Comparison ATLANTIS AKL-110 170x88 vs AquaStream Classic 150x85

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.

— 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 pallet material may consist of acrylic, ABS plastic, glass plastic,
— Acrylic. Polymer, a kind of plastic, full name - polyacrylonitrile. Today it is the most common material for pallets. One of the main advantages of acrylic in this role is «warmth» to the touch - even cool, it almost does not freeze the feet, and under the flow of water is very quickly heated. In addition, this material can be given any color, it does not fade with time and is not prone to divorce. With all this acrylic is easy to process and is inexpensive. The drawbacks are scratch sensitivity; however, they are easily eliminated by improvised means.

— Marble Composite. In terms of the characteristics of artificial marble can be called a variety of stone, it has all the characteristic features: high strength, resistance to impact, easy to clean. The specific feature of artificial marble is the original appearance, and it is found in a great variety of colors and patterns. The main drawback of these pallets is the high cost, because of which they are used mainly in premium showers. And their weight is quite large (although it may be a virtue - the heavy tray is more stable).

— ABS plastic. In many respects, this material is similar to the above acrylic: on the one hand, it is relatively light and inexpensive, does not make a loud noise when water...falls and almost does not cold legs, on the other - the plastic surface is sensitive to scratches.

— Wood. Wood for shower pallets is very rarely used - mainly in design cabins designed with the expectation of unusual design. This material has a pleasant appearance, and is quite comfortable to the touch, it does not slip and has a good strength. At the same time, when the tree is constantly wet, it is prone to darkening, deformation and appearance of plaque; to eliminate these disadvantages can be used various special impregnations, but such a pallet still need to be carefully monitored. Therefore, there are predominantly models represented by a grid of wooden slats mounted over an acrylic base.

— Fiberglass. Glass fiber composite material with plastic filler. This material combines small weight and high strength, it is durable and not bad against scratches (worse than stone, but better than acrylic). At the same time stand fiberglass pallets are relatively inexpensive. Their low prevalence is mainly due to the fact that this material has entered the market relatively recently and is only beginning to gain popularity.

Note that some shower cabins are supplied without a tray, which allows you to purchase it separately, if desired. And the regular pallet can most often be replaced, if necessary.

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.