How to Choose a New Soaker Bathtub
Do you want to enjoy a soothing, hot soak after a strenuous day in your residence? Incorporating bubbles, effervescent elements, or water jets into your designs while constructing or renovating a small bathroom is a great idea. It can be difficult to fit a respectable tub into smaller areas, but you can still have a luxurious soaking bath resembling a spa. Don’t settle for a shallow, narrow, uncomfortable standard tub. There are an abundance of different sizes and forms available which are specifically engineered to provide optimum comfort even in limited areas. Baths come in diverse materials and may include different characteristics.
Getting the ideal choice for what you can afford and the layout necessitates careful organizing, and this guide can assist you in learning more about the sorts that are accessible, the typical expenses, and other aspects that you need to be aware of before making your purchase.
Buying Considerations for a New Soaker Tub
Space
Take your time with planning out the space. In a constricted space, there is not a lot of room for mistakes. Draw the size of the tub you would like on the bathroom floor using duct tape. Is there clearance for the door to open? Do you have any room near a window that could fit a corner bathtub? Is it feasible to fit a bathtub of 32 or possibly even 34 inches in width? Spend a few days training yourself to get used to the new tub by placing a small table or a few chairs in its spot.
Different shapes can be used to take advantage of the space available, like round, square, rectangular, oval, slipper shaped, or double slipper, as well as clawfoot.
Material
Porcelain, Ceramic, and Acrylic
The most affordable soaking tubs are made out of porcelain-enameled steel, ceramic tiles, and acrylic. Porcelain-enameled steel is a very common tub material. It is lighter than cast iron, has no pores, but it can be prone to fracturing. It can be difficult to take care of, needing tiles to be re-grouted and regular scrubbing to discourage mold and mildew growth. Ceramic tiles may be difficult to lay down due to their pore-filled and rough surface but they may also be formed into whatever shape you require, making them notably adaptive.
Acrylic is an enduring, heat-retaining and non-porous substance that can be easily kept clean due to its anti-mildew nature. This material is vulnerable to becoming distorted over time, may become marked up, and can potentially get soiled (in case you ever recolor your hair yourself). Fiberglass is not usually recommended for three-walled alcove tubs since it is a cheaper option and may become fragile and fracture quickly. It is not typically used in soaker tubs. Acrylic is a better economical choice.
Stone Resin, Cast Iron, Copper
At the top end of the scale, stone, cast iron, and copper are tougher and do not absorb liquids. They maintain warmth better, potentially providing you with a superior bathing experience. When talking about stone resin or cast iron, almost all dirt and mildew can be removed with some warm water or a delicate scouring detergent. The affordability and quality of stone resin make it the best option for a bathtub. Cast iron is the sturdiest and the heaviest of the available selections. Copper has a stunning appearance, but it can make a bathtub too heavy.
Marble, Wood
The most expensive choices are cultured marble and wood. Marble has a luxurious appearance but is quite weighty, can easily be stained, and requires frequent upkeep to prevent the formation of mildew. Wood is attractive to look at, but will not take long to become damaged with use.
Size
In general, most soaking bathtubs tend to be shorter in length and of greater depth. The National Kitchen & Bath Association states that a normal bathtub should be no less than 60 inches long and between 30 and 32 inches wide. In the smaller selection, you can find bathtubs that are only 30 inches wide and as small as 48 inches in length. Remember that those measurements are for the outside of the tub. Be sure to sit in the bathtub before making a purchase to make certain it is comfortable and fits you perfectly.
Another misstep to avoid is a too-skinny tub. If you have a small room, one of the obvious options is to select the thinnest tub available. Think about getting a 32 inch wide stove, which would give you a wider selection of products to choose from and provide you with a more comfortable option. Unfortunately, most tubs that are shorter than 32 inches don’t offer much depth, meaning that it would not be suitable for a calming bath.
Features
Individuals can have spa-like tubs with added features like pillows, shelves, armrests, mood lighting, aromatherapy, a heating system to make the water temperature comfortable, a sound system, and jets. If you’re looking for a full home spa experience every day, then it may be worth investing in all the features, even though it will cost more money. However, you should only do so if you can afford it.
Cost
When purchasing a new bathtub, or replacing an existing tub, you will be starting from the beginning. If your fortune is in your favor, you won’t need to move the plumbing, and the pipes will be in good condition.
When considering the overall expenditure, both the cost of the tub, which normally is quite high depending on the material used and the embellishments, plus the charges for professional set up must be taken into account. This project can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. It is probable that you will have to employ an expert, except if you are a plumbing technician or a handyman.
Generally speaking, when replacing a bathtub in the U.S., expenses can range from $1,500 to $7,500; what drives the cost up or down is if the tub requires a frame, special elements, or changes to the plumbing system. The national average is about $5,000. Think about the cost of the cutting edge soaker bathtub, which could range from $600 for a plastic freestanding bathtub to $13,000 for a marble bathtub. Additional add-ons bring the costs up more.
Types of Bathtubs by Experience
When you are thinking about the types of tubs you can choose from, it is important to remember that you have two separate kinds to take into account. This refers to the kind of feeling you will get when you bathe.
Standard Tub
The typical bathtub does not have any extra features, yet it does its intended purpose acceptably. These items usually share the same dimensions, which come to a total of five feet long, 30 inches wide, and between 14 to 16 inches in height. It would be advantageous for anyone who is looking to switch out an aged traditional bathtub for a new one. A few different ways of setting it up exist including putting it in a alcove, building it into the floor (drop-in), and having it freestanding.
Standard tubs are, generally speaking, your most affordable models. The majority of them cost between two and five hundred dollars. A bathtub of the simplest kind is the most common choice for many. It gets the job done for the majority of people who require one. If you desire a bathtub that will give you an additional luxurious feel to your bathing experience, considering one of the other alternatives might be worth the added expense.
Soaking Tubs
Regular-sized tubs cannot compare to soaking tubs when it comes to getting a submerging bath that relaxes you from head to toe. Some soaking tubs are made to be more spacious, allowing for a more relaxed fit. These bathing fixtures cost higher than typical bathtubs, usually beginning at around $300 and at times may reach thousands of dollars.
Whirlpool Tubs
Whirlpool baths contain jets which are typically placed near the largest muscles while a person is reclined in the bath. The power of the jets gives an effect similar to that of a massage, which can be soothing and effective in soothing aches and pains for individuals subjected to frequent muscle or joint pain. Typically, whirlpool tubs are more expensive than regular and soaking tubs. These items generally begin at about $700, with the normal price tag exceeding one thousand dollars.
Air Tubs
Air tubs are comparable to whirlpool tubs, but instead of gushing water from a few accurately located nozzles, they discharge air from multiple jets in a manner that disperses the pressure. The feeling is not as intense, which could be more soothing and enjoyable to certain individuals. Air baths tend to be slightly more costly than whirlpool baths, with the lowest prices at about $800 and usually ranging between $1000 and $2000.
Combination Tubs
These various pleasant experiences do not have to be mutually exclusive. It is possible to get bathtubs with jets, as well as tubs incorporated with both whirlpool and air technology. If you think it is tough to select a single tub after considering all the available options, then investigate combination tubs that could provide you with the experience you are wanting. One should be aware that purchasing a combination tub that has various features will lead to a greater financial expense, so plan your budget accordingly based upon the characteristics you desire.
Walk-in Tubs
Walk-in tubs provide more efficiency and practicality than they do luxury, as opposed to some other types of tubs. For seniors or person with disabilities who experience difficulty entering and exiting the bathtub, a walk-in tub greatly reduces the amount of risk associated with the process. Walk-in tubs tend to cost a significant amount of money, typically ranging from two to six thousand dollars. For the increasing amount of older folks who choose to stay in their own home rather than go to a different housing facility for the elderly, the expense is definitely a sound investment for the capability to lower the chances of accidents in their routine activities.
Installation Bathtub Types
It is important to consider the various kinds of bathtubs available to you when looking to get the desired experience out of your bath, but you must also keep in mind that you must install it correctly. There are several approaches to setting up a bathtub, and in certain cases what you can do will be restricted by the space where your bathtub is to be located.
It is imperative to comprehend what type of bathtub is necessary for the setup you have. Getting a bathtub that doesn’t fit your area is not a pleasant experience and returning it is a hassle. The following are the possible choices that are available to you and the steps necessary to determine which one is the best fit.
Alcove Tubs
The most popular way of installing a bathtub is in a recessed area. These tubs have been arranged such that three walls surround them, with an empty space on the fourth side. Tubs which have side panels affixed to a wall only have one side that is finished. Alcove tubs usually give the possibility of including a shower nozzle and taps. This is usually the least expensive choice and, in many cases, the simplest option to consider if you want to switch out an aged bathtub with a fresh one.
Freestanding Tubs
Free-standing tubs are constructed not to be connected to any walls. Rather than having a ledge that holds up one corner, bathtubs either have their own legs, as is the case with clawfoot tubs, or they rest upon a platform that can hold the whole weight of the tub. Drop-in tubs require more room than the other types of bathtub setups, since they can’t be tucked away in a corner like built-ins can. If you have room, a lot of purchasers tend to appreciate the fashionable alternatives in that class.
Corner Tubs
A corner tub is usually set up with three sides in the corner of a room in order to maximize the area. Two of the sides of the installed structure have been put up next to a wall, and the third has been finished and left open. Corner bathtubs are desirable for people who own limited-sized bathrooms still wishing to add a tub. If you’re thinking of installing a corner tub, but haven’t used one before, it’s suggested to go to a storeroom to try one out. This is so you can get a sense of what it feels like, as they are not the typical bathtub shape.
Drop-in Tubs
Platform bathtubs, otherwise known as drop-in tubs, provide only the fundamental structure of the bathtub. They don’t have a completed edge; instead, they can be installed into a frame that is tailored to go with the décor of the space that surrounds the bathtub. Installing a tub of this kind is more intricate since the outside case must be mounted together with the tub, and usually more costly than most installation possibilities. If you want your tub to coordinate with the rest of the bathroom, then these give you the capability to decide on how the area appears.
Undermount Tubs
A tub that is placed under the floor instead of above it is an undermount tub. It has a similar shape to a drop-in tub, with the edges of it surrounded by a deck of materials such as tiles or stones, typically in a coordinating pattern with the bathroom’s floor. Installing a drop-in tub is somewhat more laborious and expensive, but it may be worth it for some due to the attractive look it can add to a space.
How to Choose a Soaker Tub
How Durable Will the Tub Be?
The durability of a tub depends on its materials. Cast iron tubs are the most durable tubs. The process of creating them involves pouring hot iron into a form created to the desired shape, finishing it off with sanding, and then applying a substantial coating of enamel. This finishing is capable of withstanding chipping, scratching, denting, and chemicals.
Steel tubs that are coated with porcelain enamel are quite long-lasting, although if exposed to considerable force, the enamel could break off. Copper is rust-proof, mildew-resistant, and antibacterial—as well as recyclable. Stone resin is a combination of a resin and pieces of natural stone that have been smashed. The resin used in stone resin bathtubs makes them resistant to staining, discoloration, mildew growth, and bacteria. Furthermore, any minor scratches or cracks can generally be fixed without issue.
Is Installation Easy?
The setup of a bathtub relies upon the present piping, the base or flooring, and if extra joists are necessary to make the floor more robust. Do you need to make a border or mosaic? Remember to include the total amount for dismantling the old bath and carting it off. This project is not for a casual do-it-yourselfer.
Is It Energy- and Water-Efficient?
The amount of energy used is determined by how effectively the material can hold onto heat. The majority of metal and stone bathtubs are capable of keeping heat for a long time. Despite the fact that cast iron and copper can maintain the temperature of the water more than porcelain-enameled steel. The success of conserving water will depend on the quality of the faucets and the trustworthiness of the pipes. A jet bath or heating element can cause an increase in energy bills, as can having sauna lights, an aromatherapy system, or a sound system.
