Whirlpool panel for bath and shower

Whirlpool is a pleasant and useful procedure, which relaxes muscles, relieves pain, and has a therapeutic effect on the entire body. Once upon a time, hydromassage sessions could be received only in medical institutions or sanatoriums. With the advent of shower cabins, this procedure has become available to everyone who can afford to purchase this miracle device.

If the purchase of a shower cabin for you for whatever reason is not possible, but you still want to get a relaxing massage at any time, consider hydro-massage panels, which have appeared on the market relatively recently. They are much cheaper than a full shower box and take up little space. In addition, the hydro-massage panels will certainly be appreciated by those who do not like the existing models of shower cabins. In this case, you can build a shower cabin with your own hands, focusing on your own preferences, and equip it with all the necessary equipment, including a panel for hydro-massage.

One of the main advantages of this type of sanitary equipment is undoubtedly considered a therapeutic effectwhich produces hydro-massage. Regular procedures can strengthen the immune system, get rid of insomnia, fight diseases of the nervous system, improve blood circulation. The effect of pressurized water jets is useful for three injuries, varicose veins, stomach diseases, metabolic disorders.

Whirlpool panel can be placed anywhere in the bathroom. If the size of the room does not allow you to install a shower enclosure, whirlpool panel can be hung on the wall directly above the tub. Also, the whirlpool panel can be a good solution for those who are not going to buy a ready-made shower, and want to build an area for taking a shower by themselves - dividing it with a brick wall, curtain or glass/plastic panel.

Among the advantages of panels for hydromassage is their affordability. However, this advantage is relative, since some models of hydro-massage panels are two to three times more expensive than the most basic shower cabins, equipped with hydromassage.

In order for the whirlpool panel to function well, the plumbing in your home must meet two conditions, without which the purchase of this device makes no sense:

A sufficient level of pressure in the water supply. Normal work of the whirlpool panel is possible only at a pressure of not less than two atmospheres (more precise information is usually specified in the product description). Unlike shower boxes, whirlpool panels are not equipped with a built-in pump, so the water pressure in the pipes plays an important role here.

The presence of hot water supply. If your house has its own boiler room or you live in a city apartment, then this point can be skipped. In homes with flow-through water heaters of at least 24 kW, hot tubs will also work fine. If the house is installed storage-type water heater, or the power of the flow-through water heater is not enough, the purchase of a panel for a hydro-massage must be forgotten.

Whirlpool panel is a flat, oblong module, which is attached to the wall in a vertical position. The main operating tool of this device - whirlpool nozzles (openings through which water jets emerge). The number of holes and their location in different models may vary. This determines the quality and feel of the massage. Usually on the whirlpool panel there are from 3 to 8 holes, arranged in several rows, which correspond to different parts of the body. The upper row corresponds to the neck area, the middle row to the back and the lower row to the buttocks. Some models have swivel jets that can change the direction of the water jets, giving the massage a wave-like feeling that washes over the body.

The following types of whirlpool massage are described in the medical literature: jet, vortex, vibration. With the help of a whirlpool model it is possible to conduct sessions of jet massage, which is a point effect of water jets under pressure on certain areas of the body. According to the type of impact jet massage is divided into:

• classic - moderate impact of water jets on the body, combined with taking an ordinary shower;
• invigorating - a strong stream of water will help to gain energy after morning awakening;
• super invigorating - water jets massaging your body in different directions has a strong tonic effect;
• Soft massage with warm water jets helps to calm your nerves and get ready for sleep.

Panels for hydro-massage are supplied in different complete sets. The standard set includes the module itself, control elements and a shower head with a hose. Extended equipment may include a stationary overhead shower (also called a tropical shower), shelves for storing soap and shampoo items, LED lighting, seats and remote control for models with electronic control. The equipment of the hydro-massage panel directly depends on its cost, so be prepared to pay extra for additional functions, which include, for example, cascade shower or spraying of aerated water.

Manufacturers of hydro-massage panels offer models with mechanical and electronic control. Electronic models can be equipped with conventional buttons or a sensor, some of them are equipped with an infrared remote control.

The installation of the whirlpool panel can not be difficult to make yourself. All the necessary fasteners that are needed for this are usually included. Additionally, you may need silicone or acrylic-based sealant, which should be smeared on the joints of the elements.

According to the method of installation there are wall and corner models of panels for whirlpool. Also on sale are universal panels that can be mounted anywhere in the bathroom. Installation differs only in some details, but in the basic steps it is the same for different models.

First, the whirlpool module is mounted on the wall using a set of fasteners that come with the kit. Then, after turning off the water supply, the device should be connected to the water pipes. To do this, use the hidden wiring parts, which are also sold together with the whirlpool panel. If you connect the panel, equipped with lighting and electronic control, you need to take care of grounding and connect it to the electrical network. At the same time, the socket and transformer must meet all safety requirements for electrical appliances used in a room with a high level of humidity.

• For the production of whirlpool panels usually use stainless metals, acrylic or plastic. Decorative elements can be made of wood, glass or other materials. According to experts, the best option - is the whirlpool panels made of aluminum, as acrylic over time acquires indelible fouling, and plastic is prone to abrasion and is subject to mechanical damage.
• Choosing between models equipped only with manual or stationary shower, it is best to settle on the latter option, because with the shower head on a long, flexible hose, it is convenient to wash the hydromassage panel itself and the space around it.
• When buying, pay special attention to the quality of components, in particular, to the water mixing unit. A mixer from a proven manufacturer using high quality materials is the key to a steady and constant flow of water, without which an effective massage is impossible.