Comparison Villeroy & Boch O.novo 170x75 cm vs Ravak Vanda II 170x70 cm

The working volume of the bath is usually indicated by the amount of water that can be poured to the level of overflow.

In general, the larger the volume - the, as a rule, the more comfortable the bath, the higher the likelihood that it will be able to lie down or even dive into the water almost entirely, up to the neck. However, it should be borne in mind that models of the same volume can differ markedly in size and shape (both external and internal). This means that large capacity does not yet guarantee convenience for a particular user. In addition, filling the volume bath will take more time and require more water, which can be critical if there are meters or limited water supply (for example, hot water from the storage boiler).

— Hydromassage. Massage performed by means of strong jets of water coming from nozzles at the bottom and walls of the bathroom. Such effects have a tonic effect, normalize metabolism and contribute to the removal of slags and toxins from the body. It should be borne in mind that in this case, it is usually not the presence of a hydromassage system, but the possibility of its installation; the systems are sold separately or installed only in some modifications of the bath. Also note that in some situations (for example, in heart diseases) can be used hydromassage only on the recommendation of a doctor.

— Air massage. Body massage with air bubbles coming from nozzles at the bottom of the bath. Air massage has a relaxing and cleansing effect; its combination with hydromassage (see above) is considered to be particularly effective, so in many bathrooms these functions are combined. Air massage systems in most cases also need to be bought and installed separately.

— Ozonation. Ozone saturation of water - an active gas, capable of destroying bacteria and viruses, and (in small doses) to produce a beneficial effect on the body. Ozone therapy, in particular, helps to normalize metabolism and hormonal balance, increase immunity, and eliminate toxins and slags. At the same time for such an impact there are contraindications, so before using such a bath does not hurt...to consult a doctor.

— Disinfection. This function occurs only in baths with massage systems (see above). It is designed to clean pipelines and nozzles in such systems from micro-organisms, which can not only cause various diseases, but also cause blockage of pipelines and the appearance of an adverse odor. For the disinfection system may need a special cleaning agent.

— Dry motion protection. Special fuse on board hydromassage baths, which does not allow the pump to pump air if there is no water in the bathroom. While idling, the pump units overheat and deform, which can lead to premature equipment failure.

— Anti-slip coating. Special coating that makes the bottom of the bath less slippery. Most often provides relief of a special shape, «clinging» to the foot of a person and does not allow her to slip. This minimizes the chance of slipping in the tub and getting injured.

— Antibacterial coating. The presence of a special hygienic coating prevents the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and helps to maintain the purity of the bath, reducing the likelihood of appearance of plaque and unpleasant odor. In addition, the smooth antibacterial surface also improves the appearance of the product.

— Underwater light. Water illumination in the bathroom; may have different colors, incl. with the possibility of color change. The main possibilities are not affected by underwater light, but it gives the filled bath a pleasant appearance and contributes to a relaxing atmosphere (which is sometimes no less important than the comfortable shape of the surface and the optimal water temperature).

— Perimeter lighting. Decorative illumination of the exterior walls of the bath. For the purpose and features are completely similar to the above underwater light. Note that in some acrylic bathtubs (cf. «Material body») the perimeter illumination can be installed between acrylic and external reinforcement and illuminate not only the outer space, but also water (through translucent acrylic).

— Strengthening (insulation). This feature is indicated for reinforced baths - typically acrylic models using various technologies, for example PU Plus by Ravak, or similar to it - Flight by Jacob Delafon. These technologies allow you to create a denser and heavier material than normal acrylic, which has a positive effect on both the strength of the bath and thermal insulation: such products are more reliable than ordinary acrylic, and water cools down more slowly. However, reinforced models are not cheap.

— Water heating. The bath has its own heating element, allowing to heat water. The power of such an element is usually not very high, it is intended more for maintaining the temperature of hot water than for heating cold. However, this function is very convenient: it allows you to lie in the bath for a long time, without being distracted by draining cold water and adding hot.

— Built-in radio. Radio with speaker (speakers) built directly into the bath. This feature allows you to take water treatments while listening to music or a favorite talk show. Built-in radio is usually designed for the FM range - it is in it broadcast almost all modern music stations.

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

Items included in the package

- Bathtube. The bath itself is a container into which the water is poured. Included in any set by definition.

— Legs. In this case, a device for mounting the bath on the floor; it can be both classic legs and a special frame. In any case, to buy a product with such a device in the kit is often easier and cheaper than to choose equipment for installation separately.

— Side panel. Vertical decorative panel covering the bathroom from the outside - from the top edge to the floor. Such a panel gives the product an aesthetic appearance, and also covers the space under the bathroom - from dirt and from getting there various items that would be uncomfortable to get. Note that there are often several side panels - to cover all sides of the bath, not adjacent to the walls of the room.

— Tap. The mixer in the kit is convenient in that it is optimal for the bath in size and design. This, in turn, saves the trouble of finding and selecting the right model.

— Handles. Handles installed on the sides are very useful when entering and leaving the bathroom - lie down and get up, holding the handle, much safer than without it. This function is especially desirable if the bathroom is used by older people, or those who have specific health problems (leg diseases, spine, etc.)....

— Hand shower (shower head). Shower set - usually in the form of a watering can, flexible hose and «seat» under them - mounted directly on the bath. The availability of such a kit obviates the need to purchase it separately.

— Siphon. Curved drain pipe, which is required to connect the bath to the sewer. The availability of such a pipe in the delivery kit will save you the need to pick up and purchase a siphon separately.

— Headrest. A device on which the head can rest sitting or lying in the bathroom. The headrest relaxes the neck and makes bathing more comfortable.

— Armrests. The armrests provide support for the hands of the person sitting or lying in the bathroom, increasing comfort while staying in the bathroom. Note that they are rarely performed in the form of separate devices - most often the role of armrests are special protrusions on the inside surface of the bath.

Country of origin, officially declared in the characteristics of the bath. Note that this parameter may not correspond to the actual place of production - the “homeland” of the company selling bathtubs is often indicated as the manufacturer, and the production may be located in another country. This is done for advertising purposes: for example, the products of European and American companies are considered by many to be more reliable and of higher quality than those of Asian firms. However, the actual quality of products today depends not so much on geography, but on the integrity of a particular company; therefore, when choosing, it makes sense to focus not on the country of origin, but first of all on the reputation of the brand. In this niche, in addition to the domestic manufacturer, the most popular manufacturers are Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Turkey, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland.

The warranty period declared by the manufacturer for this bathtub model is the period during which the manufacturer guarantees the quality of the product. Particularly with bathtubs, the guarantee mainly covers the coating and indicates how long, with proper care, the appearance of the bathtub will remain in good condition.

The longer the warranty period (and it can be different, both 5 years and 10 years ; even there are bathtubs with a guarantee of 30 years) - the more reliable the bathtub is, the higher its overall quality, all other things being equal, but the more expensive it will be cost compared to peers.

Size of the bath in length, width and height. When choosing, it should be borne in mind that the length and width are specified on the outer dimensions - this allows you to estimate the place required for the installation of the bath, but its internal dimensions are inevitably obtained less. But as a height it is customary to indicate the depth - the distance from the top edge to the bottom. Here we note that the high altitude allows you to dive deeper into the water, but may cause some people (for example, elderly or suffering from leg diseases) problems when entering the bath.

The depth of the bowl, measured from the sides of the bath to the bottom of the inner space. This can vary widely, ranging from about 30 to 65 cm in increments of 5 cm. Usually is located in the area of 40-45 cm. For bathing in deeper products may need a special podium, step or highchair, which will help to cross the high side of the bath.