A home bath has long proven its advantages over a variety of medical procedures that we still use the old fashioned way. The Turkish bath has the most gentle regime, allowing you to warm up the muscles and bones almost every day without the risk of getting dermatitis or something similar. But a decent Turkish bath takes up a lot of space in the apartment. If you don’t have time to go to a public steam room and don’t have room to put a normal apartment bathhouse, a good option would be a shower cabin with a Turkish bath function in the bathroom.
How does a shower cabin with Turkish bath function work?
Shower cabins have long ceased to be just showers. Most of even the simplest budget models have long used different types of hydromassage, and recently inexpensive options with a sauna and Turkish bath have appeared.
Chinese companies, releasing inexpensive models of shower cabins with many additional functions onto the market, force domestic manufacturers to improve their products as much as possible. The leaders in creating showers with all sorts of effects remain the Italians, the French and, of course, the Scandinavians.
The design of the simplest shower cabin with the effect of a Turkish bath differs from a simple cabin with a shower, at first glance, insignificantly:
- The cabin received a durable domed roof and more durable plastic body panels with heat-resistant seals;
- An electric steam generator with remote control and functions for controlling the temperature and humidity of the steam supplied inside the steam room is installed;
- A simple fan for forced drying and removal of condensation from the shower space.
For your information!
A slight modification of a conventional shower made it possible for manufacturers to call the device a shower cabin with a Turkish bath and significantly increase the price of a product of this kind. Sometimes the shower tray can be made with a very high side, up to 40-50 cm high, in this case the advertisement calls the shower cabin a bathroom with the function of a Turkish bath or sauna with a shower.
Hydroboxes with steam room function
Shower cabins of this type are equipped with the same set of parts as regular ones - roof, doors, tray and other elements that are present in simple hydroboxes. They differ from ordinary ones only in that they are equipped with a steam generator. Its tasks include evaporating water and cooling steam to 50 degrees. A rather serious disadvantage of home steam rooms of this class is that the steam generator is a very fancy device.
The steam generator provides high humidity, but the maximum air temperature is 50 degrees
For this device to function properly, the water it uses must have a certain mineral composition. Often, hard water forms scale very quickly, and the device’s jets become clogged. This problem can be solved by installing a special filtration system. If you do not follow these steps, the steam generator will fail in just two years. In addition, for the device to operate correctly, a water pressure in the water supply system of at least three bar is required. Therefore, in order to achieve proper operation of the device, it is necessary to equip it with an additional pump capable of pumping water to the required pressure.
The main advantage of the hydrobox's steam-generating function is its high humidity, which can reach up to ninety percent. This creates the impression of a sauna. Of course, such a plumbing device will not allow you to get the effect of a real steam room, since the steam temperature in them is usually no higher than 50 degrees.
Some models are also suitable for small bathrooms
The steam generator in this plumbing fixture is a rather unreliable device. This primarily applies to budget modifications produced in China. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it would be useful to discuss the issue of product installation and warranty service with the supplier before purchasing a shower cabin. It is necessary to clarify that the warranty must apply to all devices and components with which the shower box is equipped.
Choose a shower cabin option
If you have finally decided that a shower cabin and a Turkish bath, according to reviews from the owners, are a very necessary and useful thing, you should decide how to buy a reliable and inexpensive option for a Turkish bath.
- The simplicity of installing a shower cabin with the function of a Turkish steam room suggests solving the issue in one of the following ways:
- Install a roof and a steam generator with a Turkish bath function on your home shower. This cheapest option is quite suitable if the glass and plastic of your shower cabin can withstand high temperatures of 50-60°C. The main costs will be the purchase of a steam generator, power supply and installation of a good water filter for ultra-fine water purification;
- Buy an inexpensive, high-quality cabin that meets all requirements, and independently equip it for a Turkish bath;
- Choose an option from the list offered by the Chinese manufacturer, which has as options the most necessary things - a sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage, good ventilation and, most importantly, a strong and durable shower enclosure.
Advice! Any option for purchasing a shower cabin will require your personal participation in a thorough check of the quality of assembly and materials, seals and connections, the operation of doors and shower taps.
Hydroboxes with infrared heated steam rooms
Shower cabins with an infrared sauna will be a real gift for lovers of such a pastime as a bath. This procedure is not only pleasant, but also extremely useful. Today it is possible to choose a similar plumbing fixture in accordance with the dimensions of your home and stylistic preferences. In addition, the price factor is also quite flexible, and for an additional fee you can get a product equipped with any additional functions. This device is able to maintain the required temperature, which creates the feeling of a full-fledged sauna.
Models with infrared heating are the best option
Today, plumbing equipment with infrared heated steam rooms is very popular among consumers, since this spectrum of radiation has the most beneficial effect on the body.
Infrared saunas are radically different from traditional saunas. The difference lies in the heating method.
In a conventional steam room, powered by both electricity and wood, the stones are first heated, the temperature of which warms the air. He, in turn, assists in heating the human body.
Infrared heating elements work differently. The radiation thoroughly heats the human body without evaporating moisture. That is, the skin does not dry out during these procedures. Heating through infrared radiation helps to improve the health of the body. In addition, it is well tolerated even by people with cardiovascular diseases, for whom a regular steam room is contraindicated.
The infrared heating element creates the effect of a full-fledged steam room, but absolutely harmless to the body
The undoubted advantages of such a sauna include its efficiency - it heats up very quickly and consumes a small amount of electricity - from one and a half to three kilowatts. In addition, the temperature in an infrared sauna is quite comfortable, and the risk of burns and overheating is minimized. Such installations are easy to install, which allows you to set up a steam room in your home literally in a matter of hours. And one more important aspect - to install such a sauna in an apartment building, you will not need permission from any authorities.
What does the market offer?
Most often, the first purchase of a shower cabin with hydromassage and Turkish bath function is truly budget-friendly. In this segment of models there are most Chinese products. Despite a certain prejudice, Chinese shower cabins have a very good reputation if they are manufactured industrially at an enterprise and not assembled from second-rate components and spare parts.
Such models are more expensive and are often brought by sellers upon order and prepayment. A typical representative of the Chinese high-quality shower cabin range is Appollo A-0812.
This corner model has a hydromassage and steam generator to create the atmosphere of a Turkish bath. The dimensions of the sides of the base are 123 cm, the height of the entire structure is 220 cm. A salient feature is the simplicity and reliability of the body, doors, drainage systems and shower taps.
In addition to corner options, you can consider a cabin with a rectangular body similar to the Appollo A-238. The equipment and configuration option corresponds to the previous one, but the overall dimensions are smaller - an area of 142x93 cm, with a height of 216 cm.
A cheaper option may be the NG-908-01S model. This corner model is smaller in size - 90x90 cm, has a hydromassage and a Turkish bath. This bathhouse costs half as much as the previous options. In addition, the manufacturer has provided a folding seat, which in most cases is very useful in practical use.
Imported showers and baths on the market are represented by Italian and German models. For example, the Am.Pm Sense Deep 6 has an angled acrylic design. The dimensions of the shower cabin with a Turkish bath are standard - 90x90x220 cm. The model is equipped with external and internal touch controls, hydromassage and a steam generator with a Turkish bath function. Unlike other models, there is quite powerful forced ventilation not only for the shower, but also for all niches and cavities of the shower stall.
An interesting model is the Russian-made shower cabin Radomir Elis 2.
This is a box-type structure with dimensions of 168x86 cm and a height of 226 cm. The equipment includes a hydromassage and a Turkish bath. But the hydromassage system is divided into sectors with different levels of direction and power of water jets. In the lower sector, the nozzles are aimed at the lower leg and foot area; in the upper sector, the hydromassage is aimed at the lumbar region and back. The model provides precise regulation of the air temperature inside the box.
As a system for the prevention and protection against fungal formations, Alice 2 has an ozonation system for the internal space of the bathhouse. This is the safest and most effective way to combat pathogenic microflora. The model is heavy, powerful and reliable in operation, but it cannot be called cheap.
Criteria for selecting a suitable design
Before considering the features of the “filling”, it is worth paying attention to the external design features. Thus, the minimum dimensions of the structure are 90x90 cm. Designs can also differ in the depth of the tray, which sometimes reaches almost 0.5 m, making it possible to bathe a small child.
Let's consider the main criteria for choosing a suitable model of shower cabin with hammam:
- Dimensions. If you plan to use the home hammam option quite often, you need to think about a comfortable stay in the shower stall (this point is especially important for those whose height is quite impressive). Let's start with the fact that during a “visit” to the bathhouse it is important to relax properly, and doing this while standing is quite difficult. Therefore, when choosing a suitable design, pay attention to models with folding seats. Do not forget also about the shape of the structure: it must correspond to the place where it will be located (in a corner, along a wall, etc.).
Steam generator
- Steam generator power. In order to feel the full effect of a Turkish bath in a shower stall, it must produce a sufficient amount of steam. And this is only possible with a powerful steam generator. Most often, a steam generator with a power of about 2-4 kW is enough for a complete comfortable rest in a home hammam.
Advice. When choosing a steam generator of a certain type and power, remember that very powerful devices, firstly, actively “consume” electricity; secondly, they create a considerable load on the power grid. This is an important point for those who have a large number of devices connected to the network in their home.
- Steam generator volume. The larger it is, the faster the air will heat up and steam will form. But if the device turns out to be too bulky, this will also affect the size of the shower stall. The best option is a 10-15 liter steam generator, which is not very large in size and produces steam fairly quickly.
Features of the operation of shower cabins with Turkish bath function
First of all, the cabin requires periodic sanitization; the ozonation system copes best with microflora. But in cheap models it is not installed, and in some cases its operation requires special maintenance and adjustment. The acrylic plastic of the shower cabin can and should be washed, but not with any means, but with a specialized one, without deep penetration solvents. The favorite place for accumulation of fungal formations is the silicone seal at the junction of individual parts of the pallet and doors. In this case, it is better to replace the seal and completely process and dry all closed niches with equipment.
In some cases, the problem of high-quality drying of the interior space of the shower arises. Even in imported versions, the built-in fan for forced drying and ventilation is not always enough, so the doors are left open for a long time. In this case, it is easier to replace the standard motor with a more powerful one, because the built-in ventilation system is primarily designed to remove condensate that collects in closed cabin cavities.
Advice! When choosing a shower design with a Turkish bath, pay attention to the door closing system.
In high-quality options, a roller system or a sliding pattern on fluoroplastic liners is installed in the guide grooves. Most often, due to the poor quality of the rollers and liners, scuffing occurs, and the doors begin to jam even with slight contamination.
Installation features
Sauna structures are supplied with everything necessary for installation. The installation technology is no different from the standard cabin. You just need to assemble it correctly according to the included instructions. You should start with the shower stall itself, and then move on to the sauna. The last to be mounted are the hanging elements.
To connect, you will need to run a power cable from the panel and install a separate circuit breaker. Care should be taken to insulate electrical wiring from contact with steam and moisture. The connection is made to a 220 V household network.
It is imperative that all metal parts of the shower stall are grounded.
