Shower racks: varieties, brands, choice, installation

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

The shower column is a metal rod with a watering can mounted on it, mounted as close as possible to the wall and designed specifically for hotels and hostels. Such an arrangement made it possible to unload the space of the bathrooms as much as possible and to allocate a very small corner for the shower.

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

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

The high consumer demand for shower racks is due to a number of indisputable advantages of such designs over a traditional shower, consisting of a flexible hose and a watering can.

• Most modern racks are equipped with the "rain shower" function, so popular recently.
• On many samples, the shower head can move up and down the bar, which allows you to set it at the right height depending on the person’s height.
• Racks are often equipped with a hook for a washcloth and a soap box, which allows all the items necessary for washing to be always 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 rooms and are much cheaper.
• A large assortment of shower racks allows you to choose plumbing for any color and style of the bathroom or shower.

As for the minuses, then in comparison with a traditional flexible shower, shower racks have no drawbacks and surpass them in almost all respects. But they are undoubtedly inferior to showers 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 installation site, the racks are floor and wall. The former are installed in large rooms where, in addition to the main task, they also perform a decorative function, as well as in cases where the sides of the bath do not fit close to the wall. The second are more widespread, much more convenient to install and can be installed on an old mixer.

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

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

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

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

According to the method of control, shower racks are divided into single lever, two-valve and non-contact. The former are considered more convenient and allow you to adjust the flow 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 executed in 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 sputtering in gold or bronze and differ in ornate shapes. They are not as economical as single-lever models, and they are much more expensive. Contactless racks are very economical, allow you to set the desired temperature and are easy to use. Water is supplied to the watering can automatically due to the highly sensitive sensor.

Shower racks are installed using open or closed installation. In the first case, the rod and other structural elements are not covered by the facing material and are clearly visible. In the second, only the watering can remains outside, having spilled (if any) and control levers, and all the other rack parts are hidden in the wall. Each of the options has its strengths and weaknesses and is selected at the discretion of the landlord. For example, an open rack is actively included in the formation of the overall style of the 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 nodes of the structure are in sight 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 racks of closed installation, such models visually unload the room and look quite original. They fit perfectly into most modern interiors, such as minimalism, metallic or techno.

For the manufacture of shower racks, different materials are used, each of which has its pros and cons and gives the finished product certain working properties.

• Stainless steel is the most common material used in the manufacture of racks. The metal is coated with chrome or nickel on top, which makes its surface mirrored. 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 resistant to corrosion, attractive appearance and long service life. The cost of brass samples is slightly higher than the cost of steel products, but this price justifies itself.

• Plastic It is used for the production of budget samples and has low operational characteristics. The service life of plastic racks is much shorter than that of metal racks, and a beautiful glossy coating quickly peels off, exposing the plastic “essence” of the product.

The modern market offers shower racks in a wide variety of shapes and designs, so it’s not difficult to choose the right product for the style of your room. When choosing a model it is desirable that it is combined with the interior and repeats the shape and color of other plumbing fixtures or accessories for the bathroom (furniture handles, heated towel rails, hangers and hooks). For example, if strict geometric forms prevail in the room, then the best option would be a stand consisting of a direct 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 management. More expensive samples designed for retro directions have a domed shape of a watering can, a curved rod and a patinated surface. For minimalism a laconic model with a straight thin rod and a large diameter flat watering can is suitable.

The color of the shower column should be successful fit into the overall color scheme and make up a single ensemble with her. In this case, it is necessary to focus on the color of other plumbing, furniture, and bathroom accessories. Must be considered and stylein 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 bronze matte 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 models with a high rating.

• Shower column Standard LM2160C manufactured by Lemark from the Czech Republic. The item is made of brass, has a chrome finish and is made in a modern style. The rounded watering can is located 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 able to work in tropical rain mode; hand shower and spout are missing. The stand is equipped with a two-valve mixer, the crane-boxes have ceramic plates, the cost of the product is 14,420 rubles.

• Model from Germany Wasserkraft A14401 made of brass and coated with chrome. The stand is equipped with a spout and a hand shower, the size of the rod is 125 cm, the diameter of the upper watering can is 25 cm, the lower is 8.1 cm. The upper watering can has 135 nozzles made of silicone and can deviate by 22 degrees. The spout is equipped with a Neoperl Cascade silicone aerator, providing a soft flow and reducing water consumption by 10%. The model is capable of working in three modes, has a 5-year warranty and costs 18,800 rubles.

• Shower column Damixa Palace Evo 974200063 made in Denmark is able to work in one mode, has the function of "rain shower", 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 for the connection is 1/2. The product is designed for wall mounting, has a diverter, made of brass and coated with chrome. The cost of the model is 11,190 rubles.

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

• Product from Germany Bravat Palace F9172217CP-A-RUS stands out with a very large guarantee of 10 years, which compares favorably with its analogues. The device has a hand shower capable of operating 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 production Germany belongs to the category of budget designs 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 able to work in the "tropical shower" mode, the mounting method is wall-mounted, there is no spout.

• Model from Spain Teka Universe 79.002.54 (chrome) has a round watering can with a diameter of 20 cm, capable of working in the "tropical shower" mode, and is equipped with a hand shower. The height of the rod is 105 cm, the length of the flexible hose is 150 cm, the type of mount is wall-mounted. Such a sample costs 11,029 rubles.

• Stand from Finland Timo Helmi SX-1070/00 2100 It has a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, made of brass and coated with chrome. The model has a hand shower with a metal hose and a plastic watering can with a diameter of 12.4 cm, equipped with a spout for filling the bathtubs. The upper watering can also has a plastic design and is able to change the angle of inclination up to 45 degrees. To fix the hand shower on the bar there is a movable holder. There is a model of 26 210 rubles.

• German model AM PM Gem F0790000 made of brass, chrome plated, has a 2 year warranty and is designed for wall mounting. The rack is equipped with the Rub & Clean function, which provides for easy cleaning of shower nozzles. The length of the bar is 104.4 cm, there is a flexible shower, and the branded watering can holder is able to adjust its position in three planes. The cost of the product is 11,190 rubles.

• Wall-mounted shower set Kludi Logo Dual made in Germany, made of brass and weighs 8 kg. The round watering can can be adjusted in height and has one mode of water supply. 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-functional shower head, a 23 cm wide overhead shower and a flexible hose. The height of the rod is 1 m, the spout and mixer are absent, the coating is chrome, 4 year warranty. The cost of the model is 8,487 rubles.

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

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

• German model Ganzer GZ77061E has a guarantee of 5 years, one-lever management and is made of brass. The product is painted in beautiful gold or silver color, equipped with a hand shower, which can be adjusted in height and spout. The height of the bar is 120 cm, the width of the upper watering can is 25 cm, the cost is 24,940 rubles.

• Model from France Jacob Delafon Aparu E98769-CP refers to the plumbing of the elite class and is equipped with a diverter, a built-in thermostat, a hand shower, a hose with an anti-twist system, a built-in shelf for accessories and a backflow protection 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 using plumbing easy and convenient. The common function of all shower racks is to mix and supply water through the bar to the upper watering can. 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 racks designed for the bath. In the 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 you to install the rack on an existing mixer, significantly saving money. However, at the same time, you need to look so that the bar matches the color and design of the mixer and does not look something foreign.
• Temperature controller 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.
• Neon lights the upper watering can is the prerogative of expensive designs and carries more decorative than practical function. Illuminated racks look very beautiful and make the bathroom more comfortable and romantic. To increase the safety of using the backlight, its power is supplied not from the mains, but from batteries.
• Soap dishes, shelves for shampoos and other hygiene items, as well as hooks for washcloths are usually mounted on a bar and are present on models of the middle price category. Their presence eliminates the need to install wall shelves, which is very valuable in small bathrooms and showers.
• Self cleaning function Present on expensive models. It contributes to the timely disposal of plaque and prevents clogging of the diffusers with salt deposits of tap water.
• Whirlpool function It is present mainly on expensive premium models. Water passing through the watering can is saturated with air bubbles, as a result of which the skin experiences a moderate hydromassage effect. This increases muscle tone, improves mood, promotes relaxation and helps relieve stress.In addition, the overhead shower diffusers can change the intensity of the jet and can make it softer, thinner or wider and more continuous. The tropical rain feature, which can also be attributed to hydromassage, is very popular.

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

When choosing a shower rack, a number of important points must be taken into account.

• When buying plumbing, it is necessary to take into account the time of taking 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, backlight and thermostat. In this case, a simple model with 2-3 commonly used modes will be sufficient. If one of the family members is a big fan of water procedures and spends a lot of time in the shower, then the best gift for him will be a multifunctional sample with hydromassage and a rain shower.
• If small children or senior citizens live in the house, then it is advisable to purchase a model with a temperature regulator. Once you set the desired temperature, in the future you can be sure that none of the household is burned during a shower.
• If the shower compartment is planned to be located in the corner, then the best option is to buy a corner model. Such products are often equipped with all kinds of shelves, holders and are very functional.
• When choosing a rack in a small shower room, the flush mounting model is an ideal option. With this installation, only the water control lever and the overhead shower head remain on the wall surface.
• When choosing a rack for the bath is better to purchase spout kits, the presence of which allows you to quickly and without having to spray the bath.
• An important criterion for choosing a rack is the length of the rod, which is selected taking into account the growth of the highest member of the family. The best option would be a telescopic stand with a movable overhead shower, capable of moving up and down and securing at the desired level. This feature is especially convenient if there are small children in the house.
• If the quality of tap water leaves much to be desired, it is better to purchase a rack equipped with a Speed ​​Clean systemcleaning a watering can of limescale.

See how to choose the right shower system in the next video.