What kind of shower will a professional plumber choose for a bathroom

Materials and dimensions

1. The main body material is plastic. The shutters are made of high temperature tempered glass. They are very durable, withstand even strong impacts and do not become cloudy over time. The plastic used is not harmful to health and is not allergic. However, the quality of the plastic is also different. Read the reviews before buying a shower cabin. There is a lot of information on the Internet about what materials a particular company uses;
2. The size. Consider the height of the tallest family member when choosing a cabin. It is best if he "measures" the cabin himself upon purchase. Less parameters 80x80 should not be taken, because it will interfere with free movements;
3. Pallet. It must be securely fastened and not be squeezed under load. Typically, stores offer pallets with perimeter fastening only. This will be inconvenient, the pallet must have a mount in the middle. Usually these are two crossbars or an additional fixing leg.
4. Instruction. Some Chinese models of shower cabins are not accompanied by a Russian translation of the instructions. This complicates the assembly and can lead to incorrect joining of parts.

Difficulties and cons of using showers

1. The term of use of the shower cabin, even the highest quality and most expensive, is no more than 20 years (the approximate period is always indicated in the manual);
2. It is not possible to use the Finnish sauna mode. Such baths require a temperature of 80°C. The plastic surface of the shower enclosure would also have heated up to such a high temperature and it would have been possible to get a serious burn. Therefore, shower cabins are equipped with a safer Turkish bath.
3. Hydromassage may not be possible due to insufficient water pressure in the pipe. Before buying, find out from the managing organization what water pressure is supplied in your home. The function will work at a pressure of at least 2-3 bar. If the water pressure is less, look at the cabins from Hoesch, Hydro-Box, Jacuzzi, capable of performing massage at low pressure.
4. Expensive replacement of built-in plumbing due to specific size and technical features;
5. Special care for the pallet, after each use of the booth, the glass should be wiped so that there are no stains and streaks. Internal metal parts, faucets and taps must be cleaned of plaque. Do not forget to turn off the light inside the shower.
6. It will be necessary to install water filters and replace them in a timely manner. This will allow you to use programs for hydromassage.

Shower cabin lifespan

Manufacturer's choice

Basically, shower cabins of Chinese production are presented on the Russian market. However, European manufacturers have proven themselves better. Italy and Germany produce high-quality expensive cabins. Glass is specially tempered, so it is very durable. The accessories are designed for long-term use.

Projects of shower cabins from Appolo, Aqualux are created in Italy, and the production and assembly itself takes place in China. The German brand Hansgrohe has been manufacturing sanitary ware for over a century. All parts, materials have a very high wear and tear and do not require replacement. Other popular German manufacturers include Hueppe, Sprinz, Kermi, Hyber.

The market is being intensively filled with domestic products, among them the Akrilan company, which specializes in the production of acrylic bathtubs. Russian manufacturers, as well as foreign ones, strive to attract the buyer with beautifully designed shower cabins. Be sure to check for warranty coverage. Some consumers experience malfunctions in the first months of use. This can be caused by both poor-quality goods and careless operation.

If you are limited in funds, then it is better to take a Russian-made shower cabin. This will guarantee the provision of spare parts and, in case of marriage, a quick replacement of the cab. It is wrong to assume that the quality of domestic shower cabins is worse than the European one. Most of the European cabin projects are assembled in China, which already makes the product non-branded.

Many Russian factories for the production of shower cabins use technologies borrowed from foreign colleagues, and independent development of the market is taking place. All products comply with accepted quality standards and high requirements for external design.

So, if you are wondering about shower enclosures, how to choose, first of all, decide what is more important - functionality or design? Since a good shower cabin with a standard set of frequently used programs can be found among domestic companies. If you have just made repairs or your area allows you to arrange a large cabin, you are also guided by the design of the shower room. At the same time, the materials are more modern, with a beautiful finish, design solutions are used. Typically, these showers are classified as premium products.

After the choice in favor of one or another manufacturer has been decided, consider whether it would be better to purchase a ready-made cabin or install it yourself. Not always stores offer a completely ideal shower option.

Pallet selection

The pallet is the supporting element of the shower cabin, so pay attention to it first of all. Pallets are:

Pallets are:

• absolutely flat;
• small (up to 3 cm);
• medium (up to 15 cm);
• deep (up to 50 cm).

If the shower cabin will completely replace the bathroom, then you should decide what depth of the pallet will be most beneficial for your family. The deep tray will allow you to collect water and bathe the child, it can also be used to wash delicate and large items. If the shower will be used by older people, then it is more comfortable for them to choose a flat tray with an equipped seat.

A number of European companies produce trays that are built into the bathroom floor, creating a flat surface. At the same time, water is drained through special tubes built into the pan. It looks simple and convenient during use.

Shower systems varieties and their features

Modern shower systems for the bathroom have become so popular today that manufacturers, overtaking each other, are developing more and more new models of these devices, equipping them with all sorts of new products and supplementing them with various technical devices. There are quite a lot of varieties of shower systems, but all of them can be classified according to just two criteria - this is the type of installation and saturation with certain devices. Let's start in order, with the most important thing - the type of installation. In this regard, there are only two types of shower systems.

1. Shower system of the hidden installation. You will practically not find any pipes here - they are all hidden in the wall at the stage of repair. Typically, a built-in shower system consists of three or more elements - a concealed faucet, a bath spout, an overhead shower and possibly a bottom shower. There are options for connecting additional equipment to the system, but this already depends on the type of built-in mixer, or rather the number of positions of its switch. The main design feature that hidden shower systems have is that it is assembled separately - you get a mixer, special threaded ends for connecting facial devices, the devices themselves and, in principle, everything. You can, of course, buy all this as a set, but if you need to save money, it is better to purchase everything separately.

2. Outdoor shower system. In fact, this is a shower rack, which can be sold in stores both in tandem with a mixer, and without it.There are a lot of varieties here, but all of them are due to the presence of one or another device in this product. For example, there is a shower system with and without an overhead shower, with and without a bath spout. There are even differences such as the type of watering can installed - in this respect, rain shower systems are the most popular. Water from a watering can of such a device pours like from the sky during rain. The second name of such a watering can is “tropical rain”. In most cases, outdoor shower systems are quite easy to install, and if you are a person with hands, then you can do the job yourself. There are two options here - if it is a system with a mixer, then it is mounted like a regular bathroom mixer, if the system is without a mixer, then it is installed on an existing water mixing device. In general, it is not difficult to figure it out, especially if you have the manufacturer's instructions in your hands.

You can see what modern shower systems are in this video clip.

Now with regard to another principle of classification of similar products for the bathroom. We have already mentioned them briefly, but, as you understand, this is far from all that modern manufacturers are able to offer people. Of these varieties, the following list can be made.

1. Shower system with and without spout. The choice between one or another type of system depends on where you are going to install it - in principle, a spout is not needed in a shower cabin. Unless, of course, you are going to fill various containers in it.
2. Shower systems without mixer and with it. The first system is cheaper and it is advisable to use it when the already installed mixer is not distinguished by its antiquity.
3. System with and without overhead shower. Two options are better - both showers will be a practical acquisition.

4. A shower system with a thermostat and, accordingly, without it - the first option is quite expensive, but you get a stable outlet water temperature, regardless of the pressure of the liquid in the water supply.

Basically, that's all. It remains to add only one thing - all these moments can intersect with each other. There are even shower racks that have all of the above devices in their design.

Rating of shower cabins 2017

We present you the TOP 10 rating of shower cabins in terms of quality according to experts and customer reviews with approximate prices for July 2017:

1. Luxus 535 (65,000 - 80,700 rubles);
2. Erlit SYD 170W (54,700 - 65,600 rubles);
3. River Temza 90/26 MT (9,900 - 26,500 rubles);
4. NIAGARA NG-2508 (12,800 - 17,820 rubles);
5. Parly Z90 (11,000 - 13,500 rubles);
6. NIAGARA NG-005 (8,400 - 10,400 rubles);
7. Erlit ER 3509TP (15,430 - 24,290 rubles);
8. Timo TE-0780 (25,290 - 32,800.00 rubles);
9. River Sena 120/80/50 MT (24,986 - 34,679 rubles);
10. River Nara 80/43 MT (11,250 - 21,952 rubles).

The rating of shower cabins is based on comprehensive statistics of the popularity of a particular model among Russian buyers and expert opinion.

Bath shower types

If we talk about the varieties of this equipment in the bathroom, then this:

1. Hand shower with holder (hand shower)

Design: flexible hose, watering can, holder, which is attached to the wall. This is the most budgetary, common option, which is practical, easy to install. If you want your hand shower to look more stylish and work for years, then opt for a stainless steel shower head with an anti-corrosion coating and a metal hose. But at the same time, the plastic watering can is light and when dropped into the bathroom, it will not create dents, cracks, or splinters on the surface.

2. Shower set

This is the same watering can with a hose, but with a much more convenient and practical holder that can move up and down the bar, or change the angle of inclination. Thus, thanks to this arrangement, the shower can be adjusted to suit you, based on your height: a practical option for a large family.

3. Shower rack with shower

This is a modern variation of the shower, which is distinguished by its stylish design, high comfort of use and practicality. During the adoption of water procedures, you will not only have free hands, but also the opportunity to direct the water in different directions, as well as change the water supply.For example, make yourself a “rain shower” that imitates rain: this is a pleasant and healthy massage for the body. Unlike the first two options, such a headset will cost 2-3 times more.

4. Bathroom shower panel

An improved model of the shower column with a more complex mechanism. So instead of a rod, a case is used, inside of which all communications, pipes are beautifully hidden, and outside there are only controls. In addition, each model of the shower panel provides a hydromassage function. Premium models are also equipped with a mechanism for cleaning the nozzles from scale.

In general, a shower panel is more of a luxury accessory than an element of practicality. Therefore, if the budget is limited, then it is better to give preference to the third option.

So which shower to choose for the bathroom? There can be several answers to this question, and it all depends on the desires and possibilities. If we compare such parameters as price and practicality, functionality and durability, then the ideal option would be a metal shower rack with a rain shower function: a great option for many years. In addition, such a rack looks very stylish, but it costs significantly less than a shower panel.

Cabin interior and exterior

The frame at the shower cabin may or may not be present. The frame is the walls, curtains or cabin doors

Pay attention to the material of the frame. It must be aluminum or plastic coated with a colored or colorless chromium coating.

Curtains can be made from ordinary glass, tempered glass (which is stronger) and plastic.

The service life of glass curtains is much longer than plastic ones. There are no streaks left on the special glass, it retains its transparency and withstands large impacts.

Types of curtains:

• hinged (with one or two wings);
• sliding (may consist of 6 wings).

Please note that the more shutters in the shower, the tighter inside it.

Shower enclosures without a frame base can be installed on a very flat floor. The doors and walls of such a cabin are made of impact-resistant glass.

Plumbing inside the cab:

• mixers (with a lever or thermostatic to maintain the same temperature);
• shower head (can be built into the ceiling or mounted on the wall);
• the massage section is built into the wall and connected to the water supply system (it is possible to assemble such a system yourself, you need to purchase all the elements: mixer, watering can, nozzles, control panel, rods).

The main types of showers

The market offers a rich assortment and no one can say for sure how to choose the right cabin. It all depends on your desire and ability.

All cabins, according to their design features, are divided into two categories - closed and open shower cabins. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages:

1. An open shower cabin is the most common economy class option, which is a corner structure without a roof that is attached to the walls of the bathroom. Such models are cheap and convenient, great for small spaces. The only downside is limited functionality. An open cabin is designed exclusively for taking water procedures.
2. Enclosed shower cabin is a more expensive design option with enhanced premium functionality. There are many forms, it has a roof, sealed doors, which allows you to install such a box anywhere in the room. In such a cabin, you can use not only a shower, but also a hydromassage, a sauna and a steam room, as well as listen to music, watch TV, and talk on the phone.

There are several types of booths in this classification:

1. The shower corner is an ordinary cubicle, but not with four, but with two walls. In this case, the two walls are the walls of the bathroom and the two walls of the cabin.It is worth remembering that in this case, the floor and walls at the installation site must be prepared and leveled under the base.
2. Boxing - if you do not have a desire to level the floor and walls, then we advise you to choose a model of the "Boxing" type. It consists of a special pallet and 4 partitions.
3. Box with a bath - this model is equipped with a steam generator, which gives the effect of a "Turkish bath", heating the air up to 40-45 0C.
4. Hydromassage box - one of the great features of shower cabins is hydromassage. In fact, hydromassage cannot be over-praised, it has a huge number of advantages, it is not only a pleasure, but also a huge number of different beneficial effects on your body. In the cabin with hydromassage you can relieve fatigue and stress after a hard day's work. It also improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure and dilates blood vessels. In general, a hydromassage cabin is a great way to improve your body. By purchasing such a booth you will never regret the money spent.
5. Multifunctional shower cabins - have the ability to carry out a whole fitness program, with which you can prevent colds, strengthen the body and just cheer up for the whole day. Such cabins are not cheap at all, and besides, if you live in a multi-storey building, before purchasing, you need to find out if there is enough pressure on the floor for procedures in this cabin, since most functions only work at a pressure of at least 1.5-2 bar. If the pressure in your system is lower, then it is possible that only the shower will work and you will waste your money.

Some models have a compartment for aromatic oils; aromatherapy during water procedures will not only cheer you up and ensure good health, but also improve your health and sleep. Air ozonation will allow you to feel that wonderful effect that happens only after a summer thunderstorm. Customer reviews of the additional features are overwhelmingly positive.

shower care

For long-term use of the shower cabin, it needs careful and proper care.

Most studies agree that the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms both in an apartment and in a country house, so careful attitude to technology is essential for its further functioning.

Poor water quality and foreign faucets not intended for our everyday life can become a source of problems, and therefore everything needs to be done to reduce the level of aggressive water impact on the cabin.

By the way, it would be a great idea to install special filters. After a while, they will need to be cleaned or changed.

After using the booth, the tray must be washed with a special agent and wiped dry with a soft cloth or sponge. No need to leave drops of water and soap stains on the doors, it is also better to wipe them dry. Then it will be very difficult to wash them, so it is recommended to get rid of them immediately.

External metal parts, as well as faucets and taps, are recommended to be cleaned from time to time from plaque using various cleaning products.

It is recommended to turn off the backlight immediately after taking water procedures, this will significantly increase its service life.

Many nuances, as a rule, depend on materials and manufacturers, but you need to remember that careful attitude will significantly increase the life of the shower cabin.

Now you know how to choose the right shower enclosure for your bathroom. There is no consensus on which shower cabins are worse or better - it all depends on the financial capabilities and characteristics of the room. It often happens that the consumer has the opportunity to buy a hydrobox with a full range of functions, but the dimensions of the bathroom do not allow installing such a shower cabin, and you have to look for other options.

Watch the video on how to choose a shower cabin, professional advice:

This is interesting: the first showers

Shower cabins first appeared in the first half of the 19th century. These were strange and bulky designs. In 1810, in one English estate, the so-called English Regency Shower was installed, this design was about 2.5 meters high. However, the English nobility was very indifferent to such an invention, since bathing was considered a very suspicious activity at that time.

The English Regency Shower was a rather original structure. Below was a pool, above was a hidden tank. The connection of the pool and the tank was carried out using a two-meter hose. A pump that pumps water into the upper tank was installed in the pool. Water was supplied through a shower head having the shape of a cone. All parts were made of wood-painted metal.

There was one significant problem in this design - the water that circulated in it was the same. To avoid water splashing, the upper handrail had metal rings on which the curtain was attached. She also served to hide the swimmer from strangers. The shower was intended for both sexes.

Decisive factors for choosing the right model should be your financial capabilities and free space in the bathroom. Not only comfort, but also the psychological state depends on the selected shower cabin. After all, nothing relieves stress better than water treatments!

Which shower to choose

We already know that usually a shower set consists of a hose, a holder, a hand shower and a mixer, but there can also be different nozzles with different types of jets. Let's figure out why all this is needed and decide which shower to choose.

Let's start with the bar - this is a metal or plastic pipe with fasteners at two ends, for which it is screwed to the wall. A shower holder is attached to this tube, which moves along the bar with a watering can, so you can choose the desired height for yourself. We remind you that metal is a more durable material, so it is better to stop choosing a rod on a metal structure.

Next, let's deal with the holder - this is what the shower itself will be attached to. There are three types of holder adjustment. The first is individual, that is, you choose the height that is convenient for you and fix the holder with a screw. Such systems of holders are most thought out from foreign manufacturers, but you should not think that they will cost you cheaply.

The second is automatic, this type of holder does not require much effort, just pull the watering can by the hose and it will be at the height you need. The third - semi-automatic, exists only in some models. Its essence is simple, just pull the rope that is built into the holder, and the watering can lowers or rises to the desired height. We advise you to opt for automation, although not cheap, but convenient.

Shower hose: how to choose

Hoses are rubber, which are covered with a metal winding. They are more plastic and flexible. The second material from which hoses are made is plastic. Harder material compared to the previous version. In terms of strength, both options are almost the same. The choice is yours.

watering cans

Watering cans are metal and plastic, some are chrome-plated, but chrome-plated products darken quickly, so you should not opt ​​for them. There are many nozzles for watering cans, let's try to figure out which is better.

The number of jet switching modes is from two to five, but if there are more of them, it is worth considering - do you need them? So, let's consider the modes of operation of the jets.

• The first type is an ordinary jet, or “rain”.
• The second is a jet saturated with air.
• The third is a massage string, more powerful than usual, but the water supply comes only from the central holes, while the pressure remains the same.
• Fourth - eco-jet, will help you save almost half of the water used, and the water pressure will be the same.
• The fifth is a jet stream, the water does not usually pour, but it beats from one central hole with a powerful pressure, it is most suitable for a hard massage.

There are some other types of jets, but we think that the traditional five will be enough for taking water procedures. We advise you to stop your choice on the option that suits you best with its functionality.

We conclude: when choosing a shower, you should take into account the dimensions of your room and your financial condition

We also advise you to pay attention to the warranty periods of the goods, the longer they are, the more confident the manufacturer is in their product, which means you should not doubt it!

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

You can find important recommendations on the selection, technical characteristics and operation of shower enclosures in the following videos.

All about the characteristics and filling of showers:

How to buy a shower cabin, what you should pay attention to:

It is quite difficult to choose a suitable shower cabin among the variety on the market. But if you try, then the ideal price-quality ratio will definitely be found. It is only necessary to immediately decide which functions and "gadgets" are needed, and which ones can be abandoned.

In terms of functionality and content of shower cabins, a variety of options are now offered, so there is always the opportunity to search and find the model that is optimal in terms of characteristics and cost.