Bathtub buying might be enjoyable till you’re confronted with a dizzying array of decisions that makes deciding additional exhausting and time-consuming. Whether or not transforming an older rest room or constructing a brand new one, you need to make the perfect bathtub choice the primary time round.
Design, performance, materials or value– whichever your precedence could also be, it’s greatest to evaluate your choices and assume long run. Don’t restrict your self to at least one sort, otherwise you would possibly end up ripping out and changing your tub a 12 months– or worse– simply months after the acquisition.
Escape the customer’s dilemma with this easy but complete bathtub information that may make your buying extra handy!
1) Bathtub Options
First issues first: what’s the aim of your tub? Some need it merely for his or her on a regular basis bathing utility, others need to make it as indulging and enjoyable as attainable. From right here, you have got two basic choices– get a Soaker, just-water tub or a Jetted tub–with blowers, bubbles and an entire therapeutic massage system.
Soaking Tub
Soaking tub is a bathtub that merely will get stuffed with water for an occupant to soak in. It has extra-deep dimensions to fully submerge the bather in shoulder-deep water. Soakers are designed to accommodate a full-body soak that’s why they’re deeper than common tubs. Its commonplace soaking depth (measurement of the bathtub’s inside partitions, from base to the overflow drain) is 16-17 inches and might go as deep as 22 inches just like the Japanese soakers, relying on tub design or form.
Why adore it?: The soaking tub is definitely a rest room oasis that’s excellent for an extended, peaceable rest. It may maintain 60 to 250 gallons of water in comparison with common tubs who can solely deal with between 25 and 45 gallons, supplying you with a hydrotherapy deal with that may soak your stress away in its pool of calming and pristine water. Its spacious construction may accommodate individuals with heavier builds, just like the Meditub soakers which might deal with as much as 500 lbs of weight.
Particular issues: Filling a soaking tub requires extra water than an ordinary tub, so it is one thing to think about for the water invoice or for those who stay in drought areas. Its deep construction might not be appropriate for younger youngsters or individuals with restricted mobility until it’s a Soaker Stroll-in tub, which lets the bather sit within the tub whereas soaking.
Jetted Tub (Air or Whirlpool)
Not like the water-filled soakers, some tubs include jets. Just like the Air tub whose jets blow mild air for lighter therapeutic massage, or the Whirlpool with jets that shoot water for a extra invigorating strain. Every presents a special type of therapeutic reduction and might effortlessly flip your rest room into spa-like sanctuaries.
Air Tub
At first look, an air tub is rather like your typical tub besides it has air jets that blow clean air that upgrades the standard bathing expertise right into a mind-soothing journey. How so? The delicate stream of heated air coming from its jets produces hundreds of thousands of massaging bubbles that may fully wallow the bather in its genuine cuddle.
Why adore it?: You’ll simply love the air tub as a result of it may give you a spa-like bathing expertise you gained’t get wherever else. If you happen to’re somebody with a fairly hectic schedule, this tub is a less expensive different to your luxurious spa wants.
Not solely that, Air tubs are geared up with Aromatherapy options, supplying you with the luxurious to take pleasure in scented oils and tub salts as you bathe. Each day dip on this effervescent pool will go away your pores and skin glowing and lift your mood-booster hormones, Endorphins (nice self-care deal with after a hectic day!). It additionally is available in an assortment of types and set up sorts just like the freestanding, alcove, nook, to match your rest room’s structure.
Particular issues: Air tubs price a lot greater than an ordinary tub, with costs starting from $1,000 to $15,000. (See extra inexpensive but high quality manufacturers right here.) It might not be essentially the most sensible alternative, however when you’ve got additional money, getting an air tub is an effective deal given the numerous well being advantages it presents. The blissful tub it offers is just about the identical leisurely expertise you will get out of your native spa, however cheaper! Certainly, the value you pay is value it.
Whirlpool Tub
Whirlpool, or its family title Jacuzzi, is a water-jetted tub that offers off a deep and focused hydro-massage that’s greatest for soothing the confused areas of your drained physique. The highly effective blows of water from its jets won’t solely therapeutic massage your ache factors, however may even slowly overwhelm your senses which is an effective way to calm the thoughts after an exhausting day.
It’s an incredible purchase not merely for its spa-like options; it’s helpful on your well being, too! Rather a lot could not know however the tub was initially constructed to supply medical reduction by one in all Jacuzzi tub’s Italian inventors, Candido Jacuzzi. Hoping to enhance his son’s rheumatoid arthritis, he designed the primary ever water pump, the Jacuzzi® J-300™, that could possibly be submerged in a bath and supply hydrotherapy therapies. To today, the wonders of whirlpool are nonetheless extensively acknowledged and utilized by many hospitals and medical amenities.
Why adore it?: Whirlpool is nice for all climate and occasions– could or not it’s for a non-public, social, serene or enjoyable bathing expertise. Whether or not you need to chill on a summer time’s day or shake off the chilly of the winter evening, a soak in a whirlpool will do the trick. The most effective half is, it could possibly deal with some bodily illnesses and is sweet for therapeutic sports-related accidents, easing tensed muscle groups, and enhancing joint pains.
Particular issues: Much like air tubs, whirlpools can produce a little bit of noise (round 70-80 decibels), just like the noise a standard visitors or a quiet practice makes, relying on how briskly the pumps work. Some whirlpools can be exhausting to keep up, but when used regularly, there can be much less micro organism buildup. Don’t fret as there are many cleansing ideas obtainable on-line, and even higher, self-cleaning whirlpools that make bathtub upkeep much less of a piece.
Like air tubs, whirlpools are extra pricey than common tubs, with costs ranging between $2,000 to $10,000– the extra options, the costlier. It’s possible you’ll get cheaper charges from sellers who resolve to eliminate them or discover pocket-friendly whirlpool tubs right here at BathTubsPlus with our year-round sale.
Combo Tub
Torn between the 2 jetted tubs? Learn Air Tub Vs. Jacuzzi Tub: What’s the distinction or maybe mix the options of an air tub, whirlpool and even soaker in a single, which many trendy tubs provide today. Only a pleasant reminder: the quantity and areas of jets, pumps and blowers are normally predetermined and can’t be modified, so we advise you coordinate properly your specific wants with the producer or vendor.
Additionally notice {that a} soaker, air and whirlpool are hydrotherapy options that may go along with totally different tubs. So it’s attainable to have a freestanding tub that’s just for soaking, or both has Whirlpool, air or combo jets. As you undergo this information, you’ll higher perceive the design, form and set up variations of a soaking, whirlpool, air and mixture tubs.
2) Bathtub Design and Type
Selecting whether or not you need to simply take pleasure in a pleasant soak or set up therapeutic massage techniques in your tub is barely the beginning, it’s additionally essential to think about which design fits your wants and life-style. Could or not it’s for performance, consolation or aesthetic— there are every kind of tubs on the market to satisfy your particular tub necessities.
Stroll-in Tub
Stroll-in tubs provide performance and luxury in a single package deal. It has distinctive and accessible designs not all bathtubs can present, with security options for added safety like low step-in doorways, sturdy grip bars, non-slip flooring, ergonomic controls, and ADA molded seats, to call a number of.
Why adore it? You may by no means go mistaken with this tub if security is your high precedence. Its well-engineered construction greatest accommodates aged or individuals with restricted mobility at dwelling. It has two-person, chair-height and even wheelchair-accessible fashions for these with particular bathing wants. You too can add therapeutic massage techniques and different equipment to additional elevate the expertise. This tub is often put in in an alcove so it additionally gained’t take up a lot of your house.
Particular issues: Stroll-in tubs can get a bit costlier, with costs starting from $3,500 to $5,000. Costs go greater when further hydrotherapy jets and tub luxuries are put in. You will have to extend the price range, however getting a walk-in tub is a sensible funding in the long term, particularly for those who plan to age in place otherwise you’re a caregiver of senior residents.
Clawfoot Tub
If you happen to’re a classic type of particular person, you’d love the traditional and ageless fantastic thing about a clawfoot tub. The bathtub’s key characteristic is its signature toes or “claws”, which makes it distinct from the extra minimalist bathtub fashions which can be both dropped-in or stand on a pedestal. Clawfoots relaxation on both a up to date, trendy legs, or conventional, monarch toes which exude Victorian Period vibes. It’s an ideal assertion piece for those who go for a extra elegant and stylish search for your rest room.
Why adore it?: Clawfoot tub offers you extra freedom to design your tub house, as it’s a freestanding tub that may be independently positioned wherever. It really works magically properly wherever you need it to be put in, could or not it’s parallel or perpendicular to a wall, and even in the course of your grasp rest room. It has a whole lot of shade and design variations too that may simply match any rest room fashion or structure. Revamp your rest room now with its intricate particulars and attention-grabbing sculptural design.
Particular issues: Most clawfoots are made out of forged iron which is a comparatively heavier and costlier materials. Yow will discover different light-weight and cheaper supplies for this tub, however forged iron is unquestionably a sturdy materials that’s confirmed to last more.
This tub can be taller and longer as a consequence of its toes. They usually vary from 54 inches for smaller tubs and 72 inches for outsized tubs, so it’s one thing to think about when you’ve got restricted bathing house. Earlier than choosing this tub, seek the advice of a plumber and examine in case your rest room basis can maintain the bathtub’s weight, and see whether or not a pedestal tub is a greater possibility.
Slipper Tub
Slipper tubs, a.ok.a. excessive heel pump, is known for its sloped type that’s greater on one finish like a slipper–the place its title was principally derived from. This tub flaunts a visually-striking design that takes you again into the nineteenth century. It may are available both a single slipper (one excessive finish) or a double-slipper (two excessive ends)– which might accommodate two individuals. Much like clawfoot’s design, slipper tubs give off a lavish and chic aura that’s greatest for fancy and romantic wine nights.
Why adore it: Other than its charming classic attraction, the slipper tub is ergonomically formed as a consequence of its reclining ends. This could comfortably accommodate the pinnacle, neck and backbone of the bather. Most slipper tubs are made out of forged iron, so it’s a very good possibility for those who’re eyeing for a extra sturdy and maintainable tub that may face up to the check of time. It’s additionally a wonderful insulator that retains warmth longer so there’s no must repeatedly refill the bathtub. They arrive in both toes or plinth so you have got extra types to play with.
Particular issues: Slipper tubs should not solely heavier, they can be longer and wider given its construction. They’re typically 30 to 80” lengthy, 19 to 67” extensive and as much as 36” deep. It may function a phenomenal centerpiece for big bogs, however can look cluttered in tiny areas. Much like clawfoots, this tub has cheaper and extra light-weight variations made out of acrylic, nevertheless it gained’t be as heavy-duty as these constructed with cast-iron or copper bronze.
Pedestal Tub
True to its title, pedestal tubs are tubs which can be raised by a plinth or a pedestal. It’s quick changing into one of the in style rest room developments in the present day, given its refined and trendy look that outgrowns the clawfoot’s ‘toes’. The bathtub’s pedestal acts as a base for the bathtub’s physique or just to assist uneven flooring.
Why adore it: Set up for this tub is simple, because it doesn’t use the-drop in or alcove technique. Merely place the bathtub wherever you’d prefer it to go in your house, connect with water strains and luxuriate in! It’s excellent for bigger bogs too, for it’s naturally designed to be a stylish centerpiece. Its cumbersome and spacious construct additionally permits {couples} or two bathers to benefit from the tub collectively. Like different tubs with forged iron materials, a pedestal tub can maintain the water heat for longer, extra enjoyable baths.
Particular issues: Its heavier and greater variations could pose house and weight constrictions, relying in your flooring house. This sort of tub is a difficult slot in residences, however generally is a improbable possibility for single-family houses and bigger condominiums. Its versatile set up makes it straightforward to position across the room, until you encounter issues together with your plumbing strains.
3) Set up Sorts
Your rest room configuration– the toilet’s flooring house, structure, plumbing and drain placements dictate which bathtub set up can be apt on your dwelling. Some tubs might be extra versatile, whereas others go solely with sure forms of installations.
This step will be the precedence for some owners; it actually relies upon the place you’re coming from. You might be extra versatile together with your rest room set up for those who’re constructing your rest room from scratch, however it may be more difficult for these doing dwelling transforming as a result of current partitions and plumbing.
See which tub set up is greatest on your rest room:
Freestanding Tub
A freestanding tub can freely stand alone wherever in your rest room as it’s completed on all sides. Lingering in your tub by means of your window is feasible with this tub, so long as the plumbing is adjoining. It doesn’t want any enclosure not like different tub designs, giving owners extra flexibility in adorning their house. It’s additionally accessible from all sides so going out and in of it gained’t be an issue.
Greatest for: Individuals who need their tub to be the focus of the room and simply make a press release. It has a wide range of designs and finishes to mix your rest room decor– from the traditional claw-foots to the fashionable oval-shaped soakers. Given its hassle-free set up, there’s no want for a decorator or a contractor; a plumber will do.
Drop-in Tub
Drop the trouble with a drop-in tub! This tub is painless to put in for it may be ‘dropped’ wherever, so long as there’s correct leveling and a well-built body for it to settle. Opposite to a freestanding tub, its unfinished exterior explains why it’s made to be hidden and ‘dropped’ in a stone or tile encompass. Its deck or sides can function a useful house for putting cleaning soap, candles and different tub necessities. (speak about maximizing your rest room house!).
Greatest for: Loos with pre-existing foundations constructed forward of time. With out the necessity for wall confines, drop-in bathtubs have higher flexibility in dimension, which means they are often a lot larger than alcove bathtubs. If you happen to love lengthy sizzling baths, the deck arrange provides insulation to the bathtub which might maintain the water’s warmth for an extended length.
Simpler to scrub too! While you plan to take extra showers, a drop-in tub retains the water off the ground higher than a freestanding whereby the bathe water is extra prone to splash out the bathtub, until a bathe curtain is put in round it.
Undermount Tub
Undermount and drop-in tubs might be fairly related other than a number of delicate variations. Each have a deck surrounding the rim that’s manufactured from your chosen materials– both a stone, tile or any stable floor. Undermounts are positioned beneath the rim in order that the bath’s weight is distributed between the ground and the rim. In the meantime, drop-in bathtubs are put in above the rim, resting a lot of their weight on the rim itself. Other than this, tubs with under-mount and drop-in installations are almost an identical when it comes to value, design and dimension.
Greatest for: Those that need a extra seamless set up than that of a drop-in. As a result of a drop-in bathtub is put in above the rim, it has a raised lip and visual sides, whereas the undermount’s edges are hidden from view– very like an infinity pool when stuffed with water.
Alcove Tub
The space-savvy alcove tub is sensible for small bogs as a consequence of its extremely environment friendly design. It is a recessed tub that’s enclosed by three becoming a member of partitions, and is often positioned within the rest room nooks they’re constructed for. It makes a rest room extra spacious because it runs flush with the toilet wall, not like freestanding tubs which occupy extra flooring house.
Greatest for: Householders who need to maximize their obtainable rest room house. Alcove tubs have an ordinary dimension of 60 inches lengthy (5ft), 30 inches extensive (2.5ft), and 16 (1.3ft) inches of water depth. This set up greatest works for tub and bathe combos as a consequence of its extra compact construction. It makes life simpler too as you possibly can conveniently attain and clear its corners and partitions.
Apron Entrance / Skirted Tub
An Apron-front is similar to an alcove, besides its entrance and one ends are uncovered with both a flat or bowed skirt. This skirt covers the complete size of the bath with the intent of offering an space to relaxation on and making it a lot simpler to put in.
Greatest for: Small dwelling areas that want a space-efficient but extra versatile bathtub. In comparison with an alcove, this sort has two ends completed supplying you with extra leeway in adorning your house. It’s not solely meant to be put in three-walled areas, so becoming it in a nook is feasible.
Nook Tub
A nook tub is a bath with three or 5 sides, designed to suit into corners. It permits owners to put in a bath in areas that may be not possible with different bathtub shapes. It may be bigger on the within too, some accommodating two bathers directly. Greatest for: Householders who need to effectively make the most of corners, odd angles, or lifeless house of their houses. If you wish to add different vanities within the rest room, having this tub frees up rest room flooring house, and offers more room within the room’s middle.
4) Bathtub Shapes
The tub’s form is an important issue to think about not solely for individuals’s visible curiosity however for an entire lot of sensible causes. Some shapes are extra ergonomic and thus extra comfy for the occupant, some extra space-savvy, whereas others are merely uniquely and stunningly-designed. Spruce up your rest room with these enjoyable but useful tub shapes:
Rectangular
– Incorporates a extra up to date design that follows the most recent developments in rest room decor
– Versatile and space-saving; good possibility for individuals with restricted rest room space
– Its clear and linear look is excellent for minimalist-styled rest room
Seen in: Reliance Skirted Soaking Tub
Oval Tub
-Also referred to as egg-shaped tubs and are sometimes seen in pedestal tubs
–Greatest for full-body soak as the form cradles the physique’s type for optimum consolation
-Often heavier so higher examine in case your flooring can adequately maintain its weight and that your most popular placement permits sufficient room for it
Seen in: Venzi PietraStone
Spherical Tub
-Seen in soakers; constructed deeper for an upright bathing expertise
-Doesn’t take up a lot flooring house as a consequence of its compact construction.
–Visually hanging because it contrasts the standard straight strains a WC– linear partitions, flooring and counter tops
Seen in: Aquatica Mini Freestanding Japanese Soaker
Hourglass Tub
-A bathtub that curves within the middle, forming an hourglass or a determine 8-like form
– Not solely visually interesting, it has an ergonomic form whose sides could function armrest
– Its design makes it simply a focus within the rest room, particularly if it’s a freestanding
Seen in: Venzi Velia
Sq. Tub
-Sides are equal in size, normally with a deep inside like a spherical tub
-Typically sunken and put in undermount
–House environment friendly; sits comfortably alongside partitions and in corners with out losing house
Seen in: Venzi Grandtour Capri
Combine and Match
You see, that’s the fantastic thing about proudly owning a bath– you possibly can select your best-loved options and luxuriate in them multi functional! Identical to how a Freestanding tub (set up) can each be an Oval (form) and Clawfoot (design), and might even have air jets (hydrotherapy characteristic). Do your personal combine and match, and discover the one which fits your particular wants, consolation, aesthetics and price range.
Priceless Ideas for Smarter Bathtub Procuring
1) Weigh the burden – and dimension (What’s commonplace dimension for bathtub?)
Know the bathtub’s actual dimensions earlier than finalizing your alternative. A whole lot of components dictate the bathtub dimension that’s most becoming on your dwelling: your flooring house, the occupants, rest room equipment to be included, and so on.
Extra space means extra freedom to decide on larger tubs. However for houses with smaller bathing areas, compact and space-saver tubs like Alcove,Nook and Rectangular are extra environment friendly. Giant tubs in tight areas won’t solely make your rest room look cluttered and unappealing, it might additionally trigger you inconvenience and discomfort.
Bathtubs might be fairly heavy too, so it pays to know if the ground can assist and maintain the burden of not simply the bathtub, but additionally its total weight when stuffed with water and when somebody’s inside. Don’t overlook to measure your rest room doorway as properly to make sure that the bathtub can move by means of!
2) Determine the toilet configuration (What must be the toilet dimension for bathtub?
Your rest room configuration performs a significant position in selecting a bath because it determines the general structure on your tub.
If you happen to’re transforming your rest room, it’s greatest to choose a bathtub that has an analogous configuration with the prevailing tub–with the drain and taps roughly in the identical location. Putting in a bathtub towards a wall, the place the prevailing spout and drain are, is a extra handy possibility until the plumbing strains have to be relocated.
Decide additionally the drain and overflow placement that may greatest work on your rest room. These holes are prefabricated in order that they can’t be adjusted as soon as constructed. In case your chosen tub’s drain location doesn’t match your rest room, workarounds might be made like constructing a better platform so the drain can run below the bathtub and above the ground, or go for one other tub with a special drain location however total has the identical dimensions and options as that together with your preliminary alternative.
3) Know the fabric (What’s the greatest materials for a bath?)
Tubs might be made out of varied supplies: some have good sheen and luster, however are extra slippery and dangerous, some are sturdy however are extra pricey. Every has its good and dangerous; gauge which provides essentially the most worth on your cash.
If you wish to save in your bathtub buy, fiberglass and acrylic are the cheaper choices. Tubs made out of those supplies are light-weight, making them simpler to put in, restore and maneuver round a home. These tubs, nonetheless, are normally extra brittle and porous. Porous supplies take in water, making it harder to keep up and clear. Good factor some manufacturers in the present day provide tubs with the identical light-weight acrylic materials however are much more sturdy just like the model Acrastone.
On the opposite finish, there are the sturdier and non-porous supplies like stone resin, forged iron and copper that are additionally identified to have excessive warmth retention. These tub supplies could make your heat baths extra pleasant as a result of they preserve warmth longer, and your pockets happier as they’re energy-efficient. Non-porous tubs are additionally loads simpler to scrub and look spotless for they repel mold-attracting filth and basic rest room stains.
Forged iron and stone resin are luxurious for a motive. They’ve an extended lifespan and don’t want fixed restore, because of their low upkeep and scratch-resistant materials. The draw back of those sturdy tubs, nonetheless, is that they’re extremely heavy. They are often heavy within the pockets too, contemplating all the extra labor and supplies wanted for the bathtub’s assist and total set up.
4) Prioritize the non-negotiables (What do you want in a bath?)
Know your precedence relating to your bathing. Security, consolation and comfort are the standard non-negotiables that folks put within the line first. Do you have got older mother and father that may use the bathtub? Does your bodily situation require a extra accessible tub? Any youngsters that may use it? You’ll be soaking in your chosen bathtub for fairly a very good time so higher take all components into consideration earlier than testing.
If consolation is what you’re in search of, we advocate that you simply go on web site, check drive the bathtub, and see for your self if it’s ergonomic sufficient for you. Be sure concerning the tub’s dimensions and components, particularly if the bather has bodily limitations. How low is the step in? Will a wheelchair match within the tub? Is the bathtub’s partitions too excessive for my aged mother? Can the bathtub’s swing doorways match on this specific house? It turns into extra complicated when the person has particular bathing wants, however all these have to be factored in and be well-coordinated with the bath vendor.
5) Sum it up (How a lot ought to a bath price?)
Wanting on the price ticket will not be sufficient to inform straight away whether or not a bathtub suits your allotted price range. Having a bath at dwelling entails different prices that you simply have to be ready to shoulder. Costs of tubs can vary wherever between $900 to as a lot as $14,000–the extra elaborate the bathtub, the costlier. Good factor some tub supplies are constructed to retain warmth and thus preserve water and electrical energy. Some tubs are additionally geared up with cost-efficient applied sciences so it can save you {dollars} in the long term.
Assessment completely the specs of the bathtub and know the way a lot electrical energy it must run, how a lot water it takes to be crammed, and different charges that you have to pay attention to. Some installations can also require further prices whether or not or not it’s for adjusting plumbing strains or constructing the bathtub’s deck.
Purchase a Bathtub On-line At the moment
Shopping for a bath is likely one of the important choices you’ll make on your dwelling, extra so for the individuals who will use it, so it’s positively essential to know the nitty-gritty of it.
Have already got your splendid bathtub in thoughts? Select amongst our dependable and trusted bathtub manufacturers–a few of the greatest within the business– and whom we work carefully with to make sure that we give our clients solely the perfect costs, choice and repair attainable.
For extra questions and issues, e mail us at: gross sales@bathtubsplus.com or attain us right here. Your bathtub wants matter and BathTubPlus is all the time completely happy to help!
