Bath or shower, which is better? What is better, a shower cabin or a bathtub? What is more convenient, a cabin or a bathtub?

When arranging a small bathroom, doubts often arise when choosing plumbing fixtures. The owner needs them to be comfortable, practical, beautiful and at the same time take up little space. Most often you have to choose between a shower cabin and a bathtub. In the first case, the owner of the premises gets the opportunity to save space, and in the second - the usual comfort. Both arrangement options have their advantages.

Where to stop? Which is better - a bath or a shower? What criteria should you look for when choosing plumbing equipment? To find out, you need to decide on your priorities and correlate your wishes with the available functions of both types of devices.

When choosing between a bathtub and a shower stall, two-thirds of buyers prefer the first option. This is due to the relatively recent appearance of shower stalls on the market.

Most people still choose their usual plumbing fixtures. And yet the booths have their own undeniable advantages:

• saving space (plumbing takes up less space In bathroom);
• rational and targeted water consumption (to wash, it is not necessary to take a bath);
• additional functions (you can take a shower with hydromassage and listen to the radio at the same time);
• tightness (the booths close tightly, and no matter how much water splashes, it does not fall on the floor of the room);
• ease of use (there is enough space for any hygiene procedures, nothing hinders movement);
• saving time on hygiene (you don’t have to wait until the bathtub is filled to start bathing, you just need to turn on the shower).

Despite all their advantages, shower stalls are not suitable for hand washing. It is difficult to wash pets in them. They are completely unsuitable for bathing small children, whereas in a conventional bath this is possible when using special devices. Also, the disadvantages include high cost.

Shower cabins can be equipped with scented steam generators, different types of lighting, operate in tropical rain modes, Turkish bath or hydromassage. There are models with Charcot shower

Even the most modest shower stalls are often more expensive than conventional bathtubs without additional functions. In addition, those who like to relax in warm water with herbs, infusions and foam will not be able to get the usual pleasures.

You will learn what functions shower cabins can be equipped with from the video:

Baths also have their advantages. Warm water relaxes muscles well, relieves tension, calms. Modern hydromassage baths are a real find for connoisseurs of such relaxation. A familiar plumbing fixture has also become a “physiotherapy room” for many people.

Some models modern baths are high-tech plumbing fixtures that combine many functions, are computer controlled, equipped with shower sets and operate on a regular 220 W power supply

A warm bath is an excellent remedy against stress, neuroses, and fatigue. Compared to a shower stall, a bathtub is easier to clean, which for many buyers becomes a decisive factor in their choice. The owner can always purchase plastic curtains and ensure the same tightness as shower stalls.

Choosing the right shower cabin

Shower cabins are special plumbing fixtures designed for hygiene procedures. They are structures consisting of three walls, a door and a tray. Models can be very different - from simple prefabricated ones without back walls and ceilings to multifunctional monoblock systems with computer control. The first ones are also called shower enclosures and are installed so that the walls serve as the walls of the bathroom.

And the latter are very easy to install and are hermetically sealed “rooms”, fully equipped with everything necessary. The cost depends on the type of design and number of functions.

The shapes and sizes of shower enclosures can vary greatly. They are selected depending on the location where they plan to install. Thus, rectangular structures can be mounted against the walls, corner ones - in the corner, and round, oval and polygonal cubicles are usually installed in spacious bathrooms next to the walls. The minimum size of a plumbing fixture is 800x800x2050 mm. Compact cubicles fit perfectly into bathrooms of any size.

There are much larger models. They are chosen for spacious rooms. When purchasing, you should definitely make sure that the future owner and his family members will not feel cramped, because... inner size The cabins are 6-7 cm smaller than the outer ones.

A shower corner is the simplest type of stall. Usually corners are equipped with pallets, but there are models without them. Such structures are placed directly on flooring, but for an apartment in a high-rise building this is not the best option, because... there is always a risk of flooding neighbors

Important Functional Features

Some functions that shower enclosures may have cannot be provided even by the most modern models bath For example, these:

• Rain shower. The essence of the technology is to separate jets of water into small sprays. A person under such a shower feels like being under a warm summer rain. The gentle touches of small drops are very relaxing. This is an excellent procedure for those who want to relax.
• Turkish bath. The function is provided in models equipped with steam generators. The system supplies steam at a temperature of 45-60 degrees to the cabin. This helps open pores and remove waste and toxins from the body. Like regular bath, the steam generator has a positive effect on the immune system, stimulates lymph flow and blood circulation. After sweating, a person gets a feeling of lightness throughout the body.
• Aromatherapy. The function is available in models capable of operating in Turkish bath and tropical shower. This is possible by placing a special container for oils and balms on the wall of the shower stall. Drops of water or steam pass through the container, are saturated with aromas and useful substances, after which they are fed into the interior of the shower stall.
• Ventilation. Steam and small splashes of water create high humidity inside a plumbing fixture. A ventilation system is used to ensure uniform distribution of moisture and ventilation.
• Vertical hydromassage. There are bathtub models that are equipped with a hydromassage function, but this effect is of a slightly different type. Shower stalls are equipped with rotating nozzles, from which streams of water mixed with air shoot out. If desired, you can massage not the whole body, but certain areas. Hydromassage perfectly relaxes, relieves fatigue and stress.
• Horizontal hydromassage. This feature is very similar to the hydromassage that bathtubs can provide. It is provided in combined cabins, which manufacturers position as home SPA centers for household use. Such models are expensive, but their capabilities are very extensive.
• Lighting (chromotherapy). IN top part Shower stalls have built-in lamps that can provide both regular soft light and colored light. Thanks to the illumination, the water jets are painted in different tones, creating unique color and light effects. Chromotherapy perfectly relaxes or tones, depending on the system settings.

In addition to all of the above, contrast showers are especially popular. The system adjusts automatically and supplies jets either cold or hot water one by one.

A contrast shower is considered one of the most useful hygiene procedures, because... invigorates, strengthens, tones the entire body.

A steam generator is a device that converts water into steam. The steam temperature is sufficient to expand the pores and relax the body, but not to cause a burn. Cabins with steam generators are absolutely safe. To prevent heated steam from accumulating under the cabin ceiling, exhaust fans operate. To create medicinal steam, phytocontainers for herbs and oils are used

The vertical hydromassage function can operate in 4 different modes. It can be controlled from an electronic panel. System operation is ensured magnetic valves. Including vertical hydromassage, you can stand or sit. Health effect this doesn't change

What to look for when buying?

Having decided on the desired functionality of the shower stall, you can begin to select a model of the desired class. In order for it to serve for many years, it should Special attention place on the pallet. It should easily withstand the upcoming loads without bending under the weight of bathing people.

In this case, the shape, material and external anti-slip coating are important. It is better to choose a tray that is compact but capacious. As for the material, the choice depends on personal preference. They all have their own pros and cons:

• Faience. The material is durable, hygienic and easy to clean, but can easily crack if a heavy object is dropped on it.
• Stone– artificial and natural. Stone pallets are almost eternal and look status-worthy. The material is very expensive and is used for luxury designer models.
• Steel. Pallets differ from steel bathtubs only in shape. The advantages and disadvantages are the same. The products are coated with glossy enamels. They are beautiful, but short-lived, and the drops falling on the surface make a loud sound.
• Acrylic. The material is very practical, durable, and easy to care for. Disadvantage: poor stability due to low weight. Acrylic pallets are mounted on special frames to increase structural rigidity.

As for the design of doors (curtains), they can be single- or double-leaf hinged or sliding. The first ones open just like any door. This is convenient, but at the same time, an open door takes up space in the bathroom. For a small space, it is better to choose a model with sliding doors.

They can be designed for 2, 3, 4, 6 doors, which are closed using a magnetic mechanism. When purchasing, you need to make sure that the doors open smoothly, silently, and that the mechanism does not jam.

Shower trays vary not only in material and shape, but also in depth. Dimensions should be selected depending on the functionality of the model. Deep trays can be used as mini-baths, but keep in mind that older people may have difficulty entering the stall

On expensive models, manufacturers install curtains made of tempered glass. Budget booths are equipped with doors made of polystyrene and plexiglass. Glass is the choice of people who intend to use the booth long years. It does not change its appearance and technical and operational properties throughout the entire service life.

Plastic doors may become cloudy and lose transparency. However, such models are cheaper, so they are always in demand. To prevent changes from being noticeable, many buyers choose shower stalls with matte, tinted or rough curtains.

Most shower stall models are equipped with sliding doors. They are convenient, do not take up extra space, and provide complete tightness. When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to the presence and quality of the seal. The hydro- and sound insulation of the shower stall depends on this

Our compatriots most often buy models from the following brands: Eurosun, Pegas, Hyber, Ammari, Attoll, MidoceanTeuco, Niagara, Glass, Coliseum, Tarim, Movida, Avanta, Appollo, Fituche, Eago, Gruppo Treesse, Jacuzzi. The products of these companies can be trusted. And the video below will tell you about the types of shower cabins, the features of their designs, and selection criteria:

Secrets of choosing a modern bath

If we are talking about buying a regular bathtub without additional functions, then the selection criteria are simple and clear: material, manufacturer, price. But in terms of capabilities, this plumbing cannot compare with a multifunctional shower stall.

What do modern manufacturers offer? Sophisticated plumbing fixtures with hydromassage. They consist not only of a body, but also of high-tech electronic and mechanical “filling”:

• pump;
• air compressor;
• nozzles;
• tubes for supplying water and air;
• disinfection system;
• devices for chromotherapy;
• containers and devices for aromatherapy.

In terms of functionality, such models are not inferior to the best shower stalls. The systems are controlled via a touch or pneumatic panel, with which you can set a program of procedures. The control unit controls all processes without further human intervention.

The system reports all the information about water temperature, pressure, the specified program and its execution time. The number of injectors in the model varies depending on the available functions.

Depending on the bathtub model, the nozzles can be designed for both general massage and individual parts of the body - back, arms, legs. There are baths with ozone therapy, light music and other additional options

Treatments in hydromassage baths are not only pleasant, but also very useful. During the massage, all muscles and joints are warmed up, the body becomes flexible. Accelerating metabolism promotes weight loss and rejuvenation, splitting cellulite tubercles.

After the massage, the skin and muscles are toned, look good, and mobility returns to the limbs that were previously constrained by spasms. Hydromassage strengthens blood vessels and accelerates blood circulation. However, it also has contraindications: urolithiasis, diseases nervous system, oncology, some infectious diseases.

Some baths look light, almost weightless. Subconsciously, buyers may not trust such models. Completely in vain! They are stable, durable and can turn an ordinary bath into a full-fledged massage session.

What should you choose?

What will be better for you – a bathtub or a shower? A specialist will tell you how to solve this issue:

When making your final decision, you must be sure that the purchased plumbing fixtures will suit all family members without exception. Therefore, it makes sense to discuss this issue with them. However, it happens that in friendly families contradictions arise. If they are fundamental, you can always find a compromise by purchasing both types of plumbing fixtures - a bathtub and a shower stall. The main thing is that everyone is comfortable!

Bath or shower: which is better for comfort?

When arranging a bathroom, the question always arises: what kind of plumbing to install. To save useful square meters, choose a shower stall. A traditional bathtub is attractive because it allows you to carry out water procedures in a horizontal, relaxed position. Each option has its own advantages. Knowing the pros and cons of equipment will allow you to choose a successful model in terms of size, comfort of use and functional purpose. Getting to know their main characteristics will help you decide which is more suitable for installation: a bathtub or a shower.

What types of baths are there?

Based on the material used, cases are divided into cast iron, steel and acrylic.

Cast iron baths

• Advantages
  The material (iron-carbon alloy) is durable, average value The warranty period from the manufacturers is 25 years. Such models retain heat well, are resistant to deformation, and draw water relatively silently.
• Flaws
  Weight is more than 100 kg, and this is a significant load on the floors and difficulties during installation/dismantling. Over time, the enamel loses its smoothness, the surface of the bowl becomes porous, rough, and it becomes increasingly difficult to clean it from limescale. The design most often comes down to the usual rectangular shape.

Steel baths

• Advantages
  They are similar in appearance to cast iron, but weigh 4 times less (about 30 kg), which is very convenient for country house construction. Models from reliable manufacturers will last up to 15 years. They are more varied in shape than their cast iron counterparts.
• Flaws.
  They are characterized by high thermal conductivity: hot water cools quickly. Cheap thin-walled bathtubs are easily deformed under weight and their enamel cracks. They make too much noise when water fills, which will undoubtedly affect the choice: a bathtub or a shower - which is better.

Acrylic bathtubs

• Advantages
  Due to the low heat transfer for a short time heat up and hold temperature for a long time. Shapes are varied (round, oval), corner models are popular, which save space. The baths are lightweight and made of reinforced material. They don't slip and are easy to clean. Minor damage can be repaired without any problems. The quietest.
• Flaws
  The surface is easy to scratch; acrylic-coated plastic products lose their gloss over time. Compared to cast iron cases, they are fragile, so they will last 10-15 years. Models from the inexpensive price segment can become stained when washing colored items. Good quality acrylic bathtubs(and not a fake made of thin plastic), equipped with hydromassage, usually cost more than steel and cast iron ones.

Classification by size and shape

The decision: whether to buy a bathtub or a shower stall is influenced by the dimensions of the products. Standard length bathtubs are considered to range 1500-1800 mm, width 700-1000 mm. The internal volume of the bowl depends on the inclination of the side, the presence of armrests on the body, various recesses and roundings. In terms of width, you should choose a model where 5 cm will remain free on each side between the body and the side. The norm is considered to be the situation in which rib cage the person is raised above the water, and his outstretched legs are completely hidden.

Manufacturers offer bathtub models of various shapes:

• classic rectangular - they are most often placed along the wall with the long side;
• corner, semicircular - perfect for small bathrooms;
• oval - elegant models that will fit beautifully into diverse interior styles;
• round, square - will require additional meters;
• multifaceted, non-standard - they will ask for a non-trivial interior environment.

Bath: pros and cons

A variety of models in shape and size allows you to purchase a font to suit any bathroom design. Before deciding what to choose: a bathtub or a shower stall, you should think about the main advantage that installing it in the bathroom will give. This is comfort:

• Having assumed a horizontal position, it is easy to relax and stretch your legs;
• You can lie in a filled bowl for hours, adding hot water;
• the pleasant sensations will be complemented by the functions of hydro- and aeromassage, multi-colored lighting;
• it is convenient to take procedures with the addition of medicinal herbs;
• models for two are equipped with two pairs of headrests, handrails, a hydromassage system, built-in lighting and other options to create a relaxing and romantic environment;
• built-in bathtubs are, as a rule, the central place in the room and a reason to decorate an unusual interior.

In a purely utilitarian sense (large capacity), the bathtub is used for washing and rinsing heavy and large items, and washing pets.
back side medals - a traditional bathtub, and even more so a double or non-standard in shape, in the case small bathroom Requires a larger area for installation compared to a shower cabin.

Types of shower cabins

According to their design, shower boxes are divided into three types:

• Open - these are models without a ceiling, with four side wall panels. If the converging walls of a room are used as a fence, then this type is called a shower corner. When, when arranging a compact bathroom, you need to decide whether a bathtub or a shower stall: which is better, such a corner will be an excellent solution.

• Closed - sealed structures with a roof, tray and side panels. Due to this enclosure, the cabin is equipped different types shower and hydromassage without the risk of flooding the surrounding space, a sauna effect is created inside.

• Built-in - represent a niche or corner without partitions, pallet and ceiling. Can be separated from the rest of the room glass doors or stay open. The presence of a niche is not even necessary: ​​it is enough to connect communications to one of the walls and arrange drainage in the floor. This is the most expensive option. The design and design of such a shower is developed by a designer; specialists will be needed for technical implementation.

Common sizes

The dimensions of the cabin, as well as the area it occupies, are determined by the size of the pallet. The most popular models are on a square base 800x800 mm, 900x900 mm, 1000x1000 mm, rectangular 1200x800 mm. Curved pallets allow efficient use of space when positioned at corners.

When deciding what to choose - a bathtub or a shower stall, you should understand the classification of pallets:

• flat - do not exceed 35 mm, at such a height it is extremely important to properly organize the drainage;
• small - sides up to 180 mm, they are easy to step over;
• deep - the height of the sides is up to 450 mm, in fact it is a mini-bath.

According to the material, pallets can be cast iron, ceramic, marble, steel, acrylic.

Functions of shower cabins

One of the main advantages of this sanitary ware is the variety of options that turn a hygienic procedure into a healing and relaxing one.

Shower stall: pros and cons

In addition to the wide functional equipment, we can safely name a number of advantages that distinguish this equipment.

Advantages

Flaws:

In bathrooms with an area of ​​5 square meters or more there is enough space to install both a bathing bowl and a shower cabin at the same time: from using compact corner models to non-standard in shape. In smaller rooms, the choice is tougher, because here you want to place a washbasin, small storage systems, and a washing machine.

If you have any doubts about which is better: a bathtub or a shower cabin, consumer reviews will help you decide. Experienced owners advise paying attention to the following points:

• When the family does not like to lie in the bath for a long time, the cabin - the best way save space.
• If one of the household members does not want to be limited to a shower, leave the bathtub, but equip it with side walls that protect the room from splashes.
• When purchasing, it is better to choose Chinese shower cabins that are not cheap and have fewer options (radio, the ability to respond to phone calls and so on.). As with expensive smartphones, most of us only use a few basic features and don't want to pay extra for frills.

• For a couple with small children or pets who need to be bathed regularly, more a bath will do. Or a spacious shower cabin equipped with a high tray.
• Installing a bathtub is simpler than connecting a modern multifunctional shower structure.

• You won't be able to wash your bike in the cabin. It seems like a joke, but this is a real message on one of the forums where they compared which is better to choose - a bathtub or a shower stall.
• After installing the cabin, already in the first months, owners notice a decrease in water consumption.
• Some low-quality cabin models have to be additionally sealed at the joints, because... Over time, water begins to seep in.
• The standard cabin size of 900x900 mm may not be suitable for people with a large build.

Compromise solutions

Simple and affordable option combine a bathtub and a shower cabin without significant alterations and repairs - install curtains made of glass or plastic (stationary or sliding) on ​​the bathtub body. If they are carried out along the entire length of the bowl, the tight closure of the panels will make the internal volume airtight, similar to closed cabin. This option is beneficial for small bathrooms.

If you are in a dilemma: a bathtub or a shower stall - which is better, it is not possible to determine the winner, and the area of ​​​​the room allows you to connect both types of plumbing equipment - this is an advantageous balance of functionality and comfort. If you're in the mood to soak in hot water, take a bath, please. If you want to quickly get yourself in order, a shower is at your service.

Bathtub models combined with a shower stand combine the advantages of each device and allow you to make the most of the space. True, this option costs much more.

The choice of a bathtub or shower is influenced by many factors: the size of the bathroom, budget, personal preferences, composition and lifestyle of family members. When purchasing plumbing fixtures, the main criteria, in addition to the price, should be the functional equipment of the model, the material of manufacture, as well as the reputation of the manufacturer and the seller’s guarantees. Then the product, be it a shower box or a bathtub, will last a long time and without problems.

Video - beautiful bathtubs and showers in interiors

Happy owners of cottages and luxury apartments have the opportunity to install any equipment they want in their spacious bathrooms.

To the owner ordinary apartment, as a rule, you have to solve the dilemma of what to choose: a bathtub or a shower?

Let's compare both options, evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and listen to the arguments of supporters of each device.

The complexity of this problem lies in the fact that both baths are good in their own way. Moreover, what suits one may not suit another, and often family members have to break a lot of copies before they agree on one of the options. Let's look at the pros and cons of each solution.

Bath

Advantages:

1. In the bath you can relax and truly relax, something that the owner of a shower cabin can only dream of. In our hectic times, when many people suffer from stress and syndrome chronic fatigue, such an opportunity is extremely important not only for the body, but also for the psyche. Soaring in hot bath, as if in weightlessness, it is easier for the user to detach himself from the many problems surrounding him than in any other situation.
2. If dissolved in water herbal infusion or sea salt, then bathing in the bath turns into a healing procedure. First of all, it has a positive effect on the skin, which is especially important for women. In their lives, for obvious reasons, all kinds of cosmetic subtleties play a significant role. But also for men suffering, for example, from one or another skin disease, herbal bath will be very useful.
3. Bathing in a bath is much better at removing impurities, sweat and dead cells from the skin, since thanks to a relatively long stay in hot water, all this has time to become limp and soften.
4. A person frozen in the cold will warm up in a hot bath much faster than in a shower. As you know, the Japanese survive in their cardboard and unheated houses only thanks to super-hot Fuko baths, which provide a charge of heat for many hours. If they only had showers at their disposal, the residents of the Land of the Rising Sun would have a hard time.
5. You can take a bath together, creating a romantic ambience with the help of candles and a couple of glasses of champagne, which, of course, is not available in the shower stall.
6. By equipping it appropriately, you can get much of what a shower cabin provides. This is not only a regular shower, but also side hydromassage jets, as well as a stand with a tropical shower. And the bath itself can be equipped with air massage nozzles. The second option for the shower cabin is not available.
7. A bathtub is easier to keep clean than a shower stall, which has a lot of protrusions and hard-to-reach places.
8. A bath is indispensable if there are children in the family. For a very small baby, it will act as a small pool in which you can swim before bed. After such procedures, children sleep well, and in addition, they contribute to hardening.
9. Older children love to play with various toys in the bath. Today, they even produce a special type of bath foam, from which you can sculpt a variety of shapes.
10. The bathtub can be used to soak and wash items that cannot be washed in a washing machine. Also, only in the bathroom can you wash a large item, such as a rug.
11. Bathing a large dog, and many families have such dogs today, can only be done in the bathtub.
12. You can take a bath even with very low pressure in the water supply, while a shower, and even more so hydromassage nozzles, will be useless in such a situation.

The main disadvantage of the bathtub is its large size, which is of particular importance in a small bathroom. For example, in Khrushchev-era apartment buildings, if there is a bathtub, it becomes impossible to install washing machine.

A way out of this situation may be to install a bathtub of a special configuration, which on one side (it is assumed that the user’s legs will be located here) is somewhat narrowed.

Shower cabin

Advantages:

1. The most important plus is that it takes, especially. Next to the shower cubicle, even in the tiniest bathroom, a washing machine will fit freely. Moreover, the cabin can be very small - today models are produced with dimensions in terms of 80x80 cm. It is only important to climb into it before purchasing and move around a little to understand whether you will not be cramped here.
2. Of course, you can’t relax in a shower cabin, but a shower requires much less water than for taking a bath. The difference in the cost of one bath may seem small, but in a month, and even more so in a year, quite a significant amount will be saved.
3. If the cabin is a so-called shower box, then the steam generated during bathing will not enter the room. Such models are connected by an air duct directly to exhaust duct ventilation and are equipped with a fan that pumps out moist air. For a bathroom whose walls and ceiling are not lined with moisture-resistant material, and even more so for wooden house, this option is the most acceptable.
4. The side of the shower cabin can be very low; in the so-called ultra-low pallets it is practically absent altogether. A user with limited mobility - elderly, sick or overweight - can easily enter such a cabin. And in order to take a shower in the bathtub or lie in it, in any case you will have to climb over the high side.
5. Some functions available in modern shower boxes will not be available to the bathtub owner. Although he can still install a stand with a “tropical shower” shower, he will definitely not be able to create a sauna environment with the help of a steam generator. In addition, “advanced” shower cabins have a radio and telephone. Of course, you can lead them to the bathtub, but you will have to tinker a lot with the selection of equipment, its fastening, insulation from moisture, laying wires, etc.

To this we can also add spectacular lighting, which is available in all closed boxes. It can change color, thus influencing the user's mood (this is called chromotherapy).

Which is better to choose?

As you can see, there are situations when the choice becomes clear. For example, if the family has small children or lives in the house big dog, willy-nilly you have to install a bathtub.

Exactly the same as in wooden house the most appropriate is a closed installation, the design of which prevents steam from entering the room.

In all other cases, the lifestyle of the household members should be taken into account. Many people today, especially young people, due to increased employment, are forced to save every second. Such a person will have no need for a bath, since he simply does not have time to lie in it.

If the owner free time has, then choosing a bathtub will be more preferable, since, as shown above, it provides more opportunities.

Moving on to renovating a bathroom, any owner will be interested in the question of what is more convenient to use – a bathtub or a shower: the pros and cons, the pros and cons of these devices need to be considered in more detail.

Shower cabin: fast, fashionable, youthful

As you know, it’s not a cup of coffee, but a contrast shower that helps you wake up truly cheerfully. The best place to take it is in the shower. The bathroom will never create such conditions for the procedure. To do this, it certainly needs to be additionally equipped with curtains and a rug, but this in many ways does not solve the problem of water getting out. The special cabin, on the contrary, is designed to accept various types soul.

When choosing, you need to be guided by the main pros and cons of a shower stall.

The effect achieved by this function is quite comparable to prolonged exposure to massage table under the hands of a professional. But that's not all: you can choose a shower with horizontal hydromassage. In this sense, the question of which is better - a bath or a shower - disappears by itself, since such pleasure can only be obtained in a jacuzzi.

Water comes out not only from the walls of the cabin, but also from its floor. Thus, you can massage any part of the body. However, such a mode exists only in large cabins that have fairly high prices. They are called combined cabins with hydromassage.

In addition to water modes, such products also have various lighting functions. On their ceiling there are multi-colored lights that blink in time with the flowing water and allow you to taste the true pleasure of an evening and morning shower. They are built according to all the rules of chromotherapy - color treatment. Splashes and water, colored in the colors of the rainbow, have a very positive effect on brain activity.

Shower cabin with lighting

• There are many sizes of shower stalls, the smallest of which is 80x80 cm, and the largest is 120x80 cm. When choosing a cabin, you should not only be guided by your financial capabilities and the size of the bathroom, but also take into account the dimensions of your body. Otherwise, the pleasure from water procedures will be much less.
• In addition to length and width, shower cabins differ from each other in the size of the tray. There are flat, shallow and deep devices. The deepest can reach 45 cm. Flat pallets are most suitable for people with disabilities, but are also in demand among those who are not used to paying special attention to the functionality of the cabins.
• Inside the individual booths there is a specially treated mirror that never fogs up, as well as dispensers for gels and shampoos that serve as shelves. All this is very convenient and practical.

As a result, when purchasing and installing a shower cabin, you can increase the speed of bath procedures, increase your comfort - this is the absence of splashes, non-slippery floors, various jet modes, the presence of hydromassage, baths, the ability to connect a phone to the cabin and answer it without leaving the shower, and etc.

Flaws

What are the disadvantages of shower products?

In general, be that as it may, a bath or a shower is an open question.

Bath: classic, lazy, solid

In general, they took a bath back in Ancient Rome. At that time, dirt was everywhere, and therefore it was impossible to do without water procedures. Yes, most likely, the Romans did not even think what to choose, and would have settled on a horizontal enameled and large basin. The shower is fit for a warrior, and the bathtub is fit for kings.

This device is the best place for relaxation, it can be filled with foam, aromatic products, oils, sea salt. For a woman this is generally necessary, because some cosmetic procedures It’s better to do it in the bathroom, and it’s healthier for the skin.

If there are children in the house, especially between the ages of 1 and 3 years, then for them the bath is almost like the sea. It is more pleasant and convenient for them to perform water procedures, there they quickly get used to hardening, learn to swim and generally behave in water.

Flaws

• In comparison, a shower cabin or a bathtub, the latter noticeably loses in such areas as area and water consumption.
• The bath takes up much more space and has difficult process installation and delivery.
• In addition, the water that will be used for one bath will be the total volume of bathing liquid in the shower for a family of four people.

Let's draw conclusions

The final choice will not be easy to make. However, there are constant factors such as the size of the bathroom, the water pressure in the house, the amount of money - all of this will help narrow down the choice.

Considering that, mainly in apartments, this room does not take up much space, you can purchase a bathtub model that tapers towards the feet, or assemble a shower stall with your own hands, leaving space for washing machine and lockers. Well, the most a good option– try to install both a cabin and a bathtub. After all, both are useful and practical in their own way.

Video instruction

Imagine the state of a person who has finally received the keys to a new big... bright apartment in a modern high-rise! This is some kind of endless euphoria! After many years of wandering around private corners, my head is simply buzzing with ideas for arranging my own home, buying new furniture, equipment and other little things that I absolutely cannot do without. Exactly 9 years ago we moved into a new apartment and almost immediately had to resolve the issue of installing such an important but missing element of the bathroom as a bathtub. Taking advantage of the opportunity to maneuver, my wife and I, after consulting, decided buy and install a shower cabin. Now, with the passage of time, it is already clear that the shower stall is not such a wonderful thing as we are shown in advertising. There are many pitfalls that sellers don’t talk about. If you too are faced with a dilemma - bath or shower cabin, we invite you to read our largely instructive story. I think after reading this your choice will be wiser.

How did it even occur to us to buy a shower cabin?

The story of my first acquaintance with shower cabins as a class of devices began in Moscow, where I once arrived to participate in an event. At the hotel, I was mistakenly checked into a luxury room, where this miracle of technology was installed. Just a couple of hours later I was asked to move from the suite to a regular room, but this was enough time to enjoy the opportunity to splash around while taking a shower without fear of water on the floor!

What about an ordinary bathroom? You climb into it and draw the plastic curtain. As long as you sit, everything is fine. But when you start rinsing in the shower, you have to constantly make sure that this cold, nasty curtain doesn’t stick to your body. Moreover, it’s as if she’s deliberately just waiting for you to be distracted in order to wrap you in her vile, slippery embrace. Brrr!

And the shower stall is simply beautiful! He stepped inside, closed the doors and splashed around as much as he wanted. Delight! And different hydromassage jets! And a steam generator with a set of aroma oils! And a receiver that allows you not to waste time, but, for example, listen to “News from the collective farm fields”!!! I don’t even mention the backlight. I specially turned off the main lighting to see how it worked. In a word, the test drive was full program. That was 2003.

It was then that I first thought that when I change apartments, I will definitely buy myself such a miracle of technology, no matter how much it costs. And now, just two years later, this opportunity presented itself to me. Together with new apartment I found the opportunity to realize my old idea about a shower stall.

How we chose a shower cabin

Of course, there were several criteria, but there were two main limiting conditions.

Firstly, the cabin had to fit into the size of our bathroom, leaving room for a washing machine, sink... well, and for ourselves to have a place to stand :). We immediately rejected the very space-efficient cabins with a radius of 60x60 cm, since it is more or less comfortable to wash in them only while standing. This is especially true for my wife and I - we are both above average height. Another ambush in a small cabin is the accidental fall of soap into the tray. To lift it you have to resort to balancing act. In a word, we immediately put small shower cabins aside.

Things were a little better with the 60x80 cm option. However, I wanted some space, and not my elbows touching the glass doors at the most inopportune moment.

Next came proposals for corner shower cabins with a radius of 90 cm. This was already closer to the truth. You can take a shower there without standing upright and without the fear of knocking a bottle of shampoo or, in fact, the shelf itself off the shelf with your elbow.

Some shower cabins measuring 90x90 are equipped with a so-called high tray. It's like a miniature bathtub. Of course, you won’t lie down in it yourself, but you never know if you’ll have to rinse something, bathe a child, or, for example, collect an emergency supply of water in case it goes out.

Of course, at that time cabins were sold and larger sizes, but they would no longer fit into our modest square meters of bathroom.

The second selection criterion was cost. We immediately discarded the cheapest and smallest options. There were models for 50-70 thousand rubles. They were more than good, but we decided to go with something less extravagant.

As a result, the Nofer NS-28B model was chosen. Now they don't sell these anymore. But at that time it was quite reasonably equipped: a steam generator, hydromassage nozzles, a high tray, size 90x90, a receiver, a fan and other pleasant little things. Looking ahead, I can say that we never used some of the gadgets.

Is it possible to assemble a shower cabin yourself?

On that day, several large boxes were delivered to our home. Not boxes, but boxes with wooden frames. All this was unloaded and left in the middle of the room. At first we decided to unpack everything and try to assemble the shower cabin ourselves, but then, after looking at the instructions and the assembly diagram, we decided not to tempt fate and invite specialists.

Looking ahead a little, I must say that it was quite possible to assemble the cabin yourself. We were just slightly misled by the picture from the instructions, from which it followed that we would have to mount all these nozzles ourselves, connect them with hoses in the required sequence, etc. If I had known that the back wall that scared me so much came already assembled, that you just had to pull it out of the box and screw it into place, I would certainly have tried to do it myself.

The steam generator also scared me a little. The instructions stated that if assembled incorrectly, it could either fail or become dangerous. To be honest, I didn’t really want to be scalded; this was another pebble in the balance in favor of calling specialist assemblers.

But, as they say, after a fight you don’t wave your fists. Watching how two men dashingly assembled my miracle of technology as if from a Lego constructor, I felt annoyed and ashamed. Why did I invite them and give them 4 thousand rubles. For what?! Literally an hour and a half later they reported that the cabin itself was ready, but reported that it was no longer possible to turn it on today. The reason was simple. The kit did not include hoses connecting the device to the cold and hot water pipes.

Having complained that it was already late and all the shops were closed, the men left. The next day I bought two hoses, screwed them into place myself and the job was finished.

If you suddenly decide to buy a shower stall, keep in mind: any person, even without special training, who has the simplest tool: a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench - he can easily handle assembling the booth on his own. The main thing is to take your time and follow the instructions. A tube of transparent would also be a good idea. silicone sealant to insulate the seams from the inside. And finally, it will be great if you have someone to help you. It won't be hard work. It’s just that from time to time you will need to support something, insure something. After all, the cabin parts are partly glass. If you knock the door, then... in a word, it’s better not to do it. Just ask your wife to help. I hope she doesn't refuse.

How to properly install a shower stall. Two subtle points

Moreover, there are two of them in the photo. The top one was just intended for the cabin. When we installed the cabin simply on it standard legs, we discovered with horror that the level of the bottom of the cabin was lower than the level of the hole in sewer pipe. Accordingly, the water from the full pan first flowed out quite quickly, then more and more slowly, and towards the end it stopped flowing where it should, remaining on the bottom of the cabin in a dirty layer several centimeters thick.

The natural solution to install the cabin on some kind of base in order to raise it above the floor almost failed, since the cabin’s roof rested on the ventilation pipe:

We managed to find a level so that the water would somehow flow into the drain hole, and there were a few millimeters left to the upper ventilation duct.

Our next problem was connecting the shower stall to electricity. Since the steam generator consumed 4 kilowatts per hour, we were very afraid that the ordinary wiring would start to heat up and short out somewhere in the wall. We had to incur additional costs and connect a branch from the route feeding the electric stove to the shower stall. If we knew in advance that we would use this steam generator only a few times, then we would not have to suffer.

But finally all the ordeals are over. We got the opportunity to enjoy a shower, hydromassage with music, we could splash ourselves as hard as we could and the floor in the bathroom still remained dry. Isn't this happiness?

However, we very soon discovered that pleasure comes at a price. Moreover, the further the price went, the more exorbitant it seemed.

Disadvantages of a shower cabin

Now looking at these beautiful pictures I can’t even believe that our shower stall was so beautiful and shiny. Just don’t think that we didn’t wash it, didn’t buy special products and all that stuff. Of course, we did our best to maintain it in normal working order, but forces intervened, the insidiousness of which we did not even suspect.

Now I will show you what our shower stall has become after 8 years of use. By the way, when I bought it, the seller said that the service life of the booth was approximately 7 years. Then I thought it was a joke. However, now I understand that the life of a shower stall is much shorter than that of a regular one. cast iron bath. So - photos:

(wsview src= width= title=[Nofer shower stall after 8 years of operation] thumb= order=)

How did she become like this? Why? Didn't we wash it, didn't we clean it?

The answer is very simple. In the area where we live, there are a lot of impurities in the water. Plaque on glass forms literally after one shower. If you don’t clean the booth for several days in a row, it gradually begins to “overgrow.”

I remember that literally after a week of using the shower stall, I noticed that the jets from the overhead shower, which previously gushed each at its own angle, forming a beautiful regular sheaf, began to flow not in the right direction, but wherever they wanted. Some nozzles still sprayed in the correct direction, but many others sprayed at random, or even to the side.

I had to slightly crush the faulty injectors with my fingers. The lumps of plaque were crushed and all the jets began to flow in the right direction again.

Since then, every time I took a shower, I spent some time cleaning the nozzles. But then there came times when more important matters did not allow me to spend an extra 10 minutes in the shower. And from then on, the injectors began to become “overgrown” with limescale. Over time, many of them became completely clogged. Under the pressure of water, which simply had no place to go out, the round part of the overhead shower, on which the nozzles were located, cracked. Now most of The water comes out through this gap.

Over time, the plug lifting system broke down. Previously, it was raised by a graceful turn of the lever on the top edge of the bathtub, but the cable rusted and broke and the system failed. It was not possible to find spare parts for this model of shower cabins, which have long been discontinued. Now you have to pick out the plug by hand. This, of course, is not such a problem, but still.

Further more. Due to the impossibility of tightening the plastic fastening screws (they were tightly overgrown with limescale), the glass shelf above the seat had to be dismantled. Otherwise, she could have fallen and hurt one of us.

Just a couple of days ago, the hand shower head broke off from the hose.

Over the entire period of use, we more than once bought a special substance against limescale, spent enough time to bring the shower stall back to normal, but the results of our efforts were only enough for a few days. Then we had to start all over again.

Among side effects It can be noted that when you open the shower door it is wet warm air breaks out of it and comes into contact with the ceiling. Initially, we had ordinary whitewash there. After just a couple of months of such exposure, the whitewash began to swell and fly around. I had to glue foam tiles to the ceiling.

Once again, the drain pipe came off and the entire contents of the bathtub ended up on the floor. Moreover, this was not discovered immediately, since through the glass doors of the cabin, covered with limescale, it is not very clear what is happening outside. As a result, the lower neighbors were flooded. It's good that we're in good relations and everything was agreed upon without shouting. But it could have been completely different.

Conclusions. Bath or shower?

If you want to buy a shower cabin, first check in the most meticulous way what is flowing from your tap. It's very easy to check. Take an ordinary glass, pour hot water from the tap into it and leave it somewhere in a secluded place. When the water from the glass has completely evaporated, look at what remains on the walls. If they remain transparent, repeat the procedure two or three more times. Do not wash the glass, just add water. If even then you do not see any noticeable deposits, then you can safely buy a shower stall and enjoy all its capabilities.

But if after the first time you see white on the walls of the glass limescale- this is a warning sign. You should think twice before throwing away a considerable amount of money for the dubious pleasure of scrubbing your future booth after almost every use. And don’t think that “well, big deal, we quickly blotted it with a rag and that’s it.” We, too, naively, thought so at first. Nothing like this. Either you will become a slave to your shower stall, scrubbing it, wasting precious time, or very soon it will turn into what you saw in the photo above.

If you unknowingly purchased a shower stall with grooved glass, your problems will triple. Even from smooth glass it is quite difficult to wipe off limescale deposits, but when it gets clogged in the unevenness of the glass!!!

We also tried to fight at first. But then they decided that they didn’t buy the cabin to do nothing but clean it. You saw the result.

If we ever move to an area with more clean water, then we will definitely return to the question shower cabin installation in our flat. But for now our plans are to dismantle the existing copy and install a conventional one in its place cast iron bath. It is somehow simpler and more convenient to use.