Phyto-barrels, contrasting fonts - health from the Russian bath

A traditional Russian bath is steam and massage with a birch broom, and then the obligatory dipping into an ice hole or a tank of cold water. The ceremony is by no means a wild barbarism, but a concern for health. The contrasting temperatures strengthen the immune system, invigorate and tone up. It has been established by medicine that these procedures strengthen blood vessels, make the skin elastic, slowing down its aging, prevent colds, rheumatism, migraines, and help remove toxins from the body.

The magic of the Russian bath is a contrasting barrel-font. It doesn't always look like a barrel, but it takes up less space than a pool. Therefore, in any small bath you can make such a healthy corner. We will help you sort out this issue, we will choose the best wooden barrels and fonts for the bath.

Fonts are different

A small container with hot or cool water, in which they are dipped after a sauna or steam bath, can be of any shape and size, it depends on the possibilities and preferences. The ideal shape is round or round-vertical.

Why round is better:

• no corners, water has the same temperature;
• contact with the container is minimal, most of the skin is involved in heat exchange.

Oval, rectangular containers are quite suitable. With small bath meters, a corner tank will be convenient. The average volume is about ten cubic meters of water.

In appearance, the containers are different, it depends on the design, height-width, materials. It can be designed for two or three, there are twin models, concrete barrels, micro-pools. Material - from wood to concrete, it depends on the imagination and the price tag. You can use most of the modifications in the country, in a cottage (private house), in the yard and even in an apartment.

What fonts are made of

An important issue is the material from which the cool water tank is made.

Polypropylene

A popular option is a plastic barrel. It is clear that waiting for a powerful healing effect from "polyethylene" is senseless, but contrasting water (this is the main thing!) Will have a positive effect. It is very easy to maintain: no need to control the process of drying, soaking, destruction.

Durable plastic, treated with special compounds, becomes shock-resistant, reacts calmly to temperature extremes. If it is not possible to buy a vessel made of wood, you can sheathe it with plastic wood, it will turn out strong, safe and beautiful.

• the most popular type of bath tubs;
• suitable for indoor and outdoor installation;
• the surface is smooth, not slippery;
• environmentally friendly type of plastic;
• collapsible design, which is convenient when installed in a bath;
• decorating the outside with a tree, we get a very pretty look;
• tight, without seams, can cope with heavy loads and temperatures;
• easy to care for: washed, you can use chemistry, no need to leave water, change it.

• does not keep constant coolness, heats up quickly;
• standard forms, it is difficult to build into non-standard premises, to embody original ideas;
• sometimes lines of sheet adhesion are visible;
• quite expensive pleasure;
• does not give the aroma of resin, polypropylene is not considered healthy.

Composite

Polymers bonded to fiberglass are what a composite barrel is. More durable material, more expensive than plastic. It is lightweight, not afraid of humidity, high temperatures. By itself, it does not heal, but the contrasting water in it is no worse.

• quick installation, does not require finishing, additional decor;
• the bottom is perfectly flat, not slippery;
• maximum strength, superior in performance to concrete and plastic.

• monolithic capacity is an expensive pleasure;
• over time, the material loses its brightness and appearance;
• when microcracks appear on the surface, dark spots appear.

Concrete

Strong, sturdy construction yet difficult to maintain. Concrete has an anti-healing effect. This is partially extinguished by the ceramic coating, but there is less comfort than in the composite one (slippery, the bottom and walls are cold).

The concrete hot tub looks more like a mini-pool. Of course, concrete reservoirs are not sold in stores, they need to be built for everyone individually. This, by the way, has its advantages: you can calculate your own sizes and shapes.

• strength, durability;
• any shape, volume at will and possibilities;
• the water does not heat up for a long time, remaining cool;
• design in facing - mosaic, ceramics, wood, film.

• the construction process is long, in several stages;
• the device is expensive;
• the materials from which the reservoir is made are not considered environmentally beneficial to health.

Metal

As a rule, these are oval containers with handles and other metal parts. This container is more difficult to install than plastic or wood. The main advantage is that the water keeps the set temperature for a long time. Metal is the most hygienic, easy to wash, no need to dry specially.

• keeps cool as long as possible;
• easy to maintain, easy to wash, disinfect.

• does not really harmonize with the wood of the bath, sauna;
• difficult to install, has considerable weight;
• the ergonomics of metal for a bath is not very suitable.

Wood

Ancient material for making a font. The guarantee of environmental friendliness and benefits for humans is undeniable. Reliability, antibacteriality, temperature retention are the main arguments for choosing wooden structures.

Cedar, oak, larch barrels do not rot. The containers are easy to wash and clean, they can withstand any temperature suitable for bathing. The tree is said to release essential oils to aid relaxation and wellness. The aroma of wood cheers up and strengthens the immune system. There is nothing more useful for health than wooden tanks.

Ash

The tree is plastic, bends well. Cooper does not need to add chemistry to bend sections of the blanks. The tree smells pleasantly rich, but it has no taste, because earlier it was used for making dishes.

Antibacterial ash will help cure colds (in cold water!), Disinfect wounds, cleanse the skin. Light brown wood shades do not fade. With proper drying, the walls will not crack or leak for many years.

Oak

The most common phrase is oak barrel. For centuries ablution was performed in such. Initially light brown, it darkens over the years from water and temperatures. This is another confirmation of a naturally natural material that does not in any way affect the usefulness of water procedures.

The wood releases essential oils and helps heal wounds and cuts. The font has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, calms, normalizes sleep. Oak smoothes the skin perfectly.

Cedar

Strong Siberian or Altai cedar is held in high esteem by experienced bath attendants.Products are not afraid of temperature changes, they serve for a long time. Cedar is full of phytoncides that fight microbes (all conifers are famous for this). The barrel helps fight colds (no joke!).

This tree does not give a chance for the appearance of mold, rot, fungus, eliminates the unpleasant smell of bath phlegm, replacing it with its coniferous aroma. Cedar water treatment will remove headaches and relieve depression.

Larch

Luxurious pine spirit, essential oils, fight bad mood and fatigue. Working with nerves, larch also lowers blood pressure, calms the heart rate. In terms of physical parameters, the wood is very strong. With proper care, it will serve for many years. One simple rule is to periodically use the font, pouring water in order not to dry out.

Birch, pine, beech barrels are also good. They have their own healing properties, maybe a little weaker. But wooden tanks require more maintenance than any other material. It is necessary to monitor the tension of the metal rims, tighten the nuts. Tight control against swelling or drying of wood is necessary constantly if you want to use the container for a long time. A clear understanding of when to pour, when to drain and dry will save the texture from cracking or decay.

• clear therapeutic effect of wood, aromatherapy;
• water that has stood for several days becomes medicinal;
• fit perfectly into the interiors of saunas and baths;
• tanks are made in one piece and collapsible, which is convenient for transportation, installation;

• requires careful care, careful handling;
• the most short-lived of all materials;
• natural material lends itself to rot when waterlogged, dries up without water, does not like sunlight.

Accessories

Of course, a ladder and steps will be required to the high barrel, both outside and inside. The area does not always allow you to put sun loungers next to it, a bench for rest, folding towels (clothes) - an important attribute in the arrangement.

Modern reservoirs can be equipped with smart technology: heating and filtration systems. The services of a contrast font can be supplemented with hydromassage, a waterfall, which helps to relax as much as possible. A practical accessory is a drain.

Keys to choosing a font

If you have a desire to install a contrast container in your bath, answer a few questions that the sellers will ask.

1.How many people should fit: a matter of tank size and volume. The font with a diameter of 1.5 m will accommodate 4-6 people. If two people bathe and bathe, you will get an unjustified waste of water and electricity.

2. Where will it be installed: street or intra-bath - have different characteristics. Communications will be required with options. Outdoor ones can be dimensionless, indoor ones - the area of ​​the sauna is taken into account.

3. Installation option:

• free-standing ready to work immediately;
• built-in is only a bowl that requires deepening (pit), installation, facing, but giving a chance for a creative approach.

4. Shape: round, oval, angular, rectangular. Non-standard is possible - in the style of modern design. A vertical (standing or seated) compact barrel will look ridiculous on a spacious lawn. A large oval one, which took up half of the space, will also not please, complicating the bath process.

5. Material: here consider the quality, usefulness, price tag, durability (perhaps you don't need it for a hundred years, for a short time it is quite inexpensive).

• wood: warm, environmentally friendly, healing effect;
• plastic: does not rot, does not collapse, you can choose shapes, sizes, easy to clean;
• composite: ideal for outdoor use, extra strong.

6. Bowl cover:

• uncoated: special smell, wood substances dissolve in water, making it curative. Requires special care. Not recommended for outdoor use.
• waterproof coating: easy maintenance of the container, no wood odor and no healing effect, strong due to glued rivets. Installation is possible even in an apartment.

7. Mount the rim:

• screwed hoops: fine adjustment, the ability to twist to ensure tightness, used on traditional glueless models;
• rivets: fixed tension, suitable for varnished products, plastics.

8. Water heating, frequency of use:

• with frequent use, it is better to use an electric heater, high degrees are not required here.
• a wood-burning heater in the room will require smoke release, possibly redevelopment. Pay attention - built-in or side-mounted oven (each option has its own advantages and disadvantages). On the street, a live fire and pleasant warmth of the stove create additional relaxation and relaxation.

• the gas heater is the most economical, but not every bath has the conditions for a safe installation. These questions need to be thought out in advance.

 

9. Additional equipment:

• air hydromassage systems;
• thermal insulation;
• water filtration and disinfection systems;
• different types of water heaters;
• backlight;
• touch control.

These moments are not the most important in the initial decision-making, but it is better to take them into account in advance. Over time, there will be a desire to improve something, to equip it, but everything is installed so that you can't crawl.

Manufacturers of bath tubs and barrels

The greatest demand is for wooden and polypropylene vessels. In this sector of production, experts have identified manufacturers with the largest number of positive reviews. We chose from several companies those with small sizes, a lifting price tag and decent quality.

Plant grower

The Novosibirsk company has been operating since 2002. Produces hot tubs, barrels, prefabricated saunas, bath paraphernalia. The main raw materials are oak, cedar and larch wood. It produces about 100 models of various shapes and sizes. Parts are waxed for greater durability. The assortment includes a budgetary sector - a polymer bowl, with a designer wood finish.

Characteristics of a wooden container in the size: H-100, D-106, W-59 cm.

Material	Larch	Altai cedar	Oak
The form	Oval, circle, angle, double oval, double circle
Wall thickness ± 0.5 (cm)	2.8	3.5	2.5
Mount	Hoop connection screw
Coating	Waxed inside and out
approximate price	from RUB 31,900	from 32 900 rub.	from 44 900 rub.
Equipment	Seat, ladder, hoop adjustment key, drain (overflow), passport. Additionally optional: podium, thermal cover, collapsible stand, cover

Characteristics of a hot tub with a plastic bowl

Bowl material	Composite	Polypropylene
Finishing	pine, oak	cedar, larch, oak, thermo ash
The form	oval, circle, angle	oval, circle, angle, twin models
Wall thickness ± 0.5 (cm)	2.5	2,5; 3,5
Mount	Screw connection
Coating	outside - water-repellent	outside - varnish
approximate price	oval 110 x 125 x 79 cm, pine trim - from 63,900 rubles.	double model 128 x 200 cm, thermo ash trim - up to 619 900 rubles.
Equipment	drain (overflow), der. attached ladder and seat, passport. Optional: staining (free of charge), thermal cover, insulation, cover.	drain-overflow, passport. Additionally: electric heating, stainless steel stairs, aero-hydromassage, mixer, lighting, village. ladder, seat, plastic seat.

• the non-collapsible phyto-barrel did not fit in the door, it was replaced with a collapsible one - it was brought, installed, connected - excellent service;
• beautiful, high quality, smooth, smells of cedar a mile away;
• noticeable effect of the procedures: normal sleep, refreshed skin, healed joints;

• poor build quality happens, the steam generator is a completely incomprehensible ancient device;
• the heating ten is soldered into the tank, if it burns out, you will have to change the entire tank;

BentWood

The furniture company, which makes furniture, accessories for baths and saunas, has been operating in the Moscow region (Elektrougli) since 1998. Modern technology: sawn grooved rivets that are glued (spliced), tightened with hoops, covered with polyurethane varnish. The main raw materials are oak and larch. The containers are suitable for baths, saunas, outdoors (there are models with stoves).

The form	Round	Oval	Corner
Material		oak, cedar, larch
Wall thickness (cm)		oak, larch: 2.5 - 2.8 cedar: 3.4 - 3.6
Mount		screw connection of hoops
Coating		polyurethane
approximate price	cedar 100 x 117 cm - from 39,000 rubles.	cedar 100 x 106 x 59 cm - from 27,000 rubles.	Cedar 100 x 110 x 110 cm - from 38,000 rubles.
Equipment	Ladder 2 steps, seats, internal drain (overflow), key for adjusting the hoops, passport. Optional: wooden handrail, external oven, external overflow.

Due to polyurethane, the products are airtight, do not swell from water, but the woody smell is not bright either. The tree has decorative functions. The manufacturer produces several models of spliced ​​parts (not solid rivets), which is 10% cheaper.

• natural wood - tangible health benefits;
• Due to polyurethane, the products are airtight, do not swell, but the woody smell is not bright either. The tree acts as a decoration here. The manufacturer produces several models of spliced ​​parts (not solid rivets), which is 10% cheaper;
• excellent equipment: there is a comfortable ladder, seat;
• looks amazing in the bath, does not take up much space, a cool thing;
• worth the money paid.

• not detected.

RosKedr

Altai manufacturer of phyto-barrels, phyto-saunas from Siberian cedar on the market since 2003. A modest assortment - only 2 models are produced by the manufacturer, but natural, unique. The firm focuses on traditional technologies of cooperage business. Adhesives, composite coatings are not used in production, most of the work is manual. They are made of split rivets, which allows achieving tightness without impregnation. In addition, the tanks are designed for small baths, they are in great demand. The main advantage is the cedar scent, which has a healing effect.

The form	A circle	Oval
Material	split cedar without covering
Fastening hoops	rivets
Dimensions (H x W x D; H x D), cm	81 x 77	93 x 131 x 91
Equipment	capacity, seat with fastening, step, hoops, passport, certificates. Optional: decoration.
Approximate cost (rub.)	35000	65000

• cedar really heals, for 2 years this unique barrel has not a single failure;
• the only company that makes products by hand using ancient technologies, which significantly increases the service life;
• absolutely environmentally friendly products;
• prices are not overpriced, phyto barrel is worth it;
• from the reviews: I studied it, tried it in a sanatorium, now it's worth it at home - the best medicine.

• gaps in the service: instead of a cedar, they sent a pine barrel, cheated;
• there are problems with the exchange of goods, if something does not suit you.

ElitePolymer

The manufacturer of polypropylene containers is based in the Moscow region (Lytkarino). The plant produces about forty standard varieties. Products are sewn on special machines from sheets. All fonts are built-in. They are not afraid of the sun's rays. They work to order, where there are additional options and all kinds of variations, such as external wood trim. The product is suitable for saunas, baths, outdoor use.

The form	Angle	A circle	Rectangle
Material	Polypropylene
Equipment	Capacity Additionally: drain (overflow), filter, air-hydromassage systems, stairs, lighting, seats (wood, plastic), exterior decoration
Approximate price (rub.)	120 x 100 x 100 cm - from 20,000; 150 x 150 x 150 cm - up to 38,000.	120 x 150 cm - from 35,000; 150 x 600 cm - up to 200,000.	150 x 200 x 200 cm - from 60,000; 150 x 300 x 300 cm - up to 116,000.

• excellent phyto barrel - aromatic, warm;
• an economical option is obtained if you can fit into the room;
• a large selection of additional functions;
• with sedentary work, it is great for treating the lower back. After the gym - generally a bomb;
• quality product - without a hitch, installed by myself in 20 minutes;
• put it in the bathroom in the apartment, no saunas are needed for health now - the barrel can handle it.

• there is counterfeit under the guise of this company, be careful with small firms that make fakes of a respected brand.

How much is a bath tub

Compared in terms of materials, the most expensive models are wooden, they are three times more expensive than plastic. A bowl of larch per cubic meter costs about 45 thousand rubles, oak - 110 thousand rubles, cedar - 70 thousand rubles, a polypropylene bowl of the same size - 20 thousand rubles. By decorating plastic with wood, we get a big price increase. If you do the installation, the cladding yourself, it will turn out to be profitable and convenient.

It is difficult to propose a specific model. The production is so individual and unique that the cost can only be talked about on average. If you choose a budget built-in plastic container, see the ElitePolymer models, where the price tag starts from 20 tr.

The best traditional phyto-barrels (single-double) are produced by RosKedr, starting at a price tag of 35 tr. Glued varnishes at a convenient price can be found at BentWood, where the price tag starts from 27 tr.

Notes of experienced bath attendants

Those who are constantly faced with bath products know all its best sides and problems. These little things are not mentioned on the manufacturers' websites, but they are useful for those who are going to purchase a barrel-font. Here are some tips from the pros.

1. The most convenient height option is 1.2 m.
2. Keep the tank upright. Equip it with steps, benches, handrails. Remove slippery surfaces (lay rugs, towels).
3. The most reliable tree is larch. This can be installed even outdoors. Oak, cedar, and pine go further in terms of biostability.
4. If you choose with a stove, look from the inside, it is more efficient. Stainless steel with a thickness of at least 2 mm is guaranteed not to burn out, not to rust.
5. A new wooden barrel may leak when first filled, this is normal. Within a day, the wood will swell, the flow will stop. If this does not happen, change the product, this is a marriage.
6. The wooden tub must be constantly filled with water, which must be changed periodically. The water must be clean and fresh. Polypropylene models are absolutely unpretentious in everyday life.
7. You cannot place a wooden tank near heating sources, this is fraught with drying out of the wood.
8. Proper care of a wooden tank:

• cleaning with non-abrasive detergents;
• prevent water from freezing (outdoors);
• protect from direct sunlight;
• timely tighten the nuts on the hoops, preventing leakage (check - once a month);
• do not forget to change the water, be sure to drain to avoid the appearance of green mold.

9. It is practical, convenient, useful to have a drain hole in the drain, as well as a filter for water purification. The rest of the bells and whistles can be added or not.

By the way! Having studied the materials, handy owners can build a font on their own. This applies to concrete outdoor, metal, polypropylene (inside the sauna or outside) options. A wooden barrel, if you are not a cooper carpenter, can be purchased at the store, the rest can be done by hand. You will need the skills of setting up a pit, the ability to concreting, laying tiles, connecting electrical and gas equipment.

Why is a baptismal font needed in a sauna-bath, if there are snowdrifts in winter and a lake in summer? It is safer than natural sources, the water is cleaner, has a controlled temperature, frees you from long distances in negligee to the reservoir and back. On the whole, a bathhouse without a font cannot be considered a real Russian bath, giving health, mood and pleasure. Enjoy, choose, use and improve your health.