How to choose a suitable bath?

100 years ago it was considered a luxury bath even in a city apartment. Today, it is an indispensable accessory of everyday life, without which it is difficult to do. And it's not even the fact that it is always possible to wash: after a busy day of water "procedures" - the perfect relaxing facility.

types of baths

A variety of modern baths are so great that there is a need for "closer" to get acquainted with their species and parameters, to know at what moments and nuances necessary to pay attention to when choosing the main element for plumbing his house.

The term "type of bath" conditions, as existing in the market bath plumbing can be divided into such types:

• the material from which they are made (their "home" type-classification);
• by the method of installation;
• in functionality - simple and combined ( "hot");
• in form, size, weight, etc.

cast iron bathtub

Currently, the most common material used to make bath - cast iron. With the latest technology, it has become stronger than it was 15-20 years ago. Now the walls are not as thick as before, however, cast iron baths are still the most difficult plumbing - average size weighs 120 kg.

Why cast iron containers are so popular?

Advantages of cast iron bathtubs:

• a rich selection of type-sizes and shapes. Although it is believed that the main forms of cast iron bathtubs are "rectangular" and angular, the market can find a container of any shape;
• material is sufficiently durable and withstands kolosalnye load (in a safe bathing person any build);
• Bath is stable on their feet and do not require additional strengthening;
• enameled cast iron tub, the wear has anticorrosion properties and with proper care will last 20 years or more;
• heat stored water wherein the wall is practically not heated;
• soundproofing;
• it is easy and inexpensive to restore.

Choosing a cast-iron bath is necessary to pay attention to such important points:

• wall thickness should be in the range 4-6 mm - smaller if this marriage and thick walls - a waste of money for the extra weight;
• enamel coating surface must be smooth - distention, roughness, chips, scratches, appreciable differences in the thickness of the enamel talking about defective products (if there is a slight waviness in the absence of other defects such capacity can be take).

Disadvantages of cast iron bathtubs:

• because of the weight it is difficult to transport and move (there are some problems with delivery and installation);
• to avoid falling to the bottom and walls of the vessel and heavy sharps - on the enamel can become scratched, chipped and the chips;
• small variety of colors - about 20 shades of light colors;
• factory coating has microscopic pores in which, if not follow the surface, the mud is stuffed and neat appearance is lost.

steel baths

The cheapest segment of the market plumbers make bath of steel. Their performance inferior to the quality of products made of other materials, but the low price makes them very popular for those who need a temporary bath (for example, while doing repairs on equipment bathrooms stationary) or to the country.

Given the specifics of inexpensive goods on the market plumbing consist principally of angular steel tanks for bathing and in the form of a rectangle.

When choosing a steel bath in the first place, pay attention to the quality of the enamel coating - service life depends on it - it must be even and smooth. Avoid and products with a thick layer of enamel coating - it further save on unnecessary chipping and peeling.

It is not necessary to pay attention also to the steel bath having a wall thickness less than 2.5 mm - bathing it will sag, and therefore, enamel coating will "stretch" and will burst soon, creating cracks that eventually lead to delamination coverage.

Advantages of steel baths:

• low price;
• steel has no pores, so it has good anti-corrosion performance and keeps the enamel coating;
• coating density due to the care of the surface does not accumulate thereon and do not develop bacterial colonies;
• withstand sudden temperature changes (for the set hot water does not have to fear that this would lead to blistering or peeling of enamel);
• coating is resistant to household chemicals.

Disadvantages of steel baths:

• water it quickly cools, and the wall is easy to heat up;
• because of its ease on its own feet bath is not stable and requires mandatory registration of its position a special frame;
• extremely low sound insulation - Noise from falling to the bottom of the water tank can be heard for a few tens of meters.

acrylic bathtubs

In recent years, rapidly gaining popularity of acrylic products. And if originally appeared in the category of relatively expensive spas, now acrylic make even simple bath.

Ornate neat appearance, and a wide range of sizes (from seating to large double), and form, and coloring (over 250 Various color-tones), decent performance thermal conductivity - these are the criteria by which sanitary acrylic attracts attention consumer.

It is worth noting the important factor - the price for it became democratic and afford to buy a can any family.

Acrylic strong and durable material, which has excellent performance for home plumbing:

• insulation - in conditions of normal room temperature water cools only 1-2 ° C for 15-20 minutes;
• high sound insulation - outside of gaining the water noise of the room can not hear;
• increased strength - acrylic reinforced with special steel mesh withstands large load statistics no deflection;
• thanks to special technology that is used in the production of acrylic products, they have antibacterial coating - washing elementary walls running water does not leave on its surface bacteria;
• subject to the rules of operation of sanitary acrylic retains its original appearance for many years;
• If cracks or other defects, there is no need to change the whole bath - enough to buy acrylic insert the appropriate dimensions and independently to restore the "old".

When choosing an acrylic bath is recommended:

• choose a wall thickness of 5.8 cm (thin wall, even reinforced mesh, do not give a guarantee of durability);
• you should not hesitate, in the store to get into the tub with her legs and make sure that the bottom does not bend;
• pass by models with sharp and persistent odor - in its production process was violated, ie to say no as a product;
• check that the seller of the original certificate of quality on this model and be sure to check out the entire packaging (passport).

The disadvantages of acrylic bathtubs:

• require special care conditions acryl - aggressive chemicals and abrasives destroy the structure of the material and lead it into the unsuitability;
• y acrylic low melting temperature, therefore when set water temperature above 65 C ° - high probability of partial deformation of the bead;
• bath must always be mounted on the frame or the podium - because of its ease without additional fixation can not guarantee its sustainability;
• in a bright monochromatic acrylic containers must not be soaked color shedding underwear or clothes, flush with the head hair color - it is likely to change the coloring of the bath.

Quaryl bath

Expensive option acrylic bathtubs - from Quara - quartz acrylic.

In addition to those possessed by acrylic, KVAR advantages:

• much stronger (it is not necessary to additionally reinforce and need not be mounted on the frame or the podium to prepare for it);
• resistant to aggressive detergent components;
• elastic and out easier than acrylic makes it difficult to form the container.

stone baths

Baths of natural or artificial stone (also called marble) are classified as exclusive and expensive. Most often installed in the floor or on the road, "the podium".

It has excellent sound insulation performance and can withstand almost any load.

The disadvantages of the "stone" tubs, in addition to price, include the fact that:

• Stone - a cold material. Even filling a hot water bath is not permanently saves the day: a heated stone cools rapidly, thus cooling the water - a "marble tanks" the lowest rates of heat preservation;
• natural stone requires regular sanitation - unmade dirt and dust quickly and easily "absorbed" into the pores of the stone, making it with the time it kind of icky.

glass bath

To the category of luxury baths can be safely attributed and glass. These are installed in the spacious rooms (despite its transparency, they take up a lot of space).

Design of glass most diverse - they are strict classical forms and exclusively-shaped, transparent and matte, one-color and multi-colored. There is a relatively low cost alternative to expensive glass - acrylic bathtub with a glass insert.

Disadvantages of glass baths:

• even in the "lite" version of their cost is high;
• After each procedure, water is necessary to pay attention to thorough cleaning of glass components - if they do not wash running water and dry with no wipe, smudges may "vestsya" in the glass, and it will lose its aesthetic view.

wooden baths

No less impressive look and modern bath made of wood. Those with a mention of them reminds the old trough, it is wrong - the trough should be associated with the basin, but the wooden tubs with barrels, which in ancient times took water treatments.

Currently, wooden containers bathing do manually from water resistant wood (larch, Wenge, mahogany, etc.), and, no matter it is cut from a single piece (usually a bath "classic" rectangular shape) and assembled from individual elements (in this case, any possible the form).

Disadvantages of wooden baths:

• very high cost;
• tree easily impregnated with smells and flavors, as well as simply "sucks" in the dirt - for wooden containers require regular, special and costly care.

Porcelain bath

However, the most "exotic" and impractical material for baths, of course, pottery. Because of its fragility, any sudden movement could lead to the fact that she just burst - the more dangerous drop heavy objects on it.

This single, but a lack of weighty "turns" faience in the category of "decorative", designed exclusively for creating effective design bathroom.

copper bath

If we pay attention to a sanitary expensive "exotic", you should pay attention to the copper products. In the XIX - early XX century copper tubs were available only to highly secured city officials. Then the industry started producing cheap steel and cast iron tubs and copper have been priced out of the plumbing market.

Now they return, as long as the exclusive expensive but practical segment.

Advantages of copper baths:

• performance of thermal conductivity and sound comparable to acrylic baths;
• no one has repealed the antibacterial properties of copper - copper in the wash tank is good for health;
• durable.

As for the drawbacks, they "only" 2 price and special conditions of care products made from copper.

Features baths

Form bath

Plumbing market note 5 main standard forms.

Rectangular baths. This is a very practical form, so it is considered the most popular among consumers. The wash is not only comfortable, but also easy to use this type of cleaning. It is usually this type installed in apartments with an average quadrature bathrooms.

corner bath the most convenient and popular solution to the problem of the modern bathrooms among those who need a large container for bathing in the small room.

With this design, it turns out quite roomy bath, occupies not a lot of space. However, in this form, there is a drawback - almost all angular design is not very convenient to clean up (should definitely climb inside to wash the farthest corner);

Oval, round and asymmetrical bath (Irregular or polygonal shape) - is primarily a sign of a certain income. Products such forms set in a country mansion - usually in the middle of a large room, as you need the space for them baths. Most often installed in the floor and have a view of the small pool.

dimensions

How important are the dimensions of the bath? Perhaps one of the most paramount.

The width depends on the convenience of the bather. It is considered to be 70 cm for rectangular standard width - it is enough that a person of average physique felt quite comfortable in the bath.

The length depends largely on the situation in which a person can be washed:

• 120-145 cm - called "sedentary";
• 150-170 cm - on such a scale is already possible and lie down, but for tall people this situation can be called a "reclining";
• 175-180 cm - standard dimensions are quite comfortable "reclining" tubs;
• more than 185 cm - "recumbent" - Superior.

The height of almost all standard products - 65-70 cm. This is the optimal height, so that the capacity was spacious, and it was convenient to get into it. However, the bath may be set higher (for input then it is desirable to make the podium with steps) or below (built in in the floor).

The working volume depends on parameters such as length, width and the overflow line opening. Standard water depth - 32 cm ( "deep" baths it is 36-40 cm). Do not take a container with the overflow point below 32 cm - in this case, an adult can not get enough water to immerse themselves in the water.

Number of persons

Usually bath designed for washing one man. But if the consumer interested in the question of simultaneous reception of water treatment alone (three, etc.), then it is expedient to pay attention to the capacity of round and asymmetrical shape with a diameter of 180 cm - they are the most suitable for the "group" washing.

Washing can be simultaneously and together in the corner bath with a length of the side edges of 170-180 cm, and in elongated wide rectangular (length 210 cm, width 85 cm), but only half lying or sitting position. The passport of any bath has a mark on it or dormitory.

weight bath

The weight of the purchased products - one of the most important selection criteria. Firstly, it is necessary to accurately assess the possibility of withstanding the load of the place where it will be installed.

For example, if the house is an old wooden floor or a thin, the heavy (100 kg) pig-iron capacity installed just not safe.

Second, weight - a good auxiliary test quality of products purchased. For example, you decide to buy a steel bath, but it is a little harder than it should be in its dimensions. Most likely, this means that this product is not made of pure steel, and with impurities of heavy metals.

As a result, we have other qualities of resistance to rust, crashworthiness and etc A similar situation arises and if the acquired iron bath easier standards - diluted impurities iron more fragile.

Third, the weight of the bath is one of the most important value for determining the method of its installation. The greater the weight, the more stable. In connection with this heavy cast iron and brass bath can be safely put on a foot, which is then fixed by welding or bolts.

drain / overflow bath system

There is not a bath, which would not be equipped with a system drain / overflow water. Under the "sink" is necessary to understand the removal of water - this is usually the lowest point of the tank bottom (the water should run it at this point).

The term "mobility" refers to a hole at a certain height through which the water goes down the drain, exceeding the level of the point of overflow.

The vast majority of the models are equipped with bathing mechanical type drain systems / overflow - standard plug, which covers the drain hole. When it is necessary to flush it simply removed. Such a closure must include in the sales packaging.

Virtually all the hot models and some "simple" bathrooms are equipped with semi-automatic water drain system. In such a system, the role of "stopper" plays a special lever opening control and closing the drain hole.

Anti-slip bottom of the tank

Modern plumbing requirements require manufacturers to more carefully treat the consumer.

One of these requirements is responsible manufacturers comply with the plating bath to the bottom antislip coating which will protect bathing fall on the wet bottom of the vessel.

The coating is applied in one of two ways:

• covering the bottom of the container with a special film to light, but it is quite palpable relief (sometimes performs the role of the film embossed rubber mat);
• initially applied to the bottom of a special easily palpable relief notches and points.

installation Methods

Types baths according to the method Fitting

Depending on the method of installation of the bath is divided into 3 types.

Built-in bath. To set them initially mounted a special podium and only after that "embedded" bath. As expensive as the arrangement of the podium requires not only additional costs, but also sufficient space - in a small room podium takes up too much space (it's a great option for country mansions). Built-in baths can be any size and shape.

Attached bath - one, two or three parties put to the wall (wall) - ie, set back to back. The wall to which the "leaning against" bath, typically a tiled - "traditional" rectangular or angular wall look harmonious and natural;

Freestanding baths - stand in the middle of a large room. This type also belongs to the category of luxury. Most often it is a unique curly, though it can be round or oval luxury tub.

Installing the bath on the frame

In addition to being lightweight tub to be installed on fixing its position frame, this procedure is also highly desirable when installing acrylic, glass and porcelain bathtubs.

In this case, it comes to ensuring rigid fixing baths made from a material that under certain conditions potentially has a risk of deformation (the impact of hot water under deflection weight, etc.).

Installation frame creates more reference points for the baths, which contribute to neutralize the effects of the data. Some manufacturers sell components for chassis, complete with en-suite, and these models are worth pay priority attention, as "native" frame is created with all the constructive features.

Height adjustable bath feet

The important points during installation tubs on legs are:

• alignment position on an uneven surface;
• height from the bottom surface of the floor.

For baths, which are mounted on the frame or pedestal, this adjustment is not particularly important element.

With this function, you can avoid having to podkladyvaniem foreign objects under the feet to establish the capacity exactly at a certain height from the floor surface.

In addition, due to variable height, you can perfectly fit the holes drain / overflow at sewage pipes bathroom without the need once again to lift and move.

Cast iron bathtub with adjustable feet is not very much different from the price of products with fixed legs, so when choosing plumbing on this option should pay attention.

bath function

It should be noted that a bath with massage function, it is not just a fad - it is the possibility of receiving water treatments beneficial to your health.

Do not forget that in many sanatoriums and dispensaries hydro and air massage are part of complex treatment many diseases - hypertension, neurosis, etc. In addition, the "water" have a wonderful relaxing massages Effect.

Hydromassage

massage function (also called "hot tub") - is aimed at the supply of specific parts of the body of water jets high pressure (3.5 bar) through special nozzles mounted on the bottom or on the side walls of the tub.

In expensive models whirlpools number of nozzles is 80, but in order to experience all the delights and benefits of hydro massage nozzles 12 is enough. It is believed that a large number of pixels reduces the therapeutic effect of the whirlpool.

air massage

The essential difference from the air massage whirlpool is that through the nozzle under more high pressure (4 bar) directed air streams are fed, creating a swirling effect .

Aeromassage number of nozzles should be at least 6 (at smaller amount it will only poor excuse aerosassazha) and finds the optimal 14-16.

spinal massage

As for spinal massage function - is actually "cut-down" version of the whirlpool. In baths with this option nozzles for supplying jets of water are established solely on the waist and "Up" line on the spine, wherein, the intensity of the jet flow back must be less than whirlpool.

If the nozzles on the back lines of 2 or 3, such a bath is acceptable, if in addition to spinal massage nozzles, there is an optimal amount of hydraulic nozzles or air massage.

Massage intensity adjustment

Adjustment is carried out by a special controller, which is usually installed along one of the sides, or at the remote.

You can adjust:

• directed jet thickness;
• the pressure with which the jet is supplied;
• procedure time;
• jet feed mode (continuous jet of pulsating jet, etc.).

Closing theme brief overview of whirlpools, it should be noted that all kinds of "water" massage harmful people with chronic skin diseases, if there were boils on the body or there is bleeding.

Removable front panel

More recently, housewives or do not obstruct the front side of the bath, put on display all the guests that It located underneath (plumbing wiring, rag stock detergents, etc.) or hung cloth or oilcloth curtains.

However, even in those days the most economic citizens constructed a kind of front panels plywood (or other material), creating a perfectly acceptable even by today's standards, the aesthetic appearance. But time is "homemade" passed - now on the market a huge number of specially designed front and side panels for the tubs, which have become an integral part of interior decoration bathrooms.

Thanks to the included mounting materials, panels are very easily installed and removed, and, to do this work need only basic skills of working with a screwdriver.

The price of the panel depends on the material from which they are made - it is the cheapest plastic, acrylic slightly more expensive and quite expensive decorative glass and "marbled".

water ozonation

Some beauty salons for women and men to care for water treatment is recommended for skin (washing or bathing) in the "rejuvenating" the ozonated water. This leads to cleanse the skin from germs and bacteria, and normalizes perspiration (regular ozonized bath eliminate human odor from problems), improving the overall condition of the skin and the body, and etc.

Now these procedures can be done from the comfort of your own home - enough to get hot bath with integrated ozonogenratorom and you're home free of charge will be able to soak in the rich ozone water. Control ozone generating function is performed via the touch panel.

Disinfection

This feature is especially useful for complex pipeline system hot tub - it It allows you to regularly clean the pipes and tubes of deposits (if in the water hard water) and bacteria.

In baths with "disinfection" is a small tank with disinfection liquid. Function is activated by a special controller or a remote control button, after which the mini-pump "chase" the solution through the system, and then dries the pipe. With this out of the pipe will not be malodorous rottenness.

Manufacturers claim that such a procedure is advantageously carried out on a monthly basis.

Options baths

Headrest

Some are equipped with comfortable headrests, which help a person to feel comfortable that enhances relaxation effect of "water" massage. Made of polyurethane or rubberized plastic, they are sufficiently flexible and does not put pressure on the head.

Bath with handles

The presence attached to the side (ledges) bath one or more handles are designed for easy entry and exit procedures for bathing. Also made of plastic or metal handle very nice look, adding stylishness appearance during operation.

Bath with backlight

Halogen lamps are mounted on the bottom of the bath or on its sides, mainly act as an additional aesthetic surroundings.

Multicolor light (chromotherapy)

Scientists have proven that different colors have a very significant therapeutic effect (in the first place, is a calming effect on the nervous system and body toning). So there was a whole new trend in medicine - chromotherapy (Subliminal by color perception).

This technique is reflected in everyday life - some manufacturers equip vannylampochkami multicolor backlight the management of which (incl. / Off., light intensity, and even color change) occurs with the keypad or touch panel.

Bath with radio

The presence in the bath of whole-unit built radio unit operate with the remote (incl. / Off., Volume, search stations) will certainly affect the price, but the music will make the process of receiving water treatments significantly pleasant.

Mixer Included

An important component of modern full bath complete set is the presence of "native" mixer complete. It will be the most harmonious look, because its design was created specifically for a particular model.

Now the market plumbing large selection of a variety of mixers, which are their main functions are divided into two types:

• Mixer with two head parts (cold / hot water);
• mixers with a single "tap" -rychazhkom, wherein adjusting the water supply cycle is carried out thanks to the ball mechanism.

If you select a simple bath this kit can be quite successfully pick up on their own without the slightest damage to the functioning of the bath, then the choosing this component can play an important role, since they are already with integrated water pressure control (mini-compressor), and a thermostat etc.

Make sure that your plumbing system in order, as the multifunction mixers are extremely sensitive to the messy and very hard water.

Type control additional functions

Regulation and control additional functions of the bath (all kinds of massage and other) depending on the process design carried out in one of two ways:

• Control pneumatic type - to enable / disable a function, it is necessary to "turn" built on a side handle or regulators;
• electronic type control - i.e. by means of a special keypad, or touch pad. In today's advanced models with electronic control of additional functions can be program the time and intensity of those or other options, as well as to activate voice commands.