Using a shower not only speeds up the process of taking water procedures, but also allows you to save water - these features have led to the fact that showers are increasingly replacing bathtubs in apartments, private houses and cottages. When purchasing a product, many consumers often face the question of how to choose the right shower cabin for the bathroom.
There is a wide range of shower stalls available in the trade; in order to understand their diversity and choose a model suitable for specific conditions, you should study the structural design of the main types and materials of manufacture. One of the most important conditions for purchasing a quality product is the correct choice of manufacturer from a wide range of brands of domestic and foreign companies represented in the trade.
Open shower enclosures
Types of shower cabins
Any shower stall includes two main components - a tray, which is designed to collect and drain water, and a fence with an entrance group, which prevents water from splashing on the floor and walls of the room. To decide which shower stall to choose, consider the following design options.
Open
This category includes the simplest design of cabins, having a pallet and two side rails, interconnected into a single whole. Since open-type cabins are installed in the corner of the room, it is understood that its other two partitions are the side walls of the bathroom, lined with tiles or other waterproof materials.
The open design cabins have only two front walls; a swing or sliding door is mounted in one of them; the mixer and shower heads are placed on one of the side walls of the bathroom.
When installing an open cabin, first install a pallet on the floor, adjusting it in height and level with screw legs, then assemble the fence by attaching the side glass or plastic panels to a metal profile screwed to the walls with dowels and screws.
Boxes
Closed
Cabins of this type are called shower boxes; they have four walls and a roof with lighting, representing an autonomous and mobile system that can be placed in any room if there are appropriate water supply and sewerage communications.
The shower box contains plumbing fixtures: a mixer, a regular or tropical shower, as well as equipment for implementing special water supply modes: a steam generator, hydromassage nozzles, water mist, aromatherapy, chromotherapy. For ease of use, boxes are often equipped with interior elements in the form of seats, various shelves, hooks, and mirrors. High-tech cabins are equipped with technical means for listening to radio, music, telephone communication, and voice control.
Combined
A shower cabin and a bathtub are the two main types of plumbing equipment for taking water procedures, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. In combined blocks, a bathtub (its height is more than 400 mm) and a shower stall are combined into a single structural unit, so using them is as convenient as possible.
A shower compartment with a partition can be located over the entire area of the bowl or occupy a certain area of it, be open or closed with a ceiling at the top. The bathroom often has the function of a Jacuzzi with a supply of water saturated with air bubbles or a lower hydromassage for the feet.
Combined cabins
Tips for choosing shower cabins
If the water flows from the pipes in an apartment or private house is hard, then it is better to abandon the “tropical shower”, otherwise its sprinklers with small holes will quickly become clogged with sediment and it will simply stop working properly.
When choosing the model you like, be sure to check the functionality of the doors: how they open and close. The doors should move/swing smoothly, silently and without much effort, and when closed they should be airtight.
They are a barrier to splashing water, so at the point of contact with each other there must be a magnetic tape along the entire length from top to bottom.
The smaller the size of the shower cabin you choose to purchase and the fewer different electronics it contains, the easier it will be to install it yourself
If the cabin is needed solely for taking a shower in the morning and evening, then the model should be chosen without all kinds of hydromassages, steam generators and radios. A simple box with a low tray and one watering can will be enough, and this option will be inexpensive. There is no point in purchasing expensive plumbing fixtures whose functionality will not be fully used.
Before you go to the store to choose a shower stall, you need to correctly and objectively evaluate the space available in the bathroom and take a closer look at the sizes of showers available for sale. A box that is too large in a tiny bathroom will take up the entire floor area and leave no room for other plumbing fixtures. Moreover, when drawing up a plan for the placement of plumbing fixtures, we must not forget about the supply of pipelines and electricity.
Everything is quite simple with the electrical wires; they can be placed under the decor anywhere in the bathroom. With sewerage, everything is somewhat more complicated. As a rule, the drain in the pan is located in one of its corners. And at this angle the shower cabin should be placed against the wall with the sewer pipe. The shorter the sewer line from the shower box to the riser, the less likely it is to become clogged.
If there are children in the family, then it is better to select a shower stall with a deep tray. Such a box with open doors easily turns from a shower into a bathtub for bathing a child. You can also wash clothes by hand in this bath or soak them before washing.
Manufacturing materials
Conventionally, any shower cabin, depending on the material of manufacture, can be divided into the following units.
Pallet
Most often, it is made of acrylic, like the bathtub bowl, reinforced from below with fiberglass and binding resins; ABS plastic and polymethyl methacrylate are used from polymer materials. Less commonly, pallets are made of ceramics, enameled cast iron and steel, natural and artificial stone, quartz - a modern material made from a mixture of acrylic and quartz. Some users prefer separately manufactured structures, lined with ceramic tiles and mosaics.
Walls
Shower partitions are made of sheet glass or plastic. For production, durable tempered glass of various colors is used, resistant to mechanical stress and temperature changes. There are no scratches on the glass, so the surface has an aesthetic appearance throughout its entire service life. The main disadvantage of glass partitions is their high cost.
Plastic is the second most popular material, it is distinguished by a wide range of colors, light weight and ease of installation, less resistant to mechanical stress - over time, scratches appear on its surface, worsening its appearance. Plastic screens are distinguished by a wide variety of colors and affordability; they can be purchased at a significantly lower cost than glass models.
Cab frame
The most commonly used materials for cabin frames are aluminum, less often stainless steel; they securely hold glass panels. The most budget-friendly types use corners made of cheap plastic to fix polymer partitions.
Pallets made of various materials: cast iron, steel, ceramics, acrylic, quarry, natural, artificial stone, ceramic mosaic
The best shower enclosures
The optimal solution for a small bathroom is a shower corner. User reviews and expert opinions identified the main leaders in this category. We are talking about an open structure with 2 or 3 walls, so the room must be waterproofed. Hinged doors will be convenient, and their sliding type will save space. More advantages and characteristics can be found in the descriptions of the rating nominees.
Parly Z90
The compact version with dimensions 90x90x195 and sliding doors will fit into the smallest room. The main difference of the model is its low price, ease of installation and operation. The 30 cm deep tray is made of acrylic; its reinforced shape will allow it to support a person with a large weight. There is no roof on top, but there is a seat, impact-resistant frosted glass, and a hydromassage option. The assembly here is Chinese, but Italian Jacuzzi equipment was used in the process.
Advantages
- Compactness;
- Sustainability;
- Tight closing of doors;
- Low price;
- Nothing extra;
- Beautiful door design.
Flaws
- No ventilation;
- The need for regular ventilation.
A simple budget cabin is suitable for those who have a rational approach to shopping and do not strive for super functions or complex mechanisms. The main task is to save space, which is important in small-family apartments or dachas.
Band Hours Eureka
This proposal also has the right to be included in the rating, as it is distinguished by its low price, elegance, and practicality. The acrylic tray is reinforced to the maximum; it can withstand a weight of 500 kg. For a comfortable stay inside, the corner is equipped with tinted tempered glass. Sliding doors move easily thanks to double chrome-plated rollers with bearings. Only a standard set of options is provided here.
Advantages
- Good quality along with low price;
- Compact dimensions;
- Reinforced bottom;
- Reliable door movement system;
- Elegant appearance.
Flaws
- Lack of modern capabilities;
- Modest equipment.
Clear, simple design, only the necessary options, Band Hours Eureka is suitable for unpretentious people. Along with the simple configuration, there is an increased glass thickness of 6 mm. In general, reviews confirm the long service life of the booth.
Pallet shapes
In addition to manufacturing materials, pallets are distinguished by geometric shape; the most common types are the following:
- Square . The minimum size of square pallets for open cabins is 800x800 mm; boxes have larger overall parameters.
- Rectangular . Closed shower stalls of the usual or combined type with a high tray have a similar shape; their length varies from 900 mm and above, popular standard sizes are 900x700 mm, 1700x900 mm.
- Corner semicircular . Often, semicircular shower stalls of different sizes are installed on the corner, occupying minimal space and most suitable for the combined sanitary facilities of Khrushchev-era buildings. Their standard wall lengths are 800, 900, 1000 and 1200 mm.
- Rectangular semicircular (asymmetrical) . The wall length in such models reaches 1700 mm; in the design, one or two outer corners have an oval shape.
- Pentagonal . Small-sized models of a similar design are installed in a corner; their advantage over the semicircular shape is the ability to install flat doors made of sheet glass.
Pallets are also divided into the following groups according to height.
Low up to 150 mm
Typically, such pallets come with inexpensive open-type shower stalls, suitable for small bathrooms. During installation, the sewer drain pipe is placed in the floor to maintain the required slopes or a special flat siphon is used for connection.
Medium from 150 to 350 mm
High-sided pallets are used in open-type structures and boxes; they are supplied complete with screens. The advantages of medium height are the ability to connect the cabin to a high-lying sewerage pipeline.
With high side from 350 mm
Trays with this depth are bowls in combined models, with built-in seating or allowing for water procedures similar to conventional baths.
Basic forms of pallets
Indoor location
The most common option for placing a shower stall is a corner location . It allows you to economically use the space of the bathroom, which is especially important for small bathrooms.
There is a large selection of shower cabin shapes that require installation in the corner of the room: asymmetrical, pentagonal, quarter-circle, rectangular. Due to their shape, they are quite compact and do not require additional free space around them, but at the same time they have quite a spacious internal space.
Please note that all Deto shower cabins are assembled from the inside, which makes installation and installation of the product easier.
A wall-mounted shower cabin means that it is installed along one of the walls of the room. Typically, rectangular and square shower cabins are installed this way, leaving free space next to the side walls. Accordingly, this placement is more suitable for spacious bathrooms.
freestanding shower cabin is installed regardless of the walls of the room, even in the middle of the bathroom. Such models are interesting because you can position the cabin in a way that is convenient for you.
Doors
Depending on the design, shower doors are divided into the following groups.
Swing on hinges
They have one or two doors that open outwards or into the cabin and provide reliable sealing. Their disadvantages include a high probability of mechanical damage and the need for free space to accommodate open doors, which is not always convenient in small bathrooms.
Sliding
A convenient option for doors that move on aluminum guides, do not take up extra space in the room and are less susceptible to impact. The design of sliding doors is more complex than that of swing doors; they usually move on metal rollers along runners.
Folding type clamshell
The design is designed for a large entrance area or replaces one of the walls; it usually consists of two halves that move along guide runners. Folding doors, when opened inside the cabin, do not take up free space in a small room.
Articulated
A fairly common type of door that is attached to the top and bottom of the shower frame; they rotate on hinges around an axis offset from the middle. They are distinguished by more reliable fasteners, unlike swing ones.
Rotary (swinging)
The door is mounted on retractable slats at the bottom and top, moving on hinges on runners; the system is not so often found in cabins.
Door types: hinged, folding, sliding, hinged
Feature management
All controls are located in the corner of the shower stall. The parts responsible for activating individual functions usually take the form of a lever or key. The controls are located in the corner of the shower stall. The parts responsible for activating individual functions usually take the form of a lever or key.
A separate lever or key is responsible for switching the water supply mode.
Water supply modes:
- watering can;
- overhead shower (not in all cabins);
The Turkish bath function can also be activated from the control panel. When the steam generator is filled with water, you can activate the steam supply by pressing the “Steam” button.
Touch control is usually accompanied by the following actions:
- green indication accompanies the activation of functions;
- after disabling the function, the key turns red;
- You can turn on the system by pressing the touch area for a few seconds.
The overhead shower is usually equipped with a tropical rain function. To enable the Tropical Rain function, press the key with a special symbol located on the touch panel.
The hydromassage is turned on as follows. After turning on the system, press the “Nozzles” button. After pressing this button, the upper elements are activated. By pressing the button again, you activate the middle nozzles. Pressing the button three times activates the lower nozzles, and pressing the button four times activates all elements simultaneously.
By pressing the “Fan” button, you will start the ventilation system. Pressing it again turns off the ventilation device.
Additional functions and equipment
The choice of a shower cabin that is suitable for a specific user is primarily influenced by its cost, design, manufacturer’s brand, equipment and functionality. High-tech shower cabins are equipped with the following functions and accessories:
Tropical shower . It is a large-diameter shower head of a special design (with holes for air intake), from which water pours out in the form of drops.
Hydromassage . It is implemented by several or one water jet flowing under high pressure from the nozzles; for correct operation, a pressure in the system of 2 - 3 bar is required. Hydromassage nozzles can be placed in the top shower head, on the side walls of the cabin, or in the floor of the bowl for foot massage.
Water fog. A special mode in which the water flow is broken into tiny particles to a dust-like state.
Combination shower . The multifunctional shower head can simultaneously operate as a regular shower, a tropical shower, a hydromassage shower and a water cloud shower.
Combination shower heads
Cold and hot shower . Automatic alternation of hot and cold water flows from the shower head.
Steam generator. The device creates high-temperature water vapor, thanks to which the shower cabin partially performs the functions of a Russian bath.
Ozonation. The social setting allows you to saturate the air in the shower stall with active oxygen - this helps to destroy pathogenic bacteria and other types of biological flora.
Saunas . Some high-tech shower cabins additionally implement the functions of a Finnish sauna with dry steam, a Turkish bath with an air temperature of up to 60 ° C and a humidity of 90 - 100%. Sometimes electric heaters with infrared radiation are built into the cabin design, which allow you to warm the body with dry hot air.
Aromatherapy . The device works in tandem with a steam generator; the function of saturating the air with various odors is realized by adding aromatic substances to the water for the generator.
Chromotherapy . To illuminate the water, an LED lamp of the appropriate color is added to the shower head assembly and low-voltage electrical power is supplied to it.
Ventilation . Built-in fans are used for quick ventilation and cooling of shower cabins.
Touch control of the mixer. High-tech cabins are equipped with mixers with thermostats that allow you to set a constant water temperature. The water flow is controlled electronically using electrical mechanisms for opening and closing taps. For the convenience of the user, keys are placed on the walls of the shower cabin (sometimes a remote control is used), with which you can switch the operating modes of the shower head and set the water temperature.
Electrical engineering. In modern shower cabins you can listen to the radio, music, talk on the phone, and some types of equipment have a voice control system.
Accessories. For ease of use, shower cabins are equipped with seats, shelves for hygiene items, mirrors, and towel hangers.
Tropical shower with lighting and its modes
Options
- Pallet. Designed to collect water and then drain it. Equipped with a drain hole and siphon.
- Frame. Gives the structure stability.
- Walls. They create a closed space, preventing water drops from falling on the walls and floor of the room.
- Door block. Installed on a frame or on a bathroom wall.
- Overhead shower. It is made in the form of a watering can, which can be installed on the ceiling of the structure or attached to the wall using a bracket. Water from such a watering can is supplied at a slight angle or vertically. The watering can supports the function of aeration (saturation of liquid with air). Watering cans with aeration are also called “tropical rain”.
- Mixer.
- Roof.
- Hydromassage panel.
Popular manufacturers
When determining which shower cabin would be best to purchase, they consider the product from the point of view of the optimal price-quality ratio, study ratings and customer reviews. All shower cabins can be divided into the following categories by cost.
Budget
It is clear that products from domestic and Chinese manufacturers have the lowest prices. Among Russian companies, the products of the oldest large enterprises under the brands Radomir, Triton, BAS are popular and well known. They compete with high-quality shower cabins Aquanet and Aquarelle, compact boxes Aqua Joy and designer models Laniver.
Chinese manufacturers with inexpensive and good quality products are widely represented on the market with the brands Niagara, Parly, Loranto, Eago. Slightly less common are shower stalls from equally well-known manufacturers of plumbing equipment such as Appollo, Aqualux, AquaStream, Goldman and Optima.
Mid price category
In this price segment, products from Czech manufacturers of the brands Luxus, Riho, German cabins from Grossman, Edelform, Wasserfalle, CRW, Hueppe, Hyber, Spanish Esbano, Italian Maroni stand out.
Expensive
The highest prices are found in Finnish cabins of the brands Timo, Oras, Ido, Nimo, Master Finn and products from Italy under the brands Primo, Valencia, products from German manufacturers Westerhof, Sturm, Edelform, premium cabins from Lagard.
It should be noted that there is no clear distinction between mid- and high-price cabins. Their cost depends not so much on the quality of workmanship, which for all European manufacturers is at the highest level and approximately the same, as on the functionality and additional accessories of the equipment presented.
The cost of some models of shower cabins from foreign manufacturers
Leak protection
An important point is how the manufacturer solved the issue of minimizing the risk of water leakage. After all, standing under the relaxing streams of water, you don’t want to worry about flooding your own home and the floor below.
Fundamental, of course, will be the correct water supply . For these purposes, the Deto company completes its products with reinforced water hoses with threaded connections, which are much more reliable than connections using clamps.
It is also necessary to ensure ideal joints of both the back and front walls, doors, and the entire shower enclosure with the tray. For these purposes, special seals are provided, the use of which eliminates the need for silicone sealant. In addition, this will give the cabin not only a more aesthetic appearance, but will also protect against the formation of fungi and mold.
For the same purpose of protection against leaks, all Deto shower trays have a high edge around the perimeter and drainage channels for water drainage. Therefore, even low trays with a height of only 15 cm, which many people worry about due to the higher risk of leakage, are reliably protected from water overflowing.
And by the way, the most common cause of water overflow is a blockage in the drain or siphon. To quickly get to the drainage fittings if necessary, choose models with a removable screen. It covers the space between the floor and the side of the shower tray and can be easily removed to access the siphon.
Which is the best shower stall for a small bathroom: selection criteria
Before purchasing, in addition to the brand, cost and functionality, they study reviews of shower cabins from online sources. To choose the right shower stall, you should study the advice of professionals, taking into account the following factors:
- When purchasing, you should pay attention to the safety of using the cabin: the tray should not be slippery (have an anti-slip coating, texture), it is better to purchase doors of a sliding design.
- Acrylic and thin steel pallets make noise when water falls; if this causes discomfort, thick rubber is glued to their bottom or an automobile self-adhesive sound absorber based on resins and bitumen components is selected.
- Owners of apartments on the top floors of individual or communal buildings should carefully select cabins with hydromassage functions - the pressure in the system may be insufficient for its full implementation.
- It is better if the cabin is assembled without sealant (the side of the pallet has a protrusion along the entire perimeter) - this will prevent moisture from penetrating beyond its perimeter and the formation of mold on the seal.
- If the plumbing pipe goes into the floor, it is not necessary to purchase a tray - often a drain ladder is installed above the hole, making a slope towards it and covering the floor with anti-slip tiles, and a metal profile is fixed to the walls and a shower enclosure is mounted. This design is more convenient for constant use than periodically stepping over the side of the pallet.
Showers with hydromassage
- Before purchasing, it is advisable to check the strength of the bathtub tray or bowl by standing on it with your feet in the inspection room - they should not bend under the weight of a person.
- You should pay attention to the thickness of the glass, the optimal size of which is about 5 mm. It must be mounted in a rigid aluminum frame.
- For families with children, it is more practical to select cabins with a bathtub; if an elderly person lives in the apartment, the tray should not be too high.
- It is rational to install models with a roof in spacious bathrooms - in this case it is easier to maintain a comfortable temperature in the shower.
- When purchasing a closed box with a ceiling, pay special attention to its height - it should be comfortable for the tallest member of the family to shower in it.
- To simplify maintenance (to get rid of stains), purchase booths with fencing coated with a special water-repellent layer.
- When purchasing, you should pay attention to the length of the warranty period - responsible companies indicate a period of compliance with their repair and maintenance obligations of at least 5 years.
Multifunctional shower boxes with internal accessories
Shower cabins, thanks to their wide functionality and various designs, allow the user to implement a much wider range of types of water procedures than the most technically equipped bath or jacuzzi. When choosing a shower stall, they pay attention to its cost, functionality, brand of the manufacturer, get acquainted with the opinions and recommendations of experts, and customer reviews from online sources.
Advantages and disadvantages of different types
Such designs can be of different types. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. They are described in more detail below.
Regular without additional functions
The simplest design of this kind is considered to be the one that does not have any additional functions. Its main purpose is the ability to take a shower. As a rule, such devices are angular. They take up little space, so they can be installed even in tiny bathrooms .
The most important advantage of this design is its inexpensive price. Therefore, such cabins are chosen by people who do not want to overpay for functions that, in principle, they can do without.
Steam
Steam structures, like mini-saunas, make it possible to create a steam room atmosphere in the room . The humidity is high, up to 100%, and the heat is much easier to bear than in a bathhouse. Products of this kind are made of metal, tiles, glass and plastic. There are models designed for two people, as well as those designed for a whole company - 5-6 people.
Their main difference is a powerful steam generator. It requires separate high voltage wiring because it consumes a lot of electricity.
Such a device is chosen by people who adore the bathhouse, but do not have the opportunity to visit it often . Thanks to this design, they can steam at home.
Heated models with water tank
Such structures are used in summer cottages. The water in the tanks can be heated naturally from the sun. But modern devices are equipped with a tank with a heating element. It is connected to a 220 V network . This cabin allows you to heat water at any convenient time when the need arises.
The dimensions of such products may vary, as can the volume of the water tank. The more people use the shower, the larger the tank should be . There are different models of such cabins on sale, so choosing the right one will not be difficult.
With hydromassage
Similar models can have two types of hydromassage:
- horizontal;
- vertical.
In this case, the water supply nozzles are located in the bottom and sides of the bath . They are arranged in a certain order. The massage itself is carried out through the water layer. The nozzles create multidirectional flows of water and air bubbles. Their strength can be adjusted.
Vertical hydromassage is performed by water jets that come out of nozzles located on a special stand attached to the cabin wall.
It's good if the nozzles are rotary. Then the jets can be directed to the desired area , which allows you to massage a specific part of the body.
For invalids
Manufacturers have come up with special models for the disabled to make the washing process easier for people with disabilities. Of course, there are many specialized baths for them.
But such products are expensive and very bulky; they require refurbishment of the bathroom, which also entails additional costs. for a disabled person in a wheelchair living alone to transfer to a bathtub, even a specialized one .
A shower cabin is a great alternative. A person with disabilities, holding the handrails, can easily transfer from the stroller to a special comfortable box seat. He will be able to reach the flexible shower and other devices without assistance. Therefore, for such people, such models are a real salvation.
With other additional features
Many expensive models also have a lot of useful functions:
- Rain shower - thanks to a special nozzle, tiny water droplets fall on the skin, reminiscent of warm summer rain. It is advisable to use this mode before bedtime, as it promotes better relaxation.
- Aromatherapy - allows you to enjoy a pleasant aroma during the procedure. This is possible due to the passage of steam and water through a container filled with aromatic balm.
- Ventilation - in inexpensive models makes it easier to breathe, and in luxury models it enhances the effect of a tropical shower or bath.
- Contrast shower - consists of alternating the supply of cold and hot water. This procedure is useful for hardening, it strengthens the nervous system and invigorates, so it is better to use it in the morning.
- Chromotherapy - LEDs mounted in the ceiling of the shower box color the water jets in different colors. This function has a great effect on the hormonal system, the functioning of internal organs, skin, and improves mood.
- Voice control - available only in premium boxes. You can give commands with your own voice: make the water hotter or activate one of the functions.
Most shower boxes are equipped with the following useful little things:
- radio;
- telephone;
- mirrors;
- top and side lighting;
- shelves for bath accessories;
- handrail;
- seat;
- detergent dispensers.
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Lighting
As for the lighting inside the shower stall, there are several options for its design.
Models without lamps do not require connection to electrical networks, which can be important in certain cases. Lighting inside the cabin is provided naturally using lamps located in the bathroom.
If there is a roof, the shower cabin can be equipped with overhead lighting . Thus, in Deto products this function is implemented using halogen lamps.
Regardless of whether there is a roof or not, lighting inside the shower can be achieved using vertical lighting . The Deto company uses LED strip with reliable Japanese lenses for these purposes.
