Today, many owners of country cottages when designing bathrooms prefer the built-in bathtubs. This design solution is good in that it fits almost any interior and allows you to create the illusion of saving space. However, the bathtub (built-in) has several design features that set it apart from the standard models. After reading this article, you will learn about the main advantages and conditions of installation of such products.
Key Features
The main characteristic of integrable models that distinguishes them from other products is the configuration and dimensions of the bottom. As a rule, the built-in bathtub in the flat-bottom podium has quite impressive dimensions. Such models are ideal for spacious bathrooms in which standard options do not look.
Most integrable products are additionally equipped with special ladders located on the side inner surface. This avoids splashing water onto the podium or floor.
Some manufacturers produce oval built-in bathtubs , which can be installed even in small bathrooms. Similar models stand without problems in a corner or near one of the walls of the room.
Existing varieties
Depending on the configuration, such products can be divided into:
- round;
- angular;
- rectangular.
To date, the most popular is considered a round bathtub built-in. She is able to transform any interior, making it truly luxurious. Similar models are often installed in the very center of the bathroom.
Manufacturers often provide all kinds of additional functions in such products. So, an integrated bathtub with a mixer can be equipped with imitation of sea waves, hydromassage, ozonation and illumination. Models with these options must be installed by a qualified technician.
Materials used for production
Depending on what this or that model is made of, all products can be classified into:
Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages, so they are all in demand. However, the acrylic bathtub, which has excellent thermal insulation properties, is considered the most popular. Due to this, the water collected in such products cools quite slowly.
Convincing conservatives will surely like impressive cast-iron products. Like an acrylic bathtub, these models retain heat for a long time. To install these bulky products into the floor, it is necessary to strengthen the structures supporting them.
Installation Features
In order for the bathtub (built-in) to last as long as possible, several critical conditions must be observed during its installation. First of all, it should be mentioned that such models are not suitable for all city apartments, but only for those located on the ground floor. However, obtaining permission for such work is almost impossible. And an unauthorized installation is fraught with serious problems not only with government agencies, but also with the integrity of the entire building.
In private homes, the bathtub (built-in) is mounted in spacious bathrooms located on the ground floor or in the basement. Otherwise, for these purposes it is necessary to create a reinforced concrete base for support. Moreover, this should be done at the design stage of the mansion.
An important condition for installing integrable models is the presence of a correctly installed sewer system. In terms of dimensions, such bathtubs are quite comparable to a jacuzzi or a swimming pool, so when planning their installation, you should take into account future water costs. The volume of most models averages about three hundred liters.
The main stages of installation
Since the installation of such bathtubs is a rather difficult task, it is advisable to entrust it to specialists. It is almost impossible to cope with this task independently. Before making a final decision on installing such plumbing, you need to calculate whether the floors can withstand such an impressive load. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the foundation.
The design of integrated plumbing implies the arrangement of a so-called pit that exactly repeats the configuration of the product installed in it. You can’t just dig a hole and install a bath in it.
After the pit is completely ready, you need to stretch the communications there. The next step should be the installation of a siphon, after which you can proceed to insert the mixer and attach the support to the bottom of the installed plumbing.
To connect the bath installed in the pit to the sewer and water supply, you need to raise its legs as much as possible. At the final stage, it is necessary to collect a full bath of water to make sure that it is tight. And only then you can proceed to facing the floor.
A few words about the catwalk
It can be an ideal alternative for those who plan to install integrated plumbing in a city apartment. So, the podium, arranged in a spacious room, allows you to create a clever imitation of a bathtub built into the floor. In addition, due to the decoration of this element, it is possible to emphasize the features of the interior. Even a single-stage podium is able to transform the bathroom beyond recognition.
Bathroom faucet
Modern manufacturers offer a fairly wide range of similar products. These devices differ from standard models in that some of them are hidden in the side of the bath. The popularity of integrative mixers is due to the flexibility in choosing the installation location.
The devices built into the bathtub are good in that all their control elements are in a horizontal plane, and all hoses are hidden under the podium. In some cases, the mixer, having special legs, is mounted on board the bath.
Such devices look great on large round or corner bathtubs with wide edges. Such a constructive solution made it possible to solve the problem of masking unaesthetic hoses connecting the mixer to the shower head.
When choosing such devices, you should ask whether it is necessary to purchase special integrable frames for them. Before buying a model you like, you need to check with the seller whether the warranty and after-sales service apply to it. You also need to ask in advance where it will be possible to purchase spare parts and where you can contact in case of a possible breakdown. Do not save on built-in faucets, because the repair or replacement of these devices can be much more expensive.