Rules for the operation and care of shower cabins and saunas SSWW

Remember your childhood shower? This unbearable curtain that constantly lets water in and you have to think about how not to flood your neighbors. These temperature changes that make you scream when you feel hot and cold. The sound of water hitting the bottom of a steel bathtub can wake up the neighbors two floors above.

Shower cabin photo

Not much pleasant. But a shower is the start of your day. And it very often determines what exactly the atmosphere of your day will be like. Will you be cheerful, ready for achievements and new challenges, or tired, angry and sleepy, because the day did not go well from the very beginning? To put it bluntly, showering has a huge impact on your creativity and can indirectly help your career.

What can you do to start your day with a boost of energy? Right! Buy a shower cabin and become a little happier. By the way, you don’t need to think that a shower stall is just four transparent walls for a lot of money.

After all, there are now a lot of models available on the domestic market, among which you can really choose the one that will bring real pleasure. These range from simple cabins to high-tech shower complexes.

Installation is the basis for proper operation

Of course, you can call specialists who will install the shower stall. But if you want to save on the services of plumbers, then it is better to try to do a good installation yourself. The installation instructions will also be useful if you decide to monitor the work of hired employees in order to be savvy in this matter and be able to defend your point of view if any of their actions arouse your suspicions.

It must be said right away that if you are planning to install a shower cabin in the bathroom, then all sorts of repair work should already be completed.

After the hydrobox has been delivered to your apartment, you should remove it from the box. There are not so many shower components and they depend on the purchased model. If you have a classic shower stall, then in the box you will find a tray, and an acrylic one will come complete with special legs. The box will also contain a roof, back wall, front panel, doors with guides, various fittings, shelves, hoses and other water supply devices. However, you can easily purchase a cabin without a tray, roof or rear wall.

Be sure to take into account that to connect and activate the cabin equipment, you will need filters. Opt for mechanical cleaning. Also note that the water pressure should not be very low or very high. Ideally from 2 to 5 atm. If the pressure is higher, you need to install a reduction reducer.

The box must be connected to the electrical network with a special three-core cable, which is laid to the product from the electrical panel.

Direct installation instructions for shower cabins are as follows:

• Place the pallet in the location chosen for the cabin. Next, adjust the legs and secure with nuts. After this, the pallet should be moved 30 cm away from the walls;
• Place the back wall on the pallet and secure the position with the bolts that come with the kit. Do the same with the second wall;
• The work continues with the installation between the walls of the panel on which the control will be located. Secure it with screws;
• After this, work must be carried out to install the roof. This is done with the help of bolts and holes, which are located both on the roof and on the walls;
• When the cabin body is mounted, the moment comes to connect the electrical equipment;
• Next, you should attach the shower and watering can to the switch;
• Attach the existing attachments, then work on the doors. Install the rollers, screw the handles;
• When the cabin is assembled, you need to check the hot and cold water supply system, make sure that the product is functioning correctly and process all the seams. To do this you will need silicone sealant;
• After the work has been carried out, after 20 minutes, you should check whether the cabin is sealed. At the slightest leak, you need to wait until the product dries and apply the sealant again, applying it to the problem area;
• If you are sure that the cabin is sealed, leave the product for a day so that the sealant is completely dry;
• If you think that the installation was carried out correctly, but the appearance of the cabin makes you suspicious, contact the service center.

Operation of the shower can begin as soon as the sealant has dried and the product is fully connected and ready for use. Be sure to check if the wiring is grounded.

Materials

The walls, doors, roof and tray of shower stalls can be made of different materials. The service life of the shower stall will depend on the quality of these materials. In addition, it depends on the materials what kind of care needs to be taken for the booths.

Most often, there are shower stalls whose walls and doors are made of polystyrene. The main disadvantage of this material is that over time it becomes cloudy and streaks appear on it. To avoid such problems, you can choose glass shower stalls. They cost a little more, but they look very beautiful, and with proper care they will always shine. In addition, you can now find shower stalls with patterned, tinted and frosted glass.

Shower trays are:

• cast iron;
• steel;
• acrylic;
• ceramic;
• and from artificial stones.

How to use the functionality

blockquote>If the funds allowed you to choose a multifunctional shower cabin, then you should understand in detail the operation of its additional equipment.
So, you have connected the box to electricity. Next, you should check the functionality of all shower cabin modes, such as radio, steam generator, telephone and others. The electronic control panel is a very convenient way to configure equipment options. It is this that allows you to turn on and regulate such amenities as hydromassage, Turkish bath, steam and radio. A convenient control method using keys controls water pressure and temperature, lighting, and fan. In a word, all the electronics of the shower stall.

The control panel is equipped with keys that allow you to adjust the volume. So, by pressing the vol, + - key, you can select the desired volume.

Using the FM keys you can turn on the radio and tune in to the desired wave. How does this device work? You need to press the FM key, after which the display will show the station that was last selected. By pressing the TUN and plus and minus keys you can change the settings. If you want to search for a radio station, you need to press the + or – key and hold until it starts automatically searching. To memorize a radio station, press the M key, select the desired channel and activate the memorization mode by pressing the key again.

If your cabin has an ozonizer function, then that's just great. After all, it is she who can destroy all the bacteria inside. To activate it, you need to press the function key on the control panel and close the cabin after leaving it. The cabin can continue to operate normally after a quarter of an hour.

If you have purchased an expensive and spacious model of a shower cabin, then it should definitely have a steam generator. What does it give? This device turns the shower into a steam room. Look at the control panel and find the key that controls the steam generator. Click on it. When the indicator is activated, the steam generator will fill with water and begin to fill the cabin with steam. Its output will be ensured thanks to the flask that is located on the pallet. By the way, a steam generator can easily also have an aromatherapy function if you put various types of herbs into the flask or pour in aromatic oil.

A fan is an indispensable device that will allow you to feel freshness during hygiene procedures. It is also necessary to distribute steam evenly when activating the Turkish bath function. The fan turns on simply: press the corresponding button. If during operation you want to disable the function, press the button again.

Some shower cabins have a telephone function on the control panel. It is configured to receive incoming calls. The function is very convenient, since few people would risk taking their phone into the bathroom. When a call comes into the cabin, a characteristic sound is heard. In this case, the radio operation becomes quieter. To receive a call, you need to press the “phone” key. You can reset the call by pressing again.

So, we figured out the functionality. But you need to know some general aspects of operation so that the cabin lasts a long time and the electronics do not fail after a week.

Types of hydromassage

Water massage in the shower can be vertical or combined. Vertical hydromassage is considered the most convenient, since in this case you can take a shower while standing or sitting, and all parts of the body can receive a massage. By adjusting the intensity of water flow, you can get from a relaxing massage to an invigorating one.

Combined hydromassage includes both vertical and horizontal water massage. This type of hydromassage comes in large hydroboxes with a bathtub.

TIMO, for example, offers hydromassage shower cabins in the following types:

1. Shower cabin TIMO T-1120 L/R – equipped with six nozzles of the same diameter, which perform vertical hydromassage of the back and legs;
2. Shower cabin TIMO TL-1503 is also equipped with six nozzles that perform vertical hydromassage. The tray has a height of 20 cm.
3. Shower cabin TIMO T-7709 – the operation of the nozzles can be controlled via an electronic system and adjusted to the desired mode.

In addition to the above, some hydroboxes have a “tropical shower” function, which is classified as one of the types of hydromassage. This massage perfectly eliminates fatigue and is an excellent stress reliever.

Nuances of operation

• Firstly, before using the shower cabin, make sure that there is no voltage leakage;
• Secondly, the control panel is a delicate device. Don't press the buttons too hard. Also, there is no need to hammer on the control panel keys if some function does not turn on instantly. It’s better to contact a service center if the situation does not correct itself;
• Thirdly, ventilation in closed shower stalls must work perfectly. After using the equipment, the cabin should dry thoroughly;
• Fourthly, you cannot change anything in the control unit;
• Fifth, regarding electricity, all outlets and other equipment should be located in an area outside the equipment. Zone width 60 cm, height – 225 cm;
• Sixthly, in order to carry out the installation work correctly, you will need a space of 30 cm around the perimeter, which will provide free access to the territory;
• Seventhly, you cannot place the shower next to heating devices closer than 15 cm. Such an arrangement can cause damage to the shower cabin equipment;
• Eighth, if you are dealing with an acrylic shower, then the maximum temperature should not be higher than 60 degrees Celsius;
• Ninth, there must be a gap of 15 cm between the ceiling and the roof of the box. This is what the installation instructions for shower cabins say.

pros

• Multifunctionality . By purchasing one product (and a very compact one!), you get a kind of mini-spa. The market offers shower boxes with both minimal equipment and a full range of functions, including a steam bath, light therapy, and music.
• Benefit for health . A hydromassage cabin is an excellent solution for wellness. Hydromassage is considered one of the most beneficial water procedures for health. Water jets quickly relieve fatigue, increase muscle tone, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and joints, and promote weight loss. Steam treatments cleanse the body of toxins, improve blood circulation, boost immunity and improve overall health.
• Full set . Hydromassage boxes are sold fully equipped. There is no need to buy anything separately - everything is included in the price.

How to care for the cabin

It is worth noting that the shower tray is its weak point. Especially if it is made of plastic or acrylic. During operation, the pan is always under pressure from the human body. Therefore, you need to stand on it carefully. Do not jump or drop heavy objects.

Sliding shower doors can also be a problem. Their weak point is the wheels. You can’t pull the doors sharply, so that you don’t have to contact a service center later or change the doors, which is quite expensive.

If the cabin has such a function as ozonation, then the problem of the appearance of microorganisms can be dealt with easily and simply! After all, it allows for modern disinfection. Currently, there are many means to prevent the growth of bacteria. It is better to pay attention to the products offered by the manufacturer. However, there is universal advice for all cabins: you should not use substances that contain corrosive components. Especially for acrylic. It is recommended to clean a tray made of this material with toothpaste if you don’t have a specialized product on hand.

Never use cleaning products that contain abrasive particles. Especially soda. You need to clean the cabin with mild products, preferably ones that are intended for this purpose.

Why can't this be done? The fact is that small particles scratch the surface, thereby spoiling its appearance. So, if you try to wash an acrylic tray a couple of times with an abrasive agent, it will become completely covered with scratches, turn yellow and will be difficult to wash.

To prevent blockages, conduct a full inspection of the cabin. Once or twice a year, clean the steam generator from scale and clean the nozzle holes.

If you yourself do not want to inspect the cabin or consider yourself incompetent in this process, the service center will help you do this.

It must be borne in mind that the hydrobox is very negatively affected by the quality of our water. So, if it is supplied to the box from the central water supply, then you should, if possible, mitigate this unfavorable factor.

The liquid enters the water supply system with impurities of various contaminants. There are mineral salts and just dirt from a pipe that has been in use for too long and is starting to fall apart. To neutralize negative factors and purify the water, you can use a filter that is installed in the cabin before the liquid enters. There should be two of them: coarse and fine cleaning. But putting them up is one thing, keeping track of them is another. Filters must be cleaned under water.

Why are the impurities in our running water dangerous? They negatively affect the functioning of mixers, steam generator flasks and nozzles. Salts, which are also contained in water, can settle on both equipment and glass. They create an unpleasant coating that is quite difficult to deal with.

Therefore, after each use of the shower, it is necessary to rinse the cabin with hot water, then rinse with cold water and dry it thoroughly. If you do this once a week or less, the plaque will quickly cover the entire cabin.

Glass is a special shower material that really is the weak link in cleaning. It must be washed after every hygiene procedure. Be sure to brush away any remaining drops of water that, when dry, form an unsightly pattern on the glass. As for mirrors, manufacturers are now producing hydroboxes with mirrors that are resistant to various stains and fogging.

If you are leaving for a long time, the cabin needs to be prepared for departure: washed, wiped dry, and treated with glass cleaner. In this case, it will not become covered with dust and will be waiting for you in its original form.

By the way, special attention should be paid to the rubber used in the doors. Dampness and dirt can give rise to mold, which finds refuge in the rubber folds. Be sure to clean them thoroughly, otherwise the cabin risks filling with an unpleasant odor.

What is a hydromassage box?

The hydromassage shower box differs from the standard shower cabin in its expanded capabilities and a set of additional functions. The many functions determine the technical complexity of the design. A typical shower enclosure consists of a tray, shower enclosure and shower kit, which you purchase and install separately. The hydromassage shower cabin is already equipped with everything necessary. Pallet, fence, back walls, all fittings, mixers, hydromassage filling, control elements - everything is included in the package. If the box has a steam bath or overhead shower, there must be a roof (dome).

Operational problems

Basically, when you first start using the cabin, you may encounter three types of problems. The first group is associated with the inattention of the buyer, who may not inspect manufacturing defects or defects formed during transportation. If you find a defect, you should contact the seller or the manufacturer.

The next category of problems is associated with poor-quality installation. It should be noted that absolutely not all specialists are able to guarantee high quality work. Despite the fact that many manufacturers claim that it is impossible to do the correct installation yourself, this is not true. If you purchase a cabin from a well-known brand, installation will usually be easy and simple.

One of the significant nuances that buyers should remember is that our hot and cold water supply system is not well adapted to European showers. This is evidenced by the quality of our water, as well as low pressure. Therefore, in some cases, installation work should be entrusted to qualified specialists who know how to make European plumbing compatible with Russian realities.

Before installation, be sure to pay attention to the warranty. After all, many manufacturers do not provide guarantees if the box was connected independently.

The last and third category of problems is associated with improper use of the product. But if you follow a certain set of rules and fulfill all the connection requirements specified in the instructions, then operating the shower will not cause you any trouble.

Design

The shower box consists of a tray, internal walls, a shower enclosure with doors and shower fittings. The pallet can be of different heights - it can be completely flat or with fairly high sides. Manufacturers offer models of shower boxes with especially deep trays that can be used as a small corner bath. Typically box trays are made of acrylic.

The interior walls of the cabin and the roof are made of durable sanitary plastic. Sometimes panels made of glass, wood, aluminum, or mirror fabric are used as decorative inserts. An ergonomic seat, shelves for bath accessories, mirrors - all this, as a rule, is also provided in modern shower boxes.

Tempered glass is used as a material for fences and doors. As in conventional shower enclosures, the doors in shower boxes can be hinged or sliding.

Manufacturers and prices

The best companies producing simple booths today are:

• Hyber;
• Ammari;
• Fresh;
• Eurosun;
• Pegas;
• Sinowell;
• Nautico.

Among the manufacturers of multifunctional booths, the following stood out: Attoll, Midocean, Teuco, Villeroy & Bosch, Niagara, Glass and Appollo.

The best manufacturers of combined booths are: Gruppo Treesse, Fituche, Eago, Coliseum, Tarim, Jacuzzi, Movida, Avanta.

Among domestic manufacturers, high-quality and inexpensive hydroboxes are produced by the companies Aquapol and Atlantis. Very good hydromassage shower cabins are produced by the Finnish company TIMO.

Prices for hydroboxes vary depending on size, functionality, manufacturer, brand and materials used in assembly. Today, a shower stall can be purchased from just under 1000 to tens of thousands of dollars.

What determines the effectiveness of water massage?

The functionality of a hydromassage largely depends on the design of the cabin or shower panel. The more nozzles, the more zones where they are located, the more effective the procedure will be. There are models with 6, 8, 12 nozzles, and there are cabins with a large number of them. And if there are several different massage programs, then choosing a mode that suits each family member will not be difficult. One of the most pleasant modes is the “running wave”. Switching on and off, paired nozzles direct the flow of water from top to bottom or in the opposite direction - from bottom to top. A contrast shower will help enhance the effect.

We recommend that you find out what American wires are used for when installing a coil.

Read: how to choose a stainless steel heated towel rail.

Learn how to care for your shower stall.

Nozzles are made of plastic or brass. There are fixed options, but some models are equipped with rotating nozzles, which make it possible to change the direction of the water jets at will.

The results of the massage depend on the duration of the procedure and the temperature of the water. Perhaps the most convenient option is a shower cabin combined with a hydromassage bathtub. Here you can sit in complete comfort and relax absolutely all your muscles. Only in such models the body is completely immersed in water at a comfortable temperature, which is one of the conditions for effective hydromassage.

Enabling utility functions

Recently, you can often find relatively budget models that are additionally equipped with:

• Illuminated inside the booth.
• Radio receiver
• Video intercom.

These are the main auxiliary functions, but an incomplete list of “extras”. Of course, most often you will find exactly those pleasant additions that were listed above.

To turn on, turn off and control some of the functions there is always a special panel with control keys. Everything is intuitive, there is no need to dwell on this point.

Injectors

Three types of nozzles (water and air sprayers) are installed in shower cabins:

1. Hydromassage;
2. Aeromassage;
3. Combined.

Pressure water is supplied through hydromassage nozzles, and air is supplied through air massage nozzles, turning into bubbles. And through combined nozzles, both water and air are supplied.