The bathroom is a place where they not only clean up, but wash away tiredness, 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 is trying to furnish this room as comfortable as possible. Ideally, of course, you can establish both the one and the other, but, unfortunately, not everyone has the area to turn around. Therefore, owners often have to make difficult choices and dwell on one thing. To understand what is better - a bathtub or shower, first you need to consider the varieties and advantages of each of them individually.
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,
- cooked.
Cast-iron bathtubs are a classic of our parents' time. They were very common during the time of 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, have high sound insulation during water intake. One-time drawback can be called a lot of weight, but you set it and forget it, unless you decide to start a repair again. But the real minus is fragile enamel, which is quickly erased, especially under the influence of modern chemical detergents. After this, the surface becomes unpleasantly rough and may 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 laid poorly, it can quickly begin to peel off. As a result, plumbing acquires a completely unaesthetic appearance.
Steel bathtubs are the most affordable option. Probably, only this and their relative ease can be called advantages. At the same time, steel products are very fragile both the external case and the enamel coating (similar to cast iron), in addition, they quickly cool down and are very loud when water is drawn.
Acrylic and Quaril - modern materials that revolutionize the concept of bathtubs
Modern materials used today in the manufacture of bathtubs, we can say, have made a mini-revolution in this area. Thanks to them, they departed from the standards of identical rectangular models, a huge variety of choices appeared.
Acrylic bathtubs are the most popular today, they are widely used, and there are several reasons for this. Such models are light enough, durable, easy to clean, retain heat well and have a low noise level. True, they can easily be damaged by a direct strong impact, for example, if something metallic, heavy or sharp falls into the bath. But at the same time, restoration is simple and not expensive. And one more thing: acrylic bathtubs produce a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which also raised their reputation.
Quilted plumbing can be considered a novelty. Such bathtubs have recently entered the market and are not as popular as acrylic ones. Quaril is a combination of acrylic and quartz sand. Due to quartz, they are more durable, warm and are between acrylic and cast iron in weight. The downside is a rather high cost.
There are also stone, marble, glass, earthenware and wooden bathtubs. But this is already for a higher budget, usually made to order.
Shapes and sizes
Previously, bathtubs were often classified by size, which, in fact, was not difficult, because determining the standard dimensions for several models is not a problem. Today, due to the availability of easier materials, products of various shapes are produced, and it is no longer possible to unify them. When choosing a bath, it is necessary to take into account the size of the room itself, since even an asymmetric model should fit elementarily and not have protruding sides. And do not forget about the parameters of your family members. After all, if the average growth of households is above average, and the bathroom area allows you to install only a small size plumbing, it makes sense to change the bath to the shower. We will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the latter below.
What forms of bathtubs can be found now and what is popular? Until recently, there were no problems with choosing this parameter; they were selected from rectangular or ... rectangular. However, today the diversity is so great that it is fit to get confused. The shape of the bath are:
- rectangular
- square
- round
- oval
- angular
- asymmetric.
The main thing is to consider the size and ease of location. The internal structure of the bath is also diverse. For the comfort of consumers, head restraints, armrests, handles are made, the tank can repeat the shape of the body, etc.
Which is better - a bathtub or shower? Advantages and disadvantages of bathtubs
Trying to answer the question of what is better, it is necessary first of all to consider all the useful points and possible accessories to improve the bath. The undoubted advantage: having typed a full bathroom, adding aromatic substances, you can completely relax and relax, wash off the stress of the past day. Some people can spend up to several hours on vacation. It is impossible to do this in the soul. Moreover, a warm bath has many medicinal properties, it is prescribed for some diseases. And for bathing children a large space is needed, and a shower cabin instead of a bathtub will not help in this matter.
The minus of the bathtubs is the rather large area they occupy. And if for large bathrooms this is not a problem, 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 bathtub with a shower. Well, another negative factor is the large flow of water needed 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. This is a hydromassage function. Previously available only in sanatoriums and special salons, today they came to our house with special hydromassage bathtubs. Of course, such models are much more expensive than ordinary ones, but the pleasure is worth it. Moreover, manufacturers offer to purchase special hydromassage tabs, which are much cheaper, and they can even be installed on old plumbing.
For shower lovers, excellent shower panels with a wide range of functions are now sold, 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, the shower did not cause as many positive emotions as it does today. Her fans were only people who did not like to waste time taking baths, because the only function of the soul was ... shower. But now there are so many modern technologies that more and more often many families ask "What is better - a bathtub or a shower cabin?" answer: definitely a shower!
The classification of showers 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, swinging). There are also open showers with only doors (without top) and closed showers. But the main difference between this kind of equipment is the number of functions.
Shower cab functions
A shower cabin in a bathroom can be either the simplest or with a large number of functions - from a small hydromassage panel to entire boxes. Some modern models replace the massage parlor and Charcot's shower combined. The most popular functions of shower boxes are as follows:
- hydromassage (horizontal and vertical);
- "Turkish sauna";
- 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. In more expensive models, the most modern devices are installed, which you can list for a long time.
Advantages of a shower cabin before a bath
What is better shower stall? Firstly, it is quite compact and does not take up much space. It is economical enough, moreover, it saves both water and time, which does not need to be spent while the water is poured. A wide variety of forms and models will help determine even the most demanding customer.
And, of course, a huge variety of functions, many of which are therapeutic, allows such equipment to win the love of more and more people. Also, showers, depending on their parameters, have a fairly wide range of prices. Thus, anyone can choose a model to their taste and wallet.
Small bathrooms
As already mentioned, if you have a large bathroom, you can install a bath and shower. But, unfortunately, such an ideal picture is not always there. Therefore, when decorating and equipping rooms with a very small area, there is always a difficult choice: which is better - a bathtub or shower?
Having considered all the advantages of both, but still considering the tiny size of the room, they usually stop at the shower. Of course, it can be a little frustrating for those who like to get wet, but, as many people notice, a good shower is better than a tiny bathtub in which you can’t even reach your full height.
However, what should you do if you have small children whose shower doesn’t suit you at all? In this case, the shower (hydromassage) box, which has a tray with fairly high sides, can be an alternative. Of course, he will not replace the bathtub for an adult, but his sizes allow him to bathe a child. What kids, in fact, do with great pleasure.
Indulge your desires
So what 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 salt and forget about the bustle and problems of an hour and a half by 1.5. It’s quite enough for someone to recharge their batteries under a cool shower. Give the third a whirlpool ...
As they say, how many people - so many opinions. And, it is worth adding financial opportunities. Therefore, you must still be based on your personal preferences, and then on factors such as the area of the bathroom, the material of manufacture, functions and accessories, design. If you are an actively living person who does not like to spend time on water procedures, it is better to choose a shower. If you are a fan of soaking up and relaxing in a pleasant environment, it will be better to replace the shower with a bathtub. The main thing is that the acquisition pleases you and brings pleasure.