How to choose a shower cabin: types and main parameters

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

There are three fundamentally different types of hydroboxes, which differ in design features, installation method and price.

Open

Devices of this group represent a space built into the room. In this case, the walls are mounted only on the unprotected part of the wet area, and the role of the side and rear partitions is performed by the walls of the bathroom itself.

The configuration and dimensions of the structure are selected taking into account the characteristics of the room and the wishes of the customer. Installation parts are purchased separately, and this allows for significant savings. In this case, the bottom may be completely absent: its role is played by a floor lined with tiles or mosaics with a drain hole.

Just make sure to maintain the sewer level, otherwise you will most likely encounter a situation where water stagnates in the pan.

As for me, such varieties look very beautiful and fit well into the interior.

Disadvantage: limited functionality. Here you will not find additional benefits such as hydromassage or aromatherapy.

More careful and lengthy preparation for installation will also be required, and the installation process itself will take longer.

Closed

This is a free-standing equipment that has a completely enclosed capsule with its own walls, floor and roof. It is the closed specimens that are equipped with “bells and whistles” to turn ordinary bathing into a complex healing and rejuvenating procedure.

One of the positive aspects is that the connection is quite simple: you only need to connect the water supply and sewerage. Also, if necessary, the equipment can be easily dismantled and reinstalled in another location.

If you decide on such a sample, keep in mind that during installation such a booth “eats” 5–10 cm of space on each side.

You should be aware that a good quality device will cost a pretty penny.

Combined

This is a solution for those who are not ready to give up a shower or bath in favor of just one thing. Of course, the structure is not as compact as a shower corner, but it takes up less space than two separate devices. An ideal option in a spacious bathroom for a private home.

Along the perimeter of the bathroom there are walls that provide protection while bathing in the shower. Such products are distinguished by an expanded range of capabilities: they combine the delights of both advanced fonts and boxes. But the price for all this pleasure is appropriate.

There is a special type of shower that is designed specifically for a summer house or country house. A summer option, which is placed outside, and the water in it is heated in the tank from solar heat. These are the simplest and cheapest installations, which differ significantly in their characteristics from home ones.

Shape and size

The most common configurations are rectangle, semicircle, square and quarter circle. There are also asymmetrical models in the form of an elongated semicircle or even a shell.

The most successful solution for small rooms would be a quarter-circle or asymmetrical shape, since they can be placed in a corner, maximizing the use of the entire area.

Please note that designs with right angles are usually cheaper than rounded ones. This is due to the more complex production process for round samples. But in a small bathroom, it’s better to pay a little more and provide yourself with a more ergonomic environment without protrusions.

The size is limited by the parameters of the room and the wishes of the buyer. Most Popular:

• 90 x 80 cm;
• 90 x 90 cm;
• 100 x 80 cm;
• 100 x 100 cm;
• 120 x 80 cm.

To understand what size shower stall is most convenient, you need to take into account the dimensions of the largest family member. If one of the residents is tall or heavy, then it will be inconvenient for him to wash in a tiny box.

Materials

Shower curtains are made of polystyrene or tempered glass. The first material is cheaper, but quickly becomes cloudy, losing its initial shine and transparency. The second ones are comparable in strength to a car windshield, they are quickly cleaned of dirt, and do not fade over time.

Tempered glass is:

· matte;

· tinted;

· rough.

The first two types provide excellent protection from prying eyes, while the latter have very high strength. Niagara shower enclosures are equipped with tempered glass curtains.

Pallet structures are made from:

· ceramics (faience);

· cast iron or steel;

· artificial stone;

· acrylic.

The ceramic tray can withstand impressive weight, but can crack under impact load. Cast iron and steel are the most durable, but when water flows/drips it creates a very unpleasant sound. In addition, they cannot boast of durability.

It is recommended to buy a Niagara shower cabin for your cottage with an acrylic tray. The material heats up quickly, effectively repels dirt, and retains its original color for a long time.

Pallet

It is needed to collect liquid and drain it into the sewer. Let's look at the characteristics of this part and find out how to choose it correctly.

Material

The durability of the device, difficulty of maintenance and ease of use depend on the material from which the base is made.

1. Cast iron - lasts at least 20 years, holds heat well and provides good sound insulation. But it weighs a lot, which is both a plus and a minus. Due to the large mass, the bottom is very stable, but difficulties arise with transportation and installation.
2. Steel is a lightweight and inexpensive product that comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes. The disadvantages include poor sound insulation and the fact that they cool quickly. Steel is also less wear-resistant and, with strong impacts, can sag and deform, which causes the enamel to chip off and cracks to appear.
3. Acrylic has earned recognition due to the fact that it is lightweight, and pallets of any configuration are made from it. Well absorbs the sound of pouring water, resistant to chemicals. The use of abrasives causes damage, but this can be eliminated by grinding and polishing.
4. ABS plastic - only wins at a low price. Manufacturers give it a guarantee of no more than 4 years, due to its fragility. It is characterized by a porous structure and is susceptible to moisture, which is why it collapses quite quickly. The appearance is also not the most impressive: the grayish tint and rough surface leave the feeling of dirty plumbing.
5. Polymethyl methacrylate and ABS plastic is a technology where a combination of two bases is used and one is layered on top of the other. This improves the consumer properties, making the base more like acrylic, but at the same time maintaining low cost. But keep in mind that sudden temperature changes often cause the top layer to become covered with cracks.
6. Artificial stone – exclusive samples, heavy, making the structure stable. However, such pallets take a long time to heat up, so it may not be very comfortable for a person to sit on them, and require delicate care.
7. Ceramics - this group includes sanitaryware and sanitary porcelain. These are environmentally friendly and safe materials. They absorb noise well. When connecting, you will have to carefully prepare the floor, since the base is installed directly on it and does not have a fixing frame: its own weight provides sufficient stability and rigidity. Ceramics are strong, but fragile, and impacts can cause chips and cracks.

For light foundations, a rigid frame is required! It is most reliable if it is a welded metal skeleton.

Height

Pallets up to 15 cm from the floor are considered low. They are convenient in terms of entry/exit, but you need to control the drainage speed. Otherwise, there is a risk that water will overflow and flow onto the floor.

Medium sides of 15–35 cm are also convenient in terms of entry and exit, but they take longer to fill and are more preferable in apartments than low ones.

A device with a deep tray of 35–50 cm is inconvenient because it is more difficult to enter. But leakage here is practically impossible due to the large capacity. They have a seat on which you can comfortably sit for water procedures. In some cases they can replace a bath, for example, when bathing children.

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.

Door

Its purpose, I think, does not need to be explained, but not everyone knows about the nuances of choice and the differences between varieties.

Look how tightly the door fits to the walls or to each other, if the leaf is double-leaf: a loose fit can lead to leaks. To avoid this, magnets are attached to the edges.

Material and design

First of all, it is important what the door is made of. There are two options here: tempered glass or plastic.

Plastic elements cost less, but are of worse quality. Firstly, dirt and limescale deposits accumulate on them more strongly, which is not so easy to get rid of: after all, you cannot use powders and aggressive cleaning agents.

Secondly, no matter how carefully you handle such a door, scratches and abrasions will inevitably appear on it. Therefore, it is recommended to choose opaque models, since imperfections are less noticeable on them.

Tempered glass looks very presentable, it is more reliable than plastic, is not afraid of chemicals and retains its visual appeal longer. It is easy to care for because dirt comes off easily from the smooth surface.

You may not know, but there is a special water-repellent coating from which liquid simply rolls off. It lasts for at least several years and is applied at the factory during manufacture.

Among the disadvantages of glass, it is worth noting the high cost and heavy weight, which can cause difficulties in assembly.

In open booths, glass walls are mounted in metal profiles made of aluminum, steel or brass.

There are transparent, colored, corrugated, tinted and matte products. Drawings and sandblasting patterns are applied to them. In general, any whim for your money.

Opening system

This is not the most obvious characteristic, but it is advisable to take it into account. There are five opening systems.

1. Hinged doors are a common system where the door opens outward and is secured on side hinges. The inconvenience is that opening requires free space, which sometimes simply isn’t there.
2. Hinged - fasteners are located at the top and bottom of the opening. The door also opens outwards, but this system is considered stronger than the previous one.
3. Folding - folded in half inward, which saves space in the bathroom, but somewhat reduces it in the shower itself.
4. Rotating, swinging - open thanks to a hinge moving along a hidden track.
5. Sliding is a very common solution. They do not eat up space either in the room or in the box itself. They move relative to each other and along the side walls.

In sliding systems, special attention should be paid to the rollers on which the canvas runs. Plastic ones quickly fail; it would be correct to choose rubberized metal options made of stainless steel or brass.

Which shower cabin should you not buy?

Inexpensive models of shower cabins are in great demand, largely because they are inexpensive. It’s just that they have plenty of shortcomings. No matter what Chinese manufacturers say and no matter how many functions they build in, etc., their quality will always be far from ideal and certainly not comparable to European ones.

Chinese shower cabins

Often, when choosing Chinese models, buyers are faced with the fact that the parts are of poor quality, the pallets wear out quickly and cannot withstand loads, the glass breaks, the cabin leaks, and so on. In other words, you can end up with a lot of problems and spend even more money on repairs. In addition, warranty service is not always fully provided. So think about it, is it worth saving now and spending later? It may be better to pay more and get a really high-quality product.

Inexpensive cabins from European manufacturers also differ little from Chinese ones, so the cheap option is usually far from the best. For example, take TIMO shower cabins. They say they are made in Finland, but in reality they are made in China. It is worth noting that the cabins of this manufacturer are of quite decent quality, and the deception is done more to attract attention. And there’s definitely no need to talk about a good guarantee.

At the same time, most Chinese companies do not even hide their products, and this does not make them any less popular.

If you are very limited in funds, then among the budget options you can choose decent models. However, be especially careful when purchasing - look at the quality of the parts, talk to the sellers about the warranty, and make sure that the installation will be done by professionals.

You should also treat Russian-made cabins with care. The best option is European-Russian production.

Walls and roof

In open types of equipment, the role of the rear base is played by the wall of the bathroom, and the roof is completely absent. But in closed units the back surface is made of glass, plastic or acrylic.

Glass is expensive, and it is also quite heavy compared to plastic and acrylic. Products made from the latter two materials usually have a variety of features such as built-in ledges, shelves and benches.

The roof is a mandatory part for cabins with a steam generator; a rain shower head and lighting are often built into it.

In some cases, the absence of a top is even an advantage, because it ensures free air circulation. But in spacious bathrooms, where it can be cool, the roof will help maintain a comfortable temperature during washing.

Another pro tip: pay attention to how the cabin is assembled. Does it require sealant treatment or are there factory silicone inserts? The second is preferable, since the sealant requires updating once a year, does not look very aesthetically pleasing and becomes moldy.

Shower panel

This is the “heart” of the entire installation. It houses a mixer, a watering can and a control panel. It is made of metal, plastic or glass. Metal is the most durable, glass is beautiful, and plastic is cheap.

Let's talk in more detail about what control options there are.

1. Mechanical - traditional levers and rotary switches.
2. Electronic - the system is configured using buttons.
3. Touch - switching modes, adjusting pressure and temperature are carried out by lightly touching the highly sensitive panel.

Some units are additionally equipped with a remote control, which allows you to set up operation from a distance.

Functions

In addition to its main function - quick washing - the cabin can be equipped with a number of capabilities. We list the most popular of them.

1. Hydromassage - jets are emitted from the nozzles under pressure. They can be located in all planes: vertically, on the side, in the center of the wall or on the bottom.
2. Cascade shower - a strong continuous stream with a temperature of 35-36 degrees Celsius pours onto a person from a height of at least 1 meter.
3. Rain shower - a large number of thin jets located strictly vertically.
4. Charcot shower - the body is washed simultaneously by 6-10 streams of water from different directions, while the intensity of the impact is moderate and the temperature is regulated.
5. Contrast shower - automatic change of hot and cold streams.
6. Steam generation - steam is supplied, and the effect of a bathhouse is obtained at home. For equipment with such equipment, it is better to choose glass. Plastic can release chemicals when exposed to extreme heat.
7. Chromotherapy is the effect of jets of different colors and lighting on a person. Some energize you, while others, on the contrary, relax you.
8. Aromatherapy – goes in addition to steam generation. Essential oil is placed in a special container, and its vapors are distributed throughout the box.
9. Ozone therapy is the effect of air bubbles on the skin.

Multifunctional cabins are also equipped with a built-in radio and audio player, and you can listen to the news or your favorite music right during water procedures. Also, some units have a built-in telephone. With them you won’t miss an important call and will combine two things at once: wash and chat.

Other useful additions include a built-in fan and ionizer, which dry, ventilate and disinfect internal surfaces, preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.

All this sounds beautiful, of course. But there is no need to rush headlong into searching for a universal device. It’s worth judiciously assessing which features you really need. According to experts, all additional features are used only at first, and then they are used only occasionally.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Ventilation - in inexpensive models makes it easier to breathe, and in luxury models it enhances the effect of a tropical shower or bath.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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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Manufacturers

Be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer. A wide range of models and positive reviews of products can serve as a guarantee of brand reliability.

In the budget price segment, the rating is headed by the following companies: “1Marka”, Erlit, Niagara, Faro, Comforty, Domani-Spa.

Among the middle-class products, the brands Appollo, Aquanet, RGW, Roltechnik, SSWW, and Orans stand out.

In the premium segment, Eago, Kermi, Kolpa-san, Novellini, Radaway, Ravak, IDO are considered the best.

An important condition is the availability of a guarantee. It is valid from 1 year to 10 years depending on the company and model. During this period, specialists repair plumbing fixtures free of charge and replace them if necessary.

But you must contact a certified specialist for connection and comply with the operating conditions.

Where can I buy

Not all localities in the country have a decent selection of plumbing fixtures, so online stores come to the rescue. And in large cities it’s convenient: you don’t have to go anywhere, but you can look for a good sample, immediately read reviews about it, and if you like everything, then place an order directly to your home.

The following stores are among the verified online platforms.

1. Plumbing-Here - many bonuses, discounts, promotions
2. Leroy Merlin – shower boxes and accessories for them.

Even the cheapest cabin is an “expensive” pleasure, so it would be a shame to throw away a couple of tens of thousands of rubles and buy a low-quality product. So don't deal with dubious sellers.

Watch a useful video on the topic.

Design

Some models have only walls and a shower, others have a place to sit and a dozen functions. The presence of the latter is not always justified. For example, with low water pressure, it is unlikely that you will be able to experience the beauty of a hydromassage cabin for 50 thousand rubles - it simply will not manifest itself in all its glory.

When talking about the shape of shower cabins, we must not forget about corner structures. They are best suited for private homes, where every square meter is valuable. With their help, space is used 100% rationally.

An example of a budget, structurally simple model is Niagara NG 2308-14 for 19.4 thousand rubles. Niagara NG 904R is an expensive shower room with a bath for the right corner of the room, equipped with a hydromassage system, radio, ventilation, lighting, and a steam generator. It costs over 60 thousand rubles.