When arranging their bathroom, many people face a choice: a shower or a bath? Now we will try to find out the positive and negative aspects of both solutions.

The first step is to understand what you yourself are used to, and what kind of pastime is more enjoyable for you. The bath has a relaxing effect and allows you to rest after a hard day at work. The shower will help you wake up and give you energy for the whole day. Let's look at the bath and shower as a means of cleansing. Staying in the bathroom allows you to gently open up your skin pores and thus unclog them. It should be remembered that it is better to use different types of soap for the bathroom, rather than shower gels, since the latter create a special film on the skin that can be washed off only under a strong stream. In this regard, the shower provides the function of hydromassage and deeper cleansing.

At the planning stage, every house and apartment has a magic room - a bathroom. Its direct purpose is to provide convenience during hygiene procedures. But everything would be quite boring if people only used the bathroom for its intended purpose. For most of us, water procedures are restoration and relaxation, and our hygiene habits are built in accordance with the concept of these materials.

Few of us are lucky enough to have a sauna or jacuzzi on site: most have two types of regulated water facilities available, a bath and a shower. There are as many adherents of both types of ablutions as there are individually: each gives a lot of reasons in favor of his habit. Is there any truth in this question? Which is better - a bath or a shower?

Moving into a new home and starting to equip a bathroom, any family will be faced with the choice between a bath and a shower. It's good if the footage allows you to put both. But often you have to choose based on the size of the room. In terms of the convenience of placing the shower, it is more profitable - it saves space.

However, you must admit that it is impossible to decide what to buy without knowing the price of the issue. The shower cabin was not so long ago a luxury for most consumers: now it is offered by many specialized centers, the competition among manufacturers is at the level, therefore, like a bath, a shower cabin (as well as heating units for them) can be selected according to your size and pocket. Which is cheaper? The same!
How soon will our acquisition pay off? With a water flow rate of 8 to 15 liters per minute, 100 liters of water are required for taking a shower, and twice as much for taking a bath. This is due to the fact that, standing under the shower, we dissolve dirt from the skin and hair with hot water and instantly rinse it off with streams from the watering can. The process is continuous, while washing in the bath ends in dirty water and requires 2-3 rinses.

In terms of care, however, the hostesses' shower stall will not please. Every time after taking a shower (especially if you don't have very high-quality water in your tap), the walls of the cabin will be covered with bloom, which, in principle, can save us from the need to cover ourselves with a curtain, besides, cleaning products for shower cabins are not yet sold everywhere. Some manufacturers recommend washing their products every time you shower - that is, several times a day. In this sense, the bathtub is more convenient: even a child can clean it up for himself (by the way, try to bathe the child in the shower!), And the choice of means for caring for it is richer.

According to the effect on the body, the shower and the bath occupy two opposite positions. A shower invigorates, a bath relaxes and soothes, but both are capable of "giving birth to us again." In order not to spoil the effect of the second birth from being in the bath, you need to know that a warm bath (36-38 degrees) can be taken no more than 30 minutes, and a hot one (more than 38 degrees) - even less: 10-15. A minus for those who like to lie in the bath for hours. While in the soul we can receive pleasure until the water runs out.

From the point of view of cleansing - a bath is more useful because a long stay in hot water delicately and gently opens the pores, which is difficult to achieve under the shower jets flowing around the body. The state of weightlessness, which is given by the hydrostatic factor, frees from the force of gravity, relieves the musculoskeletal system and promotes the outflow of blood from the veins in the legs. When bathing in the bath, it is recommended to use any convenient soap, as washing gels leave a film of mineral oils on the body, which will clog open pores and interfere with the pore cleansing process. For a shower, gels are more useful, since the dirt, which, as we have already found out above, flows from us during the entire procedure, will slide off the skin along this very film, without lingering anywhere. In a bath, however, it is impossible to achieve the hydromassage effect that a shower gives us.

Are there medical contraindications for taking a bath or shower? It turns out there is. Doctors do not advise people with hypotension, hypertension and varicose veins to take a bath. Also, frequent baths are not recommended for those young ladies who suffer from problem skin - provided that healthy skin can relatively easily endure the mistress's "slip" in the temperature of the water and the duration of the bath, sensitive and problem skin will respond to such rudeness by peeling, tightness, pimples and inflammations. Also, the bath is contraindicated in patients after surgery and women during menstruation. The shower is shown to everyone, except for the contrast: for people with cardiovascular diseases, as well as for those who have a cold or runny nose, it is not recommended.

In matters "for the soul" the bath wins. Sunbathing with clouds of foam is pleasant, and nourishing the skin with salts, oils and additives is much more convenient than in the shower. Lying in the bathroom, you can perform facial and hair treatments, which is also impossible in the shower. When bathing children, the bathtub is also an irreplaceable helper.

Well, the last, unexpected argument in favor of the bath is the injury rate. According to online sources, the percentage of injuries from falling in the shower is 15% higher than from falling from sliding on the tiled bathroom floor. Well, the injury rate when falling in the bathtub is negligible: lying down is difficult, you know.

You need to understand in which specific style you want to equip your bathroom. For modern and aggressive styles such as "high-tech" and "minimalism" the shower cabin will be the absolute choice. Here you will need transparent glass cabins with metal inserts. If you stick to a more classic interior, for example, in the "Provence" style, then you cannot do without a beautiful white bathtub and walls decorated with pastel-colored tiles. The shape of the bathroom can be different, as well as the material from which it is made: from iron to hardwood. Many design solutions look very stylish, but again they are suitable for large rooms.

And with such, practically, no gap, but the shower still gets ahead. Aside from the risk of injury and care, showering is cheaper and healthier. But the bath is healthier, more hygienic and safer. The choice, however, is still ours and our habits.

Especially for those who do not find time to take a bath and prefer to take a shower, we give five reasons why you should still fill the bathroom with water at least once a week and soak up it:

1. Prevention of colds. The bath is indispensable if you or your child is often sick. It is especially useful to lie down in a warm bath after walking outside in bad weather, when your feet are wet or are very cold. The bath will help keep the whole body warm and thus prevent the development of cold symptoms. After a bath, have a glass of warm green tea with lemon or chamomile added after your bath and you don't have to worry about a possible cold.

2. Cleansing the skin. No one can cleanse their skin as effectively with a shower as with a warm bath. In a bath, like in a bath, the pores open and the skin is completely cleansed of the accumulated dirt. To remove dead skin cells, you can exfoliate with ground coffee or honey after the bath. The skin after this procedure will become even and smooth.

3. Relaxation. In order not to get irritated over trifles, you need to do a full course of massage twice a year, take a steam bath once a month or visit spa treatments. Naturally, not everyone can afford such a pleasure. An alternative to all these procedures can be a regular bath. Take water at a comfortable temperature for you, add pine, sage, lavender or rosemary essential oil to it. Dim the lights, light the candles and enjoy some relaxation in a soothing relaxing bath.

4. Hitching and stretching the muscles. When you sit at the computer for a long time or do physical exercises, the muscles become very tense and congestion begins in them. Therefore, at the end of any physical training or after a long sitting, it is imperative to cool down and stretch the muscles. It can be a short walk or simple exercise, but it is best to combine business with pleasure and take a warm bath with the addition of sea salt or herbal extract.

5. Remedy for low blood pressure. Meteosensitive people are sensitive to weather changes. They are often worried about headaches and weakness if the sky is covered with clouds and rain is expected. The reason for this is low blood pressure. It is quite simple to improve your well-being in these cases - fill the bath with hot water and add coniferous broth to it. Lie in the bath for 10-15 minutes and the resulting effect of the water procedure will surely surprise you.

When there isn't enough room in the bathroom to fit a traditional bathtub, it's time to start thinking about alternatives. The most affordable and popular replacements are a shower cabin and In the article, the reader will get acquainted with their differences, and will also be able to unambiguously decide for himself which is better: a shower cabin or a shower enclosure.

There is no single recipe

Strictly speaking, it is impossible to answer the question of what to choose - a shower stall or a shower enclosure - unambiguously and uncompromisingly. After all, each option has its own disadvantages and advantages. The main difference is in price. The cost of the shower enclosure lies in the cheaper price segment. There is such a steady trend that it is better to abandon the shower stall altogether than to buy a budget model. Everything in them is of poor quality: design, type of material and plumbing. But on the other hand, it is quite possible to get a good shower corner for the same price.

The second significant factor is ease of installation. This item includes both the wall material and the installation location. But before you start comparing the two options, you need to clearly understand what is the difference between a shower enclosure and a shower stall.

What is the difference?

Intuitively, it seems that the shower enclosure is simpler and clearer. And this is a correct assumption. Its installation and installation is much faster than that of a shower stall. After all, this is just a pallet and a glass door, if you figure it out, so there are no difficulties here, just as there is no rich functionality. A shower cabin, on the other hand, is a whole range of functions for carrying out hygienic procedures, but its installation also takes more time.

A tangible difference should be noted separately. The corner has no roof and is also leaky (unlike the cab). That is, you need to take into account the characteristics of the room. When making a choice, a shower cabin or a shower corner, in a wooden house, for example, you should stop at the cabin.

Comparison

In addition to the main differences, there are a number of points, familiarity with which will help you make the right choice. The list includes the differences listed above, but in a detailed form.

• Price. For the cost of a cheap cabin (about 10,000-12,000), you can purchase a good quality shower enclosure (about 11,000). This is an important criterion.
• The corners are more durable, they practically do not require maintenance and special care (glass is easy to clean). The condition of shower cabins, on the other hand, needs to be carefully monitored and it is rather difficult to wash them (acrylic tends to accumulate dirt).
• For a shower cabin, no preliminary preparation of the room is required. It is enough to have a sewerage and water supply, and a number of additional work is needed for the corner. walls with waterproof material, flat floor and supply, installation of a mixer with shower.
• Which is better, a shower enclosure or a shower stall? The issue of durability is unambiguously solved in the direction of the first option.
• The shower cubicle requires the installation of water filters and does not fit into every bathroom design. For example, strict classical. The corners are made in the style of minimalism, so they always fit.
• The pallet at the cabins can be any, and at the corners only low.

These are the main differences, but it is worth considering certain nuances in order not to make a mistake in the choice.

Who is suitable for

In addition to the technical characteristics, it is important to choose an option for your needs. If you need a place for taking a shower and nothing else, then a shower corner is also suitable. In the event that there is a desire to use functions such as a Turkish bath, hydromassage, lighting and a high pallet, then the choice should be made in favor of the cabin.

Installation space matters. It is wrong to believe that the shower stall takes up little space. This is a rather cumbersome structure, especially if the pallet is high. The corner is mounted directly to the wall, taking up less space. Therefore, the answer to the question of which is better: a shower stall or a shower enclosure remains open.

For shower enclosures, there are several types of pallet material, but the most common is cast iron. It has excellent conductivity, but is too heavy and prone to damage. The second place is occupied by steel, which is advantageously distinguished by its lower weight and greater durability, but there is also a significant drawback. This material is rather easily deformed due to its small thickness.

What else needs to be considered

Taking care of your shower is very different from wiping a corner. If you choose from the point of view of the practicality of cleaning, which is better: a shower stall or a shower enclosure, the second option definitely wins. It is easier to make it look perfect. After a year or two of use, mold forms in the shower cabin (especially in the rubber pads on the sash), filters for different functions are clogged. It is necessary to clean shower cabins carefully and constantly, otherwise they will quickly become unusable.

According to reviews, a shower stall or a shower enclosure are installed about the same in complexity, but for a corner it is advisable to fill in a concrete pallet in advance and tile it from the outside. It is not recommended to completely lay out the structure with tiles, especially if the shape is radial (round). Even a mosaic. Moreover, slipping on such material is very easy.

Above, we talked about the shortcomings of the most popular pallet materials, so it is worth taking a closer look at acrylic configurations.

Many buyers pay attention to stylish models with tinted doors, relying on their convenience. But this advantage has a downside. Any contamination can be seen much better on a dark surface.

When renovating a bathroom, not only the design of the room requires close attention, but also the choice of plumbing. Until recently, shower cabins were a rarity, and baths were installed in most apartments. Today the consumer has the opportunity to choose between a bathtub and a shower cabin. To figure out which of these plumbing fixtures is better, you need to familiarize yourself with the operating features of each of them.

Shower cabins

There are a great many modifications of shower cabins: from simple ones, consisting of a shower, a tray and doors, to multifunctional structures. In most cases, such devices can make life more pleasant and comfortable.

Advantages

Positioning shower cabins, sellers point to the following advantages:

1. Compactness... The minimum size of the shower cabin is 70x70 cm, which allows you to install the device even in a small bathroom. The freed space can be used to install a washbasin, washing machine or pieces of furniture. However, models equipped with additional functionality can reach a size of 150x150 cm.
2. Saving water... This statement is only true if the shower owner is limited to simply taking a shower twice a day. Those who like to pamper themselves with long-lasting contrasting or hydromassage showers will use up no less water than those who like taking baths.
3. Save time... Showering takes much less time than filling and bathing. The speed of acceptance of the procedure will be appreciated by people whose life is passing at an accelerated pace.
4. Hygiene... Many are of the opinion that, basking in a hot bath, a person swims in the dirt and microbes washed from the body. While under the shower, jets of water immediately send them down the drain.
5. Cleanliness in the bathroom... Sealed shower doors protect the bathroom from splashes flying in all directions and exclude flooding of neighbors from below.

When choosing a shower cabin, one should be guided not only by the size of the bathroom, but also by the dimensions of the household in order to ensure comfort while taking a shower.

disadvantages

Consumers who have already used a shower stall note the following disadvantages of the device:

1. Difficulty in leaving... The hardness characteristic of tap water, over time, leaves a lime deposit on the walls of the shower stall. Its untimely removal can lead to damage to the enamel of the pallet and ugly stains on the glass. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe the inside of the appliance after each shower.
2. High price... Recently, this drawback has not been so relevant. There are budget models on sale at an affordable price. In addition, a high-quality bathtub equipped with modern devices can cost much more than a shower cabin.
3. Pallet features... Various materials from which trays for shower stalls are made have negative features: cast iron heats up slowly, and plastic creates a lot of noise under the pressure of water.
4. Inability to relax... For those who like to soak in hot water, this disadvantage is a strong argument in favor of a bath.
5. Inability to redeem a baby... Water procedures for young children, according to pediatricians, should take place in the bathtub, since outdoor games with the child in the water help to improve muscle tone.

Shower cabins options in the photo

Additional functions

The size and cost of the shower cubicle depends on the number of built-in additional functions:

• variety of shower modes... In addition to the pressure control function, the cabin can be equipped with an automatic contrast shower system (cold and hot water change), a rain shower head;
• vertical hydromassage system... Represents nozzles with a rotary mechanism, installed on the walls of the cabin and releasing targeted jets of water under pressure;
• sauna... The function is carried out due to the built-in steam generator, which provides the required air temperature and humidity. In addition, the model can be equipped with a special container for aromatic oils;
• backlight, radio, telephone... Expensive models are equipped with such additional functions as color illumination, speakerphone, radio.

The performance of additional functions, such as saunas and whirlpools, depends on the pressure in the system. This should be taken into account by residents of multi-storey buildings, which are characterized by the problem of low water pressure.

conclusions

Based on the analysis of the listed pros and cons of operating shower cabins, their installation is recommended:

• owners of bathrooms, the size of which does not allow installing a bulky bath;
• young people or married couples who do not have small children, and their birth is not planned in the near future;
• for the elderly and disabled, for whom it is not possible to get into the bathtub or causes difficulty;
• people for whom taking hot baths is contraindicated for health reasons.

Baths

Since the time when only aristocrats could afford to install a bath, it has become a symbol of comfort and prosperity. Nowadays, everyone can afford to buy such a plumbing fixture, especially since manufacturers have filled the market with hundreds of models of various sizes, shapes and price categories.

Advantages

A number of possibilities open up before the owners of the bathroom, which the owners of shower cabins are deprived of:

1. The opportunity to fully relax... The lying position of the body allows you to completely relax the muscles of the body and relieve the stress accumulated during the day, which cannot be done by taking a shower while standing.
2. Keeping warm... In the cold season, the bath allows you to warm up and "steam the bones" in a short period. To achieve the same effect in the shower, it will take much longer or a shower with a sauna effect.
3. Healing procedures... The addition of medicinal herbs, oils, sea salt to the water turns taking a bath into a healing procedure that can fight colds, skin and other diseases.
4. Use for bathing small children... In the bath, you can easily carry out hygiene procedures for babies, hardening, as well as unusually useful educational games in the water. For bathing babies, you can put a special small bath in the bathtub to protect the room from splashes.
5. Possibility to wash away stubborn dirt... People whose work involves hard physical labor will easily wash away sweat and dirt in the bathroom.

The belief that bathtubs are out of fashion for a long time is misguided. Bath manufacturers are constantly improving both the design of the models and the equipment with additional functions. The latest fashion trend is a freestanding bathtub with an original shape.

disadvantages

There are few arguments against installing a bathtub, but they are quite substantial:

1. Takes up a large area... A standard bath takes up a significant portion of the space from the room. Of course, a number of modern plumbing products include small corner baths, but in this case the main advantage of the device is lost.
2. Consumes a lot of water... The volume of the bath is 150-250 liters, so frequent bathing entails high water costs.
3. Causes immersion difficulties. Elderly people and people with disabilities find it difficult to overcome the height of the side.

Photogallery of baths

Additional functions

A bathroom with handles on the side surfaces, a headrest, armrests, an anti-slip coating will hardly surprise anyone. Modern models can be equipped with a number of additional functions:

• built-in thermostat;
• hydro or air massage system;
• backlight;
• automatic disinfection, etc.

Such plumbing will satisfy even the most demanding consumers. The choice depends only on the size of the bathroom and material possibilities.

When buying a whirlpool bath, you should remember about the quality of tap water. An indispensable condition for its operation is the installation of a filter, otherwise the hydromassage system will quickly fail.

conclusions

Thus, when making repairs in the bathroom, you will have to abandon the bath in several cases:

• if the area of ​​the room does not allow installing a bath of standard sizes;
• if there are people among family members who find it problematic to get into the bath;
• if the owners of the apartment do not want to waste their time taking baths, but prefer to carry out hygiene procedures under the shower.

Compromise solution

If there is a disagreement in the family about which is better: a bath or shower, a compromise solution can be found. The easiest way out of this situation is to install both plumbing fixtures. But this option can only be realized with a sufficient area of ​​the bathroom.

For a small room, you can purchase a hydrobox, which is a symbiosis of a bath and shower. It is equipped with a compact but deep tray, sealed doors and features inherent in a shower enclosure.

A less expensive solution would be to install a glass or plastic sliding screen on the bathtub. It can be used to turn the bathtub into a shower cabin, if necessary. If desired, a hydromassage panel can be placed in one of the adjacent corners.

Video: how to make the right choice

An unambiguous answer to the question: "Which is better: a bath or a shower?" does not exist. The choice depends on many factors: the composition of the family, the usual rhythm of life, the size of the bathroom, financial situation and others. As a last resort, there is always a compromise solution.

Just a few years ago, apartment owners would not have thought of what kind of plumbing to choose - a bath, a shower, or maybe get a corner. Cast-iron bathtubs with legs were considered a symbol of comfort, and it was possible to take a shower using a hose. True, times have changed, and in plumbing stores you can find hundreds of different models for every taste and budget - with massage functions, wellness treatments, fountains and other delights. The choice is becoming more and more difficult.

The bathtub is a practical classic with a long service life that suits absolutely any family. She has several advantages:

• Durable materials - steel, cast iron, acrylic;
• Easy installation - fixing the bath is extremely easy;
• Low prices - especially compared to showers;
• It is convenient to bathe the child;
• You can wash delicate items by hand;
• Gives you the opportunity to relax and pamper after a hard day.

Fig 1.

However, moving on to repairing a bathroom, each owner should understand that there are also disadvantages to baths:

• Plumbing takes up a lot of space - not suitable for small rooms;
• The choice of models is very limited, especially in form;
• High water consumption;
• If you swim carelessly, splashes and puddles of water will be all over the room;
• Scratches quickly appear on the surface of many bath models, and the primary shine is lost.

Older people prefer this particular option, so if you want to buy a bathtub for your parents' apartment, the gift will be appreciated.

Pros and cons of shower cabins

Each option of plumbing equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages, and in order to answer the question - which is better, you need to understand the needs of the residents of the house. The shower cabin has a lot of advantages:

• Saving time - you can take a shower in a few minutes, unlike a bath;
• Saving water - of course, provided that you used to take a full bath and now take a short shower;
• Saving space - for a small apartment with a tiny bathroom, this solution is the best, since the cabin takes up 2 times less space, although there are also non-standard models of impressive sizes;
• Taking a shower is safer, including for medical reasons, for heart disease, high blood pressure, pregnancy;
• The abundance of offers on the market - it will not be difficult to find a worthy option;
• A lot of built-in functions - for example, massage, radio, MP3, Turkish bath, aromatherapy, jacuzzi, unusual lighting.

Video 1. Tips for choosing a shower stall

It would seem that a shower cabin is a dream of a modern person, and you must buy it if you are updating your plumbing. But you shouldn't rush, there are also disadvantages:

• High cost - especially for models with a large number of functions;
• Complex installation - you need to equip waterproofing, connect electricity, level the walls;
• Often a slippery floor is also a disadvantage - you cannot do without a rug;
• Many functions of the device will not work if the water quality is low and the pressure is minimal;
• If you choose a model with high sides, it will be difficult for an elderly person to enter here.

The shower cabin is a worthy option for young and active people who want to perform hygiene procedures very quickly before leaving for work.

Arguments for a shower enclosure

The shower enclosure is essentially the same cabin, only consisting of two walls, it has the same advantages, but the purchase is much cheaper, because materials and labor costs are saved. It will be possible to organize it at any stage of construction; it is in demand not only in apartments, but also in commercial enterprises - in hotels, fitness centers.

Finding out which is better: a corner, a bath or a shower, you should focus on personal preferences. For those who cannot decide and have a good budget, it is recommended to combine plumbing equipment - a bath-shower 2 in 1. You can buy such a device only if the area of ​​the bathroom allows - a lot of space will be required.

During repairs in the bathroom, especially if the room is not spacious, almost every apartment owner thinks about leaving the bath or replacing 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. now there is not enough space at all. We decided to compare these two popular plumbing fixtures with each other to help you in your choice.

Comparison in the table

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

When it comes to cost, you should compare devices with similar specifications. In terms of quality and price ratio, a good shower cubicle and a high-quality bath will be approximately on the same level. Manufacturers strive to lower prices (since the competition is high), as well as offer various additional features.

Hydrobox - we combine a bath and a shower

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 lie in the bath, while others do not want to waste 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 your baby. In addition, in modern hydroboxes there are many additional options that allow you to get the most out of any water procedure.