Choosing Bathtub Poses Different Challenges Than Choosing Other Plumbing Fixtures

Choosing a bathtub poses different challenges than choosing other plumbing fixtures like a kitchen or bathroom sink. The plans you have for your bathroom, what you're starting with and what you want from a tub should all factor into your decision. Given that you now know the basic differences among tub varieties, mull over the following points to decide if they affect your desires and situation. Hopefully you'll then be best prepared to make a good bathtub choice. Be Clear On What You Want From Your Tub Are you looking for a simple everyday "working" bathtub that'll accommodate washing the toddlers, the dog and the blinds? Or do you want your own in-home hydrotherapy spa? You can't replace tubs easily so understanding how you'll use it in the long term will help define how your bathroom needs to be designed (or changed) as well as how much money you'll end up spending. Very deep soaking tubs aren't practical nor are they probably safe for washing young children. If children and more utilitarian duties aren't in the picture for your future tub, then get what you'll enjoy. Otherwise a more conventional bathtub might be in order. That doesn't mean there's no in-between either; there are tubs that blend the characteristics of an "everyday" alcove-style tub with some of the amenities of the whirlpools and air tubs. What's Your Starting Point? New construction gives you more options for choices, meaning you're not limited by existing framing and structural constraints. The same is true for remodels where the bathroom footprint is changing. That affords you the option of choosing larger tubs or whatever installation type you want. For existing bathrooms your choices are limited by existing space and plumbing, and possibly electrical constraints (if you're thinking of whirlpool and spa tubs). Save Or Replace? If you're thinking of replacing a tub and have an average-sized bathroom, consider all your options carefully, particularly if you have a cast iron tub. Removing it could be difficult and more work than it really needs to be. Consider salvaging it instead, using bath re-liner services if it's really just a matter of restoring the finish and/or getting rid of the powder blue color scheme. Comfort Should Be A Consideration Any bathtub, whether it's a conventional one or an air bath, should be comfortable to use. Take some time to understand the ergonomics of how a tub is designed by looking at the "technical specification" on manufacturer's websites. They'll usually show the slope and other physical features in their diagrams. You should also go as far as sitting in them in a showroom to see if it's comfortable. This is particularly true for soaker and spa tubs that you'd spend more time in than a conventional bathtub. Take Note Of Air/Jet Locations On Whirpools If you're considering a whirlpool tub take note of where the jets are located with respect to where you'd typically sit in the tub. Are they in the spots you want or might they be an annoyance? Some people like them directed right at their back while for others, that's uncomfortable. Others like to make sure there are jets located close to the feet for a foot massage. Make Sure The Floor Can Handle The Weight Deep soaker tubs hold a lot of water and that puts a load on the floor beneath the tub. Make sure it has sufficient strength for the type of tub you're considering. For example, an Ios tub from Victoria & Albert weighs 150 pounds but has a 103 gallon water capacity. At 8.3 lbs/gallon, that's another 858 pounds for a total of 1008 pounds (not considering your weight) on the floor beneath the tub. Speak with a contractor or building engineer if necessary if you're going to be installing a big tub with a large capacity to make sure the floor structure is sufficient. Source: HomeStyleChoices.com