The bathroom is a place where not only cleanliness, but also wash away fatigue, negativity and bad mood, relax and rest not only with the body, but also with the soul. Someone likes to soak in a deep bath, someone prefers an invigorating shower, but everyone tries to furnish this room as comfortably as possible. Ideally, of course, you can install both, but, unfortunately, not everyone has an area that allows them to turn around. Therefore, often the owners have to make difficult choices and stop at one thing. To understand which is better - a bath or a shower, first you need to consider the varieties and advantages of each of them separately.
What are the baths
Bathtubs can be systematized according to several parameters: material, shape, size, cost and even color. One of the main indicators will be the material of manufacture, namely:
- cast iron,
- steel,
- acrylic,
- quaril.
Cast-iron bathtubs are a classic from our parents' days. They were verycommon during the Soviet Union, and still have fans due to a number of advantages. Cast iron bathtubs are quite strong and durable, retain heat for a long time, however, they do not heat up quickly, they have high sound insulation when water is added. A one-time drawback can be called a lot of weight, but you put it on and forgot, unless you decide to start repairs again. But the real disadvantage is the fragile enamel, which is quickly erased, especially under the influence of modern chemical detergents. After that, the surface becomes unpleasantly rough and can even scratch the skin. Of course, now there are many companies offering re-coating of cast-iron and steel bathtubs with enamel, but, as practice has shown, the second layer is also short-lived, and if applied poorly, it can quickly begin to peel off. As a result, plumbing acquires a completely unaesthetic appearance.
Steel bathtubs are the most budget option. Perhaps only this and their relative lightness can be called advantages. At the same time, both the outer case and the enamel coating (similar to cast iron) are very fragile in steel products, in addition, they cool quickly and are very loud when water is added.
Acrylic and Quaryl - modern materials that have turned the notion of baths
Modern materials used today in the manufacture of bathtubs, it can be said, have made a mini-revolution in this area. Thanks to them, they moved away from the standards of the same rectangular models, there was a huge variety of choices.
Acrylicbathtubs are the most popular today, they are widespread, and there are several reasons for that. Such models are quite light, durable, easy to clean, retain heat well and have a low noise level. True, they can be easily damaged by a direct strong blow, for example, if something metal, heavy or sharp falls into the bath. But the restoration is not difficult and not expensive. And one more thing: acrylic bathtubs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which also raised their reputation.
Kvaril plumbing can be considered a novelty. Such baths have recently entered the market and are not yet as popular as acrylic ones. Quaryl is a combination of acrylic and quartz sand. Due to quartz, they are more durable, warmer and by weight are between acrylic and cast iron. Minus - rather high cost.
There are also stone, marble, glass, faience, wooden baths. But this is already for a higher budget, usually made to order.
Shapes and sizes
Earlier, bathtubs were often classified by size, which, in fact, was not difficult, because it was not a problem to determine the standard dimensions for several models. Today, due to the availability of materials that are easier to work with, products of a wide variety of shapes are produced, and it is no longer possible to unify them. When choosing a bath, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the room itself, since even an asymmetric model should simply fit and not have protruding sides. And do not forget about the parameters of your family members. After all, if the average height of the household is above average, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe bathroom allows you to set onlysmall plumbing, it makes sense to change the bath to a shower. Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the latter below.
What forms of baths can be found now and what is popular? Until recently, there was no problem with choosing this parameter, they chose from rectangular or … rectangular. However, today the variety is so great that it is just right to get confused. The shape of the bath are:
- rectangular,
- square,
- round,
- oval,
- corner,
- asymmetrical.
The main thing is to consider the size and convenience of the location. The internal arrangement of the bath is also varied. For the comfort of consumers, headrests, armrests, handles are made, the tank can follow the shape of the body, etc.
Which is better - bath or shower? Advantages and disadvantages of bathtubs
Trying to answer the question of what is better, you must first consider all the useful points and possible accessories to improve the bath. An undeniable advantage: having taken a full bath, adding aromatic substances, you can completely relax and unwind, wash away the stress of the past day. Some people can spend up to several hours in such a rest. It's impossible to do it in your heart. Moreover, a warm bath has many healing properties, it is prescribed for certain diseases. And for bathing children, you need a lot of space, and a shower instead of a bath will not help in this matter.
Minus baths - prettytheir large area. And if this is not a problem for large bathrooms, then in small rooms (a fairly common occurrence in old houses) there are certain inconveniences. In such a situation, the best solution would be to replace the bath with a shower. Well, another negative factor is the large consumption of water required to fill the tank. And if several people intend to soak up, then the conclusion suggests itself …
Bath accessories
For greater objectivity, it is worth mentioning modern devices. It's about the hydromassage function. Previously available only in sanatoriums and special salons, today they have come to our house along with special hot tubs. Of course, such models are much more expensive than usual ones, but the pleasure is worth it. Moreover, manufacturers offer to purchase special hydromassage inlays, which are much cheaper and can be installed even on old plumbing.
For shower lovers, there are now excellent shower panels with a wide range of functions, and they can also be adapted to the bath. Of course, they do not completely replace the shower box, but they are much closer to it in their intended purpose.
Differences in showers
Until recently, a shower did not cause as many positive emotions as it does today. Her admirers were only people who didn't like to waste time taking baths, because the only function of the shower was… the shower. But now there are so many modern technologies that more and more often many families, when asked "Which is better - a bath orshower cabin?" answer: definitely a shower!
The classification of shower cabins is somewhat different from that of bathtubs. It makes no sense to distinguish between materials, since now they mainly make everything from acrylic and plastic, except that in cheaper models there may be a steel pallet. They are divided mainly by shape (external and pallet) and by doors (sliding, hinged). There are also open showers that have only doors (without a top), and closed ones - shower boxes. But the main difference between this kind of equipment is the number of functions.
Shower functions
The shower cabin in the bathroom can be both the simplest and with a large number of functions - from a small hydromassage panel to entire boxes. Some modern models replace the massage parlor and Charcot shower combined. The most popular shower box features are as follows:
- hydromassage (horizontal and vertical);
- "Turkish bath";
- rain shower;
- aromatherapy (inhalation);
- contrast shower;
- chromotherapy;
- voice control and others.
The quantity and quality of such functions directly depends on the cost of such shower cabins. More expensive models are equipped with the most modern devices, which can be listed for a long time.
The benefits of a shower cabin over a bathtub
What is the best shower cabin? Firstly, it is quite compact and does not take up much space. It is quite economical, moreover, it saves both water and time that does not need to be wasted,until the water flows. A wide variety of shapes and models will help even the most demanding customer decide.
And, of course, a huge variety of functions, many of which are medical, allows such equipment to win the love of more and more people. Also, shower cabins, depending on their parameters, have a fairly wide range of prices. Thus, anyone can choose a model to their taste and budget.
Small bathrooms
As already mentioned, if you have a large bathroom, you can install both a bathtub and a shower. But, unfortunately, such an ideal picture is not always there. Therefore, when designing and equipping rooms with a very small area, there is always a difficult choice: which is better - a bath or a shower cabin?
Having considered all the advantages of both, but still given the tiny size of the room, they usually stop at the shower. Of course, this can be a bit frustrating for those who like to get wet, but, as many people have noted, a good shower is better than a tiny bathtub in which you can’t even stretch out to your full height.
However, what if you have small children, for the care of which the shower is by no means suitable? In this case, an alternative choice may be a shower (hydromassage) box, which has a tray with fairly high sides. Of course, he will not replace a bath for an adult, but his size completely allows a child to bathe. What kids actually do with great pleasure.
Indulge your desires
Sowhat is better? Bath? Or a shower stall? Reviews about this can be heard different. Someone prefers to fill the tank with hot water, add foam or sea s alt and forget about the fuss and problems of an hour of commercials for 1.5. For some, it is enough to recharge with energy under a cool shower. For the third, serve only the Jacuzzi…
As they say, how many people - so many opinions. And, it is worth adding, financial opportunities. Therefore, you still need to be based on your personal preferences, and then on such factors as the area of \u200b\u200bthe bathroom, the material of manufacture, functions and accessories, and design. If you are an active person who does not like to spend time on water procedures, then it is better to choose a shower. If you are a fan of pampering and relaxing in a pleasant environment, it would be better to replace the shower with a bath. The main thing is that the acquisition pleases you and brings pleasure.
