Types and purpose of various models of showers

About 30 years ago, classic bathrooms received a serious competitor in the form of a shower cabin. Despite the fact that it is impossible to take a horizontal position inside such an object, it has enough advantages that can tip the scales in his favor. These include small size and space saving, the ability to quickly adopt water procedures. There are various types of showers.

General selection tips

Choosing the right type of shower stalls, it should be understood that they no longer serve as an unobtrusive accessory. Now it is a full-fledged interior object. Accordingly, they must match the design of the bathroom. It’s not an easy task to choose a cabin that is suitable for the parameters and not make a mistake. First of all, you should determine the dimensions of the bathroom, as well as calculate how much money can be allocated for the purchase. What are the key selection criteria:

• material of which the object is made;
• sizes
• ease of installation;
• external design;
• manufacturing company.

The standard shower cubicle has three main elements. These include walls, door, pallet. Intending to buy the designs in question, you will have to choose from three main varieties of showers. These are open, closed and combined models.

Open cabs can be installed directly in the wall. These are prefabricated models that are placed in the corner of the room or near the wall. The pallet is mounted on the floor. A sewage system is connected to it, after which lateral walls are placed around the perimeter. They are fixed on one or two sides.

Facing tiles are laid on the remaining sides. A distinctive feature here is the absence of an upper base. This imposes certain restrictions on operation, because the so-called rain shower cannot be used. You have to put a traditional watering can with a flexible hose that connects to the mixer.

The bottom pallet is discarded in some cases. In this case, the area allocated for it is replaced by a concrete base or a monolithic structure made of ceramic tiles. For greater safety, their surface is equipped with an anti-slip coating. The installation of the walls in this situation occurs through steel and brass profiles. From constant contact with water, they may become rusty. To prevent this, manufacturers use a special coating.

The main advantages of open cabs are affordable cost, which is 7−21 tons, the ability to scale over the area, simplicity of design and ease of care. However, these models have such disadvantages as:

• problems during the connection of the sewerage and water supply components;
• the need for careful installation of structural elements;
• lack of the ability to install zoning and steam generation systems.

It is impossible to put a cascading shower here.

Closed models

These are autonomous plumbing devices, including walls, a pallet and a ceiling. This design is a closed box with many useful features. It is easy to dismantle during repairs or when moving. The ceiling and the main components of the structure are made of polymeric materials and metal.The walls are made of plexiglass. Sometimes ordinary glass is taken as the basis. The average price of such models is from 30−35 tons. The main advantages of closed models are:

• speed of connection and connection of communications;
• large selection of additional features;
• good level of sound insulation;
• microclimate, which is completely separated from the space of the bathroom;
• A huge assortment of various modifications of the cabs.

The disadvantages of closed models are high prices. Some of them may show flaws, but they will only reflect the shortcomings of a particular manufacturer.

Combined Modifications

Such showers consist of a deep tray closed by walls on the sides. The upper region can be either closed or open. It all depends on the model range and the characteristics of a particular brand.

This design has many advantages. The model can be equipped with a hydromassage function, allow you to take a horizontal position, as well as establish a rain shower. But such showers are larger in size when compared with all other types of equipment. They are suitable for large bathtubs. The average cost of cabs of this type starts at 65 tons.

The positive characteristics of the combined cabins are an impressive assortment of models, the possibility of installing enclosed structures and combining the advantages of a shower and a bath. The only drawback is the high price.

Sizing

Different models differ in their dimensions. A factor that must be taken into account is the area of ​​the bathroom or shower. You should also pay attention to the location of communications - cold and hot water, sewage system. Square pallets as standard are 88 cm by 100 cm. This is an indicator for enclosed and open cabins.

For combined versions, the pallet is usually rectangular, and its dimensions are 70 by 120 or 90 by 160 cm. The most popular forms of pallets located near the wall are square, rectangular and semicircular. Corner objects, in turn, may take the form of a quarter circle or ellipse.

But if the room does not have a large enough area, you can adjust to it by choosing a cabin with an irregularly shaped tray. This is usually the shape of a semicircle or a quarter circle. As for the height of the element, it can be located on the same level with the floor or rise above it by 40 cm.

If it was necessary to put such a low pallet, it is necessary to determine whether the connection of the sewage system will turn into a problem. If it arises, it will have to be decided during installation. In order to prevent it, it is necessary to pre-install the supports or base, which slightly raise the pallet and make it possible to connect the sewer without problems. As an analogue for the supports, a small pump can pump all the dirty water from the pallets.

Production material

They may be different. The most common are steel, acrylic and cast iron. Steel pallets are reliable and durable. However, when water drops get on them, a lot of noise is generated. Over time, enamel spoilage and the appearance of chips on its surface can occur.

Acrylic pallets are very popular now. This is facilitated by their low price, an impressive selection of forms and the possibility of easy purification. In addition, acrylic warms up quite quickly. If small scratches form on such a pallet, you can get rid of them by grinding. But not so simple. Acrylic models can be deformed if a person with a heavy weight takes a shower.

Cast iron pallets are also reliable and durable. But this material is notable for its considerable thickness, and therefore it takes a long time to wait for it to warm up. Accordingly, before entering the cabin, you will have to turn on hot water and stand aside while the pan is warming up.This entails another drawback in the form of uneconomical water consumption. We must not forget that the material is quite massive, which is also a drawback for individual users.

Ceramic pallets are also present in modern stores. But they have more shortcomings than advantages. Ceramics is distinguished by a fragile structure, it can crack from falling of any massive object on it. Having such an element in your booth, you have to take a shower carefully.

More expensive models are equipped with a pallet made of natural stone or marble. They are strong enough and warm up to comfortable temperatures without any problems, retaining heat for a long time. This is ideal if you do not take into account the high price.

Door features

Differences in Available Models relate to door opening system. They can be oar, articulated, sliding. In the first case, the systems provide the opportunity to freely enter the booth, opening the opening to the maximum.

The door construction contains hinges fixed from the outside, due to which the door can be opened wide outward. Hinged structures are excellent for quick passage into the shower stall. They have hinges from below and above. If you compare this model with a swing door, the first is considered more reliable and safe.

Sliding structures save the space of the bathroom, if you have to put in it a large cabin. Opening is carried out by the movement of overlapping panels. They seem to find each other, cowering.

In addition, there are rotating models. They will be useful if the bathroom is small. They are opened using a hinge moving along the guide. Such doors are characterized by a smooth ride. Folding models, or door-books, are well suited if it is impossible to allocate free space in front of the shower. The opening of such a canvas is carried out inside. It also folds compactly. These door structures can be combined with sliding.

All doors for showers are made of different materials. Simple glass is not used for them. Only hardened types having a thickness of 4 mm or more are suitable for the structures under consideration. This is the best option for maintaining hygiene, protecting against the formation of mold.

Another common option is plexiglass. The basis for this material is polymethyl methacrylate. It is sometimes confused with polystyrene, but this is a fallacy. Plexiglas is as transparent as ordinary. Moreover, his weight is much less. Another advantage of the material is strength. He has a minus in the form of susceptibility to scratches, which cannot be removed by grinding. But this treatment can be effective against frosted glass.

Another option for glass is triplex. It is tempered and resembles in many ways the glass that is placed in the car. It contains 2 layers of the main material, between which there is a reinforcing film. The main plus of glass is safety in use and durability. The main disadvantage is the high cost.

Polystyrene is also sometimes used to make doors to showers. In fact, it is a plastic. Such material may have a matte and transparent structure. Polystyrene stands out for its low weight and ability to withstand moisture. At the same time, he does not serve for long; moreover, care for him cannot be called simple. Plastic regularly has to be cleaned from traces of soap smudges, using a detergent. Shower cabins using polystyrene are best installed in the country.

Functionality

Modern models of showers have reached perfection. Even the cheapest and simplest designs technically meet user expectations.In addition to the mixer, a radio receiver and a backlight mode may be present in them. Many models have electronic control in the form of a display and a special console. By clicking on the buttons, you can control all the necessary functions.

In addition to the basic functions, manufacturers often add additional features to their models for more comfortable use. These include:

1. Rain shower. With this option, water enters under a sufficiently strong pressure and enters the human body evenly. Its temperature is almost equal to body temperature.
2. Sharko's shower. This function allows you to pour water streams from different angles of the cab to wash certain parts of the body
3. Aromatherapy It is activated after pressing special buttons. This option allows you to create an aroma in the cabin that provides comfort and promotes relaxation.
4. Steam generation. It is provided in enclosed showers. This function is aimed at creating the atmosphere characteristic of the bath. This option favorably affects the blood circulation of a person, helps to cleanse pores on the skin.

There are various types of showers depending on destination and brand. You can purchase designs in which water will flow from behind, from above, or from any other corners. To do this, just find the models in which the corresponding option is provided. Its availability is indicated in the description of the product. You can find out which option is better by defining your own wishes, as well as financial opportunities.