Tray type
The shape of the tray determines its depth - the height of the side relative to the bottom.
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Small. Pallets up to 90 mm depth are considered shallow. When closing the drain is quickly filled with water, so when using such products should be especially careful to watch the drain and prevent it from clogging. On the other hand, even a small child or an elderly person can easily step over a short side. These products are significantly cheaper than medium and deep, all other things being equal; in addition, small pallets are considered the most aesthetic, so many premium models belong to this type.
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Medium. Pallets from 90 to 200 mm depth are considered average. In some cases, such a product represents an optimal compromise between the advantages of medium and deep pallets (cf. the corresponding paragraphs): it gives a good reserve volume in case of clogged drainage and at the same time remains relatively convenient for entering and leaving.
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Deep. Pallets with a depth of 200 mm or more. One of the key advantages of such products is the ability to collect a large amount of water. This reduces the probability of «flood» if there are problems with drainage. In addition, the drain can be closed and intentionally - for example, for the use of a tray as an improvised baby bath or a washing container. Also note that many of these models are equipped
...with built-in seats (cf. below). On the other hand, stepping over a high ledge can be difficult for a child or for a person experiencing leg problems.Tray panel
Type of panel supplied with tray.
Panel is a detail that is located on the outside of the pallet between the upper edge and the floor; it covers the space under the product from water and dirt, and gives it a neat appearance. There are such options for panels:
— Whole. The part, which is a single unit with a pallet; in fact, the role of the panel in this case plays a downward bent upper edge of the product. The convenience of this option is obvious: you do not need to tinker with the selection and installation of a separate part, it is enough to install a pallet - and the panel will be in place. On the other hand, in some cases, such a construction may create inconvenience - for example, if there is a small obstacle at the site of the intended installation of the pan, into which the panel would stick from above. And to get into space under such a pallet, you have to lift it whole. Also note that not all materials are suitable for the manufacture of solid-cast panels: for example, steel pallets are not equipped with such parts.
— Included. Panel in the form of a separate part, supplied as a set and fixed after installation of the pallet. This requires additional time and effort compared to the solid-cast panel described above; however, the installation is generally very simple and cannot be considered a serious disadvantage. At the same time, this option gives an important advantage: it allows you to get to the
...space under the pallet, just removing the panel. In addition, you can not install the panel at all. On the other hand, the separately made parts are somewhat inferior in strength and reliability to the solid-cast.
— None. Among products without panels, two main varieties can be distinguished. The first is pallets, to which the user can choose the panel; in some situations this is more efficient than relying on the manufacturer’s choice. The second is products that do not need panels; in particular, some models of deep pallets.Siphon hole diameter
Diameter of siphon hole in tray.
This information is necessary when selecting a drain pipe for a particular product - the size of the siphon should correspond to the diameter of the hole. The standard diameters found in modern shower trays are 60 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm and 130 mm. Also note that the larger the diameter, the higher the capacity of the drain, the lower the probability of clogging.
Tray depth
The depth of the tray is the height of its side relative to the bottom. Shallow products with a closed drain quickly fill up with water, which can be a problem if the drain tends to clog; but they are easy to enter and exit. The greater depth, on the contrary, allows you to draw more water, but the high side makes it difficult to enter and exit. For more details about this, as well as about dividing the shower trays by depth, see «View pallet».