Updated: 02/23/2020 14:40:28
Expert: Arkady Feldshtein
*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Every year, interest in shower cabins from Russians is constantly growing. Experts attribute the high popularity of these products to their wide functionality. One sanitary product can contain a Turkish bath and a Finnish sauna, a hydromassage and a tropical shower, aromatherapy and ozonation. In addition, modern shower cabins look so beautiful that they become the decoration of the room. The range of household plumbing fixtures on the Russian market is quite wide, so the choice must be taken responsibly. Moreover, the cost of some models is very high. Our experts recommend paying attention to the following parameters.
Types of shower cabins with sauna
Structurally, today there are 2 types of cabins:
- Shower cabin with sauna effect.
- Shower cabin combined with sauna.
What general appearance these structures have and how they differ visually can be seen in plumbing stores. And the first impression is made by the name itself: a shower cabin with a sauna. Photos of the equipment are in the catalogs of manufacturing companies; for the first acquaintance, it is enough to study the theoretical part, and then make a decision on the model. Each device has its own advantages and supporters. The options differ in the principles of the device and the achieved effect.
Shower cabin with steam generator advantages
The shower cabin with a sauna effect has standard dimensions and differs from a regular cabin in its built-in steam generator. The temperature in this unit does not exceed 50 degrees Celsius, which is suitable for warming up children, and this is the maximum level of comfortable temperature for the skin. A few drops of aroma oil or herbal decoctions added to the steam generator container provide aromatherapy, which significantly reduces the risk of catching colds in winter, helps calm the nerves after a hard day or, conversely, invigorate the morning, depending on the composition used.
The advantages of the device include its compactness - the dimensions correspond to standard shower cabins, which does not require additional space or additional conditions for operation and installation. The cabin fits into the dimensions of even a bathroom in a Khrushchev building; it is important to choose a small-sized model equipped with a steam generator and enjoy all the privileges of a SPA at home.
To connect to the network, a standard 220 Volt outlet is sufficient. In addition to the effects obtained personally for your own pleasure, an additional bonus is the aromatization of the entire space of the house, because if you leave the cubicle and open the doors, the smell will spread throughout the house, and this always has a good effect on the general atmosphere of the home. Many families have a shower with a sauna as their priority when changing plumbing fixtures. Reviews from users of these devices are the most favorable. Moreover, despite some disadvantages in the system.
Shower cabin with steam generator: technical additions
Mandatory conditions for successful operation of the device include installing filters for water purification and ensuring constant water pressure in the pipes. The water supply system in our conditions is far from perfect, let alone the quality. Water purification is required to eliminate hardness, due to which the steam generator nozzles quickly become clogged with deposits and become unusable. Low or fluctuating water pressure in the pipes cannot ensure normal continuous operation of the steam generator; there will simply be no steam.
Therefore, for uninterrupted use of the unit, the installation of a pump and three-stage cleaning filters is additionally required. It makes sense to install filters at the entry point of the water supply into the apartment. Thus, not only will the equipment be safe, but your own health will be less at risk.
Dushkabin two in one: advantages
For those who love fundamental warming of the whole body with the full therapeutic effect of staying in a sauna, it is recommended to install a larger device. The shower cabin, combined with a sauna, is a common box of two compartments: one is equipped with a shower, the second part is given over to an infrared sauna. The transition from the washing zone to the heating zone occurs through the door.
To some extent, this is similar to attaching an additional sauna cabin to a shower, but the support system for the combined shower cabin is common. The shower compartment is equipped according to general requirements and depending on your wishes: there can be a simple shower or a hydropanel and all the necessary accessories. The sauna section is modest in size, but comfortable in content.
Apartment solutions
Modern technologies have made it possible to make plumbing fixtures multifunctional. An ordinary shower cabin can turn into a small salon with spa treatments: sauna, hydromassage, different types of showers and aromatherapy. Installing such a complex in a home bathroom or private house will allow you to get a comfortable rest, without the need to spend money on going to the sauna every time.
The presence of a steam bath with hydromassage options makes it possible to carry out therapeutic procedures to improve health and treat certain diseases. At the same time, there are several types of home boxes with a bath. The choice of one type or another may be determined by the size of the bathroom, family budget, or contraindications for health reasons.
Small and remote sauna
According to the requirements for a traditional Finnish sauna, the walls of the cabin are lined with wooden paneling. Pine, cedar, Canadian fir, African oak or Scandinavian spruce are used for cladding. The species of these trees have low thermal conductivity, and this ensures a safe stay in the sauna: leaning or sitting on a wooden surface, you will not get burns.
Combined shower cabins with a sauna have a control panel for the heating department; most often it is located on the outside of the cabin. The temperature can be set from sixty to one hundred and twenty degrees Celsius. To control the situation inside the sauna, a hygrometer and thermometer are installed, the data is displayed on the electronic display of the control panel.
Reviews
Vitaly, Moscow : “I want to say my opinion about the Frank F901 R closed cabin, as its active user. Stylish and comfortable. The dimensions of 110x170 allow it to be installed in an ordinary apartment. There is a hydromassage, an imitation of a Finnish sauna and a Turkish bath, aromatherapy, a radio and a touch screen for settings. There is everything you need plus rounded sliding doors.”
Anatoly, Moscow : “I live in a country house and decided to arrange a bathhouse for myself. I installed the corner box Potter A-901A L. The dimensions are rather large (1.2 x 1.8 m), but two people can walk around. There is an overhead and regular shower, hydromassage, sauna and bathhouse. There are stones on an electric fireplace in the corner. Every week I enjoy and relax.”
Sauna equipment
As for the heating element, shower cabins with saunas are equipped with infrared panels. Today this is the best option for use in a home-type sauna. Even a small shower cabin with an infrared sauna has the most positive reviews, bordering on delight. Infrared heating has no effect on the environment, but while inside the cabin, you will fully warm up, get your share of warmth, relaxation and wellness.
In addition, according to pundits, infrared heat is akin to the warmth of the sun, which means good mood and health are guaranteed all year round. When deciding to purchase a miracle unit, study its energy consumption and weigh the pros and cons.
Finnish, Turkish, infrared
The most popular modifications of home saunas are the Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and infrared model. They differ from each other in the type of heating element used in them.
Let's take a closer look at these types of equipment.
For dry heat lovers
Connoisseurs of sauna relaxation are well aware that a feature of a real Finnish sauna is the use of dry and hot air, as well as the wooden decoration of the sauna room itself.
As a rule, the walls of the shower stall are made of glass or acrylic. There are expensive models in which both the walls and ceiling are made of wood.
The Finnish sauna uses dry hot air; the walls and objects in the sauna are decorated with wood. Just imagine what a pleasant smell these surfaces literally exude
The Finnish sauna is separated from the shower using a partition or door. The sauna room is heated by an electric stove. This model requires special care:
- surfaces are cleaned with a soft cloth;
- When caring for wooden sauna seats, no cleaning agents are used: the surfaces are simply rinsed;
- A soap solution is used to wash floors.
Not everyone can use a Finnish sauna. Your doctor will tell you about existing contraindications.
For those who like to steam
Steam and high humidity are characteristic features of a Turkish bath. A steam generator is used to create the necessary conditions.
In a Turkish bath, the temperature reaches 50˚C and the humidity is 100%.
The Turkish bath is distinguished by the presence of hot steam, which literally envelops you, driving away all illnesses and bad moods
The Turkish bath comes in two modifications:
- with a sauna as an additional section;
- with built-in steam source in the shower cabin.
A Turkish bath can consist of two compartments separating the shower and sauna, or of one compartment, as in this case, which successfully combines both functions
The steam generator is turned on from a special electronic panel. It also displays other functions that are available in the model.
You can see how it works in this video:
Special infrared radiation
In this model, unlike others, it is not the air around a person that is heated, but his body. This happens due to infrared (IR) radiation, which comes from special panels installed in the sauna cabin.
The cabin itself does not require significant heating. You just need to connect the lamps to a power source. The radiation emanating from them will warm up your body.
The advantage of an infrared bath is that the air in it remains unchanged, your breathing will not be difficult
The advantages of this model are as follows:
- an infrared sauna is used as a health and preventive remedy;
- There are no age restrictions for its use, but you should definitely consult a doctor about how safe it is for you;
- it is impossible to get burned in it due to the absence of hot elements; it is easy to breathe unheated air with normal oxygen content;
- under infrared rays the body sweats more actively;
- Cellular metabolism is enhanced, resulting in a rapid restorative effect and calories are burned.
Any influence on the human body changes its condition. This means that before you buy an infrared bath, you need to make sure that your health will not be damaged during the procedures.
Installation and connection
A shower cabin with a sauna has different sizes; before choosing an option for your apartment, carefully measure everything and only then go shopping. Installing a regular shower stall is not much different from installing combined equipment. The dimensions of the shower cabin with a sauna are slightly larger than that of a voluminous hydrobox with a deep bath. If we are talking about a small-sized apartment, then give preference to a shower cabin with a steam generator - you will receive full warmth and wellness treatments and will not clutter up the bathroom space.
Connecting the shower cabin to the drainage system requires attention in terms of the tightness of all components and a preliminary check of the quality of the connections before the final installation of the box. The connection to the water supply is standard and does not require additional equipment.
Brief overview of the best models and manufacturers
The leading positions in shower cabin ratings are occupied by the following brands:
- AM.PM;
- Atlantis;
- Aquapol;
- Eger;
- Niagara;
- AquaStream;
- Luxus;
- Ravak;
- GM;
- Keramac;
- Apollo;
- Radaway;
- Sansa;
- Koller Pool.
These are reliable manufacturing companies whose products rarely have serious complaints. At the same time, there are no universal models that would appeal to all customers without exception. We offer an overview of shower stalls that are in greatest demand:
Image gallery
Photo from
AM.PM. Bourgeois - a comfortable model
Equipment of the Niagara NG 908S model
Functions of the shower cabin Luxus 532
Aquapol AKL-900 L – smooth lines and versatility
The lists of the most popular shower stalls include Chinese models. Don't be afraid of the country of origin.
The listed brands do not disappoint customers, and their production facilities monitor the quality of their products. It is among the Chinese models that it is easiest to find a multifunctional cabin at an affordable price.
Safety precautions
A do-it-yourself shower cabin with a sauna is installed taking into account safety requirements. First of all, this concerns waterproofing; there should be no contact between electrical wiring and water at all. It is necessary to ground every part of the combined box, right down to the metal frame of the shower stall; all metal equipment in the bathroom also requires grounding.
The sauna compartment is connected to the power supply using a separately laid powerful cable, provided with protection and a two-pole circuit breaker in case of an emergency. Even if you are confident in your abilities, consultation and participation of a specialist in installation work is preferable to amateur work.
As for the sequence of assembly of the structure itself, the shower part is assembled first, and then the sauna part. Before starting work, read the instructions, or better yet, entrust the work to professionals.
Shower cabins with a sauna will be one of the most successful purchases for your home and will delight the whole family.
