Bath or shower? We’ll help you choose

The age-old dilemma when designing a bathroom — which is better? A bath or a shower? There’s no definitive answer to this question. The decision is driven both by the household’s preferences and by the space available. Still, we’ll point out what to consider when choosing the right sanitaryware for your home.

Which uses more water? Bath or shower?

This is one of the first questions people ask when fitting out a bathroom: which is more economical — a shower or a bath? Your choice of sanitary fixture can impact your water bills in the long run, so it’s worth thinking it through carefully. Estimates indicate that a shower handset lets through around 5–10 l of water per minute depending on the pressure setting. In the case of a rain shower head, the figure is higher at around 8–12 l. So a 10-minute shower means using between 50 and 120 l of water. By contrast, an average bath has a capacity of 120–150 l, with large models reaching up to 400 litres. Installing a shower seems the more economical choice, but it depends on how long you spend under it. Fans of relaxing baths may still end up with lower bills than those who take long, lingering showers.

How to reduce water usage?

If you’re still worried about high running costs, here are a few practical tips to cut your water and heating bills:

• shorten the length of your shower;
• if you use a bath, avoid topping up with water during your soak;
• turn off the water while you soap your body;
• don’t use full water pressure unless it’s necessary;
• on warm days, lower the water temperature;
• don’t mount the shower handset too high — this cools the stream, which in turn leads to increasing the water temperature at the tap.

Bath or shower? Which is cheaper?

Considering the one-off outlay, a bath is relatively more expensive than a complete shower enclosure with a tray. However, thanks to streamlined shapes without bends, joints and nooks and crannies, it’s easier to keep it clean. For this reason, it will serve you longer than a shower enclosure, which builds up limescale more quickly and will need replacing sooner.

Bath or shower for older people — which is better?

When designing a bathroom for older people, bear in mind that some solutions can be very troublesome for those with reduced mobility. Because shower trays have lower thresholds, older people are advised to choose a shower instead of a bath. Enclosures fitted against a wall usually allow you to install additional grab rails at the entrance and even inside the enclosure. This makes them safer and more comfortable for both older people and people with disabilities. What’s more, with low-profile trays you can even place an additional seat, which makes personal care easier.

Bath or shower enclosure in an apartment — which to choose?

The last issue to touch on is the amount of available floor space. Without a doubt, choosing a shower enclosure can help you save even a few square metres. However, modern bath designs aim to meet the expectations of those who love long, aromatic soaks. A 160 cm model will work well in new-builds and will let household members enjoy having a private place to unwind.

To sum up, when choosing sanitaryware for your bathroom, you need to consider the needs and preferences of everyone at home. If there are older people among them, it’s better to opt for a shower enclosure. This solution will also be appreciated by those who prioritise sustainability and saving money. Young parents will see the clear benefits of baths, especially when bathing their little ones — as will fans of aromatherapy and splashing about. The undecided, with plenty of space, can go for both fixtures and enjoy all their advantages. Whatever you choose, we invite you to shop the highest-quality products available in our Łazienka Rea store.