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.
Occupied space
Tiny bathrooms, alas, still remain the main problem of our apartments. But we use this room not only for washing, so we also want to place here a washing machine, a basket for dirty laundry, and all kinds of shelves and cabinets for storing everything we need. Do you really have to give up something? Give up the bathtub in favor of a shower stall, and then even in a modest-sized bathroom, there will probably be room for all of the above.
Moreover, for a bathtub in which you can relax with your legs stretched out, there are often simply not enough meters: the owners of such “doll” apartments, as a rule, have to be content with a medium-sized bowl, where they will no longer be able to lie down. If the architects, when creating the project, thought about anything but the comfort of future residents, as a result of which the bathroom turned out to be long but narrow, a shower stall becomes the only acceptable solution.
A walk-in shower is typically touted as a great space-saving option, and in principle it is. However, before making a final decision, we strongly recommend that you visit a plumbing store and take a closer look at the shower stalls. It will be good if, having received the consent of the sellers, you even stand in the cabin that you intend to purchase. With a high probability, you will find that a modest-sized cabin is not very comfortable for you, and a spacious one is already so large that the coveted space saving becomes illusory.
In addition, do not forget that the height of the shower stall is at least two meters. Being placed in the bathroom of a typical apartment, where the ceilings are usually quite low, it will create a feeling of crampedness, even if it occupies a small area.
Let's also remember about such wealth as shampoos, shower gels, scrubs, masks, creams... I want all this (or almost all) to be at hand while washing. You can hang more than one shelf above the bathtub, and there can be a lot of jars and tubes on the sides of the bathtub itself. In the shower stall, of course, you can also hang shelves, but, firstly, they will “eat up” a lot of space in an already cramped stall, and secondly, be prepared for the fact that due to the cramped space you will regularly hit something and drop it.
Good food for thought...
Water consumption
The widespread introduction of individual water consumption meters has finally forced us to think seriously about saving, and in the dispute between a bathtub and a shower stall, a new argument has appeared. The volume of a medium-sized bath is about 200 liters. This is the amount of water you will spend swimming. Repeating this procedure every night may be too expensive for many.
Those who prefer to rinse in the shower spend three to four times less water, which means that installing a shower cabin leads to a significant reduction in utility bills, and therefore is beneficial for the family budget.
Here the word “but” appears again... It’s not for nothing that we used the verb “rinse” above, implying that you will spend a few minutes in the shower just to wash off the dirt and sweat from your body. If you prefer to take your time, if you love to sing while in the shower, if you like to stand for a long time under tight streams of water, then this means that each time you spend no less water than you need to fill the bath. Of course, there can be no talk of saving in this case.
Multifunctionality
What is the bathtub for? Of course, for water hygiene procedures. The answer is correct, but not complete. It is common for Russian people to look for alternative ways to use things and objects that seem to have very specific functions, and the bath is no exception. So, we think...
Firstly , the bathtub is washable. Of course, almost every home today has a washing machine. However, sometimes there is a need to wash some bulky and heavy items - curtains, bedspreads, winter clothes, etc. And this is where a large bath bowl comes to the rescue. Here you can also place a basin with items made of delicate fabric, which many housewives simply do not dare to entrust to the washing machine.
Secondly , you can wash dishes in the bathroom if necessary. Of course, there is a kitchen sink for this purpose. But how can you scrub the baking tray without pouring water on the floor? Or wash a ten-liter saucepan that simply doesn’t fit in the sink?
Thirdly , a bath is an indispensable thing for dog owners. Furry pets need to be bathed periodically, and their paws need to be washed after every walk. And if you can try bathing a Chihuahua, Toy Terrier or Pekingese in a basin, then what should owners of large dogs do?
Fourthly , the bath allows you to store a supply of water if necessary. In our country, an announcement on the entrance door about a planned or emergency shutdown of water is almost commonplace. It happens that cold water is turned off for a day or more. And without water, as you know, you can’t go here or there. What to do? In anticipation of the upcoming “drought,” simply fill a spacious bathtub bowl.
Fifthly , a bath will help extend the life of flowers. After all, they sometimes give you bouquets? Well, at least on the occasion of a major event, for example, an anniversary? (Although, for sure, there are still romantics who shower their women with roses for no reason...) How I want to preserve this splendor longer! And for this, it is better to leave flowers that stand in a vase during the day in cool water at night. And here again the bath comes to the rescue.
How, besides washing, can you use a shower stall? In which of the above situations can she come to the rescue? Alas, the shower cannot boast of such versatility...
If it comes to comparing a bathtub and a shower cabin, we can mention one more function of the bathtub: it can play the role of... a shower. If you don't have the time or desire to soak in warm water, you can take a shower in the bathroom. All you need for this is a curtain that will prevent water pouring from the watering can from getting onto the floor. The ability to replace your direct competitor is one-sided: you can take a shower in the bathroom, but you can’t swim in the shower.
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... The internal size of the booths is 6-7 cm smaller than the external one.
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 the floor covering, 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 cabins may have are not available even for the most modern bathtub models. For example, these:
- Tropical 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 a regular bath, a 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 that can operate in Turkish bath and tropical shower modes. 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 beneficial substances, and are then fed into the interior of the shower stall.
- Ventilation . Steam and small splashes of water create increased humidity inside the 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 domestic use. Such models are expensive, but their capabilities are very extensive.
- Illumination (chromotherapy) . The upper part of the shower stalls has 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 of cold and hot water in turn.
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. The operation of the system is ensured by magnetic valves. Including vertical hydromassage, you can stand or sit. This does not change the health benefits
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 last for many years, special attention should be paid to 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 for many 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:
What's best for children
In families with small children, the question “What to choose – a bathtub or a shower?” doesn't even get up. For young parents, the answer is obvious – definitely a bath.
It is difficult to imagine how you can bathe a newborn baby in the shower, who requires especially careful care for his delicate skin. A simple ablution under running water will not allow you to do this fully. In addition, by refusing a bath in favor of a shower, you are depriving your baby of his first pool, but swimming is very useful for strengthening the muscle corset.
So what is next? In a year, in three, in five? For a long time, the baby will need the help of mom or dad while washing - soaping his back, rinsing his hair, scrubbing his blackened knees from crawling on the ground and his belly painted with felt-tip pens... In the shower, you will have to do this with one hand, since the other will have to hold the removable watering can so as not to get wet yourself and do not flood the floor outside the cabin. We warn those who are just planning to have a child: some preschoolers often manage to get so dirty that only a long soak in the bathroom can save the situation.
Now let's try to look at this issue through the eyes of a child. What do you think your child will prefer? Undoubtedly, a child will be much more willing to play in the bathroom than to take a shower. After all, a bath is not just a vessel filled with water, but a small sea is a source of delight and joy. Be sure that your child will not exchange a bath for anything.
The bath is more practical
In modern realities, many are faced with the problem of turning off water. It is the bath that allows you to stock up on enough water without using buckets, bottles and basins. You can soak clothes and wash delicate items in the bathtub. Also, the bathtub is always equipped with a shower head, so the home owner has a choice - to quickly rinse off or comfortably soak in warm water. If you only need to wash your hair, it is more convenient to do it under the tap, leaning over the bathtub, rather than under the shower.
According to pet owners, it is more convenient to wash their pets in the bathtub, especially large dogs.
Accessibility for people with disabilities
We talked about the children, it’s time to remember about the parents. Most older people will undoubtedly prefer a shower stall. The fact is that over the years, joint mobility decreases, muscle strength decreases, and it becomes more and more difficult for an elderly person to overcome such an obstacle as the side of a bathtub. People with various injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system face the same problem. Getting into the bath can be an overwhelming and even dangerous task for them.
Entering the shower stall is much easier. If necessary, you can even dispense with a low tray by installing a drain directly at floor level. If it is difficult for your loved one to stand while washing in the shower, you can buy a shower stall with a seat. In addition, such a seat will allow you not to worry that the old man may suddenly become dizzy during water procedures.
Let us also recall that for some ailments, a bath is completely included in the list of taboos. First of all, we are talking about people with high blood pressure and/or cardiovascular diseases. Immersion in hot water can lead to a serious deterioration in their well-being, but being in the shower is not contraindicated for them.
Results
A shower stall is certainly a useful thing, although not cheap. Hundreds of people enjoy using these products and appreciate the wide range of functions.
At the same time, we can advise those who are planning to acquire such a product:
- Before purchasing a cabin, talk with knowledgeable people about the location of its installation and the arrangement of the necessary communications.
- If you plan to buy a cabin with many functions, check with your plumbers about the water pressure by time of day.
- Do not install a cabin that does not have a tray in an apartment building without consulting with knowledgeable people.
- If you are planning to install a cabin in a small room, carefully calculate the possible costs when purchasing a ready-made cabin and assembling it yourself from sold components.
Relaxation
Nothing better than water will allow you to relax and unwind after a hard day. The effectiveness of relaxation largely depends on which water procedures you choose.
The shower cabin will easily provide you with the opportunity to relax your body and soul. Submit your tired muscles to the directed jets of water that beat under strong pressure from the wall nozzles, and in a few minutes you will feel as wonderful as after a professional massage session.
By the way, the nozzles can be mounted at different levels, which will allow each family member, including the little ones, to regularly enjoy this type of hydromassage. The soft pressure of water flowing from the ceiling shower will create the effect of summer rain and help calm overexcited nerves. Some models are equipped with steam generators, which allows you to simulate the microclimate of a bathhouse inside the shower cabin.
As you can see, it is quite possible to relax in the shower. But how can this compare with the possibilities that a bath provides you? Only in the bathroom can you lie quietly, closing your eyes and stretching your legs. Only in the bathroom can you soak in the fragrant foam and enjoy the smell of essential oils. Only in the bathroom is your skin deeply steamed, which guarantees that it retains its elasticity and blooming appearance, and gives you a feeling of lightness and good mood. Only in the bathroom can you finally retire to your favorite book - here, for sure, no one will distract you.
You can also spend pleasant moments alone with your significant other in the bathroom. Will you be able to enjoy the flickering of candles in your soul? Drink champagne? Throw rose petals across the waves? Having intimate conversations, after all? It is unlikely that you will choose a shower stall if you still have at least a little romance left in you.
Equipped with additional functions
In terms of functionality, the bathtub cannot be compared with a modern shower cabin. The first is just a snow-white container without any frills, while the second looks a little like a spaceship. Using the buttons on the shower cabin control panel, you can adjust the water temperature, its pressure and delivery method.
Smart sensors will give the command to dispense a portion of liquid soap as soon as you raise your hand to the dispenser. Manufacturers have even taken care of those who like to sing while standing under elastic streams of water: waterproof speakers will fill the shower stall with pleasant music. Some showers can easily be turned into a real sauna - they are decorated with special heat-insulating materials, equipped with steam generators and equipped with control systems.
Of course, the more additional functions a shower cabin is equipped with, the higher its cost. But you will go to any lengths to feel like the lord of water.
Care and cleaning
Every housewife wants the place where hygiene procedures are carried out to be sparkling clean, but, alas, not everyone has a free minute to polish it up. What is easier to clean – the smooth surfaces of the bathtub or the numerous protrusions of the technical elements of the shower stall, which also has high walls? The answer, we think, is obvious.
Drops of water on the transparent walls of the shower stall, if they are not wiped off in a timely manner, turn into unsightly stains. However, you will not limit yourself to wiping the walls and doors of the cabin after each session of water procedures. Every time the cabin must be thoroughly dried: insufficient ventilation in a closed space leads to the rapid proliferation of various microorganisms and, as a result, to the appearance of fungus, mold and unpleasant odors.
Pallet materials
An important indicator of the advantages of a shower stall is its rectangular, corner or oval-shaped tray.
Most often they are made from acrylic and other plastics. The advantage of acrylic is that it is easy to care for and has a pleasant surface that heats up quickly. A special feature of a tray made of enameled cast iron is its extreme strength and reliability, the ability to retain heat for a long time after slow heating.
A steel pallet is not inferior in strength to a cast iron one. It can also be enameled or made of stainless steel. This pan warms up almost immediately, but also cools down quickly.
Ceramic and earthenware pallets are aesthetically pleasing and durable. However, they require careful handling due to their fragility. Pallets made from artificial stone stand out for their beauty, strength and durability. They retain heat for a long time.
