Advantages of combined baths when arranging a bathroom

The dimensions of the bathroom in typical apartments often force one to choose between a shower stall and a bathtub. And this is not an easy decision, because when there is no time, you need to quickly freshen up and run about your business. But still, at least once a week you have a free evening, which you can devote to yourself, soak in the fragrant foam. Moreover, this is a great relaxation after hard working days.

Combined bath

After such procedures, it is as if you are reborn. Fortunately, technological progress does not stand still, and now you don’t have to make a choice, because there are combined bathtubs with a shower.

Multifunctional bathtub

Features and types of shower cabin with bathtub

Shower cabins are very popular among the population. This is due to fashion trends, the accelerated pace of life and the possibility of saving water resources. But sometimes you really want to soak in a bath with foam, aromatic oils and relaxing additives. And not everyone is satisfied with the functionality of the shower stall. For example, you can’t bathe a small child in it or wash clothes.

Combining a shower cabin with a bathtub is not only fashionable, but also an ergonomic development. Its main goal is convenience and functionality. Such combined plumbing includes a full shower and bathtub and is able to satisfy the needs of all family members, taking into account their preferences.

Combined showers can be made in several variations :

• open – structurally the simplest models. Often they have enclosing doors only on the outside (inside they are replaced by bathroom walls). The shower can be located in such structures either on the side or in the center.

Open combination bath

• half - glass or plastic doors cover only part of the bath and separate the shower area. The shower in this case is on the side.

Half combination bath

• closed - structurally complex systems with a roof. They are sealed around the entire perimeter and are often equipped with additional functions.

Closed combined bathtub
Also, shower cabins with a bathtub can vary in shape :

• corner - a godsend for small bathrooms;
• rectangular - a classic, appropriate in any interior;
• oval or “quarter circle” - a modern design solution.

Combi-systems can be standard sizes or exclusive.

Which faucet and shower should I choose?

Accessories.

To make the hydromassage process as comfortable as possible, bathtubs are equipped with such pleasant details as handrails that make it easier to get in and out of the bathtub, headrests (hard or soft), hanging holders for magazines and newspapers, and shelves for shampoos. A colored decorative screen covering the bathtub from the side to the floor can be matched to the interior design.

In the photo: Aulica model from the Jacuzzi factory, designed by Urbinati Carlo.

All inclusive. Luxury hot tubs are often sold complete with a matching shower head and faucet. A hand shower with a flexible hose is “hidden” in the side of the whirlpool bath: it can be easily pulled out and put back. As for the faucet, bathtubs like to be equipped with waterfall faucets. During the hydromassage procedure, it is so pleasant to put your head under them, and, in addition, it gives an additional therapeutic effect.

Additional functions

Shower cabins with bathtubs can be equipped with additional equipment and functions. Equipment that complements combined shower cabins:

• mirror;
• shelves for personal hygiene products and clothing;
• handrails, hooks, towel holders;
• seats;
• dispensers for various detergents.

Shower cabin with additional functions
Multifunctional combi-systems are equipped with:

• radio;
• telephone;
• LED backlight;
• fan for quick ventilation.

Also, combined showers with bathtubs can perform additional functions:

• “tropical” shower – creates the effect of rain in the tropics;
• hydromassage – through built-in nozzles, water is supplied under pressure to the back, lower back, and legs;
• aromatherapy – saturation of steam with aromatic oils;
• contrast shower - alternating warm and cold water;
• bath - this function is only possible in sealed combined systems. The steam generator increases the humidity and temperature inside the box, creating the effect of a real Turkish or Finnish bath.

A bathtub in combination with a shower can be either simple or hydromassage.

Shower cabin with bath function

Advantages

The main advantage of a combined shower cabin is, of course, the presence of a bathtub. It not only gives pleasant moments of relaxation during spa treatments, but also helps solve many everyday problems. Moreover, children splashing in the foamy water get a lot of pleasure that is incomparable to taking a shower. Also, a shower combined with a bathtub has a number of other advantages:

• the integrity of the entire structure ensures reliable tightness;
• multifunctionality allows the use of plumbing fixtures at the owner’s discretion (showering or bathing). Additional functions make water procedures more comfortable and relaxing or invigorating;
• saving space and the ability to install in small spaces - an indispensable quality for most consumers;
• the variety of models presented allows you to select equipment to suit the interior of any style;
• reliability in use and practicality.

A combination shower is a very convenient option for a small bathroom.

Flaws

The main disadvantages of a combined shower cabin with bathtub include:

• care - cabin curtains must be wiped dry after each use so that lime and salt deposits are not deposited on them;
• cost - it is always higher than for plumbing separately. Also, the price will increase in proportion to the number of built-in additional functions and the exclusivity of the design;

The cost of a combined shower may be higher due to additional functions

• possible malfunctions of both faucets and the opening mechanism. Repairing a combined system will cost more.

Advice. The installation of a combined shower cabin with a bathtub must be carried out according to all the rules, so it is better to entrust it to professionals. This way, the risk of premature system failure will be minimized.

Why should you buy combined bathtubs?

In addition to the fact that this technique takes up less space than its individual components, there are a number of advantages:

• A huge range of models, so you can find exactly what you need. Both in functionality and design.
• Takes into account the needs of all apartment residents.
• There is a drain-overflow device.

In addition, these combination baths have additional options:

• radio;
• backlight;
• steam function;
• hydromassage;
• telephone;
• The equipment is controlled via an LCD display;
• seat;
• headrest;
• automated cleaning and disinfection system;
• sensor of the temperature of the water supplied to the person, and other functions.

Of course, in one model there may be, for example, a supply under the head, but in another, it is not available. Therefore, before buying combined bathrooms, you need to decide on functional priorities. What is important to you and what you can do without. The price of this product will also depend on this. And this is precisely the only drawback of such shower cabins. After all, you will have to pay for this plumbing almost as much as for a bathtub and shower if you buy separately, and maybe even more.

A combined bathroom is, of course, a convenient thing. The price for it today varies from twenty to seven hundred thousand rubles. Of course, the difference is significant, and it depends on the set of functions and the brand of the manufacturer.

If we consider a combined shower from two hundred thousand rubles, then it will have the following types of massage:

• tonic;
• bioenergetic hydromassage;
• relaxation;
• anti-cellulite;
• mix of massage and aromatherapy;
• strengthens muscles;
• foot massage;
• lateral and lumbar;
• music therapy and chromotherapy.

Managing this functionality is not difficult, even a beginner can do it, since these models are equipped with a computer with software (photo). If you want to purchase such a bathroom, then you need to order it in Europe. Russian manufacturers don't make them. But if you make this purchase and have no doubt about the length of the warranty period, then don’t worry, it’s long enough. Although such plumbing equipment costs a lot, it still pays for itself in the process of use and is a reliable investment.

What to look for when choosing

1. Size. The range of sizes of shower cabins combined with a bathtub is quite large. The choice of model should primarily be based on the size of the available area. Closed shower boxes are more bulky than open ones.
2. Equipment. It varies between models and affects the cost.
3. Functionality. First of all, here you need to start from financial capabilities.
4. Manufacturer. When choosing, it is advisable to give preference to trusted manufacturers. They often provide a guarantee on their products, which adds confidence in the quality.

   
   To ensure that your shower cabin lasts a long time, give preference to trusted manufacturers.

5. Materials. The bathtub in such a system can be acrylic, steel or cast iron. Or it can be a plastic, ceramic or metal tray with a depth of at least 40 cm. Acrylic bathtubs have the highest performance characteristics. It is also worth paying attention to the material of the curtains. They can be glass or plastic.
6. Quality shower fittings. It's no secret that high-quality faucets are a guarantee of durability and no leaks.

Advice. If you are on a limited budget, there is another way to combine a bathtub with a shower stall. To do this, you need to purchase glass or plastic curtains with a sliding system, suitable in shape and size to the existing bathtub and shower stand. You can install additional equipment yourself or entrust it to a specialist.

Price issue

Not every family can afford to purchase such a combined shower in this price range. However, there is no need to be upset, because among Russian manufacturers there are many models with a decent set of functions. The price of such bathrooms will be significantly lower, and the capabilities will be sufficient for daily use. Moreover, in appearance they are in no way inferior to elite plumbing fixtures. Their price range starts from thirty-five thousand rubles.

Combination shower models for this price will have aeromassage, hydromassage, a built-in mirror and other additional options. If you decide that you need a combined bathtub and shower, then it is best to buy it from reliable, trusted manufacturers who have been on the market for many years, provide a guarantee and value their reputation. Then this plumbing fixture will definitely bring only positive emotions to its owner.

There are so many bathtubs that have been invented for a comfortable stay and aesthetic enjoyment of the interior. The basic materials, of course, remain unchanged, but new shapes, combinations, colors and sizes are added.

No one can thoroughly answer the question of what a bath should be like. And there is no need, it all depends on personal preferences, on the overall design and size of the room. It is clear that a 2.5 square meter hydromassage tank is unlikely to fit into a 3 square meter bathroom. In principle, these parameters are key when choosing. In electronic catalogues, you can spend hours looking at photos of bathtubs and still not see everything.

The same applies to manufacturers. There are so many of them, and most importantly, most of them offer really high-quality products.

Owner reviews

The best helpers in choosing a reliable manufacturer and model of a shower cabin with a bathtub are undoubtedly the reviews and recommendations of the owners. Viewing photos of the interior with a combi system will also not be superfluous.

Positive reviews:

1. “In our family, everyone has different preferences when taking water procedures. My husband does everything “quickly,” but I like to lie down and relax. The silicone curtain did not protect against splashing water, and the husband began to insist on a shower stall. I had to get into a pose. In the end, we agreed on a combined shower stall. Everyone is happy, although there is one big drawback - I have to wash thoroughly and a lot, and I do it all alone.”
2. “We installed a multifunctional shower cabin with a bathtub. What to say? The first couple of months we tested all the functions to their fullest - tropical and contrast showers, hydromassage, sauna. Now we've already played enough. Overall we are satisfied with the quality.”
3. “Delight in everything! You can soak in the bath and take a refreshing shower. But most of all there are positive emotions when you look at children frolicking, and at the same time the floor is dry!

   
   Combined shower - will be convenient for all family members

4. "Very pleased. We have the simplest budget model without any bells and whistles. The design fulfills its direct “responsibilities” – tightness when taking a shower and bath.”

There will always be dissatisfied owners. Here's what they write from the negative side:

1. “The design is functional, there’s no arguing with that. But everything is shaky, flexible, somehow “toy-like”. Hydromassage is interesting only for the first month, and with low pressure it does not work at all. Washing curtains is just terrible, exhausting work. Not washing is not an option, even after one use it looks unkempt.”
2. “Everything breaks down very quickly, and repairs are expensive and time-consuming. And try and find spare parts. It's a pity for the money spent."

Advice. When analyzing recommendations, remember that negative reviews are often associated with improper installation and operation.

A compromise in choosing between a bathtub and a shower cabin will be combined plumbing. A shower stall with a bathtub will satisfy the needs of every family member, save space and decorate the interior of the bathroom.

Combined baths: video

Combined baths: photo

Choosing a package

Faucets

Choosing a high-quality faucet that will not rust in a couple of months and will not fall off within six months is possible only with the help of an experienced and respectable specialist. He will help you choose a convenient mixer for each shower stall design, tell you which materials are more resistant to microelements contained in water, which manufacturers make the highest quality products, etc. However, some nuances are still worth remembering:

• Cranes are less likely to break than a lever
• Separate taps regulate water temperature more slowly but more accurately
• The taps must have a minimum non-metallic shell, otherwise the hot water tap cannot be turned off - it will heat up
• It is convenient when taps are opened completely with one turn, and not with endless torsion

Shower head

1. The density of the water flow depends on the frequency of the holes on the shower head. Girls with long hair will not be able to rinse their hair of shampoo if the water scatters in different directions like raindrops.
2. The shower head can be mounted into the ceiling, wall or side of an enclosed shower stall, but in this case you will always have to wet your head while taking a shower. It’s also not worth giving up the shower attachment completely - one hand will be occupied all the time while washing. The best option is a hose and a special mount, which will give you the opportunity to remove the watering can at any time and independently adjust the height and direction of the water stream.
3. It is better to choose a rubber or silicone one-piece hose for a watering can, since a regular metal spiral becomes unusable in a matter of months.