A small bathroom can also be comfortable if you approach it wisely. The main place is occupied by the bathtub, which means you need to choose a model that combines functionality and comfort with compact dimensions. And the best option here is a sitz bath, which will fit perfectly into any interior.
Sitz baths for small bathrooms
Sitz bath in the interior
The main differences between sitz baths
Today, sitz baths in certain cases are not a disadvantage of a small room, but a necessity dictated by old age or illness of one of the family members. More specifically, sitz bathing is absolutely necessary:
- for gynecological ailments, as well as problems of the genitourinary system;
- for disabled people suffering from problems with the musculoskeletal system, as well as people of advanced age;
- for skin diseases;
- for heart diseases;
- in case of circulatory or digestive problems;
- for nervous disorders;
- people suffering from diabetes.
Note! To speed up the recovery of a family member, as well as to make changes to the interior, you can purchase and install a sitting structure, a photo of which you will find in this article.
In small bathrooms, small bathtubs are still very relevant; moreover, if the need arises, they can be installed even in ordinary bathrooms as an auxiliary plumbing fixture. Of course, it is not easy to take a traditional shower in such a bath, so a regular shower stall can be located nearby (of course, if the free space allows it).
Advantages and disadvantages
It is quite possible to fill a small bathroom with coziness and provide high functionality with the help of a sitz bath. Such plumbing is optimal for bathing an adult of any height, children, and seriously ill people. Such products are also actively used for the purpose of carrying out various types of medical procedures.
In other words, sitz baths have many advantages:
- compact dimensions - such sanitary ware does not take up much free space, so it fits well into small bathrooms;
- economical water consumption - this advantage is especially important for baths for the elderly, disabled, and young families with low incomes;
- provides a person with the opportunity to take a bath in a sitting position. In some cases, this is the only possible position for comfortable procedures in the bathroom. For example, pregnant women should not be completely immersed in hot water, and sick or disabled people sometimes simply cannot take a lying position;
- affordable price in comparison with large-sized models.
But sitz baths also have disadvantages that will be most acutely felt by an adult who loves to soak in the bathtub. The main one is the inability to assume a lying position. Therefore, you need to purchase such a bathroom only after carefully understanding the design features.
Review of popular models of sitz bathtubs – features, parameters and prices
Let's take a look at some of the models that were popular at the time of publication of the article. We will not focus on any one manufacturing material - we will try to cover the entire range. For the convenience of visitors, all information is presented in the form of a small table.
Table. Review of some models of sitz baths.
| Name, photo | Main characteristics | Average market value, in rubles |
| 1. Roca Banaseo 100×70 | Cast iron seating structure from a well-known Spanish manufacturer. The volume of the bowl here is 88 liters, and the dimensions of the bath itself are 43x70x100 centimeters (height, width and length, respectively). | From 27190 |
| 2. Aquanet Fregate | High-quality acrylic model of joint Russian-Slovenian production. Corner type, with side massage and the possibility of installing a hydromassage system. Capacity – 210 liters, dimensions – 120x120 centimeters. | 15 767 – 31603 |
| 3. Radomir Taharat | Domestic acrylic model of rectangular shape. The color of the product is white. The dimensions of the model are 120x80 centimeters. | 23850 |
| 4. Alpen Nila 120×120 | Another model, this time a joint Austrian-Polish production. Still made of acrylic (a very popular material), the dimensions of the product are 120x120 centimeters. | 28760 |
| 5. Relisan Polina | Polish sitting model made of acrylic corner type. The capacity of the bath is 200 liters and the depth is 43 centimeters. Product dimensions – 120x120 centimeters. | 19505 |
| 6. Alpen Mars 120 | Another model from the manufacturer mentioned above, still made of white acrylic. The volume of the bowl in this case is 135 liters, and the design dimensions are 120x70 centimeters. The shape is rectangular. | 11630 |
| 7. Akrilan Laguna del Tesoro | Corner design of domestic production, acrylic, aero- and hydromassage functions are provided. The volume of this model is 200 liters, and the dimensions are 120x120 centimeters. | 14 645 – 67940 |
Varieties
The design has various forms. You can look at all the options in the photo on the Internet or in a catalog and choose the one you like. There are shapes in the form of various figures - irregular triangle, oval, square, rectangle. For convenience, they are made with rounded outlines. The main types of sitz baths are as follows:
- With a shelf. In this design, a shelf was initially thought out. You can put cosmetics, washcloths and other accessories on it.
- With armrests. Made and designed for better placement while swimming.
- With a door. This allows you to comfortably use the plumbing and facilitates placement and entry.
- With hydromassage. This is an optional feature that can be built into the design itself.
- Corner. A Khrushchev apartment with its small bathroom requires maximum space saving. When using a corner bath, you can achieve your goal.
About the functionality of a sitz bath
In this case, functionality means additional features - useful options that allow you to get the maximum level of comfort during water procedures, as well as expanding standard capabilities.
These include:
- installation of hydromassage;
- installation of a player/receiver to listen to music during water procedures;
- installation of air massage;
- arrangement of special lamps necessary for non-traditional treatment (photo and light therapy).
Note! Depending on the number of these additional options in the model you choose, its final cost decreases/increases.
Compact baths: desired or forced choice
According to many unofficial sources, the sitz bath was created for therapeutic and hygienic purposes for people with disabilities. Such a statement could be accepted as true if such plumbing equipment had not been installed in small one-room apartments of the “Soviet” era: sitz baths - for small bathrooms.
Sitz baths are in great demand among small bathrooms.
And indeed, how can you use the modest space allocated for hygiene procedures even more wisely than by installing appropriately sized plumbing fixtures?!
It is worth noting that many people try to place a bathtub and shower together. Taking a shower and taking a bath are procedures that are significantly different in the degree and characteristics of thermal, mechanical and chemical effects on the human body. Alternating them is the optimal opportunity to fully use the healing properties of water. In such cases, compact plumbing options are also suitable.
Today you can find a bathtub size of 1 meter in a spacious room of a modern private house or in a two-level apartment. This choice is determined by the preference of the owners. The models of plumbing fixtures chosen are not classic bathtubs of small dimensions, but containers of various shapes with additional functionality.
A huge selection of small-sized plumbing fixtures confirms the demand for it. Regardless of the reasons behind the choice: taste, physical features or the size of the room, the bath should be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Sitz baths are taken exclusively while sitting, which cannot be said about showers and regular baths.
Sitz baths - possible sizes
You will be able to choose the most suitable bathtub for each specific case, since modern manufacturers have ensured that on the market you can find high-quality models of any size, shape, design, as well as materials used in manufacturing. There are many possible sizes, but the most popular are the following:
- 70x100 centimeters;
- 70x120 centimeters;
- 70x150 centimeters;
- 110x120 centimeters.
It should also be noted that a sitz bath can have any configuration; it can be equipped with handrails, steps, comfortable seats and many other devices that turn routine water procedures into moments of true pleasure. For example, backlit models or designs that are recessed into the floor look great. But at the same time, you must remember that a bathtub with non-standard dimensions will cost more (more about prices a little later).
Video - Sitz baths that are built into a niche
Tips for choosing
If your home does not have a spacious bathroom, and you want to place in this room not only a sink, toilet, bathtub, but also a washing machine, design experts advise choosing a seating product. The variety of types of such plumbing fixtures today is very wide. The choice of shapes and manufacturing materials has expanded, which allows everyone to decide which model is most suitable for them.
| Selection criterion | Expert advice |
| Size | In order to understand what size model is suitable for a particular room, you need to take measurements of the free space in which you plan to install the product. |
| Material | The most durable, wear-resistant material is cast iron, but it has a very impressive weight, which is why cast iron bowls are often large in size. For a small bathroom, it is better to prefer an acrylic or steel bowl; they are cheaper, practical, light in weight, and easy to use. |
| Price | Cast iron is recognized as the most expensive material for making sitz baths today, while steel is considered the cheapest option. An option that is too cheap and of dubious origin should be rejected outright, otherwise it is difficult to predict how long such a model will last and how easy it will be to use. A quality product always has a certificate and passport indicating technical characteristics. |
| Color | The classic option is white sanitary ware, but if you wish, you can find options for a different color scheme. But we note that such products cost several times more than classics. |
What shape can the structure take?
And the shape of a sitz bath can be very diverse. These can be, for example, standard rectangular structures, as well as round or oval. The best option for a small bathroom is a triangular corner seat design. And if you want to simplify the ablution process for an elderly member of your family, we recommend giving preference to a model equipped with a door. The last bath can save a person from the time-consuming (and in some cases it really is) step over the side - instead, he will enter through the door, and then, after closing it, he can draw hot water. When the procedures are completed, the water will need to be drained, and only then can the door be opened.
Seated structures with hydromassage systems are extremely popular today - they are distinguished by the fact that they perform several functions simultaneously (cleanse the body, restore the elasticity of blood vessels and normalize blood circulation; they also stimulate the functioning of the digestive system, kidneys and heart).
Also, the baths described may vary depending on the material used in manufacturing; from this point of view they can be:
- cast iron;
- steel;
- acrylic.
Let's take a closer look at each of the categories. Let's start with the first one.
Sizes and shapes
Corner mini-bath is one of the most popular models. Agree, if the bathroom area is so small that there is simply not enough space to install both a shower and a bathtub, then a corner mini-bath is the only option. Of course, the lying position for this type of bath is only available to a child. Manufacturers offer mini-baths in a variety of shapes: triangular, oval, quadrangular, with rounded edges, etc. There are bathtubs of even the most unusual shapes, which are already special design developments and are intended for a specific interior.
The shape of the bathtub plays an important role in the interior of the bathroom. After all, you can choose a bathtub that is narrow but long. Then the feeling of bathing in such a bath will be practically no different from the process in a standard-sized bath. And such a bathtub will take up much less space. This way you will save already limited space. Or use it usefully to install, for example, a shelf or a pencil case for small items and bathroom accessories. Many manufacturers design mini-baths with maximum comfort in mind, so that you can at least sit in a reclining position. And if this is a sit-down mini-bath, then it should also be comfortable.
A bowl-shaped mini-bath is an equally attractive model. During operation, the owner is convinced not only of its efficiency in the space it occupies, but also of its comfort. It is quite deep, so plunging into a sea of foam and relaxing is an affordable pleasure that such a bath can provide. In general, mini-baths usually have an irregular shape. Based on this, they can be classified into asymmetrical, deep and sessile. Experts say that a short and wide bathtub is considered the most comfortable. Such parameters are completely satisfied by a corner bathtub.
Related article: How to connect the kitchen and living room together?
Cast iron models are timeless classics
Sedentary models made of cast iron can rightfully be considered a leader in the ranking of plumbing fixtures, since they have all the advantages required for carrying out full-fledged medical procedures.
In particular, these benefits include:
- long service life;
- resistance to rust and various types of mechanical damage;
- reliability;
- high strength indicators.
Note! Cast iron bathtubs of a sit-down design maintain the required water temperature for a long time, in addition, they weigh a lot, which ensures their stability (and this is important for safe water procedures).
On the modern market there are small cast iron structures, including those equipped with doors. They usually cost more than models made from other materials, but they will not require replacement or major repairs for at least several decades. If you wish, you can purchase/order a bathtub of a non-standard shape, but this will increase the price even more.
Application
First, let's define the terminology: what size bathtub can be classified as a mini? There are no clear dimensions provided, but if we adhere to the standard with a length of 150-170 cm, a width of 70-75 cm, then everything smaller than this can be classified as mini-baths.
Once upon a time, finding a non-standard bathtub was very difficult. Now this problem has disappeared. You can purchase a ready-made copy or order it according to your parameters.
Steel models - comfort at low cost
Such a sitz bath is relatively inexpensive, so it has become increasingly popular in recent years, while being distinguished by its increased strength and relatively low weight. These structures are extremely easy to install, they do not require special care, however, the water in them cools down quite quickly due to the high thermal conductivity of steel; therefore, the therapeutic effect of taking water procedures in steel bowls is very insignificant. When choosing a steel model, you should focus on options in a plastic case, filled from the inside with polyurethane foam - in this case, the thermal conductivity of the walls is reduced, the water temperature remains longer, and there will be less noise when filling.
As for the disadvantages of steel structures, the main one is corrosion, which develops when the outer enamel/acrylic layer is damaged. And if you do not repair the surface in a timely manner, then due to rusting processes the bathtub will very quickly turn into a pile of metal (read: additional funds will be required to purchase and install plumbing fixtures).
What are they made of?
The materials used can be very varied:
- Acrylic. Durable and elastic material. You can easily give it any shape, even the most exotic. A product made from this material does not require special care. It has all the positive characteristics of cast iron and steel.
- Cast iron. Durable material, but heavy. Retains heat perfectly and is not subject to corrosion.
- Steel. Light weight, during installation requires the installation of noise-insulating materials.
Acrylic models of sitz bathtubs - stylish and modern
Models made of acrylic have numerous advantages, among which we note only the most important:
- light weight;
- reliability;
- a huge selection of available colors and configurations;
- high strength;
- ease of installation;
- long service life (at least 10 years).
Note also that the water in such baths does not cool down for quite a long time. Any cracks or damage to the acrylic surface can be easily repaired. If you are planning to purchase an acrylic bathtub, we recommend giving preference to models from domestic manufacturers, since products from imported companies require the installation of auxiliary cleaning filters, and in addition, expensive detergents will be needed for maintenance. With the right surroundings, a compact acrylic bathtub can become a good place to relax, protecting you from annoying problems.
Note! Compact sitz bathtubs made of acrylic, photographs of which are given in this article, can become a decoration for any bathroom.
Choosing the material of manufacture
The market offers models not only of different sizes and shapes, but also made from a variety of materials. And this is great, because you can choose a product that suits you perfectly and fits perfectly into the proposed interior.
Wood: collaboration with natural material
What could be more natural than quality wood? After all, we all know that the famous Russian bathhouse was built entirely from solid wood. For this reason, the wooden sitz bathtub is becoming increasingly popular and in demand today.
The compact font is made of larch, beech, oak or cedar. These types of wood allow it not to lose its attractiveness for many years and, in addition, such a bath will not develop fungus or mold, which can harm human health.
The wooden model is ideally designed for water procedures. Doing this in such a font is both pleasant and useful
When making a bowl from wood, it is treated with special moisture-resistant compounds, which, with proper care, significantly increase its useful life. Not only the bathtub itself can be wooden, but also the accessories that surround it, helping it to fit organically into any interior.
When varnished, the wooden model makes a very favorable impression. You want to touch it, stroke its surface and, of course, use it for its intended purpose. A tree is part of living nature: the substances it secretes are not capable of causing an allergic reaction. But not everyone is financially able to have such a model.
The only disadvantage of this choice, which you definitely need to know about, is that this bowl can only be used for bathing
You cannot do laundry, wash animals, or thoroughly wash yourself in such a bath; as a rule, these products are intended for short-term use.
Acrylic - the leader of modern plumbing
Wood is a good but expensive option. Moreover, there is also quite affordable acrylic, which really is the leader of the modern plumbing market.
Global commodity producers place their main emphasis on this material. Bowls of all kinds of colors and the most bizarre shapes are made from it. If your bathroom lacks brightness and appeal, then an acrylic hot tub is what you need. As a finishing touch, it is appropriate to use dim lighting that maintains intrigue and mystery.
As for external effects, no other model can compare with an acrylic bathtub. However, it is also convenient to use
With the help of a modest acrylic bowl, you can literally transform the most ordinary room. The fact is that acrylic can imitate very expensive materials. This will create the illusion of onyx or marble. Against the backdrop of wallpaper depicting natural silk, such a bathtub can both surprise and delight.
If the lighting design of the room and high-quality plumbing complement the interior, your bathroom will have the opportunity to look not just neat, but luxurious.
Acrylic sitz baths are produced by both foreign and domestic companies. The advantage of acrylic plumbing fixtures produced in Russia can be considered its better suitability to the quality of our water.
Our acrylic bathtubs are prepared for more severe operating conditions, so they can be considered more reliable and durable.
Relatively inexpensive steel
Steel models are not as heavy as cast iron products. However, they attract their customers not with their weight, but with their relatively low cost. But during the operation of steel hot tubs, some shortcomings are revealed, about which we want to warn you in advance.
- Steel has high thermal conductivity. It quickly releases heat to the environment. You won’t have to soak in such a bath: the water in it will cool down very quickly. For some medical procedures, this very circumstance may turn out to be an insurmountable obstacle.
- When operating such a product, you should carefully monitor the integrity of its outer coating. In these baths, its layer is usually thin. If the coating is not restored, the bowl may fail because it will become covered with rust.
A steel bathtub can also look very attractive. If you solve the problem with its thermal conductivity, it can become a decoration for your bathroom
Knowing about the shortcomings of steel products, manufacturers are looking for a way out of the situation and are trying to improve the design of the font. The steel is equipped with a plastic body, and the cavity between the body and the base is filled with a special filler, the thermal conductivity of which is low.
In this case, the heat of the water is saved, and the water jet does not make a sharp sound when hitting the protected bottom of the bath.
Solid cast iron products
Heavy cast iron bathtubs are still preserved in old houses. Their owners are in no hurry to part with them for a very simple reason: heavy weight is practically the only drawback of this model.
And it manifests itself only in one case, when the bathtub has to be transported.
If you have a cast iron sitz bath and don't need a variety of water treatments for medical reasons, then why not keep what you already have
But the undoubted advantages of cast iron are:
- the ability to retain the heat of the water filling the bowl;
- long service life;
- high resistance to mechanical damage.
It is not the font itself that may be damaged, but its enamel coating. But this problem can be successfully solved if you place an acrylic liner in the old bathtub or apply a new acrylic or enamel coating to its surface.
Selection Criteria – Find out what to look for!
If you intend to purchase the bathtub described in the article and have already decided on the material and design, but would like to avoid any difficulties during installation/operation, we recommend that you follow the tips below.
- First, decide where exactly the plumbing fixture will be located (if you haven’t done so before).
- Next, take measurements and determine what dimensions a suitable model should have, taking into account the age of all family members, as well as their anatomical features.
- If the bathroom area is small, plan the option of installing a corner type model.
- As for the color, it is advisable that the bathtub you choose be light - this will visually increase the size of the room, and in the future it will not create psychological discomfort.
- Directly in the store, when choosing a suitable model, be sure to check the enamel for quality - there should be no cracks, chips or other defects, the thickness of the outer layer should be sufficient, and the surface itself should be smooth.
- Finally, make sure that the location of the holes for connecting the necessary communications corresponds to the distance between the systems in your bathroom.
Only in this case, the sitz bath you choose will fully suit the requirements and features of the room itself.
Additional features
Regardless of the size of the sitz bathtub, it can be equipped with additional features. A bathtub with a screen is considered very convenient, since this design allows you to efficiently dispose of household chemicals and bathroom cleaning items.
A bathtub for the disabled with a door is very convenient. The fact is that often people with poor health or any diseases of the musculoskeletal system are simply not able to step over the high side of a standard-configured bathroom. It is precisely for these buyers that a bathtub with a door is optimal, the opening of which deprives a person of the need to raise his feet high. This bath is optimal for older people or kindergarten-age children.
If the model is selected for people who suffer from back pain, it would be a good idea to pay attention to such an additional function as hydromassage.
Do not think that hydromassage equipment will require additional space, which will reduce the convenience of the bathroom. It is mounted on smaller bathtubs and is completely hidden under special curves. For this reason, such equipment does not take up additional space.
Key rules for installing sitz baths
Let’s make a reservation right away that a sitz bath is generally installed in almost the same way as any other with a regular bowl. It is quite possible to do the job yourself, the main thing is that you have the necessary tools, minimal skills in working with plumbing equipment, as well as detailed step-by-step instructions.
The installation process itself must necessarily include:
- preparatory activities;
- skid, bathtub fastening;
- connection to the sewer system;
- grounding;
- sealing joints and gaps;
- screen installation;
- and finally, decorative finishing.
Khrushchevka
As already described above, the size of the rooms in an apartment in Khrushchev does not exceed 4 square meters. And something needs to be done about this. In what situations is it better to use a large bathtub, and in what situations should you take a smaller tank? Let's talk about this.
Naturally, everything depends on desires and needs. If you don’t plan anything else in the bathroom other than a washbasin and a tank (maximum a wall-mounted pencil case or a cabinet), you can afford a luxurious bathtub 1.7 meters long. But even if there is a centralized water supply and hot water does not depend on the heater, such baths are 0.4-0.8 meters wide. This parameter must also be taken into account during installation. Moreover, these sizes are quite suitable for comfortable water procedures for one person.
If you plan to have more functional content in the bathroom, for example, a washing machine, some furniture, a laundry basket, for example, a washbasin, etc., you can get by with a sit-down bathtub. It can be only 0.9 m long, which will save a lot of space for other elements. Moreover, modern sitz baths are the most convenient thing. Most of them are equipped with comfortable handles and a seat. Taking such a bath is also comfortable, with the difference that you cannot recline in it.
Another way to organize a small space is to install a shower stall. And here we need to make a clarification. Some shower cabins have a full-fledged bathing tank, large enough to comfortably take water procedures.
Now let's take a look at the types of tanks that can be installed in small bathrooms:
Rectangular ones are a relative standard, so we’ll spend less time on them. Let's take a look at others. Oval and round bathrooms are suitable if no further installations are planned in the apartment. Then you can perfectly place one tank even in the middle of the room and enjoy exclusively water treatments. The same goes for square bathrooms. Despite the fact that they are easier to place against the wall, due to their shape, they will take up enough actual and visual space.
Corner baths are a real way to further save space. They usually go 1/3 of a circle.
What might be required at work?
You are required to prepare all the necessary tools in advance, based on the list below, in order to avoid slowing down the work process due to the lack of one or another device. More specifically, you will need:
- chisel;
- drain fittings;
- building level;
- silicone based sealant;
- polyurethane foam;
- corrugated pipes for drainage (diameter 5 centimeters - for steel/acrylic bathtubs, 4 centimeters - for cast iron);
- pencil;
- keys;
- screwdriver;
- insulating tape;
- tape measure (alternatively, you can use a simple ruler);
- saw;
- knife;
- Bulgarian;
- and finally a hammer.
After preparing everything you need, you can proceed directly to the work process.
Steel bath weight
Metal baths are often also called iron baths. Steel and cast iron are alloys of iron and carbon; the materials differ in the percentage of these components, which determines the difference in properties.
Steel bath 180×80.
Steel baths are about 5 times lighter than cast iron, although steel is a heavier material. Due to the greater strength of the wall, steel products do not need to be made thick - the standard size is 2-3 mm. If they are thinner, there is a possibility of their deformation under load.
Weight depends on the configuration and dimensions of the bowl. The seated model 90x60 cm weighs up to 15 kg, the standard 150x70 - about 20 kg. The long version from 170 cm weighs more than 30 kg. If a steel bowl weighs too little, this is an indicator of poor quality material. Such products will not withstand long-term use; they will give off heat too quickly and become deformed.
How to properly prepare the room?
The complexity and speed of the subsequent installation of a sitz bath will depend on how well you prepare the bathroom. Therefore, you must definitely follow these steps.
Step one . First you need to make the measurements required to select the most suitable model. It is worth noting that if the room is not empty, you will have to first think through the careful placement of the bathtub so as not to accidentally damage anything there.
Step two . Next, you need to check the horizontalness of the floor.
Step three . If you find any serious defects (more than 3-4 millimeters), they will have to be sealed with cement screed. If the floor surface is not level enough, then you will have to forget about the stability of the bowl.
Step four . The next stage is the preparation of the water supply, as well as the sewer drain.
Step five . All pipes must be checked for internal blockages, and if there are any, they must be removed immediately.
Step six . After this, all plumbing parts are checked for integrity and functionality.
Note! If we are talking about installing an acrylic model, then decorative finishing of the floor/walls should be done after the bath is installed, or before. For cast iron bathtubs, finishing is permissible only after installation is completed.
When everything is properly prepared, proceed directly to installation and connection.
Dimensions
When choosing a bathtub for a small apartment, first of all, you need to take into account its dimensions. The designers have developed optimal parameters:
- Small, the overall size of such a bath is 100x70 centimeters
- Medium, they are closer to the standards of a regular bath, their overall size is 120x70, 150x70 centimeters.
- Large, dimensions are 120x110 centimeters.
The most suitable for a small apartment are bathtubs - 100x70, 120x70 centimeters.
How to install a do-it-yourself acrylic sitz bathtub
With such a bathtub everything will be faster and easier, because it must be supplied by the manufacturer with all the necessary parts. Our step-by-step instructions will help you with the proper installation of this structure.
Step one . It is checked whether the height of the bowl matches the distance between the drain hole and the floor surface.
Step two . The locations of future frame fasteners are marked on the walls.
Step three . The eyelet is assembled in accordance with the diagram provided by the manufacturer.
Step four . Next, the frame is installed, but so that the supports are located on at least three sides.
Step five . Now the bowl is brought in. You need to check whether the drain holes are on the right side.
Step six . The support legs are screwed to it.
Step seven . The bowl is installed on a pre-prepared frame.
Step eight . The structure is carefully checked for horizontalness.
Note! The protective film from the inner surface can be removed only after the finishing work has been completed and the room has been cleared of construction debris.
Rating of design developments for the smallest bathtubs
Any rating is compiled based on a combination of user opinions. This assessment has a slightly different mechanism. The presented models have not been tested by consumers, they are interesting ideas, and have earned recognition for their combination of miniature size and visual appeal.
Sitz bath 100x70 cm in the shape of a drop. The model is designed for corner installation. A significant difference in the length of the straight sides allows you to simulate the desired configuration. The semicircular outer line, set back a short distance from the wall, really and visually saves bathroom space.
Designer sitz baths are a combination of miniature size and visual appeal
The glamorous design makes the small bathtub the centerpiece of the interior. Figured massive legs supporting a bowl with soft rounded top lines, white internal surfaces contrasting with the natural color of blackened metal - this model can be considered a work of art.
A short bathtub, shaped like an egg, is placed on the floor without any supports. The absence of additional elements gives the product a special laconicism. Some difficulty is caused by the installation of communications: they must be built into the floor. This bathtub is the most compact model of all those presented on the Internet.
How to install a cast iron structure
When installing a cast iron product, special attention should be paid to the correct connection to the water supply/sewage system. In addition, a sitz bath must be carried into the room correctly, because it weighs a lot, as mentioned earlier.
Note! To simplify and speed up the process, enlist the help of a few friends in advance.
Step one . First, the supports are prepared (provided that the installation will not be carried out using special legs).
As a rule, such baths are installed on bricks. In this case, select the required number of pieces so that you can build a couple of blocks of suitable height from them. To connect the bricks, use the same cement mortar. Do not forget to check the horizontal position to avoid distortion of the structure.
Step two . The bowl unfolds so that after it is brought in, the drain hole is on the desired side.
Step three . Now the bowl is brought into the room - carefully and always in a horizontal position.
Step four . After this, she lies on her side.
Step five . The legs are screwed on, but the bolts should not be overtightened. After this, the bowl is installed.
Step six . The position of the bowl is checked and, if necessary, adjustments are made by adjusting the supports. The structure is then checked for stability.
Step seven . You can cement the legs to make the bathtub more secure. Or, as an option, you can use rubber gaskets.
Step eight . Engineering systems are assembled in accordance with the manufacturer's diagram.
Step nine . Next, grounding is installed (use a cable with a 4 mm cross-section for this).
Note! Grounding is also required when installing a steel model. In this case, the line should not be laid along a surface where water may subsequently enter.
Step ten . The joints are sealed with silicone-based sealant, after which you need to wait for complete drying.
Step eleven . At the end, a screen is installed, while access to the pipeline and drainage into the sewer must be maintained.
Production of Soviet cast iron bathtubs
During the Soviet era, bathtubs were produced using the hot casting method.
Production was carried out in huge blast furnaces directly at the ore mining enterprises. The technology looked like this: iron ore was placed in a furnace, and under the influence of the heat emanating from the coal, the iron was melted and enriched with oxygen. It then flowed into a mold, where it was stamped and hardened.
The products turned out to be very bulky and heavy; the weight of a Soviet-made 150 cm cast iron model reached 150–180 kg.
In the 70s of the 20th century, technology improved
. The wall thickness decreased, various additives reduced the iron content. The products were “lighter” by 15–20 kg while maintaining the same dimensions, which was due to the use of new production technologies. Uneven surfaces were removed from the hardened cast iron base, the surface was sanded and covered with enamel. It protected iron from oxidation. But the coating cracked easily when heavy objects fell on it and was very sensitive to the use of abrasive cleaning agents.
Pros and cons of compact equipment
The advantage of a compact bowl is that it takes up little space in a small bathroom. This makes it possible to install a sink, washing machine, bedside table nearby or hang shelves. Prices for small bathtubs are set lower than for large bowls made of the same material.
The disadvantage of small bathtubs is often inconvenience to use. This is especially true for people who are tall and overweight. Another drawback is that in plumbing stores there is a large selection of bowls of standard sizes.
Review of manufacturers
There are many companies producing bathtubs in the plumbing segment. Steel bowls are produced by the Lipetsk Pipe Plant and the Verkh-Isetsky Metallurgical Plant. Foreign manufacturers are represented by the Jacob Delafon company (France), the Roca trademark (Spain).
In the production of cast iron bowls, the main players in this category are (Russia) and the two foreign companies mentioned above.
Among the Russian manufacturers of acrylic bathtubs, Aquanet (Russia), as well as foreign companies, have gained popularity:
- Duravit (Germany);
- Pool Spa (Spain);
- Riho (Holland);
- Ravak (Czech Republic);
- Cersanit and Kolo (Poland).
In addition, acrylic bowls are imported from China and Turkey.
Modern acrylic
Acrylic is the leader among modern bathtub models. Practical material allows consumers to choose from seating models of various shapes and colors. If the owner of a bathroom prefers a non-trivial interior, a bright bathtub will be a godsend for him. Subdued lighting will help highlight the whimsical design. The spacious room allows you to install an example of asymmetrical outlines.
One of the significant advantages of acrylic is its ability to imitate the texture of various materials. An acrylic sit-down bathtub imitated in marble or onyx will help add a touch of aristocracy to the bathtub interior. The effect will be enhanced by wall decoration made to look like silk. To make a hip bath look luxurious in the interior, it is recommended to select the rest of the sanitary ware of high quality and take care of suitable lighting.
Comment! Foreign-made acrylic sitz baths do not always withstand the harsh operating conditions in their native lands.
The reason is excessive water hardness. Products from domestic manufacturers are characterized by greater practicality, the production of which takes into account the nuances of the chemical composition of water.
