In the summer, the townspeople go to their dachas, where open-air water procedures remain an integral part of the rest. A heated shower tank is the best solution in cloudy weather, when the sun's rays are not enough to heat the water in the containers. A simple device will quickly bring the water supply to the desired temperature. The correct choice of heated tank will solve problems in the summer and off-season, when the "hot season" comes in the garden area.
Among the advantages of plastic tanks are durability, practicality and low cost.
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How does heated shower tank with thermostat
A tank for heating water in conditions when swimming in the fresh air does not depend on the sun makes the life of summer residents more comfortable. Compliance with basic hygiene conditions will no longer be tied to fair weather. A country shower with a heated tank does not have to be plugged into the power grid in hot weather: the container heats up naturally at high ambient temperatures. But even on cool or rainy days, it makes no sense to deny yourself a bath, when there is an opportunity to make it quite acceptable by choosing a suitable tank.
The heated shower tank is simple and is a container with an installed heating element that can work in a humid environment
Devices structurally have a lot in common, but differ in the following parameters:
- the volume of the container (within 25-200 liters);
- internal equipment;
- the color of metal, plastic;
- automatic heating control system;
- body material;
- thermal insulation (storage-type system with temperature maintenance).
The temperature of the water in the tank is easy to maintain with a thermostat, resuming the heating process when it drops to a critical point. This carries additional costs in terms of paying for electricity, but it is convenient for families with children. It is not known when warm water will be needed again in a summer shower. When the sun sets below the horizon, you can still use the warm water tank if the homemade box has lighting.
Outside the city, problems with water supply are likely. A heated summer shower tank automatically relieves summer residents from all sorts of inconveniences with hygiene procedures.
Diagram of a heated shower tank with a thermostat
The room for washing under a summer shower has a lot in common with a capital bath:
- the frame and walls of the booth (for visual isolation and protection from the wind of bathing people);
- metal or plastic heated shower tank;
- water supply system directly into the container, and from it into the water divider (perforated watering can);
- a bottom grate and a tray for collecting used water with a gutter for draining it into a drainage or watering system for trees.
The shower box or stall itself is made of the most suitable materials for this: wood, concrete blocks, plastic or slate on the frame. There should be an overlap on top, but if the tank is planned to be heated with the sun's rays, then it is taken out to the roof. Alternatively, you can place it under a glass panel (instead of a roof) so that the sun's rays can penetrate under it. It is imperative to provide access to the tank for the upcoming cleaning (once a season is enough).
Note! Over time, the tanks need to be cleaned from scale, sedimentary dirt and microflora formed from the "bloom" of water.
The shower tank is heated by electricity, so do not forget about the possible danger of using such structures
A sensor, relay or thermostat helps to monitor the water temperature. They are not found in cheap heated shower barrels. If you wish, you can make a shower for two cabins, with separate entrances from different sides. This is possible if a sufficient volume is installed in the shower. For a large family, it makes sense to place two tanks or one for 200 liters.
We choose shower tank: plastic or metal
Before buying a shower tank, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the classification of containers and their varieties. They are vertical and horizontal, which is important to consider when installing on an existing summer cottage.
Methods for heating water in a tank:
- from the centralized water supply system;
- from the sun's rays - thanks to the dark metal base;
- from the local heating system;
- from an electric heating element.
There are many different types of country shower tanks, which differ in their properties, characteristics and individual qualities.
Important! It is important to understand the design differences, since consultants do not always demonstrate competence when it comes to shower tanks for summer cottages.
In sales areas and catalogs, containers of 2 types are most often offered:
- plastic tanks;
- metal shower tanks with heating and thermostat.
Plastic is cheaper, containers will last at least 10 years, subject to proper operation. They can be dismantled before the onset of a harsh winter. Metal containers last longer, but they take more heat to the body when heated.
In general, tanks are characterized by:
- great variability in shape, material and volume;
- long service life;
- easy cleaning from sediment;
- heating element power (heating rate);
- ease of installation;
A heated shower tank can be made from a variety of materials, among which plastic, steel and stainless steel tanks are especially popular.
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- affordable prices for tanks for a shower for a summer residence (it will be cheaper to buy from a catalog without a retail margin).
Note! Expensive imported containers have a special coating that prevents the formation of scale. It is located on the internal "boiler" of the shower tank, the shower is very convenient to use, but when bathing, the water remains hard.
The tanks differ in weight. Of course, this depends on the design features, volume and material used in the manufacture. This is important to consider if you intend to buy a shower tank with installation on a glass for combined heating.
The desire to buy a shower tank for a summer residence and at the same time save money is quite feasible, since a cheap product is not necessarily of poor quality. Buyers often overpay for volume or features they don't use. Having a complete understanding of the upcoming purchase and the parameters of this design, it is easy to avoid mistakes.
Heated shower tanks are an excellent solution for summer cottages, because they can be used not only in summer, but all year round
Positive and negative properties of a plastic shower tank
Each such product has pros and cons, but, as a rule, there are much more positive properties:
- a container with a heater and a storage-type system allows you to control the temperature and adjust parameters to a certain level;
- long-term purchase - long service life, subject to the recommendations;
- the ability to buy a summer shower tank with a heating element to swim in any weather;
- the tank can be left outdoors for the winter, since it can withstand temperature drops from +60 ° C to -60 ° C (all water must be drained before winter begins);
- in the event of a power outage, you can pour heated water into the tank and use a regular shower;
- modern products are made of composite materials with an insulating layer, due to which there will be some supply of warm water for bathing at any time of the day (without additional heating);
- when the summer shower is not used, the tanks are suitable for accumulating a supply of water (in case of interruptions in its supply);
- the tanks are designed not only for clean drinking water, but also for technical water, however, in this case, the tank for a country shower will have to be cleaned more often.
In addition to the heating element, a special thermostat is installed in the plastic tank, which is designed to control the heating level
Note! Metal containers provide heating from the sun, but they are not equipped with a heat preservation system. It is important to pay attention to these characteristics when buying.
Manufacturers claim that an expensive imported metal tank will last up to 100 years, although they will rust over time. But lightweight polymer tanks are produced from environmentally friendly food grade plastic that is inert to oxidation.
The disadvantages of tanks are associated not only with the price of a summer shower tank (plastic and metal), but also with its installation, especially bulky models of 200 liters. Another problem is the need to monitor the volume of water so that the heating element does not become exposed when heated.
Water injection is usually associated with the use of a water pump, if it is a well or centralized water supply - water is supplied through a hose. If there is no pressure, you will have to think over the way of supplying water to the container, which is sometimes problematic. Of course, you cannot do without cleaning the tank, which summer residents do not like to do.
If you follow all the rules of operation, a plastic shower tank can last up to 30 years
What is the difference between a plastic insulated storage type water tank
You cannot look into a closed container, therefore it is not always possible to determine the temperature of the contents of a barrel for a summer shower. In this case, it is difficult to say how much water is left after using the heated volume in the tank, whether it will be warm for the next person who wants to take a shower. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase structures with semi-automatic heating and water level control. Known as "storage" heaters, they are very convenient, but are overlooked by potential buyers due to their high prices.
Advice! It is hardly worth saving on comfort when it comes to buying a heated tank for a country shower for many years to come.
By their design, these are ordinary shower containers with a heating element called a heating element.It is designed to heat water to a predetermined level - the graduation is limited by a scale within the range of 30-85 ° C. You can set the temperature with a lever - and after reaching the expected level, the system will turn off by itself. After cooling, the relay automatically resumes operation to maintain the set temperature.
A special heat-insulating layer of the tank is designed to reduce heat loss to a minimum. Such models are distinguished by multi-layer cases with an inner and outer shell with an insulating layer. In order not to heat the water in vain at night or in the absence of the owners, the heating element is temporarily disconnected from the power supply.
The bodies of the storage tanks for the shower type are multilayer, having an inner and outer shell with an insulating layer
The power of the device is relatively small - up to 6 kW, and this is quite enough for warming up and maintaining heat in the tank. The switching interval depends on many factors, including the design features of the heating system. But with a good manufacturer, the ambient temperature has almost no effect on the automatic operation of the heating element due to the high level of insulation.
Related article:
Construction of a bath in the country: video instructions and tips for creating a building
The main stages of the construction of a building, requirements and advice. Common types of baths.
Metal containers heated in a combined way do not have an insulating layer. Plastic flat heated shower tanks are also heated from the sun's rays, so they are connected to the mains as needed. In such containers, the temperature is maintained as long as the sun is shining.
Constructions with a heating element without temperature control
It is cheaper if you buy heated tanks for a country shower with power supply, but without a thermostat. They are warmed up in a combined way, including under the influence of sunlight. Installing a shower stall in a shaded place makes this impossible, the water in the tank will only heat up to 25 ° C in warm weather. For a comfortable bathing, you will have to pour hot water heated by a boiler into the tank.
Heated tanks without a thermostat heat water in a combined way, including under the influence of sunlight
The heating tank for the shower to the country house has the following structural elements:
- body or container;
- electric heating element (TEN);
- a plug with an insulated wire for mains supply;
- nozzles and hoses for filling / draining water;
- overflow hole;
- thermostat;
- watering can with a tap;
- removable, hermetically fitted cover.
A conventional tank with a non-thermoregulated heating element is controlled by the shower users themselves. If the heating element is not turned off in time, it will bring the water temperature to boiling and steam formation, which is fraught with damage to the container.
Usually the temperature is checked by sensations: they open the shower and make sure if the water has warmed up. If it is cold, it is easy to catch a cold while taking water treatments. Without adjusting the water temperature, there can be no talk of comfortable washing. We have to monitor the process of warming up a summer shower with a heated tank. With some experience, it is easy to control the heating time of the tank - up to 35-40 ° C in cool weather, a standard tank will warm up in a couple of hours.
Shower tanks with a heating element without temperature control are significantly cheaper
A large 200 liter tank heats up for about 3 hours, but the heating time still depends on the material from which the tank is made. The main disadvantage of the simplest garden shower tank without a thermostat is the need to monitor the amount of liquid and the heating process. In case of boil-off, the lack of water will lead to the fact that the heating element inside will burn out. Most modern tanks are equipped with a thermal relay, but its availability must be specified when purchasing.
Plastic flat shower tank:what volume to choose
The water pressure in the splitter directly depends on the shape of the reservoir and the volume of the liquid. For those who do not like strong jets, it is better to buy a flat plastic shower tank with a small volume. This will ensure comfortable bathing, and 35-45 liters of slightly warmed water is enough for a full wash in the summer heat.
Vertical structures of significant volume hit with force due to high internal pressure. If the family is rather big, everyone needs a minimum amount of water for bathing, so you have to choose a container that is suitable for its capacity - 150-200 liters.
The plastic flat tank has one feature - it is equipped with a "breathable" lid
Helpful advice! You can reduce the power of the jet with a fine perforated shower head. Small holes "filter" the water cascade well, but they are gradually clogged with calcium deposits that form when heated.
It should be noted that it is easy to buy a large-volume heated shower tank, but not every base of the stall or glass roof will support the weight of about 20 buckets of water.
It makes no sense to heat a large barrel of water if one or two people have to swim - it is uneconomical. When buying a container, you should focus on how many people should visit an outdoor shower every day. This amount is multiplied by 30-50 liters (some have enough and less), the result is the planned volume. Of course, there are those who like to splash often in summer, small children also have to wash more often, but they need less water.
Important! Plastic tanks often have a breathable cover to prevent water bloom.
The disadvantage of a flat plastic shower tank is the need to constantly maintain a high water pressure
If you buy a compact size (barrel-shaped) heated tub for a country shower, it will be easier to install and clean. Regarding cleaning, it is worth asking when buying how to do it in this design, so that you do not have to look for specialists in the future.
Metal heated shower tank: which to choose
Metal shower tanks are in high demand because no one knew about plastic tanks for a long time. They can take the following form:
- flat;
- rounded;
- barrel-shaped;
- pyramidal;
- cylindrical;
- cubic.
Any metal tank is considered stronger than plastic products, it has a higher resistance to mechanical damage. For example, it is not known whether a polymer tank will withstand the "bombardment" by extreme hail, while a steel tank will only slightly deform in this case. It is less attractive, but it fully and completely meets the needs of consumers.
The iron shower tank fully copes with its function, although it has a not very attractive design
Steel containers are the most durable, they are made of metal with different properties. This could be:
- carbon steel;
- galvanized alloy;
- stainless steel.
Often, products that combine combined heating are produced in just such options. The advantage of such structures is that the water does not stagnate in them, keeping freshness.
Helpful information! The cost of plastic tanks varies up to 9,000 rubles. Metal containers with heating elements are offered within 12,000 rubles. Steel is estimated at up to 4500 rubles.
Metal shower tanks last a long time. Although they are more expensive than plastic tanks, they are worth the cost in all respects.
Which tank to choose: made of galvanized steel or ferrous metal
Any dark colored volumetric tank left in the sun in summer will automatically heat the water. This is how the physics of dark surfaces that attract heat works. The shower tanks, heated by the sun, maintain the temperature of the water, so they are often released without internal "boilers".
In a galvanized steel tank, water will never bloom or get an unpleasant odor
The roof-mounted black steel tank is the most economical and will work autonomously. Most often, summer residents constantly add water to the shower tank in order to always have a supply. Any heated shower tank can be replaced with a black steel container where water is supplied, and there is a shower head with a tap below.
These containers have a sufficient margin of safety, but over time they lend themselves to metal corrosion, especially if they are left without a lid in the open air. However, all metal tanks are rated for about 10 years. It can be predicted that in the future the product will be corroded by rust. Therefore, they are grinded on the outside, painted, the seams are covered with a sealant.
Galvanized containers serve flawlessly for 6-7 years, during which one can not think about corrosive processes. Over time, they also lose their properties, especially at the seams. Products, thanks to such a "warranty" period, are quite in demand among consumers - during this time, the low price of tanks is quite justified.
The volume of galvanized tanks varies from 40 to 200 liters
The cost of galvanized containers is considered quite affordable, so every summer resident can purchase them for utilitarian purposes. Flat plastic tanks continue to compete with them. However, sensible owners give preference to expensive, durable models that will serve more than one generation.
