Deciding which is better – a bath or a shower

Types of baths: pros and cons

In modern specialized stores, there are 3 types of bathtubs to choose from: cast iron, steel, acrylic. Each of them has its own characteristics, which are worth knowing about if you do not want to install a shower.

Cast iron bath

Cast iron baths

Advantages of cast iron baths:

1. If you treat the enamel with care, it will last a very long time. The average warranty period is 25 years.
2. The most resistant, including to deformation.
3. Keeps warm for a long time.
4. Relatively silent when drawing water.

Disadvantages of cast iron baths:

1. If the enamel is seriously damaged, its high-quality restoration at home is very difficult.
2. Over time, it becomes more and more difficult to wash: the surface becomes porous.
3. There is no variety of shapes, most often these are ordinary rectangles.
4. They are very heavy. But if you are not planning to move in the next 20-30 years, this drawback is not significant.

Advice. Imported cast iron bathtubs are lighter than their domestic counterparts. According to reviews, the enamel on them is of better quality.

Steel baths

Advantages of steel baths:

• High-quality models last up to 15 years.
• There are various forms.
• They weigh 4-5 times less than their cast iron counterparts. This is convenient for a country house or a modest budget.

Steel bath
Cons of steel baths:

• Very noisy when drawing water.
• They are easily deformed, which leads to damage to the enamel. This applies more to inexpensive thin-walled models.
• They have high thermal conductivity. The heat is released quite quickly and the water cools down.

Acrylic bathtubs

Pros of acrylic bathtubs:

1. The most silent, in comparison with other types.
2. It has low thermal conductivity: it heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time.
3. Minor damage is easy to repair.
4. They come in various forms, with additional options.
5. They are not slippery and easy to clean.

Acrylic bath
Cons of acrylic baths:

1. Over time, they lose their gloss because they scratch easily.
2. Fragile when compared with cast iron counterparts.
3. Inexpensive bathtubs sometimes become stained, for example, if colored clothes are washed there.
4. Good, high-quality models (not fake acrylic ones) are not cheap.

Which is better to choose?

As you can see, there are situations when the choice becomes clear.
For example, if there are small children in the family or a large dog lives in the house, willy-nilly you have to install a bathtub. Just like in a wooden house, it is most advisable to install a closed shower stall, the design of which prevents steam from entering the room.

In all other cases, the lifestyle of the household members should be taken into account. Many people today, especially young people, due to increased employment, are forced to save every second. Such a person will have no need for a bath, since he simply does not have time to lie in it.

If the owner has free time, then choosing a bath will be more preferable, since, as shown above, it provides more opportunities.

Shower cabin: advantages and disadvantages

The cabins are open and closed. The first partially limit the shower area, since there is a partition or door between the walls. Such devices are cheaper than closed analogues, in which the roof seals everything hermetically, thereby creating a sauna effect.

Shower cabin with acrylic tray

They differ in functionality and materials from which pallets are made:

• cast iron - durable, but take a long time to heat up;
• steel ones make a lot of noise;
• ceramic ones are quite fragile and can break if a heavy object is dropped on them;
• marble ones look impressive, but are expensive;
• krill ones look good, but are not resistant to damage.

Advice. Choose the size of the shower cabin at least 0.8 x 0.8 m, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to be in it.

Pros of shower cabins

1. Save space. Good for installation in small bathrooms.
2. Safe. Non-slip material is used to produce the cabins, which virtually eliminates the risk of injury.
3. They use water economically, about 2-3 times less than when bathing in a bath.
4. Equipped with additional functionality. For example, the presence of a telephone or radio, the ability to switch water supply modes (massage jets, etc.). Some cabins offer inhalation or aromatherapy.
5. They have a variety of installation methods and components. The shower is installed quickly and easily.

A shower cabin will allow you to reduce water consumption

Cons of showers

1. High-quality rectangular models with a good-quality door are wide, which does not always make it possible to install them in a small bathroom.
2. The functionality of the cabin depends on the water pressure. If it is less than 1.5 bar, then you can only take a shower; additional options (if provided) will not be available.
3. Over time, doors and walls accumulate a white coating (the result of dried splashes). They need to be thoroughly washed after you shower.
4. As a rule, they cost more than baths. Although it is also possible to choose an inexpensive mid-class cabin.
5. Unlike baths, they do not provide the opportunity to pamper yourself and relax. True, you can purchase a shower room, which also includes a bathtub, but its dimensions and cost are larger than a traditional cabin.

The shower stall requires constant maintenance

Shower or bath, what to choose

During renovations in the bathroom, especially if the room is not spacious, almost every apartment owner thinks about whether to leave the bathtub or replace it with a comfortable stall in order to quickly take a shower and be able to squeeze into the room a washing machine, water heater or some other item that Now there is not enough space at all.

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing between a bathtub and a shower box is the area of ​​the room in which one of these devices will be installed. Unfortunately, the size of bathrooms in most apartments and houses in our country is not large, so the issue of saving space is always relevant.

Moreover, in addition to the washing device, a sink should also be installed there. And this is a minimum set of plumbing fixtures, in addition to which the already mentioned washing machine is often installed in the bathroom, a laundry basket and pieces of furniture for such a room are often installed, allowing you to store various things.

Therefore, if there is a need to place all of the above in a small area, the optimal choice would be a shower stall. It will take up half the space of a standard bathtub and will be a stylish addition to any room.

However, if the size of the bathroom allows you to install a classic container for water procedures, and there are bathing enthusiasts in the family, then you should not deny yourself such a simple pleasure. The opportunity to relax is worth moving the washing machine into the kitchen.

The second important factor influencing the choice of this type of plumbing is water saving. The opportunity to reduce its consumption is becoming increasingly important, given the constant rise in price of the most important liquid on our planet.

Obviously, by taking a shower constantly, you can save a large amount of water, since its consumption will be five times less than filling a bathtub. However, if you install the latter, it is also not necessary to fill it every day, if you can use the shower included with the mixer.

The only difference will be that it is still a little more convenient to take this water procedure in a box created for this. The third point that needs to be taken into account when studying the arguments for and against showers and bathtubs is the functionality of these devices.

As for classic tanks, in addition to bathing, they can be used for soaking and washing clothes, washing various items and other similar procedures. Hydromassage baths have a huge number of benefits, which can, among other things, have a positive effect on human health, as well as help to effectively relax and relieve stress.

However, shower cabins can also be equipped with a serious set of functions. Moreover, their number will be significantly greater than that of the best hot tubs. In addition to various shower and water massage modes, the cabins are equipped with steam generators, aromatherapy devices, a bath simulation function, ventilation and lighting.

When choosing between a bathtub and a shower box, you also need to take into account the composition of your family. It has a great influence on the need for certain water procedures. After all, if there are small children in the family who need to be bathed regularly, it is almost impossible to do without a bath. In most cases, babies themselves love to swim, so there is no need to deprive the child of this opportunity.

If all family members are already old enough, you can get by with installing a shower at home. When figuring out which type of plumbing fixtures in question to give preference to, it is worth taking into account the pace of life of the home owners.

For energetic people, constantly immersed in work and other matters, who are at home relatively rarely, a shower stall is ideal for quick water treatments. In turn, those who spend a lot of time in their home and also love comfort and orderliness should give preference to a comfortable bathtub.

Whatever the pace of life is typical for a particular person, the choice of a bath or shower must be made, guided, among other things, by personal ideas about comfort.

And even though they are very subjective, each person can easily determine what is more pleasant for him - immersion in a bathing container filled with water and foam, which helps to relax and unwind, or jets of liquid gushing under pressure, giving vigor.

The practicality and convenience of each type of plumbing fixture also plays a significant role in the selection process. When studying the advantages and disadvantages of bathtubs and showers, future owners of the latter need to know that the walls of these devices will need to be cleaned regularly after taking water procedures.

This, of course, does not need to be done often, but in this case, traces of dried water drops, stains, and limescale will remain on the transparent walls of the box. All this spoils the appearance of the shower stall, much more than the tiles above the bathtub.

And this state of affairs, as well as the need for constant care of the glass box, can greatly irritate its owners. As for bathtubs and the surrounding tiles, cleaning them with special products is much easier.

If following fashionable trends in its design plays an important role for bathroom owners, they should give preference to a modern shower stall. These devices are the trend of the last decade. As mentioned earlier, the shower cabin will serve not only as a place for taking water treatments, but also as an elegant decoration for the bathroom.

The state of human health can also shape the choice of plumbing for water procedures. For example, it is a well-known medical fact that taking a bath is not recommended for those people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases.

For those who have not yet decided on their choice, there is an alternative option - shower boxes, which are a bathtub connected to a shower stall. With a shower box, depending on your mood, you can enjoy either a refreshing contrast shower or dream and relax in a spacious bath.

Each type of plumbing has its own advantages, as well as certain disadvantages. Let's compare them according to the most important parameters:

Shower or bath, which is more economical?

So, you are faced with a dilemma: to change or not to change? I mean, a bathtub - a shower stall? Especially considering the rather attractive prices for the latter. Thus, the most affordable shower cabins will cost the buyer around 10 thousand rubles.

However, the issue of switching from a bathtub to a shower room is not easy, considering that in the event of a replacement, the room will have to be redesigned, plumbing and supply pipes will need to be moved... On the other hand, saving water in the long run can save money spent... Or not?

Indeed, according to experts, it takes twice as much water to fill a standard bathtub as it does to take a shower for 6-7 minutes. Water consumption during this time is approximately 100 liters, provided that 15 liters of water flows out of the shower per minute.

In addition, after taking a bath, many are accustomed to rinsing their body in the shower, which requires additional water consumption and, accordingly, money. However, any monetary benefits of a shower may be offset by the fact that it is less healthy than taking a bath.

A bath using products to soften its hardness makes the skin smooth and soft, calms the nervous system and has a positive effect on the respiratory tract. After prolonged exposure to warm water, the skin pores open and well absorb beneficial microelements contained in herbal extracts, sea salt or oils, which are usually added to the bath.

If you are thinking about whether it is worth changing your bathtub to a shower stall because of water savings, it would be wiser to change the bathtub to a more economical one, with a special, economical contour - wide at the head and narrow at the feet. On the one hand, it allows you to stretch out comfortably, and on the other hand, it saves 10-15 liters of water every time you wash.

And for a shower to become truly economical, it is necessary to replace conventional watering cans with modern economical ones, with aeration technology (saturating the water stream with air).

If we talk about saving space, then here too a shower stall does not always have an advantage over a bathtub. There is usually “air” above the bathtub, which allows you to increase the volume if you just pull back the curtain. But a shower stall of the same area looks quite cumbersome.

But whatever option you choose, it is advisable to make sure that the bathtub or stall is not visible from the entrance. Corner models of bathtubs and showers are suitable for this. A very interesting option in terms of saving space is a shower corner without a tray, when the water leaves through a channel in the floor.

When renovating, you should also keep in mind that remodeling a bathroom and moving plumbing fixtures usually costs 25% more than renovating with the same arrangement of items.

Shower cabin pros and cons

The cabins are open and closed. The first partially limit the shower area, since there is a partition or door between the walls. Such devices are cheaper than closed analogues, in which the roof seals everything hermetically, thereby creating a sauna effect.

They differ in functionality and materials from which pallets are made:
1. cast iron - durable, but take a long time to heat up;
2. steel ones make a lot of noise;
3. ceramic ones are quite fragile and can break if a heavy object is dropped on them;
4. marble ones look impressive, but are expensive;
5. acrylic ones look good, but are not resistant to damage.

Advice. Choose the size of the shower cabin at least 0.8 x 0.8 m, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to be in it.

Pros of shower cabins:
• Save space. Good for installation in small bathrooms.
• Safe. Non-slip material is used to produce the cabins, which virtually eliminates the risk of injury.
• They use water economically, about 2-3 times less than when bathing in a bath.
• Equipped with additional functionality. For example, the presence of a telephone or radio, the ability to switch water supply modes (massage jets, etc.). Some cabins offer inhalation or aromatherapy.
• They have a variety of installation methods and components. The shower is installed quickly and easily.

Disadvantages of shower cabins:
1. High-quality rectangular models with a good-quality door are wide, which does not always make it possible to install them in a small bathroom.
2. The functionality of the cabin depends on the water pressure. If it is less than 1.5 bar, then you can only take a shower; additional options (if provided) will not be available.
3. Over time, doors and walls accumulate a white coating (the result of dried splashes). They need to be thoroughly washed after you shower.
4. As a rule, they cost more than baths. Although it is also possible to choose an inexpensive mid-class cabin.
5. Unlike baths, they do not provide the opportunity to pamper yourself and relax. True, you can purchase a shower room, which also includes a bathtub, but its dimensions and cost are larger than a traditional cabin.

Advantages and disadvantages of baths

Many simply cannot imagine their life without a bath with warm water and lush foam, and are ready to be content with limited space and the lack of other necessary things in a cramped room, for example, a washing machine or a spacious cabinet. And yet, the bath has that attractive power that even the most modern shower stall lacks.

• Versatility

In the bathroom you can not only soak in hot water, but you can just as easily take a quick shower behind a protective curtain.

• Comfort

A bath with aroma oils relaxes and gives you the opportunity to relax to your fullest height. The room creates the atmosphere of a spa salon

• Isolation techniques

Even if your bathroom is combined with a toilet, you can use several methods to isolate the bathtub.

For example, hang a polyester protective curtain with a beautiful pattern; install a stationary wall of frosted glass from the sides of the bath to the ceiling; or completely enclose the bathtub with a stainless steel frame with glass sheets, creating a real “hydrobox”.

Among the disadvantages of a bathtub, one main one can be identified: its dimensions, which in a small room make it difficult to place additional, very necessary objects.

Especially for those who do not find time to take a bath and prefer to wash in the shower, here are five reasons why you should still run a bath at least once a week and soak in it:
1. Prevention of colds. A bath is indispensable if you or your child is often sick. It is especially useful to lie in a warm bath after a walk outside in bad weather, when your feet are wet or very cold. A bath will help warm up the entire body and thereby prevent the development of cold symptoms.
2. Skin cleansing. No one can cleanse their skin as effectively with a shower as a warm bath. In the bath, as in a sauna, the pores open and the skin is completely cleansed of the dirt accumulated in it.
3. Relaxation. In order not to get irritated by trifles, you need to do a full course of massage twice a year, take a steam bath once a month, or attend spa treatments.
4. Cool down and stretch the muscles. When you sit at the computer for a long time or do physical exercises, your muscles become very tense and stagnation begins in them. For this purpose, it is best to combine business with pleasure and take a warm bath with the addition of sea salt or herbal extract.
5. Remedy for low blood pressure. Weather-sensitive people often experience headaches and weakness if the sky is covered with clouds and rain is expected. Improving your well-being in these cases is quite simple - fill the bath with hot water and add pine decoction to it. Lie in the bath for 10-15 minutes and the resulting effect will definitely surprise you.

Shower cabin or bathtub which is better reviews

People who are faced with the need to choose a shower stall or bathtub for their bathroom recommend paying attention to the following nuances:
• If no one in your family soaks in the bath for a long time, a shower will be the best option, since it will save the space in half.
• If you install a shower faucet in the bathroom and hang a curtain, you can easily enjoy both showering and bathing. If you install a shower stall, it will be impossible to take a bath unless you choose the option with a high tray.
• When purchasing a cabin, look for expensive models that have few additional functions. According to the experience of many users, such options are used very rarely, and the cost increases quite noticeably.
• A bathtub is more preferable when washing bulky items, such as bedspreads or blankets.
• If there is an elderly person in your family, a hot bath will most often be contraindicated for him, so you can replace the bath with a shower stall.
• But for families with children or pets, a bath is preferable. However, a deep tray in the shower stall can correct the situation.
• Installing a bathtub is simpler when compared to a modern multifunctional shower stall.
• It's convenient to relax your muscles in the bath, but while washing in the shower, most muscles remain tense.
• The shower is more hygienic, since all contaminants from the body are immediately washed down the drain.
• By purchasing a shower stall, you will not be able to enjoy aromatherapy or take medicinal baths. At the same time, the advantage of the cabin is the ability to use a contrast shower.
• Already in the first month after replacing the bathtub with a shower stall, users note that water costs have decreased significantly.
• The risk of flooding among neighbors is noted to be greater among bathtub owners, since the shower stall closes tightly.
• At the same time, booth owners often complain about more difficult maintenance. The device must be washed after every shower to prevent plaque from forming.

It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of which is better: a bath or a shower. It all depends on many factors, by comparing which you will make the right decision. Expert recommendations and consumer reviews will help you decide what to put in the bathroom. And even if family members are divided in opinion, you can always find a compromise.

For example, attach a special sliding screen to the bathtub or hang a curtain and install a faucet. If the size of the room and financial capabilities allow, purchase a shower with a bathtub.

At the same time, be interested not only in the manufacturer and price, but also in the functionality of the plumbing fixtures, as well as the warranty. In this case, no matter what you choose, both the shower and the bathtub will be a successful purchase that will serve for a long time.

Bath or cabin: reviews

Owners who have already faced the problem of choice and learned from their own experience highlight the following aspects of using showers and baths:

• if no one in the family likes to soak in the bathroom, the best option is a shower, because it saves about 2.5 times the area of ​​the room;
• you can take a shower in the bathtub if you hang a curtain and install a faucet, but you can’t take a bath in the cabin (unless you initially buy a shower room with a built-in bathtub);

Shower room with built-in bathtub

• When buying a cabin, you should choose a more expensive model, but without additional options (for example, “tropical shower”). These features are rarely used and have a significant impact on cost;
• a bath is necessary in cases where you need to wash or rinse something (for example, bulky blankets or bedspreads that do not fit in the washing machine);
• if there are elderly people in the family, due to their age and health status it is more difficult for them to take a hot bath; a shower is more convenient for them;
• For families with a small child or pets (cat, dog), it is better to use a bathtub for water treatments;
• you can take a shower faster, because in order to fill the bath, you need to wait a certain time;

You can take a shower at any moment, while a bath needs to be prepared

• installing a bathtub is easier if you choose between it and a modern cabin model with additional functionality;
• the shower is more hygienic, since the dirt immediately flows into the drain, and in the bath you have to lie in the same water with germs;
• in the bath you can relax, while in the shower many muscles are still tense;
• You can also bathe your child in the shower: many modern models are equipped with deep trays that can serve as a mini-bath. At the same time, the load on the back is felt less;
• taking a medicinal bath or having an aromatherapy session in the shower will not work;

The shower cabin will take up less space in the bathroom

• a shower is much more economical in terms of water consumption. Some consumers who changed their bathtub to a shower note this in the first month of using the new plumbing fixtures;
• in the bathroom it is better to wash off heavy dirt by soaking there for a certain time, but it is more convenient to wash your hair in the cabin;
• contrast shower is a significant advantage of the cabins;
• the cabin is more difficult to care for; if it is not washed every time after use, plaque will appear;
• When using a bathtub, there is a chance of spilling water on the floor and flooding your neighbors, and the cabin is hermetically sealed.

A bathtub is more suitable for you if there are small children in the house.
It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of which is better: a bathtub or a shower. It all depends on many factors, by comparing which you will make the right decision. Expert recommendations and consumer reviews will help you decide what to put in the bathroom. And even if family members are divided in opinion, you can always find a compromise.

For example, attach a special sliding screen to the bathtub or hang a curtain and install a faucet. If the size of the room and financial capabilities allow, purchase a shower with a bathtub. At the same time, be interested not only in the manufacturer and price, but also in the functionality of the plumbing fixtures, as well as the warranty. In this case, no matter what you choose, both the shower and the bathtub will be a successful purchase that will serve for a long time.

Benefits of baths

The bath makes it possible to perform therapeutic procedures

• Relaxation. In this case, a bath will be preferable; taking a horizontal position automatically “provokes” the body to relax;
• If necessary, you can wash large items in the bathtub, which is almost impossible with shower cabins. It is also much easier to bathe a small child using traditional equipment;
• Possibility to perform medical procedures. While taking a bath, you can add oils, medicinal herbs and other additives to the water to promote human health;
• It is very difficult to wash off heavy dirt in the shower stall. In this case, running water is unlikely to help, but a large container of water will help get rid of the contamination.

Functional differences between a hydrobox and a hot tub

Shower stalls are completely sealed

To answer the question: which is better, a bathtub or a hydrobox, you need to consider the main characteristics of high-tech equipment - hydroboxes and Jacuzzi baths.

Don't know how to choose a bath? Review of selection criteria and purchase recommendations

Help: Hydroboxes are completely enclosed cabins that allow you to take full advantage of all the advantages of this equipment - full body massage with adjustable pressure and direction of water jets, the effect of a sauna and tropical rain, and much more.

Jacuzzi is the name of a manufacturer of hydromassage baths, which has become a household name for the entire class of devices with hydro- and aeromassage functions, the main competitors of hydroboxes.

Hydroboxes are multifunctional devices that are equipped with a large number of additional devices:

• Hydromassage panels. Some models have hydromassage jets that allow you to use hydromassage while showering;
• More expensive products are equipped with steam generators. They allow you to use sauna mode;
• Modern models of hydroboxes have a large number of additional options: ventilation systems, built-in radios and telephones, LED lighting.

But the baths, in turn, have something to brag about:

• Built-in hydromassage systems;
• Air massage function;
• Some models are equipped with a water heating system;
• Modern bathtubs are equipped with radios and control panels.

Obviously, the choice between these two types of plumbing fixtures will not be so easy to make. After all, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this situation, a reasonable question arises: is there an alternative option?

How much does a bath cost? Tips on how and where best to buy

Combined showers with bathtubs

Combined plumbing allows you to accept all types of procedures

If your family members are divided and you just don't know which option to go with, consider the types of showers with bathtubs. This decision should satisfy all family members.

Combined plumbing allows you to use both types of water procedures: shower and bath. Thanks to the versatility of combined products, the rating of shower cabins with bathtubs is growing every day. Although such products also have a drawback - a high price. But if you can’t find a compromise with your household, it’s still better to opt for an alternative option and purchase combined equipment.

On the other hand, it is almost impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question “which is better”. After all, the choice of each person will depend on a large number of factors, so weigh all the pros and cons, and only then make up your mind.

Choosing between a bathtub and a shower: photo