You can install an overhead rain shower yourself, provided that the pipes are routed correctly. These systems come in the form of panels, racks, with or without backlighting. Tropical shower: what it is and how to make it yourself
For most people, the acquaintance with the tropical shower happened not so long ago, therefore, remaining a mystery to many today, this term is associated only with the word “tropics”, while it refers to one of the types of plumbing fixtures. This misconception raises many questions that can be answered in this article. It is important to understand what a rain shower is, learn about the principle of its operation and understand whether you can make it yourself.
Special product for hydromassage
Probably everyone remembers how great it was to run down the street in the summer rain as a child. This creates a pleasant sensation, since from rain a person receives the energy contained in the flow of water, and the drops falling on the body help the muscles relax. To create this effect, a special type of shower was invented, called “tropical rain”, since it successfully imitates rainfall.
When people talk about this plumbing device, they usually mean a huge watering can attached to the ceiling. Many streams of water are enough to completely cover the entire body of a person standing under it. It is clear that it is simply impossible to achieve the same effect using a conventional nozzle attached to a removable hose. Among other things, large spray heads have a water supply switch, with which you can stand in a heavy downpour or relax under large drops of rain.
Shower system options
At first glance, the rain shower, the photo of which is presented below, seems to be a simple product, but it can be made in different versions:
- In the form of a panel designed primarily for a shower stall.
- In the form of a stand for taking water procedures in the bath.
Even the design of each of these options may be different:
- Panel creating tropical rain . The model in this version is the most expensive, since in most cases it has a hydromassage nozzle that supplies water in small streams. Some models of such panels have a number of additional options, for example, different colors of backlighting, radio and much more. Despite the fact that such a rain shower head is intended for a shower stall, it can also be used in bathtubs.
Installing such a panel in the corner of the bathtub allows you to expand the functionality of the sanitary container. This model has the advantage of combining a watering can and mixer in one body.
- Stand to create a tropical rain effect . This design of the shower system is the most optimal in terms of price and functionality. The stand, like the panel, is quite versatile, so it can be installed both in the stall and above the bathtub.
- Mixer with rain shower . The main difference of this device is the spray nozzle with a diameter of 25 - 40 cm included in its package. It is worth saying that due to the small width of the water flow, which does not cover the entire body, it is impossible to obtain the full effect of heavy rain from the device in this embodiment.
- Shower head with tropical shower function . This option is the most profitable due to its low cost.
At its core, the stand is a metal tube with fasteners for screwing it to the wall; at one end there is a spray nozzle that creates the effect of a shower of warm tropics. To tell the truth, this device is very similar to a regular shower with a flexible metal hose, only in this case the nozzle is much larger. Such racks can be equipped with a flexible metal hose that supplies water or with a pipe through which water is supplied to the watering can.
Just like the stand, a rain shower with a mixer can be connected with a flexible metal hose or tube.
With this nozzle you can only create a semblance of torrential rain, since such a watering can is installed on an existing hose. Even if it is possible to achieve the desired flow of water, the resulting result will not be truly effective, but only slightly reminiscent of a warm downpour.
Having studied the above systems, comparing their capabilities and prices, we can come to the conclusion: in order to get maximum pleasure and benefit from taking water procedures, you need to make such a device with your own hands.
Shower set with rain shower or separate accessory?
The principle of a rain shower head is similar to that of a traditional shower head, so it boils down to dispersing the stream so that it covers a larger area than when it flows directly from the spout. It also creates ideal conditions for rest and relaxation, under running hot water. Rain showers are usually available in two varieties:
- as a separate accessory, which then needs to be connected to the shower mixer,
- as an integral part of the shower set .
How are these two solutions different? It basically comes down to how it's put together. When you choose a rain shower faucet , you receive a ready-to-install kit that creates a seamless whole. If you only buy a rain shower, installing it shouldn't be difficult for you either, because with it you'll likely get a flexible hose to connect to your shower faucet. However, you should pay attention to the matching style of these two elements.
Technological process for assembling a tropical shower with your own hands
It is worth noting that of all the plumbing fixtures that you can assemble yourself, the easiest one is to make an overhead rain shower with your own hands. The assembly process is quite simple, and most importantly, nothing special is required. To work, you will need to prepare a large watering can, mixer and water pipe.
You can, of course, perform an open installation of the system, but it is better to prefer a hidden installation, in which the mixer is built into the wall. It is advisable to combine the installation of the system with the next repair, but do it before laying the facing begins, since it will be necessary to hollow out grooves in the wall. The implementation of the idea of installing a tropical soul house should be carried out in stages:
- At the first stage, it is necessary to lay out the pipes. Why is a system of several grooves built?
In the middle of it a recess is created for the mixer. And from the recess it will be necessary to remove 4 grooves, into which pipes will be laid that supply water to the mixer, fill the bathtub and direct it directly to the watering can.
On the ceiling it can be laid in a groove or secured with metal clamps. If in the future it is planned to install a suspended ceiling, then the pipe is not brought to the main ceiling. Suspended ceiling structures allow you to hide the pipe, leaving only a watering can on the surface.
After the watering can is securely fastened, you can take water procedures, but it is still better to do this when the renovation work in the bathroom is completely completed.
Installation safety precautions
To avoid unpleasant consequences when installing a shower yourself, consider the following rules:
- Before starting work, all valves and meters must be closed. This will eliminate the risk of a sudden flood.
- When using electrical appliances, you should wipe your hands dry.
- Children should not be allowed near the work site. They can swallow small parts that are scattered on the floor.
- Installation begins only after reading the manual.
If you have fear or doubt, it is better to entrust the work to experienced craftsmen.
Tropical shower in the bathroom interior
Ceiling shower heads, produced under well-known brands, are mainly represented by hanging shower heads lowered on a rod. Some models are mounted to a holder on the wall rather than on the ceiling. Such designer sanitary ware can enrich and even embellish the interior of any room.
Therefore, today it can often be seen in the rooms of expensive hotels and spa salons, as well as elite fitness clubs. To use such systems in an apartment or house, it is advisable to have a spacious bathroom.
Unlike a conventional shower, which often disrupts the harmony with its unaesthetic appearance, tropical ceiling models often involve their integration into a suspended ceiling. This is not bad from the visual side, so they fit perfectly into the interior of the bathroom. Manufacturers produce models with nozzles of different shapes; with their help, it is possible to add zest to the interior if, for example, you install a tropical shower that matches the style in the bathroom. The design, a photo of which can be viewed on our website, clearly proves this.
So, for a classic-style interior, a round or oval watering can is better suited, while modern or high-tech styles will complement and decorate a tropical shower with LED lighting. By the way, the lighting can be chosen either in a contrasting color to the main decoration, or in a harmonious combination with the texture and color of the walls. The design design of the light will be more vibrant and memorable.
Construction stages
One of the main steps to fulfilling the idea is purchasing the necessary equipment and planning. There is no point in saving on plumbing components; after the work is completed, it will be problematic to make adjustments; you must be confident in the equipment. The ideal purchase option would be models from well-known brands; manufacturers value their reputation and monitor the quality of their products. Reasonable design can also eliminate possible problems in the future; access to the main components should be considered in order to replace them in the event of a breakdown without dismantling the covering of the walls and ceiling. Another condition for achieving the maximum effect from a rain shower will be a ceiling height of at least 2.3 m.
The next step is to clean the old wall coverings and, if necessary, the ceiling and floor.
After transferring the drawings from paper directly to the walls and ceiling, you can begin laying pipes. The ideal option is to cut grooves under the pipes; this installation method will save as much space as possible in the room. It is possible to equip a separate shower area from moisture-resistant plasterboard, then the pipes can be “hidden” directly into the partition. Entrance doors should be considered; for example, when installing models on casters, you need to strengthen the floor covering under the lower runners.
Installation of special lighting may require an additional electrical line and installation of associated electrical equipment. It should be ensured that direct flows of water do not enter the connection points and, in general, any non-insulated current-carrying parts of the electrical system. The ideal would be a hidden installation in the ceiling, which can be made in a suspended or tensioned version especially for these purposes. Apartment owners should consider possible leaks from neighbors above and protect those below. To do this, it is necessary to carry out enclosing waterproofing of electrical equipment in the ceiling and complete waterproofing of the floor.
The next stage will be installation and testing of all plumbing elements of the system.
After making sure that the connection is in good working order and correctly, you can begin arranging the ceiling and cladding the walls and floor.
Manufacturers of tropical shower systems
The leading positions among manufacturers of rain shower panels are occupied by Novellini, Bossini, Hansgrohe, which have many years of experience and have long earned a good reputation in the plumbing market. The products produced by these companies are, as a rule, in different price categories, but always of high quality.
Luxury plumbing is quite expensive. In addition, when installing it, it is often necessary to lay additional water pipes that will supply water to provide the rainfall effect, which further increases its cost. But at the same time, models belonging to the elite class have many advantages: a large nozzle that sprays water, several shades of backlight that can be switched, and a number of additional rather pleasant options, for example, several irrigation options, remote control.
Today, some of the manufacturers, still less well-known, often offer relatively inexpensive shower systems that they advertise as tropical. In fact, these are the most ordinary spray nozzles of slightly larger sizes, and the water from them is supplied in a simple stream, without mixing with air, so they cannot create the effect of rain.
The benefits and healing effects of a tropical shower
Some products for taking water procedures are used for prevention of nervous system disorders. For example, the rain shower produced by Otler; Reviews about it from users on the pages of various sites once again confirm such qualities of this product. .
When such procedures are systematically taken, a healing effect is noticeable, which is achieved due to the fact that water procedures are combined with light therapy and a massage effect. Taking them regularly strengthens the body. Streams of warm water, massaging the body, give the skin elasticity.
Scientists have long proven that light affects our body in the same way as smells or taste. Depending on the color and wavelength, lighting can have different effects on a person.
For example, shades of green help to relax and tune in to relaxation, yellow color lifts your spirits, and you can cheer up and mobilize the body’s internal reserves with the help of bright red. Thanks to multi-colored lighting, a person receives aesthetic pleasure.
In conclusion, I would like to advise: if the limited dimensions of your bathroom do not allow you to allocate a separate place for installing a rain shower, then it is quite possible to combine a shower stand and a bathtub. However, in the future it is advisable to purchase a plastic curtain or a special curtain to protect the room from water drops.
Shower lighting
YOU CAN ORDER ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
