Review of the hydromassage panels market: varieties of devices, principle of device, design solutions, models and prices
Hydromassage nozzles make water procedures healing
Paz for a shower holder with adjustment in various planes. Price panel - 15.6 thousand rubles.
Electronic shower panel
The SLED model, made in a minimalist design and intended for the angular installation, complete goods with a thermostatic mixer and is supplemented with a shelter for bath accessories with a chromed limiter. White acrylic coating
When embedded the panel with vertical hydromassage in the Material cabin cabinet, you can change the package
The NEO model with a large stationary watering can and four powerful nozzles allows you to get the maximum pleasure of communication with water
Shower panel P546- The embodiment of modern technologies and high quality. The price is about 45 thousand rubles.
Models from Aluminum Comfort Plus ( but ) - 33 thousand rubles. and LIFT2 ( B. ) - 45 thousand rubles.
In the light design of the NEOS cabin organically fits the rectangle of the hydromassage panel
Aquatower 3000 has four high-pressure side soul with 12 or 24 nozzles in each. Price, about 60 thousand rubles.
Photo by D.Minkina
The package of modelre12 includes four nozzles for vertical massage, shower with rack, adjustable shower, massage belt, folding seat
Aquakit model of anodized aluminum is good both in itself and in combination with a shower
Photo K. Manko
For the hydromassage panel there is a place in a small bathroom. Australiary fence will help create a convenient shower compartment.
A unique model with ten powerful vertical nozzles complete with a spacious shower
The Skyline panel is equipped with the top shower, shower at the level of shoulders, five massage nozzles, a folding panel for foot massage. Handmade shower and elements of the controls are skidding user movements
Equipping the bathroom with a shower panel, you get a real wellness complex with a hydromassage effect. Thanks to two tiers of shelves, all accessories needed for water procedures can be placed at a distance of an elongated hand.
Designer variety of products and technological nuances allow you to choose a rack for the soul: Aquakit Neoplus ( but ) attracts its futuristic appearance; Model Colonna Abaco ( B. ) decorated with an array of wood
Powerful large-format model of avant-garde design is designed for spacious open interiors in Loft style
The hydromassage panel is one of the most useful for health and mobile species of shower equipment. It can be installed in the closed volume, for example, in a shuffling corner, and just hang over the bathroom. We will tell you this article, how to choose the most suitable option from all the diversity of these devices in the domestic market.In a series of shower equipment, hydromassage, or shower, the panel takes place between the usual shower and the shower. The typical device consists of a housing, mixer, massage nozzles, shower nozzle and control panel. On the main chassis, there is a water layout and certain shower structures are installed: side (in the form of nozzles), the top (in the form of plates, heads, there are cascading solutions), as well as manual shower watering.
The advantages of the shower panel are obvious. First of all, this is a universal option for any bathroom: the panel can be installed separately by making a drain or pallet, and if you wish, bid with the bathroom, or to embed it in a shower area (cab) of another manufacturer.
The compact panel is suitable if the cabin is not placed in the bathroom, and can also become an alternative bath. It is the same installation of less labor-intensive than the arrangement of a shower corner.
The hydromassage panel is chosen in order to maintain the unity of the design, when the use of a shower cabin is undesirable- For example, a wall in the bathroom is laid out with a mosaic or ceramic tiles with an original layout, and do not want to close it.
But of course, the main plus panel compared to the ordinary shower is the wellness effect of massage nozzles: it is known that the hydromassage has a strong therapeutic effect similar to a acupressure. Directional jets of water relax muscles, remove tension and pain.
For every tasteThe shower panels in the installation method are angular, wall and universal. Corner models occupy more space, they are more difficult to install exactly at right angles to each other, they rarely occur; In addition, there are some difficulties in the liner of hot and cold water. So why many prefer exactly the corner option, despite the fact that it is harder to install it? The choice between the angular and wall mounting is determined, as a rule, the characteristics of the space. For example, it often depends on the type of cabin component.
The hydromassage panels also differ by the control method (electronic and manual), the number of shower slabs (manual or manual only with the top), the presence / absence of the thermostat.
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The original design turns these models into a bright interior accent
There are models that are suitable for installation over the bathroom - they have evidence (hole for water supply in the bath). It includes Solo (Doctor Jet, Russia), Maris Vasca from the Young Collection line (Jacuzzi), P13 and P15 (teuco, obhestaly), up 350 (Ideal Standard), one of the models of the Comfort Plus series (PHARO, Germany). Spool is located at the bottom on the site of one of the nozzles. Rotate the switch- and the bath begins to fill.
There may be such pleasant additions such as BodySpa (Kohler, USA), Meris Series (Jacuzzi), a number of COS models (Italy); Massager for leg models P191 and P192 (TEUCO), SOLO (Doctor Jet); Massage belt-P12 and P14 (TEUCO). If you wish, you can buy a shelf accessories, a mirror, such as in Ideal Standard collections.
Plastic, Glass, Metal ...Which materials did not use manufacturers for shower panels over the past 10 years! This is aluminum, acrylic, all types of ABS plastic, polystyrene, glass - P193, P10, P11, P194 (TEUCO), Amera (Grohe, Germany); Marble - Zena Marble (Ideal Standard); Valuable wood varieties, in particular Wenge or Tick, - IOS (Jacuzzi), Zena Wood (Ideal Standard). Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of models are made from acrylic, for example, Aquakit (Roca, Spain), SLED (IDEAL STANDARD), P191, P192 (TEUCO), MARIS line (Jacuzzi). This is a fairly cheap material, almost perfect in terms of sanitation, because it is easy to care for it. Products from acrylic are the most intricate form, as it is plastic.
The second is the frequency of use of material - aluminum. He acryla is more expensive, but it does not lose the species longer, more durable. Aluminum made the main buildings of such models like Lift 2, Prestige, Sideway, Skyline (Pharo / Hansgrohe, Germany), P546, P547, P12 and P14 (TEUCO), EGO (Jacuzzi), ES and ES Built In, Moments (Ideal Standard). The surface of the housing can be both chromed and anodized, so that it almost does not remain the flows from water. Local models, in contrast to aluminum, there is a disadvantage: in the case of using shampoos and gels on natural components, the pairs of essential oils are settled on the open surfaces of the panels, forming a flaw that is not easy to remove the specialist to polish the product. It is difficult and expensive.
The market sector of the panels with glass cases is recently reduced.
For body benefitAll shower panels are arranged according to a single principle: one or two shower watering cans (top, manual), nozzles (maximum quantity- 8) and mixing node. If nozzles are more than three, in 95% of cases, thermostat mechanical or electronic uses. It is needed to provide a high-quality full-fledged jet out of several sources at once. If the nozzles are a bit, the model is equipped with a one-dimensional mixer. Some models can be configured at their discretion: so, in the P546, P547, P12 and P14 panels (Teuco), the mixer can be both thermostatic and one-handed.
The thermostat beloved is such an option as the temperature adjustment limiter (the mechanical key with the focus). To make water warmer, you need to press the button and, holding it down, turn it with a handle that frees the limiter. It protects against hot water scraaring. The thermostat provides a switch by which mixed water is sent to the nozzles or on a manual or top shower; It is also put in an intermediate position to get water from two sources. Additionally, water flow limiter can be added.
Opinion of a specialist
Photo E.I. Morgunovy Fencing for the panel can be done using a conventional plastic curtain for the bathroom (these products are sold at any economic store or on the market). Do not worry, water will not splash: first, the curtain is made of sufficiently heavy material, and secondly, the hydromassage jets will never create such a pressure on the curtain so that it deviates from its position. At the bottom, it is permissible to strip cramps (quite literally 100-150g) or get ready-made curtains with weights.
Vladimir Dolo, Technical Specialist of Hansgrohe
Hydromassage nozzles are always arranged taking into account the human anatomy. Their number varies: 2-8 pcs. First of all, they differ in type: rotary (rotating nozzles that create a constant circular movement of water jets, causing pleasant sensations), aerooruskins (water is mixed with air), with pulsation, imitation of acupressures, flat or point jet. The diameter of the nozzles of the nozzles will also be varied. Some manufacturers, such as Pharo (Hansgrohe), offer replaceable nozzles (LIFT 2 model). At your choice - three options with simple bayonet mounting (inserted, pressed, turned): For 1.5 minutes you can change all 6 pcs. If you get tired of a tough massage jet, put the nozzles working in normal mode.
The control panel can be programmed the operation of the nozzles (mode, sequence).
Electronic controlPanel cost from 30 thousand rubles. Equipped electronic control panel: The temperature of the mixed water is regulated by no rotation of the handle, but by pressing the corresponding buttons on the remote control.
The electronic control complex includes the backlight, set the temperature up to 1C, program the operation of the nozzles (for example, horizontally arranged groups are capable of turning on and off sequentially through brief time interval-called cascade effect). You can program the change of their work in time or apply such an interesting function as the Scottish shower, when it comes alternately from the nozzles, then cold water, the contrasting souls according to the chart that you yourself.
Connecting a water heater
Can I connect the water heater to the panel? For products (models) with electronic control, this is not recommended, since there is no stable pressure and water temperature for their correct work, which are not provided with accumulative water heaters. Only flowing water heaters with a capacity of 24 kW can be combined with shower panels with electronic control.
Often the same model produced in two versions: with manual and electronically controlled. Electronic more convenient and more modern. However, it is more difficult to connect it (you need a cable laying). If you are inclined to touch control, pay attention to an important point: the transformer of the power supply system must be in the dry zone (usually the neighboring room). In no case cannot be installed under the pallet. As well as the cable, a small transformer in the dust and moisture-proof case comes with the panel. The device is undesirable to fit into the wall- if it fails, it will be necessary to replace it. Make it will be difficult. Models with electrical components require grounding and a protective shutdown device by 30 mA leakage.
Designer approachIt should be noted that 95% of acryla-color products or slightly tinted. Many manufacturers of sanitary equipment tried to experiment with color, but this work was not crowned with success: painted products are not in demand in Russia or around the world. Probably because white is the color of purity, and in the bathroom it is a defining concept. It is important that white is universal and harmonizes with any tone of the walls.
However, sometimes the designer plan requires an unusual color solution. For example, Jacuzzi has a panel made of dark wood; Ideal Standard and Teuco offer glass of different shades; In addition, the last manufacturer provides replaceable multi-colored rims for nozzles (pink, blue, turquoise, yellow, white) as an additional option. Shower systems Thief, SLED and ZENA (Ideal Standard) exist in three versions: in the color of white or gray-ice metal, as well as a natural tree. Sometimes fashion trends in design affect engineering solutions. So, in the new panels P546 and P547 (TEUCO) designed in the studio Angeletti E Ruzza, the innovative installation system makes it possible to embed and hide their back in the wall. Installation The flush is also provided for the FIR designer model (Italy): only the metal part with nozzles and the top shower performs from the wall. There are similar options and Jacuzzi.
ChromotherapyIncreasingly, the company equip their panels with a function of painted light, solving different tasks with it. This light changes the design of the panel and allows you to vary the bathroom lighting script. Well, it is a means of chromotherapy.
Hansa (Germany) has released the ColorShower panel, to the center of the top shower of which the lamp is built. Taking a shower under multicolored rain (almost all the colors of the rainbow: green, yellow, orange, blue, purple, red) turns into chromotherapy, depending on the color relaxes or burtrite. You can choose from various programs or set your favorite colors - the panel is a color circle. Such a function is also equipped with a Luxury system BODYSPA (Kohler). To watch the color shower more effectively, the manufacturer advises to take it in relative darkness.
There are also models with normal backlit, they are cheaper. Smalled brands, such as Pharo, in the premium panels, this function can be added additionally. Sometimes the highlight is also equipped with economy model. So, Apollo (Italy - China) has the brand option "Moonlight".
Models and pricesRange for shower panels is huge. The cheapest cost 3.7-11 thousand rubles. - Aqualux (Hong Kong), Golf, Apollo: simple options from acrylic with a small amount of nozzles and often without a thermostat. The price of the most expensive model, BODYSPA (Kohler) in full configuration, reaches 940 thousand rubles.
Democratic Chinese products follow the panel of firms "Aquatik" (Russia), Doctor Jet. They cost more (10-14 thousand rubles.), Made from acrylic; The range is usually small (DOCTOR JET shows only three models, and in "Aquati" - one: "Drive"), but the ratio of "price quality" is very attractive.
The Csenter class (from 18 thousand rubles) includes some ORAS panels (Finland), Dorff (Germany), Hansgrohe, Roca Idr. These are high-quality budget decisions, as well as professional and semi-professional equipment.
Inconale, premium segment. Often manufacturers position their products in several categories. So, the hydromassage of Jacuzzi Hydromassage has two directions: Young Collection (economical option, 61-92.5 thousand.) And Design Collection (more expensive ruler, 92.5-104 thousand rubles.). The flagship of the Hansgrohe shower equipment market releases the panel under the two brands: Pharo (premium class) and actually HansGrohe (budget-style solutions).
One of these solutions was the model Comfort Plus (from 35 thousand rubles). It was designed specifically for those who are planning an inexpensive apartment repair with minimal alterations. Imagine: Vastered shower mixer, and you want a panel. But alas, there is no possibility to change the wiring and spend money on plumbing and tiled work. No problem, when installing Comfort Plus, it is permissible to use standard mixer liners: the panel is mounted directly to them. The fastening type of this model is universal: it is permissible to hang it in the angle, and on the wall.
Very interesting Raindance panel (Hansgrohe). There is no top soul, only manual. But what! Brand know-how- with air suction function. Water mixes with air in the shower head, which gives a softer jet and provides gentle skin care. The Raindance Air shower is also in all Pharo panels, with the exception of Prestige. New 2007 PHARO-SKYLINE (from 81.5 thousand rubles) - has such a useful feature like a shower for a collar zone (in addition to the usual top). This innovation will appreciate women: let's say you want to take a shower, but you do not want to water your head and endure bathing caps. Touching the panel, it leans (mechanical solution) - and hair remains dry.
The unique panel Lift 2 (Pharo, from 54 thousand rubles) is capable of moving vertically within 20 cm. On the rear part, by which the housing smoothly slides up and down, and you can accurately select any position of nozzles during operation. This is done with a slight movement of the hand: the child approached, lowered, the adult approached it. AB Some models of the economy class of the same company, the function of the upper soul performs the leiba, which is put in the holder on the rod, - while the adjustment range is even wider, not less than 40-45 cm. Each manufacturer seeks to offer our own something, special. Completion of new products TEUCO-P12 (66-70 thousand rubles) and P14 (50-54,55t. Rubles) - enters the soft and elastic massage belt. It can be used in a folded or disclosed form, a combination of water massage from microfruces and mechanical massages from moving the belt through the body provides a double effect. The belt is flexible and fatty, so they can massage the feet.
The company KOS took the course of the designer approach and cooperates with such famous designers as Antonio Chitterio, Roberto and Louis Pilomba Idre.
According to experts, in Russia, the shower panels have not yet reached the peak of popularity, as in Europe. However, the set of models presented in our market speaks of interest from buyers: you can find an option in the soul among both the expensive and the most democratic brands.
The editors thanks the company "Aquatik", "Koler Rus", "Makelevvel", "Tanit", Konzept, Representative offices of Roca, Grohe, Hansgrohe, Ideal Standard, TEUCO for help in preparing the material.