What is better bath or shower. Which is better - a bath or a shower: a comparative review of modern plumbing

Imagine the state of a person who has finally received the keys to a new large and bright apartment in a modern high-rise! This is some kind of endless euphoria! After many years of wandering around private corners, the head is just boiling with ideas for arranging your own home, buying new furniture, equipment and other little things that you absolutely cannot do without. Exactly 9 years ago, we moved into a new apartment and almost immediately had to resolve the issue of installing such an important, but missing element of the bathroom as a bath. Taking advantage of the opportunity to maneuver, my wife and I, after consulting, decided buy and install a shower cabin. Now, after a lapse of time, it is already clear that the shower cabin is not such a wonderful thing as they show us in advertising. There are many pitfalls that sellers do not talk about. If you are also facing a dilemma - bath or shower cabin We invite you to read our largely instructive story. I think after reading your choice will be wiser.

How did it even come to our mind to buy a shower cabin?

The story of my first acquaintance with shower cabins as a class of devices began in Moscow, where I once arrived to participate in an event. In the hotel, I was mistakenly settled in a suite, where this miracle of technology was installed. Literally a couple of hours later I was asked from the suite to a regular room, but this time was enough to enjoy the opportunity to splash while taking a shower without fear that there would be water on the floor!

How about a regular bathroom? You climb into it, pull the plastic curtain. As long as you are sitting, everything is fine. But when you start rinsing under the shower, you need to constantly make sure that this cold, nasty curtain does not stick to your body. And she, as if on purpose, is only waiting for you to be distracted in order to enclose you in her vile slippery embrace. Brrr!

And in the shower cabin - just a beauty! He stepped inside, closed the doors and splashed as much as he liked. Delight! And different hydromassage nozzles! A steam generator with a set of aroma oils! And the receiver, which allows not to waste time in vain, but, for example, to listen to "News from the collective farm fields" !!! I don't even bother with lighting. I specifically turned off the main lighting to see how it works. In a word, the test drive was in full swing. That was 2003.

It was then that I first thought that when I change my apartment, I will definitely buy myself such a miracle of technology, no matter how much it costs. And now, just two years later, I had such an opportunity. Together with the new apartment, I found the opportunity to realize my old idea about a shower cabin.

How we chose a shower cabin

Of course, there were several criteria, but there were two main constraints.

Firstly, the cabin had to fit in with the size of our bathroom, leaving room for a washing machine, a sink... well, for ourselves to have a place to stand :). Cabins with a radius of 60x60 cm, which are very economical in terms of space occupied, we immediately dismissed, since it is more or less comfortable to wash in it only while standing. This is especially true for my wife and I - we are both above average height. Another ambush in the small cabin is an accidental drop of soap into the sump. To raise it, you have to resort to balancing act. In a word, we immediately put aside small showers.

Things were a little better with the 60x80 cm option. However, I wanted some space, and not touching the glass doors with my elbows at the most inopportune moment.

Next came the offers of corner showers with a radius of 90 cm. Now this was already closer to the truth. There you can take a shower without standing like a pillar and not being afraid to knock a bottle of shampoo off the shelf with your elbow or, in fact, the shelf itself.

Some 90x90 shower cabins are equipped with a so-called high tray. It's like a miniature bath. Of course, you won’t get loose in it yourself, but you never know if you have to rinse something, bathe a child or, for example, collect an emergency supply of water in case it is turned off.

Of course, larger cabins were being sold at that time, but they would no longer fit into our modest square meters of the bathroom.

The second selection criterion was cost. We discarded the cheapest and smallest options immediately. There were models for 50-70 thousand rubles. They were more than good, but we decided to go for something a little less extravagant.

As a result, the Nofer NS-28B model was chosen. Now these are no longer sold. But at that time it was quite tolerably equipped: a steam generator, hydromassage nozzles, a high tray, size 90x90, a receiver, a fan and other pleasant little things. Looking ahead, I can say that we did not use some lotions.

Is it possible to assemble a shower cabin yourself

On the appointed day, several large boxes were brought to our home. Not boxes, but boxes with wooden frames. All this was unloaded and left in the middle of the room. At first, we decided to unpack everything and try to assemble the shower cabin on our own, but then, after looking at the instructions, the assembly diagram, we decided not to tempt fate and invite specialists.

Looking ahead a little, I must say that the cabin could well have been assembled by myself. It’s just that we were slightly misled by the picture from the instructions, from which it followed that we would have to mount all these nozzles ourselves, connect them with hoses in the right sequence, etc. If I knew that the back wall, which scared me so much, comes already assembled, that you just need to pull it out of the box and screw it into place, I would certainly try to do it on my own.

The steam generator also scared me a little. It was written in the instructions that if it is assembled incorrectly, it can either fail or become dangerous. To be honest, I didn’t really want to be scalded, it was another pebble on the scale in favor of calling specialist assemblers.

But, as they say, after a fight they don't wave their fists. Watching how two peasants famously assemble my miracle of technology as if from a Lego constructor, I felt annoyed and ashamed. Why did I invite them and gave them 4 thousand rubles. For what?! Literally an hour and a half later, they reported that the cabin itself was ready, but they said that it was no longer possible to turn it on today. The reason was banal. The kit did not include hoses connecting the device to pipes with cold and hot water.

Complaining that it was already late and all the shops were closed, the peasants left. The next day I bought two hoses, screwed them into place myself and the job was finished.

If you suddenly decide to buy a shower stall, keep in mind: any person, even without special training, who has the simplest tool: a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench, can easily cope with the assembly of the cabin on their own. The main thing is not to rush and follow the instructions. Still, a tube of transparent silicone sealant will not hurt to insulate the seams from the inside. And finally, it will be just wonderful if someone will help you. It won't be hard work. Just from time to time it will be necessary to support something, to insure. After all, the details of the cabin are partly glass. If you cock the door, then ... in a word, it’s better not to do this. Just ask your wife to help. I hope she doesn't give up.

How to properly install a shower. Two subtle points

And there are two of them in the photo. The top one was just designed for the cabin. When we installed the cabin simply on its regular legs, we were horrified to find that the level of the bottom of the cabin was below the level of the hole in the sewer pipe. Accordingly, the water from the full pan at first left rather quickly, then more and more slowly, and by the end it stopped flowing where it was needed, remaining at the bottom of the cabin with a dirty layer a few centimeters thick.

The natural solution to install the booth on some kind of base in order to raise it above the floor almost failed, since the booth rested with its roof on the ventilation pipe:

Nasil managed to find such a level that the water somehow went into the drain hole, and a few millimeters remained before the upper ventilation box.

Our next problem was with connecting the shower stall to electricity. Since the steam generator consumed 4 kilowatts per hour, we were very worried that the usual wiring would not start to heat up and short somewhere in the wall. I had to go to additional costs and bring a branch to the shower from the route that feeds the electric stove. If we knew in advance that we would use this steam generator only a few times, then we could not suffer.

But finally, all the ordeals are over. We got the opportunity to enjoy the shower, hydromassage to the music, we could splash with all our strength and the floor in the bathroom still remained dry. Isn't this happiness.

However, we soon discovered that pleasure comes at a price. And the price the farther, the more exorbitant it seemed.

Disadvantages of a shower cabin

Now, looking at these beautiful photos, it’s hard to believe that our shower stall was so beautiful and shiny. Just don’t think that we didn’t wash it, didn’t buy special products and all that. Of course, we kept it in good working condition as best we could, but forces intervened, the cunning of which we did not even suspect.

Now I will show what our shower stall has become after 8 years of operation. By the way, when I bought it, the seller said that the service life of the booth is about 7 years. Then I thought it was a joke. However, now I understand that the age of a shower cabin is much shorter than that of a conventional cast-iron bath. So - photos:

(wsview src= width= title=[Nofer shower stall after 8 years] thumb= order=)

How did she become like this? Why? Didn't we wash it, didn't we clean it?

The answer is very simple. In the area where we live, there are a lot of impurities in the water. Plaque on the glass is formed literally after one shower. If you do not clean the booth for several days in a row, then it gradually begins to "overgrow".

I remember that literally after a week of using the shower stall, I noticed that the jets from the overhead shower, which had previously whipped each at its own angle, forming a beautiful, regular sheaf, began to flow not in the right direction, but wherever they wanted. Some jets were still spitting in the right direction, but many others were squirting sideways, or even sideways.

I had to rumple the misplaced injectors a little with my fingers. The clods of plaque were crushed and all the jets began to beat again in the right direction.

Since then, every time I took a shower, I spent some time cleaning the nozzles. But then there were times when more important things did not allow me to spend an extra 10 minutes in the shower. And since then, the nozzles began to "overgrow" with limescale. Over time, many of them clogged completely. Under the pressure of water, which simply had nowhere to go, the round part of the upper shower, on which the nozzles were located, cracked. Now most of the water exits through this gap.

Over time, the cork lifting system broke down. It used to rise with a graceful turn of a lever on the top edge of the bath, but the cable rusted and broke and the system failed. Spare parts for this model of shower cabins, which have long been discontinued, could not be found. Now you have to pick out the cork manually. This, of course, is not oh what a problem, but still.

Further more. Due to the impossibility of tightening the plastic fastening screws (they were tightly overgrown with limescale), it was necessary to dismantle the glass shelf above the seat. Otherwise, she could fall and injure one of us.

Just a couple of days ago, the hand shower broke off from the hose.

Over the entire period of use, we have repeatedly bought a special substance from limescale, spent enough time to bring the shower cabin back to normal, but the results of our efforts were only enough for a few days. Then I had to start all over again.

Among the side effects, it can be noted that when you open the doors of the shower cabin, moist warm air escapes from it and comes into contact with the ceiling. Initially, we had an ordinary whitewash there. Literally after a couple of months of such exposure, the whitewash began to swell and fly around. I had to glue foam tiles to the ceiling.

Once again, the drain tube came off and the entire contents of the tub ended up on the floor. Moreover, this was not immediately discovered, because through the glass doors of the cabin, covered with limescale, it is not very clear what is happening outside. As a result, the lower neighbors were flooded. Fortunately, we are on good terms and agreed on everything without shouting. But it could have been quite different.

Findings. Bath or shower?

If you want to buy a shower cabin, first check in the most captious way what is flowing from your tap. It is very easy to check this. Take an ordinary glass, pour hot water from the tap into it and leave it somewhere in a secluded place. When the water from the glass has completely evaporated, look at what is left on the walls. If they remain transparent, repeat the procedure two or three more times. Do not wash the glass, just add water. If even then you do not see a noticeable plaque, then you can safely buy a shower cabin and enjoy all its features.

But if after the first time you see white limescale on the walls of the glass, this is an alarming sign. You should think twice before shelling out a hefty sum for the dubious pleasure of scrubbing your future cubicle after almost every use. And do not think that "well, just think, they quickly got wet with a rag and that's it." We also naively thought so at first. Nothing like this. Either you will become a slave to your shower cabin, you will scrub it, spending precious time, or very soon it will turn into what you saw in the photo above.

If you unknowingly purchased a shower stall with corrugated glass, your problems will triple. Even from smooth glass it is quite difficult to wipe off the limescale, but when it clogs in the unevenness of the glass!!!

We also tried to fight at first. But then they decided that they did not buy the cabin for the sole purpose of doing, that they were cleaning it. You have seen the result.

If someday we move to an area with cleaner water, we will definitely return to the question. shower cabin installation in our flat. But for now, our plans are to dismantle the existing copy and install a conventional one in its place. cast iron bath. It is somehow easier and more convenient to use.

Each of us is faced with the question - showers or baths, which is better? In this article, we will weigh all the pros and cons, as well as figure out which baths and showers are better to choose.

When choosing, you will need to take into account a lot of factors. First of all, it is the area of the bathroom, the rhythm of human life and personal preference. If it was not possible to figure it out, for a large room there is an option to install a bathtub along with a shower cabin.

Each of these plumbing objects has certain advantages and disadvantages, having dealt with them, you can choose the option that suits you best.

Shower or bath - what to choose

During repairs in the bathroom, especially if the room is not spacious, almost every apartment owner thinks about whether to leave the bath or replace it with a comfortable booth in order to quickly take a shower and be able to squeeze another washing machine, water heater or some other object into the room, on which now there is not enough space.

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing between a bathtub and a shower box is the area of \u200b\u200bthe room in which one of these devices will be installed. Unfortunately, the sizes of bathrooms in most apartments and houses in our country are not large, so the issue of saving space is always relevant.

Moreover, in addition to the washing device, a sink should also be mounted there. And this is the minimum set of plumbing, in addition to which the already mentioned washing machine is often installed in the bathroom, a laundry basket and pieces of furniture for such a room are placed, allowing you to store various things.

Therefore, if there is a need to place all of the above in a small area, the shower cabin will be the best choice. It will take up half the space of a standard bathtub and will become a stylish decoration of any room.

However, if the dimensions of the bathroom allow you to install a classic container for water procedures, and there are bathers in the family, then you should not deny yourself such a simple pleasure. The opportunity to relax is worth it to move the washing machine to the kitchen.

The second important factor influencing the choice of this type of plumbing is water saving. The ability to reduce its consumption is becoming increasingly important, given the constant rise in prices of the most important liquid on our planet.

It is obvious that by taking a shower you can constantly save a lot of water, since its consumption will be five times less than filling a bath. However, if the latter is installed, it is also not necessary to fill it every day if you can use the shower attached to the mixer.

The only difference will be that it is still a little more convenient to take this water procedure in the box created for this. The third point to consider when examining the arguments for and against showers and bathtubs is the functionality of these fixtures.

As for classic tanks, in addition to bathing, they can be used for soaking and washing clothes, washing various items and other similar procedures. Hot tubs have a huge number of advantages, which, among other things, can positively affect human health, as well as help to effectively relax and relieve stress.

However, showers can also be equipped with a serious set of features. Moreover, their number will be significantly greater than that of the best hot tubs. In addition to various shower and water massage modes, the cabins are equipped with steam generators, aromatherapy devices, a bath simulation function, ventilation and lighting.

When choosing between a bathtub and a shower box, you also need to take into account the composition of your family. It has a great influence on the need for certain water procedures. After all, if the family has small children who need to be bathed regularly, it is almost impossible to do without a bath. In most cases, babies themselves love to swim, so you don’t need to deprive your child of this opportunity.

If all family members are already old enough, you can get by with installing a shower cabin at home. When figuring out which type of plumbing in question to give preference to, it is worth considering the pace of life of homeowners.

Energetic, constantly immersed in work and other activities for people who are relatively rare at home, a shower cabin is ideal for quick water procedures. In turn, those who spend a lot of time in their home, and also love comfort and regularity, should give preference to a comfortable bath.

Whatever pace of life is typical for a particular person, the choice of a bathtub or shower cabin must be made, guided, among other things, by personal ideas about comfort.

And although they are very subjective, each person can easily determine what is more pleasant for him - immersion in a bathing container filled with water and foam, which helps to relax and unwind, or jets of liquid beating under pressure, giving vigor.

The practicality and convenience of each type of plumbing also plays a significant role in the process of choosing it. Studying the advantages and disadvantages of bathtubs and showers, future owners of the latter need to know that the walls of these devices will need to be cleaned regularly after taking water procedures.

This, of course, can not be done often, but in this case, traces of dried water drops, stains, and limescale will remain on the transparent walls of the box. All this spoils the appearance of the shower stall, much more than the tiles above the bath.

And this state of affairs, as well as the need for constant care for a glass box, can greatly annoy its owners. As for the baths and the tiles surrounding them, it is much easier to clean them with special products.

If it is important for bathroom owners to follow fashion trends in its design, they should give preference to a modern shower cabin. These devices are the trend of the last decade. As mentioned earlier, the shower cabin will serve not only as a place for receiving water procedures, but also as an elegant decoration for the bathroom.

The state of human health is also able to shape the choice of plumbing for water procedures. For example, it is a well-known medical fact that taking a bath is not recommended for those people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases.

For those who still have not made their choice, there is an alternative option - shower boxes, which is a bathtub connected to a shower cabin. With a shower box, depending on your mood, you can either enjoy a refreshing contrast shower, or dream and relax in a spacious bath.

Each type of plumbing has its advantages, as well as certain disadvantages. Let's compare them according to the most important parameters:

Characteristic	Bath	shower cabin
Dimensions	Even a small bath takes up quite a lot of space.	Allows you to save room space, as it is smaller in size
Water consumption	Large enough - at least 200 liters per bath	Very economical - an average of 40-50 liters per shower
Electricity consumption	Soaking in the bath, you spend more electricity	Since the shower is a fairly quick procedure, the light consumption will be 5-8% less
Consumption of household chemicals	Bathtub needs more chemicals	Due to the smaller area of the tray (2-5 times), less cleaning products will be consumed
Time spent	To take a bath, you have to wait for some time for the water to fill the device	You can take a shower almost immediately, as soon as the water is turned on.
Impact on the body	Soothes and relaxes	Invigorates and tones
Comfort in use	You can relax your muscles in warm water, arrange aromatherapy, take a bath with salt, herbal decoctions, do air massage	Depending on the cabin model, hydromassage, rain shower and other additional options are available.
Security	The risk of slipping when getting out of the bath will be greater	The minimum risk of injury, therefore, is more often acquired by families with the elderly (it is easy to cross the side, you can put a seat inside)
Contraindications for use	It is not recommended to take a bath for hypertension and varicose veins, as well as for skin problems	Contrasting procedures cannot be performed for colds and cardiovascular pathologies, and there are no contraindications for washing with warm water
Duration of water procedures	A hot bath should not last longer than 15 minutes, a warm bath should not last longer than half an hour.	No duration restrictions
Efficiency in removing contaminants from the body	Due to prolonged exposure to warm water, it is much easier to remove dirt and sweat from the body.	Effort is needed to remove strong impurities from the body.
Care	Cleaning is fairly easy as the footprint of the device is smaller	Cleaning is more complicated and time consuming, you have to wash the booth after each use
Difficulty of installation	Pretty easy to install	Specialists will install a booth in 3-5 hours, depending on the dimensions of your bathroom, and self-assembly will take 1-2 days

Shower or bath which is more economical

So, you are faced with a dilemma: to change or not to change? I mean, a bathtub - on a shower cabin? Especially given the rather attractive prices for the latter. So, the most affordable shower cabins will cost the buyer within 10 thousand rubles.

Nevertheless, the issue of switching from a bathtub to a shower room is not easy, given that in the event of a replacement, the premises will have to be redevelopment, plumbing and supply pipes will be moved ... On the other hand, saving water in the future can save money spent ... Or not?

Indeed, according to experts, filling a standard bath requires twice as much water as taking a shower for 6-7 minutes. The water consumption during this time is approximately 100 liters, provided that 15 liters of water flows out of the shower per minute.

In addition, after taking a bath, many are accustomed to rinsing the body in the shower, which requires additional water consumption and, accordingly, money. However, all the benefits of a shower in terms of money can be crossed out by the fact that it is less beneficial for health than taking a bath.

Bath with the use of products to soften its hardness makes the skin smooth and soft, soothes the nervous system and has a positive effect on the respiratory tract. After a long exposure to warm water, the pores of the skin open up and well absorb the beneficial trace elements contained in herbal extracts, sea salt or oils, which are usually added to the bath.

If you are thinking about whether to change the bathtub for a shower cabin due to water savings, it would be wiser to change the bathtub to a more economical one, with a special, economical contour - wide at the head and narrow at the feet. On the one hand, it allows you to comfortably stretch out, and on the other hand, it saves 10-15 liters of water every time you wash.

And in order for the shower to become really economical, it is necessary to replace ordinary watering cans with modern economical ones, with aeration technology (saturation of water jets with air).

If we talk about saving space, then here the shower does not always have an advantage over the bath. There is usually "air" above the bath, which allows you to increase the volume, you just have to move the curtain. But the shower cabin of the same area looks rather cumbersome.

But whichever option you choose, it is advisable to make sure that the bath or cabin is not visible from the entrance. For this, corner models of bathtubs and showers are suitable. A very interesting option in terms of saving space is a shower enclosure without a tray, when the water leaves through a channel in the floor.

When renovating, you should also keep in mind that remodeling a bathroom and relocating plumbing usually costs 25% more than renovating with the same arrangement of items.

Cabins are open and closed. The former partially limit the territory of the shower, since there is a partition or door between the walls. Such devices are cheaper than closed analogues, in which everything is hermetically sealed due to the roof, thereby creating the effect of a sauna.

cast iron - durable, but heated for a long time;
steel make a loud noise;
ceramic - rather fragile, can break if a heavy object is dropped on them;
marble look spectacular, but are expensive;
acrylics look good, but are not resistant to damage.

Advice. Choose a shower cabin size of at least 0.8 x 0.8 m, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to be in it.

Save space. Good for installation in small bathrooms.
Safe. For the production of cabins, non-slip material is used, which practically eliminates the possibility of injury.
They consume water sparingly, about 2-3 times less than when bathing in a bath.
Equipped with additional functionality. For example, the presence of a telephone or radio, the ability to switch water supply modes (massage jets, etc.). In some cabins, inhalations or aromatherapy can be carried out.
They have a variety of mounting methods and accessories. Shower installation is quick and easy.

High-quality rectangular models with a solid door are wide, which does not always make it possible to install them in a small bathroom.
The functionality of the cabin depends on the pressure of the water. If it is less than 1.5 bar, then you can only take a shower, additional options (if provided) will not be available.
Over time, doors and walls accumulate a white coating (the result of dried spray). Need a thorough wash after you shower.
As a rule, they cost more than bathtubs. Although it is available to pick up an inexpensive middle-class cabin.
Unlike baths, they do not provide an opportunity to soak up and relax. True, you can purchase a shower room, which includes a bath, but its dimensions and cost are larger than a traditional cabin.

Without a bath with warm water and lush foam, many simply cannot imagine their life, and are ready to be content with limited space and the lack of other necessary things in a cramped room, for example, a washing machine or a spacious closet. And yet, the bath has that attractive power that even the most modern shower cabin is deprived of.

Versatility

In the bathroom, you can not only soak in hot water, but just as well take a quick shower, shielding yourself with a protective curtain.

Comfort

A bath with aroma oils relaxes and gives you the opportunity to sit in full height. The atmosphere of the spa salon is created in the room

Isolation tricks

Even if your bathroom is shared with a toilet, there are several ways to insulate the tub.

For example, hang a protective polyester curtain with a beautiful pattern; install a stationary wall of frosted glass from the sides of the bath to the ceiling; or completely enclose the bath with a stainless steel frame with glass sheets, creating a real "hydrobox".

Among the shortcomings of the bath, one main one can be distinguished: its dimensions, which in a small room make it difficult to place additional, very necessary objects.

Cold prevention. A bath is indispensable if you or your child is often sick. It is especially useful to lie in a warm bath after walking outside in bad weather, when your feet are wet or very cold. The bath will help to warm up the whole body and thereby prevent the development of cold symptoms.
Skin cleansing. With the help of a shower, no one will be able to cleanse the skin as effectively as a warm bath. In the bath, as in a bath, the pores open, and the skin is completely cleansed of the dirt accumulated in it.
Relaxation. In order not to get annoyed over trifles, you need to do a full course of massage twice a year, take a bath once a month or visit spa treatments.
Cooldown and stretching of muscles. When you sit at a computer for a long time or do physical exercises, the muscles become very tense and stagnation begins in them. It is best for this purpose to combine business with pleasure and take a warm bath with the addition of sea salt or herbal extract.
Remedy for low blood pressure. Weather-sensitive people are often troubled by headaches and weakness if the sky is covered with clouds and rain is planned. To improve your well-being in these cases is quite simple - take hot water into the bath and add coniferous decoction to it. Lie in the bath for 10-15 minutes and the result will surprise you.

Shower or bath which is better reviews

If no one in your family soaks in the bath for a long time, a shower will be the best option, as it will save half the floor space.
If you install a shower faucet in the bathroom and hang a curtain, you can enjoy both the shower and the bath in peace. If you install a shower stall, it will not be possible to take a bath if you do not choose the option with a high tray.
When purchasing a booth, look for expensive models that have few additional features. According to the experience of many users, such options are used very rarely, and the cost increases quite significantly.
A bath is preferable when washing bulky items such as bedspreads or blankets.
If there is an elderly person in your family, a hot bath will most often be contraindicated for him, so you can replace the bath with a shower cabin.
But for families with children or pets, a bath is preferable. However, a deep shower tray can correct the situation.
Installing a bathtub is easier when compared to a modern multifunctional shower stall.
In the bath, it is convenient to relax the muscles, and while washing in the shower, most muscles remain in a tense state.
The hygiene of the shower is greater, since all impurities from the body are immediately washed into the sewer.
Having bought a shower cabin, you will not be able to enjoy aromatherapy or take therapeutic baths. At the same time, the advantage of the cabin is the possibility of using a contrast shower.
Already in the first month after replacing the bathtub with a shower, users note that water costs have been greatly reduced.
The risk of flooding neighbors is noted more among the owners of the bath, as the shower cabin closes tightly.
At the same time, cabin owners often complain about more difficult care. The device has to be washed after each shower to prevent the formation of plaque.

It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of which is better: a bath or a shower. It all depends on many factors, comparing which you will make the right decision. To decide what to put in the bathroom, the recommendations of experts and consumer reviews will help. And even if family members are divided in opinion, you can always find a compromise.

For example, fix a special sliding screen on the bath or hang a curtain and install a faucet. If the dimensions of the room and financial possibilities allow, get a shower with a bathtub.

At the same time, be interested not only in the manufacturer and price, but also in the functionality of plumbing, as well as the guarantee. In this case, whatever you choose, both the shower and the bath will be a good purchase that will last a long time.

Which shower cabins are better to choose

In today's sanitary ware market, you can find a large number of devices for vertical washing. In addition to shower cabins, these include hydromassage and steam boxes, as well as shower panels and systems.

Creations of different manufacturers differ in appearance, design, functionality, size and cost. A brief review of some of the characteristics of these products will help answer the questions - what kind of shower cabins are there, and which ones are better?

Structurally, a standard box consists of a special pallet, fixed side walls, a door or doors, and a shower head. All this can be supplemented with a top cover, hydromassage jets, lighting, a steam generator and other useful features.

There are two types of showers - open and closed. Both modifications of these plumbing products have significant differences. An open shower is actually a separate part of the bathroom, consisting of a tray, side walls and doors.

In turn, closed showers are a one-piece design with the same tray, side walls and sliding doors, as well as a roof, hydromassage jets, lighting and other additions.

The second version of products is usually more complex and functional. The most visible parts of these boxes - walls and doors - are made of tempered glass or polystyrene. Glass is a quality material and is present in the design of more expensive cabins.

It makes it easy to clean the sides of your shower fixtures and keep them looking their best. Budget models of shower boxes are equipped with walls and doors made of polystyrene. Although it is cheaper, it quickly becomes cloudy and prone to divorce. Both glass and polystyrene parts can be transparent and opaque.

Acrylic pallets are the most common modification, light and strong enough. The advantages of this type of plastic is that it warms up quickly, and also does not lose its original color and does not absorb foreign substances. A small minus of acrylic is only its not very high strength.
Cast iron enameled pallets are the most reliable and durable type of these products, which, however, are almost no longer produced. Their disadvantage is their heavy weight.
Steel enameled pallets are durable and have good stability. The disadvantage of these parts of shower stalls, oddly enough, can be enamel, which can absorb rust and break down over time. In addition, water jets when falling on this material will make a lot of noise.
Earthenware pallets - the quality of this material is well known. The floor constructions of shower boxes made from it are durable, massive and stable. The only drawback of earthenware is its fragility.
Quarry pallets are made from a modern material, which is a mixture of acrylic and quartz sand. It is characterized by greater strength, in comparison with plastic, low thermal conductivity, as well as a large color gamut.
Artificial marble pallets are endowed with all the advantages of natural stone, such as natural beauty, stability and massiveness. They retain heat well and are distinguished by a minimum level of noise. The disadvantage of this material is its high weight.

The height of the shower trays can also be different and range from 6 to 35 cm. The doors of the devices in question are hinged with one or two leaves, as well as sliding. The latter can have from one to six valves.

As for the shape of shower cabins, the variety of their designs is quite large. On the plumbing market, you can find square, rectangular, semicircular, five and hexagonal boxes, as well as asymmetric boxes.

Among other things, shower cabins are simple and multifunctional. The first modification is completed only with a conventional mixer and a shower. Multifunction cabins, on the contrary, can be equipped with a large number of additional functions, some of which have already been mentioned earlier.

Such functions can be - different types of shower, hydromassage, aromatherapy, sauna, ozonation, steam generator, lighting and much more. When choosing boxes for water procedures, the question always arises - which manufacturers of shower cabins are better? The most reliable and high-quality products are Italian, German and Finnish companies.

Which baths are better to choose

Having studied the design features and capabilities of showers, in the next topic of our review, we will consider similar information regarding various bathing tanks. They have long become an integral part of people's lives, firmly taking the place of one of the main devices for hygiene procedures in any home.

Therefore, it makes no sense to describe the advantages of baths again - their capacity and convenience of bathing with maximum immersion in water are known to everyone. For this reason, it is worth choosing a bath, first of all, having studied the quality of the materials from which it can be made.

They affect the usability of the container and its durability. Additional factors influencing the choice of a bath are its shape, dimensions and functionality. Consider what vessels for water procedures are, depending on the materials from which they are made:

Cast iron bathtubs

By right they are considered the most durable and durable. These containers have been the most common in our country for many decades, also because their service life reaches 40 years. Other advantages of cast iron bathtubs are practicality, perfect stability and resistance to vibrations.

The latest quality of these tanks allows you to draw water into them with minimal noise. Also, enameled cast-iron bathtubs retain heat for a long time, which ensures the comfort of taking water procedures. As for the disadvantages of containers of this type, they are also, unfortunately, quite a few.

The main disadvantage of cast iron baths is their heavy weight - about 120 kg, which complicates their transportation and installation. Another disadvantage of these tanks can be their coating, which requires careful handling.

Steel baths

It's reliability at a very affordable price. Tanks of this type are characterized by a wider variety of shapes than their cast iron counterparts, as well as greater strength than acrylic tanks. In addition, steel bathtubs are light in weight - about 30 kg, making them easy to carry and install.

However, these products have a number of disadvantages that must be considered when buying. The first disadvantage of steel baths is the high heat transfer of the material from which they are made. It causes the water in the tank to cool quickly.

The second disadvantage is the high noise level, due to which the liquid filling process will be very loud. Both of the disadvantages described above can be partially eliminated with the help of an insulating layer of rubber or polyurethane foam. As for the service life of a steel bath, on average it is 10-15 years.

Acrylic bathtubs

They appeared on the domestic plumbing market in the 90s of the last century and quickly gained popularity among buyers. Made from a modern type of plastic that takes on different shapes when heated, these tanks come in a wide range of designs, sizes and even colors.

Acrylic bathtubs are light enough, so they are easy to transport and install. Among their advantages, there is also a low thermal conductivity, which allows the walls of the container to warm up quickly, and the water poured inside cools down rather slowly.

In addition, it is also not at all difficult to take care of acrylic. Bath surfaces can be simply wiped with a neutral detergent. It is also important that acrylic can be restored - scratches and chips are removed by applying a special paste and its subsequent polishing.

As for the disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs, the main one is the low level of plastic strength, due to which tanks of this type often have to be installed on a steel frame that prevents deflection.

Other disadvantages of containers of this type is the inadmissibility of contact with gasoline and other solvents, as well as the fear of boiling water, which softens this material.

If it is very difficult to make a choice, you can resort to an alternative that allows you to take the best from each plumbing fixture. This is especially convenient if some family members like to soak in the bath, while others do not want to spend time on water procedures, so they prefer a shower.

Also, the combined device is suitable for families with a small child, as it allows you to bathe the baby. In addition, modern hydroboxes have many additional options that allow you to get the most out of any water treatment.

A shower cabin like a bath is an option for those who like to soak up and take water procedures from 30 minutes to an hour, and for people who are quite satisfied with 15-20 minutes. In size, this design takes up as much space as a standard bathtub 1.50-1.70 m.

A glass or plastic partition does not allow splashes to fly in all directions. As a rule, such models are not limited by functionality. They include hydromassage, Turkish bath, aromatherapy. In addition, they are equipped with a disinfection system, remote control, automatic water heating.

Increased level of maintenance and care of operation.
From constant mechanical action by the force of air and water, the enamel surface is prone to the rapid appearance of chips.
The increased thermal conductivity of the material contributes to the rapid cooling of water.

Oval.
Round.
Rectangular.
Asymmetrical.
Corner.

The first four models will look rich and dignified, and the last shower cabin with a bathtub is actively used among owners of small bathrooms.

Most often, corner baths are equipped with seats and pillows under the head for a more convenient foot massage procedure. Ceramic, metal and acrylic bathtubs act as a shower tray.

The second is the location of the shower system above the bath, which is covered by a curtain. Everyone knows, the most common option, where we will not stop for a long time.

Polyethylene.
Fabric.
Nylon.

The choice of pattern, design, color, length level is provided in a wide range. You can't call it a feature or a novelty, but this combination option is worth mentioning, since "an old friend is better than two new ones."

The third is to buy a shower cabin autonomously from the bathroom.

pros

Placement versatility. Despite the fact that some bathtubs are small in size (for example, corner models), shower cabins are more compact: they can be mounted literally on a “patch”, since the dimensions are determined by the pallet. Therefore, there are no restrictions for them in this regard - they will not take up much space in a country dwelling, an apartment (with its small bathroom) and even a modest country house.
Ease of use. Taking bath procedures for a certain category of people (disabled people, elderly family members) turns into a whole problem: not everyone can step over a high side without outside help. Shower trays are classified according to this parameter into 3 groups - there is a choice. For example, a flat model; its depth does not exceed 4 cm.
Variety of functionality. Manufacturers literally compete to surprise the buyer. Shower cabins are equipped with steam generators ("Turkish bath"), contrast or "tropical" shower systems, IR emitters, hydromassage. Depending on the model - sound / aroma / chromotherapy. The embossed tray provides foot massage, which has its own healing effect without wasting time; the process proceeds in parallel with taking a shower. In expensive models, it is possible to connect a telephone, organize sound accompaniment (who does not like silence), benches are installed - a set of various services is constantly updated.
Security. Bath according to this criterion is definitely a loser; even on acrylic you can slip. A special “mat” is placed in a pallet with a smooth surface, which does not retain water and at the same time protects against falling. Some cabins are equipped with products with a relief bottom in various designs (“nodules”, imitation of pebbles and a number of other options); injury when taking a shower is excluded.
Profitability. This also applies to the time of taking the procedure (no need to wait for the bath to fill up), and water consumption. In the soul, it is spent more rationally - only when necessary. For business people who value every minute and know how to count their money, a booth is preferable: according to user reviews, the counter “winds” five times less.
No restrictions in the design of the premises. First of all, this applies to closed-type cabins - no fumes. But in any case, the floor remains dry; for those who prefer to put their feet on a soft warm mat immediately after the procedure, this is a definite plus.

Minuses

The complexity of care. Unlike a bathtub, most shower enclosures are assembled from a frame and enclosing panels; plus - various filling in the form of shelves, benches and so on. Accordingly, there are many joints that are much more difficult to process. And you need to do this regularly, otherwise the development of the fungus, pathogens is guaranteed.
The dependence of the soul on the pressure in the system. Actual for apartments in the morning and evening hours, when neighbors use water intensively. The same feature of the cabins limits the choice of models. The problem is solved, but requires additional costs. As an option - increasing, although it is not the only way to ensure pressure stability.
You can only take the procedure in an upright position. If a hydrobox is purchased, the dimensions of the pallet allow you to sit down and relax your legs a little. But you won’t be able to fully stretch out, lie down, soak up - showers are not designed for this.
High price. This does not apply to the simplest shower enclosures, but all cabins are more expensive than a bath if it is not made of natural stone.

Conclusion

Pros, cons - you need to understand that not everything is so simple. Both bathtubs and shower cabins are available in various modifications, and therefore the possibilities for their use differ depending on the set of functions and dimensions. But one thing is certain - the shower is not able to completely replace the bath. And what to choose, you will have to decide on your own, you just need to prioritize.

If you decide to install a structure for taking a shower in your apartment, house or summer cottage, then most likely you will face the acute question of how a shower cabin differs from a shower enclosure and what are the main differences between each type of system. This is what our article will be devoted to, after reading the materials presented, you will clearly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Overview of key features

To make the information as clear and understandable as possible, we will present it in the form of a comparative table:

shower cabin	shower corner
The main difference between a shower cabin and a shower enclosure is the presence of partitions on all sides. This allows you to install the structure anywhere without additional waterproofing of walls and flooring.	The corners most often have partitions on both sides, and the back walls remain open. This feature makes it necessary to carry out additional work on waterproofing surfaces, since without this they will turn black very quickly, and over time, mold and fungus will form on the surface.
Everyone who has assembled booths with their own hands will confirm that this process is very complicated, and even detailed instructions do not guarantee simple and quick installation. Most often, it takes at least a day to connect and put together all the necessary elements.	Assembling this option is very simple: you need to connect the elements together and attach to the walls and floor (or pallet). If you have the necessary tools, the work takes half an hour or an hour, which is the strongest evidence of simplicity.
The price of booths is quite high, especially when it comes to high-quality models manufactured by well-known European companies. If quality is important to you, then be prepared for the fact that the costs will be quite large.	The cost of the corners is several times less than the first option, so you can save a lot of money. At the same time, the appearance of the structures is practically in no way inferior, and often surpasses more expensive solutions.
A wide variety of modes and functions can be implemented in the booth, which allows for maximum system versatility. This is especially appreciated by those who love various special procedures.	The set of functions in the corner is much smaller, and apart from the standard options, there may be only a rain shower and hydromassage sprayers, other options will not be available.

Important!
Whichever option you choose, it is important to purchase a quality design that has the appropriate documentation and certificates.
Reliable European and Chinese manufacturers always certify their products.

Key benefits of each option

For those who have never used either option, it is important to understand what the advantages of using each of them are. It is important to clearly understand how a shower enclosure differs from a shower cabin and what are the main advantages you will receive during installation.

Shower cabins

This solution has the following advantages:

A huge number of functions allows you to enjoy a variety of modes and even take bath procedures. For lovers of comfort, this solution will allow you to use a huge number of functions that are not available in other versions, while there may be additional amenities in the form of a radio or player and a built-in module for mobile communications. Technology does not stand still, and every year the number of modes is growing.

The system is completely separated from the room. That is, you just need to bring water supply, sewerage and electric cable to the location of the structure. But build quality is of great importance, if the work was done incorrectly, then constant leaks will be observed in the system, and repair or even alteration of the entire structure will be required.
Deep tray options even allow you to take a bath. Of course, you are unlikely to be able to lie down (although there are models whose size allows you to sit like in a full-fledged bath), but if you like to soak in warm water, then this solution can be a good alternative to a bath, especially if the area is small, and place the one and no other option is possible.

Such systems are great for use in apartments and houses, as their use allows you to carry out hygiene procedures quickly, but at the same time, you can use them to relax if you have time. Some options have an aromatherapy function and other very interesting solutions for lovers of relaxation.

Advice!
If you need both a bath and a cabin, then a great solution.
This option is characterized by large dimensions and the presence of a deep pallet. Which resembles a bath and can even have special features like hydromassage.

Consideration of the issue of a shower corner or a shower cabin, we will continue with an overview of the main positive qualities of the corners.

shower enclosures

This option gathers more and more fans every year for the following reasons:

The democratic cost of the system, if we compare the quality options for cabins and corners, then the second solution will cost you much cheaper, which is very important when buying a product for a suburban or summer cottage, when you want to get a good product and not overpay extra money.
Systems have excellent light transmission which is very important for small spaces. In addition, you do not have to connect additional light sources, as standard equipment is enough to provide the necessary comfort.

If we consider shower cabins and corners in terms of aesthetic appeal, then we can note the fact that the second option looks much more attractive. No wonder the corners are widely used by designers in the design of a variety of premises, such a solution fits into almost any stylistic concept.

A huge advantage of this type of construction is a very low threshold. And you can do without a pallet at all, it not only looks very stylish and unusual, but also creates great convenience when moving, now you will not stumble over protruding parts. In addition, the lack of elevation will be appreciated by the elderly and those who find it difficult to raise their legs too high.

Despite the fact that the number of functions in the corners is limited, they have one very important plus: you can choose plumbing fixtures from any manufacturer you like. In booths, everything is different: all the nodes are included, and you buy what is available without a choice. In our case, you decide which modification to install and do not overpay for functions that you are not going to use.

Conclusion

The answer to the question of which is better - shower cabins or shower enclosures, depends only on your preferences. Therefore, choose what you like, and in no case save on quality. The video in this article will help you understand some important points even better and reveal the topic even wider.

Starting, each owner thinks about this issue. If you follow the fashion, then the shower cabin certainly comes out ahead. But lovers of soaking up in the bathroom remain at all times. And what is better - a shower or a bath, everyone decides individually.

In order for the day to go cheerfully and fruitfully, personal energy experts advise starting it with a contrast shower. Lovers of singing in the shower and waking up under elastic jets of water cannot do without a modern shower cabin with hydromassage functions!

To decide what to choose: a shower cabin or a bathtub, let's study what cabins are and what functions they are equipped with.

Shower cabin functions

When choosing a booth, you must be guided not only by the area of \u200b\u200bthe bathroom, but also by the size of your body, so that you do not experience inconvenience during further use.

Consider briefly the pros and cons of showers.

What do we get together with a shower cabin?

Pros:

speed - no need to waste time collecting water;
maximum convenience - no need to climb over high sides, non-slip surface of the pallet;
no splashes outside the booth and no flood from the neighbors below;
especially suitable for sick or dizzy people, as they are equipped with a seat;
the option with a high tray is suitable for bathing children without spending a lot of water;
the shower jet ensures a good rinsing of the hair after shampooing;
hydromassage function of the back, neck, special nozzle for foot massage;
tropical and contrast shower;
a radio receiver that is not drowned out by the sound of water;
the ability to answer phone calls using the speakerphone by pressing the button and without interrupting the shower.

Minuses:

bath lovers will miss the opportunity to relax in a horizontal position;
to wash off strong pollution, additional effort is necessary;
low water pressure in the pipes of some high-rise buildings (less than 2-3 bar) will not allow the use of the hydromassage or bath function, which will significantly narrow the choice of cabins.

Before choosing a multifunctional booth, check with your plumber what is the water pressure in the house, on the floor and by time of day.

If the pressure is small, it is better to buy a cabin for one and a half bars. With this pressure, the massage function works only in some models of Jacuz-zi and Hydro-Box.

Having examined in detail the topic of a shower cabin - the pros and cons, let's move on to a review of the bathrooms.

Advantages and disadvantages of the bathroom

To understand which is better - a bath or a shower, now consider the pros and cons of the bathroom.

Pros:

you can always relax and unwind in it, lying in fragrant soap foam with a few drops of essential oil or adding sea salt;
you can take the necessary procedures with medicinal herbs or take a steam bath in mustard for a cold;
sweat and dirt are washed off better and faster after hard work or training;
irreplaceable for bathing and hardening of children of the first year of life.

Minuses:

requires more space
significant water consumption is required.

Possible compromises

When answering the question: what is better - a bath or a shower, you need to take into account many factors, and most importantly, what is your state of health and the size of the bathroom.

Considering our apartments, it is possible to install a small bathroom model, for example, having a narrowing to the feet. If done, this will save space for a washing machine or cabinet.

If you are the proud owner of a spacious bathroom where you can easily place both a bathtub and a cubicle, don't hesitate!

At different times and under different circumstances, each thing will be useful!

We wish you a good choice!

Also on topic

As soon as our plane began to descend and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes appeared, I could no longer tear myself away from the window!

The great history of Paris - the founding of the city, photo The capital of France paris short description

Payoneer card: pros and cons

For corporate clients, the Skytour travel agency offers the organization of business trips and leisure, booking and selling tickets, booking hotels and package tours

Wedding bouquet of the bride from spray roses