Bathing is the epitome of relaxation, but purchasing a bathtub can be stressful. There is a bewildering variety of bathtub sizes and configurations on the market. That’s why before deciding between buying a new model or refurnishing your old one, take the time to consider some critical things such as the following questions:
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How do you intend to use it?
Your response to this question will determine whether a low-cost, bare-bones design is sufficient or whether you require a higher-quality, modernised tub. A standard immersing tub, for instance, is simply filled with water, whereas a whirlpool or air bath has turbines or channels that provide massage, etc.
Arm- or headrests, grasp bars, and slip-resistant flooring are some of the extras found in an immersing tub. Whirlpool, air-bath, and combination baths offer numerous additional features, such as adjustable jets, ambient underwater illumination, aromatherapy options, heated blowers, and automated cleaning systems.
How much space is there to occupy?
Before falling in love with a specific bath buy you must determine whether it will fit in your bathroom. Keep in mind that standard bathtub dimensions are around 153cm in length, 76cm in width, and 35cm in depth, but many other measurements and shapes are also available.
Any special bathtub installation limitations?
Planning for the pump, air valve, and electric timer is necessary if you are considering a jetted bathtub. Some manufacturers produce remote-location pumps that can be located up to 1.5 meters from the tub and concealed within a closet or vanity cabinet. The non-electric ventilation valve may be located on the tub unit. Plan on situating the electric timer at least 1.5 meters away from the bathtub to comply with bathroom code requirements.
Can your water heater meet the challenge?
The dimensions of your bathtub will impact your monthly cost. The typical composition of a bath is one-third frigid water and two-thirds heated water. Can your hot water reservoir provide sufficient hot water? Tubs range in capacity from 95 to 560 litres. Ensure that your water heater can fill approximately two-thirds of your bathtub with tepid water.
Does weight present a problem?
Plastic bathtubs can weigh as little as 20 kg, whereas cast-iron bathtubs can burden over a thousand pounds. If you are considering a heavier material, can your floors support the weight? When the weight of the bathtub is added to the weight of the water and humans, it may be necessary to reinforce the subfloor with support or reinforcement. Also, it may be impossible or just very expensive to transport a weighty tub to a second-floor restroom.
Is the bathtub comfortable?
Before your bath buy be sure to test it if you have the opportunity or spend some time reading online reviews. When trying, enter the tub and visualise yourself immersing in warm water after a long day of work. Does it fit properly and feel comfortable? Does it have all of the space and features you imagined it will have?
Different Tub Varieties
Choosing a bathtub also depends on the configuration of your bathroom, the kind of bathroom design statement you’re looking for and the type of installation that best suits your needs.
Alcove tanks
This is the most widespread bathtub installation method. Alcove baths, also referred to as recessed tubs, are installed between three walls. Today, many people use this phrase to describe built-in bathtubs that do not necessarily have three walls. Nevertheless, if you conform to the fundamental definition, this is the prerequisite for calling your bath an alcove bath.
Freestanding baths
As their names imply, freestanding tubs, such as clawfoot tubs, stand alone in a bathroom but must be positioned near utility lines. As such, they’re accessible from all sides, making it easy to go in and relax, as much as count on an easy clean-up and maintenance. In addition to standard freestanding bath tubs designs, you can purchase a luxurious tub with lifestyle-specific features.
Soak-in tub
A soaking tub is an oval-shaped, freestanding bathtub with sufficient water depth to permit complete submersion. This is intended to surround your body in water, so your ankles and limbs will no longer be exposed to the cold compared to traditional bathtub designs.
Whirlpool bath
Consider a jetted model for a spa-like bathtub experience. Whirlpool bathtubs have nozzles that propel water throughout the bathtub. However, whirlpools typically cost more than air baths.
Different Bath Tub Materials
There are hundreds of container shapes and sizes to choose from, making it difficult to select one. Is plastic superior? How does one decide between an acrylic tub and a cast iron tub? The bathtub material you choose affects its price, durability, and ease of cleaning. Utilise this comparison to select the finest bath tub material for your requirements.
Plastic
Plastic bathtubs, whether made of fibreglass or plastic, offer the most versatility in design due to their malleability. These baths are warm to the touch and insulate well, so water does not chill as quickly as it would in enamelled steel or cast-iron bathtubs. Plastic is the lightest material of all available, weighing between 20 and 30 kg.
Enamelled steel
The least expensive bathtubs are steel bathtubs with a porcelain enamel finish. However, the material has disadvantages: steel conducts heat, so bath water cools rapidly; its surface is susceptible to flaking, and it weighs roughly twice as much as plastic.
Cast-iron
Like steel, enamel is applied to containers made of cast iron. However, they are not as susceptible to chipping like steel because the enamel coating is sturdier and cast iron is more impact-resistant. Initially, a cast-iron container will absorb heat from the water, but once it is heated, it will keep the water toasty for an extended period of time. The primary disadvantage of cast iron is its weight, ranging from around 150 to 230 kg which can complicate the installation of bathtubs on the second floor.
Cast-polymer
Cast-polymer bathtubs typically imitate the appearance of marble, granite, or onyx, and they come in a variety of solid colours. Cast polymer costs slightly more than acrylic, but its surface is not as durable. The gel-coat finish on cast-polymer containers can become brittle over time, exposing the material beneath and causing fractures.