Many people renovating their bathroom face the dilemma of choosing a bathtub or a shower enclosure. Of course, the best solution would be to have both, but not everyone can afford it due to the size of the room. So what is worth choosing and what are the characteristics of both solutions?
Lower bills with a shower enclosure
Due to the rising cost of water, when renovating a bathroom, more and more people pay attention to economic aspects. During a bath in a tub, we usually use about 150 litres of water, while a few-minute shower uses about 100 litres. Water consumption can also be further reduced by special aerators, which are tips dedicated to taps and showers that ‘aerate’ the water. On the other hand, a hot and relaxing bath is a great way to unwind after a long and stressful day. Bathing is also a form of therapy for people with dry skin issues—you just need to add a special emollient preparation to the water to turn an ordinary bath into a therapeutic one.
In bathrooms with a large area, there should be no problem finding space for both a bathtub and a shower enclosure, but not everyone has such a large space. An alternative could be a bath with a screen or curtain; however, for some people, this solution is not convenient. A bathtub is also somewhat more challenging to keep clean because bending down to clean it can burden your back. With a shower enclosure, the situation is somewhat simpler, especially if its surface is coated with a special coating that facilitates the removal of dirt and limescale.
Where will a shower enclosure work best?
So how to solve the bathtub and shower issue? In a small bathroom, it is better to opt for a shower. Nowadays, many different shapes can be purchased, so there is plenty to choose from. Manufacturers offer semi-circular, square, rectangular, and even freestanding shower enclosures, so everyone can certainly find something for themselves. A shower can also be located between two walls and have convenient sliding doors. If it is slightly larger, it is possible to install practical shelves for cosmetics or even find space for seating.
Time saving
As mentioned, a significant advantage of shower enclosures is their smaller size, so they fit perfectly in small bathrooms. Only a small part of the bathroom is needed to install a small enclosure, unlike bathtubs. It's also a beneficial option for those who value quick water refreshment. A shower is invaluable, especially in summer during hot weather, after a workout, as well as after a full day of work. It provides a rapid refreshment effect and is an excellent energy boost.
Regardless of whether we decide to purchase a semi-circular, square, or rectangular shower enclosure, it is also worth remembering that this solution is very convenient for older people, people with disabilities, and children. Furthermore, according to many doctors and cosmetologists, a shower is much more hygienic. It facilitates shaving, exfoliating, and does not dry out the skin as much as long and hot baths in a bathtub would.
Additional functions
When choosing a shower, we can equip it with various additional features, such as hydromassage or even a steam bath, which significantly increases the comfort of bathing. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the type of shower to the spatial possibilities by selecting a ready-made enclosure or mounting doors in a shower recess. Additionally, people looking for the perfect shower enclosure can also choose from different glass colours, as many manufacturers offer smooth, matte, shiny, or even patterned enclosures.
A compromise for the undecided
If you want both a shower enclosure and a bathtub, you can opt for a solution that combines the function of both. Deep trays are primarily considered these, which are an excellent choice, especially for families with children, but not only. Another idea might be to install a shower set in the bathtub and then cover it in a way that allows for a comfortable shower. This primarily refers to bath screens or more affordable curtains.
Thanks to bath screens, we can create a shower enclosure that allows us to enjoy the benefits of a shower. This solution is also much more durable and easier to clean compared to curtains. While curtains are a slightly cheaper option, it is worth opting for a solution that guarantees greater comfort of bathing, such as screen panels.