This is a question often asked about these types of showers.......
Well, a shower cabin is a free-standing unit complete with tray, back panels and doors that is supplied flat packed. No tiling is required and once assembled, stands in position much like a washing machine or dish washer.
Like those appliances, a shower cabin is not fixed to the floor or walls either. This makes it easy to move the shower in and out for any future servicing requirements. It is the combined weight of the tray, back panels and doors, that keeps the shower firm and sturdy for the user.
Compared to a tradtional shower installation....
A traditional shower installation, has a shower tray fitted against a wall or walls. This is then ceramic tiled and a shower screen and doors fitted, plus a shower valve plumbed in. By contrast, a shower cabin provides a straightforward, all-in-one solution.
Open Top Shower Cabin
Fully Enclosed Shower Cabin
This shower model's key components...
Typical, open top shower cabins have a tray, a central control tower plus the interior back walls or panels. The control tower has the shower valve and control panel pre-fitted. There's a front frame and glass, plus the shower doors which on many models, are sliding doors. Fully enclosed shower cabins are additionally supplied with a roof or ceiling panel. This normally houses the monsoon shower head and lighting.
No need for tiling...
With the instructions provided, the shower units are then assembled in the specified room. All panels either screwing together or simply "clicking" together with quick-build assembly systems.
In most cases, the shower interior back panels are made of glass. This is often either Black, White or Mirror Glass. Some brands offer acrylic or perhaps matt or textured finish panels. Either way, there is no need for the additional costs or mess of tiling with shower cabins. What's more, with the interior panels being non-transparent, there is no requirement to tile or finish the walls behind the shower. Those walls will not be seen once the shower is in position.
Key shower model features....
The main showering features are overhead monsoon shower, a hand shower on a riser bar and massage back jets. Of course, these are not used all at the same time! On the shower valve is a selector knob. When turned, this allows the user to switch between the preferred shower features. A further key feature available at an extra cost, would be a steam room function. This is provided by way of a steam generator, that is fixed to the back of the shower cabin.
Lady Gaga, Pavarotti or Elton John?
Shower cabins today can provide far more than simply having a quick in and out shower. Most fully enclosed models come with built-in FM radio and speakers. Even DAB radio on some and full Bluetooth conectivity. Thus streaming in your own favourite sounds while you shower is also an option. How about some mood lighting? LED's and colour changing Chromatherapy lighting can all be part of today's shower cabin experience.
More typical shower features
Other features can include, leak free trays, a drop down seat or free standing stool. Touch control panels, magnetic door closers and easy glide rollers. These enable shower doors to be lifted out for easy cleaning purposes. Glass shelves for toiletries are helpful additions. So are Ozone sterilisation systems and extractor fans, on the fully enclosed shower models.
What is a shower cabin - some installation points to consider...
The water and electric requirements....
With the exception of electric shower cubicles, these types of showers require a pressurised supply of hot and cold water. This needs to be between 2 and 3 bar of pressure. Combi boilers and Megaflow systems are fine. Gravity fed boilers are to, but will require a shower pump to function. In general, open at the top showers require no electrical connection. Fully enclosed shower cabin models will require a fused 13amp supply, providing power for control panels, lighting, radio etc.
Hydro shower sizes and shapes
After choosing open top or fully enclosed, other options are size and shape of the shower. For the most part, available space is the main deciding factor here. Shapes include the very popular corner or quadrant models. Also offset or elongated - this is where one side is longer than the other. Rectangular and square shapes also available. Popular sizes include 800mm x 800mm, 900mm x 900mm, 1000mm x 1000mm in quadrants models. 1200mm x 800mm, 1100mm x 700mm, 1150mm x 850mm, 1200mm x 900mm and 1400mm x 900mm in offset and rectangular.
What is a shower cabin....assembling a fully enclosed model.
Where to install a shower cabin..
These showers are fitted into bathrooms or en-suites, either as an addition or to replace a bath or existing shower. They can also be fitted direct into bedrooms if the plumbing requirements permit. This is a great benefit to any home, particularly those with many family members. They often all want to shower at the same time! Due to the free-standing and self-contained nature, they can also be installed in other places. Such as outside alongside pools and hot tubs. Also in factories, workshops and offices as well.
In summary then, shower cabins are a great way of adding showering facilites to almost any location. They are certainly a quick, cost effective and mess free option. Certainly well worth full consideration for your next project. View our full range of non-steam shower cabins.