Choosing a shower cabin with a bath

Shower cabins combined with a bath appeared relatively recently and immediately gained popularity among Russians. The versatile two-in-one design turned out to be much more convenient than the traditional one, thanks to which it began to enjoy high consumer demand.

A bathtub with a shower is a complex sanitary-hydraulic system that includes two blocks - a deep bowl and a shower cabin. The 2-in-1 technology allows to satisfy the customer's need for two hygiene devices at once, which are often problematic to install separately. This is due to the fact that in most city apartments, bathrooms are designed to accommodate one device, which is why the installation of a second is out of the question. The combined design effectively solves this problem and allows you to install both options at once.

The modern plumbing equipment market offers several combined systems - open, half and shower enclosure.

• Open the models are represented by simple designs, in which the bowl is enclosed by a sash on one side, and the shower can have both lateral and central location. Such models do not have a ceiling, are not much more expensive than conventional baths and are in good demand.
• Half the samples represent a bathtub, one half of which is completely detached and, with closed doors, represents a classic shower cubicle. Such models look great in the interior and are equipped with a large number of additional options.
• Closed the boxes are made in the form of self-contained shower cabins, in which a full-fledged bathtub serves as a tray.The structure has its own walls, ceiling and is completely autonomous. Such systems are very functional and easy to use.

Many of them are equipped with function of hydromassage, aroma and chromotherapy, have a "rain shower", mirrors, an ozonation system, shelves for shower accessories, a number of handrails, hooks and towel holders, as well as a seat, containers for aromatic oils and dispensers for liquid products. More modern and more expensive models are equipped with a radio, telephone, LED lighting and a fan for quick ventilation. In closed boxes, there is sometimes a built-in steam generator that allows you to achieve the effect of a Finnish bath and a Turkish sauna.

The high consumer demand for shower enclosures with bathtubs is due to a number of obvious advantages of these versatile devices.

Combined systems are distinguished by high functionality, acting as a bath, shower, and sometimes a jacuzzi. Compact design hygiene complexes allow more ergonomic use of the bathroom space, without overloading it with unnecessary items. Combined models have found their application not only in small-sized rooms, but also in large bathrooms, where, in addition to their practical function, they often act as the main element.

Such designs have their own merits.

• Showers with bathtubs are modern aesthetic design, are available in a wide range and fit perfectly into any interior.
• Due to its practicality and high working properties two-in-one models can be found not only in residential premises, but also in hotels, commercial organizations and public places.
• Most of the closed boxes involve the simultaneous presence of two people at once., which makes them very easy to use and saves water. Such models are completely sealed, so that they do not allow water to get on the floor during washing. This is especially useful when bathing children who like to frolic in the water.

However, along with numerous advantages, closed combined systems still have disadvantages. So, many users note that washing such complexes is much longer and harder, rather than a regular bath or shower. Glass doors must be wiped dry after each use, otherwise lime deposits will start to appear on them and the cabin will look untidy. Another significant disadvantage of such models is their price, which exceeds the cost of a bath and shower, purchased separately. Correspondingly, repairs are also more expensive.

As for the technical component, many consumers complain about the uselessness of hydromassage with a weak water supply pressure, as well as the poor quality of the connecting hoses and plastic wheels that are equipped with the doors. However, these claims are typical for budget samples from a little-known manufacturer.

The main advantage of open models is their price. Such systems are much cheaper than closed boxes, which makes them available to a wide range of consumers. The second important advantage of such samples is their lighter weight and easy installation. This is due to the absence of a rear and second side curtain, as well as doors and a ceiling. In addition, open models are equipped with a much smaller set of additional functions, which also favorably affects their weight and cost.

It is much easier to wash such complexes, and they do not look as massive as closed boxes.Open models are great for small bathrooms where closed systems may not fit. Among the disadvantages of shower cabins with an open bathtub, one can note insufficient tightness and lower functionality.

A variety of materials are used for the manufacture of combined shower systems. Baths are most often made from acrylic and ceramics, steel models are a little less common and, very rarely, bowls made of natural stone.

• Acrylic bathtubs are distinguished by high performance properties and have a warm surface. The material has excellent sound-absorbing properties, which is why water is drawn into the bath almost silently. In addition, acrylic is highly flexible, which allows you to give it any shape. This makes it possible to make bowls of a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

• Ceramic baths have a beautiful smooth surface and are available in a large assortment. The disadvantage of this beautiful material is its low resistance to shock loads, from which it can crack.

• Steel bowls not so often used for combined systems. The material makes a lot of noise when collecting water and has a high thermal conductivity, which is why the water in the bowl cools down quickly. Moreover, the enamel coating wears out over time and loses its attractive appearance.

• Marble is the strongest and most durable material, looks very rich and does not require special care. Significant disadvantages of marble baths are their cost and high weight.

Tempered glass has a higher performance and looks very noble. It is often matted or sandblasted, which significantly enhances the decorative appearance of the product. Plastic doors and partitions are installed on more budgetary samples.

From constant exposure to water and cleaning with abrasive substances, such walls become cloudy over time and lose their presentable appearance. The advantages of plastic partitions are their price and little weight... For the manufacture of profiles, steel and aluminum are used, the surface of which is plated with chrome.

Shower cabins with bathtubs are available in a wide variety of sizes. Among them, there are both very compact boxes measuring 90x90 cm and full-size models with dimensions of 150x70, 170x70, 170x80 and 170x90 cm.Such samples fit well in combined bathrooms up to 3.5 square meters, available in old apartment buildings.

In small bathrooms, closed compact models with dimensions of 120x70 and 120x80 cm and a height of no more than 220 cm are suitable. For large rooms, models of non-standard asymmetric shapes that will give the space a solid look will be the best option.

Thanks to a wide range of products it will not be difficult to choose the right model for a certain interior.

• For modern styles a huge number of stylish and aesthetic systems are produced with a wide range of colors of plastic and acrylic. So, pure white models are perfect for small bathrooms, while for more spacious rooms you can choose silver and black options, the main thing is that they overlap with other finishing details.

• For lovers of classics and retro manufacturers produce models with a bowl made of natural stone and taps in gold and bronze colors. Open and half models are more suitable for such spaces, since closed boxes look too modern and will discord with the ornate shapes and specific colors of the old styles.

• Curtains made of tempered glass with a sandblasted pattern applied to them look very beautiful. Such designs look very elegant, aesthetically pleasing and are well suited for spacious rooms.The aluminum profile also pleases with a variety of textures, harmoniously combined with both nickel-plated and matte design elements.

The modern market offers a large selection of shower cabins with a bath from domestic and foreign manufacturers. Below is a rating of the most popular models according to the version of online stores.

• Shower enclosure AM PM Sense W75B-170-085WTA ​​from Germany has a modern design in high-tech style and is available in sizes 170x85 cm. The complex is made of glass, aluminum and acrylic, has a roof and is made in the shape of a rectangle. The 46 cm deep bath has an overflow function and holds 225 liters of water. The cost of the cabin is 112,990 rubles.

• Russian half-type shower system "Triton Libra" is produced in dimensions 180x80 / ​​97x231 cm, has an asymmetric shape and transparent sliding doors. The cylindrical cabin looks very interesting and reliably protects the floor from splashes. The model is available in white with a chrome profile and perfectly matches the modern and traditional style. The cost of the complex is 174,490 rubles.

• Italian cabin Gruppo Treesse Syria Box It is an asymmetric corner bath with a shower column and a glass railing. By design, the product is of the half type, equipped with a vertical hydromassage, hand shower, shelf for accessories and a mixer with switchable functions. The glass of the shower enclosure is 6 mm thick and there are no doors. The bowl is produced in dimensions 153x103 cm, the cost of the model is 119,022 rubles.

• Chinese half-type shower system Gemy G 8040 B consists of a rectangular bathtub measuring 170x85 cm, with a capacity of 250 liters of water. The glass capsule of the shower stall has a height of 220 cm. The product is equipped with a 750 W pump, overhead and hand showers, a spout for filling the bath with water, a mixer and a hydromassage consisting of ten pneumatically controlled nozzles. Additional equipment includes a mirror, shelf, removable screen and headrest. The cost of the complex is 136,500 rubles.

• Polish bath with open type shower cabin Victory Spa MauritIus Max 165 equipped with lighting, thermostatic mixer, position switch, three hydromassage jets, hand and overhead showers, two shelves and a headrest. The product is designed to be installed in a corner; it has a deep bowl 165x90 cm in size and a transparent glass partition. The cost of the complex is 283,000 rubles.

• China Brand Budget Combined System Erlit SYD 170W is available in sizes 167x90 cm and is suitable for small bathrooms. The model consists of a 6 mm thick full-walled glass railing, a 56 cm deep rectangular ABS bathtub and transparent sliding doors. The product is distinguished by high functionality and includes a wide range of various options.

Among them are vertical hydromassage with a minimum water pressure of 2 bars, "tropical shower", ventilation and ozonation. The complex is equipped with a radio, is able to output a phone call to the speakerphone, has an electronic display, Bluetooth, anti-slip bottom coating, height-adjustable feet, shower head, folding seat and classic mixer. The product is equipped with a top and multicolor backlight capable of operating in five modes, weighs 182.04 kg and costs 79,000 rubles.

When choosing a shower cabin with a bath, a number of important parameters must be taken into account.

• Shape and size are the key points to look out for.Their choice directly depends on the area of ​​the room and the location of other plumbing fixtures and furniture in it. It should be noted that closed boxes with deep pallets are much more cumbersome than half and open models.
• It is advisable to watch for the execution of glass and curtains and in small bathrooms choose models with transparent partitions. They visually relieve the space and make it visually larger.
• Product complete set affects its functionality and should also be taken into account when choosing a model. However, you should not chase too many functions, since most of them remain unclaimed. This applies to options such as "Turkish bath", "chromotherapy" and to a lesser extent "hydromassage". People quickly play with them and eventually forget about them. The exception is true lovers of water procedures, who are ready to spend a lot of time in the shower. For people who wash quickly and do not take a shower for more than 10 minutes, these devices are often unnecessary.
• It is also necessary to take into account the reputation of the manufacturer. and choose models from reliable companies that have been on the market for a long time and value their reputation. Many famous brands provide a guarantee for all their products, which only adds confidence in the quality of the products.
• It is necessary to look at materials for making shower systems... The best option would be an acrylic bowl in combination with a tempered glass cabin with a water-repellent coating.

A shower cubicle with a bathtub can not only combine the functions of two devices, but also act as a central design element. The main thing is the strict observance of the proportions of the model and the space and its harmonious combination with the interior.

Half-type shower complex in the interior of the bathroom.

A bathtub with an open shower stall looks very stylish.

An open system is perfect for most modern trends.

The multifunctional design will be an excellent choice for lovers of water treatments.

The half model with tinted walls and backlighting looks very impressive.

For an overview of the shower cabin with a bath, see the video.