AS PART of its programme entitled ‘Transforming Water’, Dornbracht, a German manufacturer of high-quality designer fittings and accessories for the bathroom and kitchen, has recently developed Foot Bath. With specialised water outlets and new digital operation technology, the bath stimulates the foot reflex zones to provide a relaxing experience.

The unit has pre-set scenarios – Relax and Vitalise – and two pre-set comfort features that easily and conveniently fill water to the desired level – ankle or calf-deep. The temperature is a pleasant 38 deg C.

 “Relax helps calms body, mind and soul with the power of water,” says a spokesperson for Dornbracht. “Slow and carefully directed warm water promotes circulation and can soothe tense muscles. A feeling of security calms the blood flow as the water gently rises from the ankle to the calf.”

“Vitalise invigorates, stimulates and liberates. Working from the feet upwards, energy flows freely once more as a feeling of freshness envelops the body. Energetic changes in temperature stimulate the reflex zones on the soles of the feet, while gradually increasing pressures from the jets activate the nervous system. The senses are invigorated and feelings of well-being boosted,” he adds.

Foot Bath’s settings and comfort features are based firstly on three special water outlets that are tailored to the specific needs of the device: the WaterFall with Pearlstream has a broad outlet for a particularly soft feeling on the skin. With its gentle, parallel individual jets, this flow offers a pleasant form of water supply. The faucet can be directed to precise zones on the foot or calf – for use in Kneipp hydrotherapy treatments, for instance – whilst the four jets on the floor of the basin stimulate the soles of the feet.

Secondly, the new digital control, Smart Tool, provides added convenience over conventional, mechanical operation. With a single flick, two control dials provide precise control of water flow and temperature; one display switch manages the activation of water flow and the plug, whilst the second switch can be used to select features such as automatic basin fill and pre-programmed scenarios.

Foot Bath is easy and quick to install; based on the ‘plug-and-play’ principle, it is a compact unit ready to plumb in and use. The unit’s installation measurements are 920 by 700 mm, though the installation height can be varied, thanks to an adjustable base. The unit can be individually panelled in materials that match a bathroom’s design, such as marble, natural stone, wood or tile.

Foot Bath is available in white glassed steel. The mechanical controls are available in chrome and matt platinum finishes, and the digital Smart Tools are available in chrome, platinum and matt platinum.