A doorless shower, also known by other names, such as an open shower, roll-in shower, Roman shower or walk-in shower, is a shower that's designed without needing a shower door or curtain. Although these showers continue to grow in popularity and are ideal for many Australians, they may not be the best choice for everyone. Here are some of the basic advantages and disadvantages of a doorless shower.
Benefits of Doorless Showers
Doorless showers can make bathrooms look more spacious. When a bulky cubicle is removed, a bathroom can seem larger, and they are a particularly good choice for narrow bathrooms, or those with low ceilings. When you have a doorless shower, your bathroom looks more contemporary and luxurious. It can seem like you've walked into a spa each time you shower.
Easier maintenance is a huge advantage as there is less hardware to clean. All you have to clean are the faucets and the shower head.
They're remarkably durable and can hold up for many years, and you won't have to replace worn out door seals and hinges. Also, there are no requirements for special bathroom lighting and ventilation.
Drawbacks
The worst problem of having a doorless shower is that water can be sprayed outside the shower stall. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent this, as noted in the following subheading.
Another drawback is that they can cause a floor to be slippery as water can accumulate on the surface. As a result, there's the risk of falling and becoming injured when getting out the shower. That's why it is extremely important to choose non-slippery flooring.
A bathroom can become more humid and this can make your showering experience less enjoyable, while heat and steam can escape.
Furthermore, there's no privacy. If you're a modest person who doesn't want family members barging into your bathroom when you shower, then you may not want an open shower.
Ways to Keep Water Contained Inside a Shower Stall
Even though a doorless shower can result in water being sprayed outside of a shower stall, there are methods for retaining water. For example, you could use a handheld shower head. Just be careful not to spray water outside the shower stall.
Some homeowners have half-walls, which provide a separation between an open shower and the other areas of a bathroom. There are also full-walls that offer more privacy, while still giving you the experience of showering in an open shower. Another idea is to use a shower head mounted on the ceiling so that water is directed downward. This is known as a rain-style shower head.
Are you considering a doorless shower for your home? Come visit Cook & Bathe's Flemington or Fawkner showrooms to learn more from our renovation experts.
