Comparison AquaStream Junior 90x90 vs ATLANTIS AKL-100P 100x100

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Profile colors available for this shower enclosure model.

Recall, the profile in this case is called plastic or metal base, which connects the walls (glass) of the cabin. Many models are available in multiple colors - all are listed here. With regard to specific colors, the most popular in our time are chromium, black, white and golden and bronze are much less common.

In any case, the choice for this indicator depends mainly on the design requirements. At the same time, it should also be borne in mind that different colors of profiles are sometimes combined with different types of glasses (cf. «Glass») - for example, the same model with «chrome» profile can have transparent glass, and with silver profile - matte. However, the individual colors of the profile have some practical features, here they are:

— Chrome. Profile with characteristic metal coating. Most often, the chrome surface is glossy (shiny): it is inexpensive and flashy, but quickly covered with stains when used regularly and may require careful cleaning. Matte coating is more expensive and not so bright, but it is less sensitive to dirt. However, chrome is used not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to protect profile elements from corrosion - it is very effective in this role, which, in part, led to the popularity of suc...h coatings. Another reason is that this material perfectly combines with the vast majority of faucets, shower systems and other plumbing, where chrome is also widely used.

— Silver. The silvery profile can be made of both unpainted metal (for example, aluminium alloy corrosion resistant) and coated with the appropriate color (for example, dyed plastic). Some manufacturers also refer to the shade described above matte type of chrome coating. Accordingly, the practical characteristics of such a profile may differ; here it is necessary to focus on the price category of the product.

— White. This option usually involves a metal profile covered with white paint - it protects the profile from corrosion and gives it an aesthetic appearance. However, the paint is not as resistant to damage as, for example, chrome coating. Therefore, this option is rarely found as the only one - most often it is one of the available options, in addition to other colors of the profile.

— Black. Color, quite often used both as an option and as the only option. One of the features of the black profile is that it contrasts strongly with glass (which is often made transparent or light), and is also noticeably stand out against the background of most walls in the bathrooms (except for walls that are also made black or very dark - and these options are quite rare). All this not only promotes stylish appearance, but also allows you to visually highlight the contours of the shower cabin, which is important in some situations (for example, in low light, or if the user has problems with vision).

— Bronze. Shade similar to the one described below is golden, but darker, sometimes close to brown. In general, it is quite rare and specific option: bronze is well suited for plumbing style «retro» and fits perfectly into the corresponding interiors, but in a more traditional design of the bathroom may be inappropriate, and it is not cheap.

— Golden. Strong golden shade (different from the darker bronze - see above). Despite the rich appearance, such profiles are mostly not particularly expensive. So their low prevalence is mainly due to aesthetic moments - interiors for which the golden color is optimal, are relatively rare.

The type of glass that enclosure is equipped with.

In this case, glass means the material of the walls as a whole (it can also be plastic - see above). And the type is indicated by the external features of the surface. There are four main types of glass in our time: transparent, tinted (tinted), frosted and with a pattern(on a transparent or matte background). At the same time, several options can be indicated in the characteristics at once, through a slash - for example, “transparent / darkened”; this means that this model is available in several design options (in our example, respectively, there are two such options - transparent and darkened). Moreover, such options may also differ in the color of the profile (see above).

Here is a more detailed description of each of the types of glass described above:

- Transparent. A classic, extremely popular option: clear glass with a smooth surface. Widely used both by itself and as one of the available design options. Transparent walls are inexpensive and at the same time quite practical and functional. True, they practically do not hide the person in the booth - but this moment is not so often fundamental. The unequivocal disadvantages of this option include, first of all, the fact that limescale and other contaminants (inevitably arising during operation) are very...noticeable on transparent glasses. This puts forward increased demands on the quality of cleaning. However, this point is more aesthetic than practical. In addition, glasses of this type can be supplemented with a special coating that prevents the appearance of limescale; such a coating somewhat affects the cost, but significantly simplifies maintenance and allows the glass to remain clean for a long time.

- Matte (satin). Glasses of this type are themselves transparent, but have a characteristic uneven surface. The specific "relief" of frosted glass can be different - from fine roughness to large, pronounced protrusions and depressions; and some models are available with several glass options. Accordingly, the optical properties of the walls of this type may differ: some only distort the objects behind them, others almost completely hide them, creating a “fog effect”. However, in any case, one of the main advantages of frosted glass is the ability to "mask" the person inside. This property can be very useful in some cases - for example, if the shower is installed in a shared bathroom that another person may need while someone is taking a shower. Another advantage of this material is that it does not show as much dirt as a transparent one. On the other hand, a matte surface inevitably adds to the cost of the glass—sometimes quite significantly. Therefore, such glasses are much less common than ordinary transparent ones.

— Darkened (toned). Glass that has a darkening in one shade or another. In some models, several options are available at once, in different colors, and the specific method of dimming may be different - for example, painting the glass itself or applying a special film. In any case, this material can be attributed to design solutions. It gives the shower enclosure a stylish and interesting appearance, and may also be the best choice for some interiors. In addition, many tinted glasses hide the person inside well (similar to the frosted ones described above). The main disadvantage of this option is a slightly higher cost than conventional transparent ones.

- Patterned (transparent or matte). Glass with an additional pattern applied to a transparent or matte surface; if the characteristics do not specify the type of surface, then it means a pattern on a transparent background. The image itself most often looks like an abstract pattern, but there are other options - for example, floral motifs. Be that as it may, the pattern plays primarily a decorative role, although in some models it also has a more practical meaning: a pattern on a transparent surface can “mask” a person inside (similar to how the frosted glasses described above do). However, in all cases, additional decor significantly affects the cost, despite the fact that its advantage is mainly aesthetic; on the practical side, the same results ("masking" the interior space of enclosure) can be achieved, for example, using cheaper frosted or tinted glass. Therefore, this design option is not particularly popular.

Thickness of glass or plastic (cf. «Walls material») from which the cabin walls are made.

The thicker the glass - the stronger it is, the less likely it is to damage the wall as a result of an accident like a collision with a solid object. On the other hand, large wall thicknesses increase the weight and cost of the device. The minimum glass thickness for modern showers is 3 mm, and the maximum can reach 8 mm.

— Vertical hydromassage. Hydromassage is a massage performed with water jets; it is provided by special injectors shower cabin. The word «vertical» is connected with the position of the body during the massage; simply put, it is necessary to stand, in extreme case - to sit. It is not as comfortable as lying down, but does not require a bath, and the rack with injectors for vertical massage can be installed even in a small shower cabin. Massage itself can play a different role: both toning, promoting awakening, and relaxing. This depends on the force of the impact and the temperature of the water, both of which are usually regulated. It should be borne in mind that in most cases for the normal operation of the hydromassage requires a fairly high water pressure at the input - about 4-5 atm. Not all plumbing provides such pressure; therefore, if you want to buy a cabin with this function, it is necessary to make sure in advance of its correct operation.

— Horizontal hydromassage. Presence of horizontal hydromassage function. It is in many ways similar to vertical (see above), except that in this case, during the massage you need to be located horizontally, lying in the bathroom. In the bathroom. Accordingly, this possibility occurs only in the variety of cabins that have a built-in bath (cf. «Type»).

— Foot hydromassage. The possibility of operating the cabin in...foot massage mode, usually at the level of feet and calves. For this purpose, special nozzles are provided in the design. For more information about the hydromassage in general, see. «Vertical Hydromassage» above; here we note that this function will be especially useful for those who have to move a lot on foot, and on the legs a significant load.

— Air massage. This type of massage is carried out with the help of a large number of small air bubbles, which are generated by nozzles and rise through the water, while contacting the skin. Accordingly, it is possible to realize such a function only in the showers, where there is a full bath (cf. «Type»). Air massage itself is very useful for relaxation - it causes pleasant sensations in the body; in addition, it contributes to the absorption of useful substances dissolved in water (for example, curative salts). In the latter case, it is recommended to combine this function with hydromassage (see above). It is recommended to combine this function.

— Cascade shower. A kind of shower, in which water is poured on the cockpit man not with jets, but a continuous stream - similar to how it happens when you are under a waterfall. This, among other things, helps to improve the mood and normalize health: in a depressed state helps to cheer up, in a tense - to relax. The effectiveness of the cascade shower can be assessed at least in the fact that in many sanatoriums it is used as a health procedure.

— Overhead shower (tropical). It is a specific type of shower, to some extent imitating rain: water does not come from a separate nozzle, but from a special lattice that occupies a large area on the roof of the cabin. At the same time, instead of a concentrated jet at the output produced small trickles or even drops, which promotes relaxation and allows you to effectively use aromatic oils together with water (see «Aromatherapy» below). Tropical showers are usually equipped with boxes (see «Type») premium class, and in some models with this option may not have a traditional shower head at all.

— Aromatherapy. This function allows you to create a pleasant smell inside the shower cabin with special aromatic oils or balms. Special containers are provided for such substances in the design. Aromatherapy is most often realized when working in a tropical shower mode (see above) or a Turkish bath (see below). Aromatic substances enter together with steam or small drops of water. The range of application of aromas is quite wide: some oils contribute to cheerfulness and tone, others - relax and soothe, the third is considered useful for the prevention of colds, etc.

— Ozonation. The presence of ozone in the shower room - ozone saturation. Ozone is a substance whose molecule consists of three oxygen atoms (in «ordinary» oxygen required for breathing, diatomic molecules). It is a powerful disinfectant - it destroys all known microorganisms, including viruses, which ensures cleanliness and no unpleasant odors in the shower cabinet. In this case, ozone acts very quickly and with a minimum of side effects, because it quickly turns into normal oxygen. It can be used in the process. In addition, the slight smell of ozone creates a feeling of freshness. However, it must be taken into account that the substance is safe for humans only at very low concentrations. And therefore, before using the shower cabin with ozonator should carefully read the safety measures written in the documentation of the manufacturer. Ozone is usually fitted to the boxes (cf. «Type»)

— Turkish bath. Possibility of working shower cabin in the mode of Turkish bath («hamam»). In such a bath, a large number of heated steam is fed inside; thanks to this, the humidity is maintained at 100%, but the temperature is relatively low (40 - 60 C). It is believed that the hammam has a beneficial effect on health, in particular, provides a very good cleansing of the skin; it is suitable even for those who do not tolerate the characteristic of other types of baths (for example, saunas) high temperatures. For technical reasons, this function can only be in boxes (cf. «Type»).

— Backlight. The shower cabin has its own lighting system. It provides more «targeted» lighting than the external light source in the bathroom, and allows you not to worry about the placement of the cabin and enough light inside. And the most advanced models can have a backlight with the possibility of automatic color change - it is believed that this promotes relaxation.

— Ventilation. This function is used in closed boxes (cf. «Type») and is realized by the built-in fan. Its main purpose is to air the cabin after water treatments, so that because of the increased humidity inside did not appear stains and unpleasant odors. And in models with Turkish sauna or sauna regimes (see above), the fan can also ensure even steam distribution.

— Timer. This feature provides automatic shutdown of the shower cabin after a certain time. Thanks to the timer you can not worry that you overheat in the sauna, get involved in air massage (and late somewhere) etc.: just set the right time on the timer, and the cabin itself will turn off on time.

— Bath tap. Bath mixer included in the shower enclosure supply. For obvious reasons, it is only found among bathroom boxes (see «Type»). This will save you the need to purchase a mixer separately; in addition, the complete one will be guaranteed, while the installation of the purchase may be difficult.

— Hand shower. The presence of a shower box in the supply of the cabin (usually, the kit includes both a nozzle and a hose). Thanks to this, you do not have to buy a waterproof box separately, and the standard version is optimal for both design and design.

— Shampoo dispenser. Cockpit has its own shampoo dispenser. Actually, the name is quite conventional - this device can be used for any liquid bath products (liquid soap, shower gel, balsam, etc.). The main convenience of the dispenser is that you do not have to deal with bottles (which can fall, be out of the cabin at the right moment, etc.). In advanced models of dispensers can be several.

— Built-in radio. The built-in radio will allow you to listen to radio broadcasts directly during swimming - through a water-resistant speaker, left inside the cabin. Most often, models with this function are designed for melomans and equipped with an FM-band tuner, but there may be options with a wider range of frequencies.

— Spea...kerphone. This function is realized due to the speakers and microphone installed in the shower room - they can be connected to a telephone line and communicate on the phone right during water procedures. This will be useful for friendly conversations, and in order not to miss important business calls (though, in the latter case, you should be careful - for example, to turn off the water in time). Loudspeaking occurs mainly in top-class models.

- Bluetooth. Availability of a wireless module to connect to the acoustics of the sauna smartphone, tablet or other media of music content.

— Display. The presence of own display in the cabin design is usually the simplest single color LCD screen, although there are exceptions. The display is used to display service information: the selected operating mode, hours, timer settings and remaining time, notification of faults, etc. This makes the use of the cabin more convenient, and the control - simple and visible.

— Electronic control. With this function, the cab is controlled by special electronic circuits. Simply put, instead of, for example, turning the tap manually, the user presses a button, and the electronics command the automatic valve. This is more convenient than mechanical control, and the functionality of such cabins is much broader - say, you can set the desired temperature, and the device itself will adjust the ratio of hot and cold water. On the other hand, the advanced design affects the price accordingly.

— Panel backlit. The presence of a separate lighting system of the control panel of the shower cabin. The role of such illumination is mainly decorative - it gives the design an original look. At the same time, illumination can be useful for people with low vision and/or poor external lighting.

— Towel holder. The design of the shower enclosure has its own towel rack; this will save you the trouble of finding and installing a separate towel carrier. The hanger is usually located outside so that the shower spray does not hit the towel, and at the same time it could be easily reached without leaving the cabin.

— Siphon. Equipped with a siphon (curved drain pipe) eliminates the need to buy a siphon separately, especially since the complete pipe is optimal for the pallet in size. However, it is not impossible to specify the size of the complete siphon and check how it will fit into the intended installation site.

— Mirror. The presence of a mirror in the shower cabinet will be useful first of all for various cosmetic procedures - applying masks, shaving, hair coloring, etc.

— Shelves. The shelves inside the shower can be used to accommodate various bath accessories: soap, shampoos, shower gels, washcloths, etc.

— Seat. With its own seat in the shower, you can take a relaxed position - not as comfortable as in the bath, but more pleasant than standing on your feet. Such a seat may be an element of the cab itself (in this case it is usually foldable) or be supplied with it as a separate chair. In models with the possibility of hydromassage (cf. «Functions»), this function is realized in such a way that under the jets of water was convenient to both stand and sit.

— Headrest. Special headrest installed in the model with bath (see «Type»). It plays the role of a pillow and allows you to comfortably place your head, lying in the bath - for maximum relaxation.

The depth of the pallet usually means the distance from the bottom to the edge of the side, in other words - the height of the side. Trays in modern showers can be divided into the following types:

— Deep. Although there is no official criterion for the depth of pallets, models with a depth of 30 cm or more are conventionally referred to. Due to the ability to dial a fairly large amount of water such a tray can be a kind of substitute bath (for example, for children) and useful also if you have to wash something by hand. Also, deep pallets are considered the best solution for homes with old sewers, where capacity is weak - less risk that the water will not drain and spill on the floor, filling the entire pallet. On the other hand, the high height of the side can create inconvenience for the elderly, disabled, etc. and makes , the shower cabins are high.

— Low. Pallets up to 25-30 cm (and the minimum depth may be as low as 3-4 cm) are included. Their main advantage is convenience for all - even a person who has problems with his legs (for example, because of age), without problems will cross such a board. Of the drawbacks we can note the increased sensitivity to the clogging of the drain (high probability of «flood» in the bathroom), as well as the impossibility of use in the role of a bath.

— Bath. The distinctive feature of the bath is the abili...ty to sit or even lie down without discomfort. Accordingly, they differ from the usual deep pallets described above primarily in length - it is at least 150 cm. However, if the design provides horizontal hydromassage (cf. «Functions»), this option is also considered to be a bathroom regardless of length.

Note that the depth is indicated both for those cabins where the pallet is included in the regular delivery kit, and for those that are not completed. In the latter case, this parameter describes which pallets the cab is designed for. There is a pattern here: a large depth usually provides a small height of the cabin itself (up to 180 cm), and higher models are made, respectively, under low pallets. At the same time, cabins from 190 cm and above can provide the possibility of installation without a tray at all - directly on the floor of the bathroom (of course, provided that sewerage).

There are many national stereotypes: many users find certain countries more attractive than others. However, nowadays these stereotypes are practically unfounded. Firstly, in the country of origin of the brand, often only the headquarters of the manufacturer is located, and the production may be located in another state. Secondly, the origin of a certain country is not yet a guarantee of quality: it all depends on how carefully a particular manufacturer controls its products. Therefore, to assess the quality, it is worth focusing not on “nationality”, but first of all on the reputation of a particular brand and the price category of the product. Among the countries represented are the following: Austria, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Canada, China, Netherlands, Poland, USA, Finland, Czech Republic, Sweden, South Korea.