer.

Choosing a shower panel should determine the place where it will be. This will help not to make a mistake with the dimensions. For instance:

• for the bathroom is compact enough or medium model;
• for boxing, a high stand;
• in a small room it will be more convenient to use a corner product.

You can pay attention to devices that help save water:

• aquadimmer reduces flow rate;
• Eco mode covers part of the channels of the soul.

For a more comfortable stay in the shower, you may need a thermostat, shelves, towel hooks. When making a purchase, it is better to familiarize yourself with the instructions of each model in order to study the list of functions and choose the most suitable one for yourself.

To install a shower panel, the work is carried out in two stages: prepare the wall, then mount the equipment. At the preliminary stage, communication pipes are placed in the wall. Usually this happens during the repair, but if it is not planned, carefully remove the tiles from the installation site, check the condition of the plaster, it should not cause doubt in its strength, since it is necessary to install a shower panel weighing 5-10 kg on the wall (depending on the model).

Further actions are performed in the following order:

1. mark the places of pipe connections;
2. establish communications in such a way that the outlet openings are flush with the future plaster;
3. fittings are installed on the ends of the pipes to connect them to panel hoses and tied with cellophane to protect during plastering;
4. to connect the touch panel you will need electrical wiring, which is laid in plastic protective hoses;
5. when communications are carried out, plastering is carried out, liquid glass can be added to the solution for reliability, but it should be remembered that such a composition sets quickly, you will have to work at an active pace;
6. when the wall dries, facing material is installed on its surface.

Upon completion of the preparatory phase, they begin to install the panel. To do this, perform the following actions:

1. on the wall with the failed communications make markings for the brackets;
2. then drill holes for the bolts, and screw the holders;
3. having studied the instructions from the manufacturer, connect the panel to communications;
4. then conduct a test connection of water;
5. if the equipment works without leaks, the panel is fixed to the brackets, from then on it is ready for operation.

Video instructions for installing a shower panel are provided below.