Selecting A Bathtub

When selecting a bathtub for a bathroom renovation, one possible option is the corner bathtub. These tubs offer some special design advantages, and can give your bath a unique and stunning look.

This type of tub is often selected to solve design problems. This can be effective in a small bath to better utilize space. When doing a bathroom renovation of a vintage home this can be of particular advantage.

Many older homes have oddly shaped bath areas. When renovating, and in order to keep the cost of the renovation under control, it is often better to work within the space as it is. When there is oddly shaped space or a peculiar alcove, it can often be used to advantage with the addition of a corner tub and give a spectacular result.

Installing a corner bathtub into a large jutting alcove can often create a stunning focal point in an otherwise ordinary bath. Many of these tubs have a large deck which presents the opportunity for either adding decor features to spice up your bath, or choosing among many different types of faucet systems that will further enhance the finished decor in a bathroom.

A small bath can also benefit from the addition of a corner bathtub, this is especially true if the space has an irregular shape.

Corner tubs these days are made of durable materials that hold up will over time, giving long service and good looks in lightweight materials that will diminish the load on bathroom flooring structure.

A bathtub can be selected in either a standard type soaking tub, or one that is fitted with whirlpool jets offering many directional functions and focusing on different areas of the body, special lumbar back rests, and armrests for an invigorating Spa-like experience.

And, some models can even be fitted with doors, if a shower is also something that is needed.

Diverse finish options are also variable, catering to your own personal preference or color needs within your decor.

When considering the design advantages of a corner bathtub, the choice between a standard soaking tub or a whirlpool tub, the additional decor advantages of a large tub deck, all the new durable and lightweight materials available, optional finishes, the advantages it offers in an otherwise difficult bathroom renovation, a corner tub can indeed be a wonderful and pleasing design choice.

1. When choosing a bathtub, some consideration should be given to which bathroom is in need of a bathtub. Who in the household will be using this tub, and do they have any special needs. Tubs designed for use of more than one person at a time, or tubs with jets or whirlpool are more appropriate for a master bath, than a main bath utilized by all household members. Always consider resale value (even though you have no plans to move-situations change). Ask yourself before investing in a tub if it is likely to be found suitable by prospective buyers, for this particular bathroom.

2. Give some attention to the subfloor and support before installing either a whirlpool or a cast iron tub. Filled, these tubs will add substantial strain, and if your subfloor is not adequate this could be a problem. Check the weight of the tub dry, and factor in 8
pounds for each gallon of water it will potentially hold to give you a total weight factor.

3. Also, when updating a bath is a good time to consider whether you will have an adequate hot water supply. Many of today's updates with water jets and additional perks in a bathroom can put a strain on an outdated hot water system. This may be the time to consider a tankless hot water system.

4. Review the different choices in bathtub material, and find the one that is right for you. Acrylic is lightweight and will be warmer to the touch, while cast iron is very durable. Enameled steel, although it will wear well with care, can chip, and tends to be somewhat noisy

5. How your bath space is laid out will also be important. Odd shaped baths can often benefit with the use of a corner tub. The drop-in tub may be installed beneath floor level, or could be placed in a base. This is an attractive tub, but requires space, and is better suited to a larger bath. One space-saving solution is the alcove tub.

6. Before installing a whirlpool or jetted tub review maintenance needs to see if you want the additional periodic responsibility. Also consider how you will set up access so that maintenance can easily be done without a hassle .And, these are somewhat noisy, so check on the noise level before deciding on a unit.

7. Whatever your choice in a tub, familiarize yourself with care and maintenance as outlined by the manufacturer. They are you best option for proper care guidelines.

Take Note: Whirlpool tubs can experience damage if bath oils or salts are added to water. Consult manufacturer guidelines.

In the early twentieth century as bathrooms moved indoors, and became a part of most homes, bathtubs were prized possessions. But, as happens with so many things the trend eventuslly changed as showers became common. Many people enjoyed the speed and efficiency of a shower, and the bathtub lost most of it's former favor for quite a number of years.

While the shower is an important part of most bathroom and has lost none of it's appeal, the bathtub is again regaining it's former status in the bathroom of today.

Bathtubs are Back

Many homeowners now prefer both a bathtub and a shower, and if room permits most want them as separate standalone units.

Bathroom are given a more important place in today's lifestyle and much thought goes into setting up a pleasing and enjoyable atmosphere in the bathrooms of today, and this is especially true of the master bath.

Life is very busy and often stressful for the families of our modern time and people are equipping their master baths to be enjoyed as a retreat and a place to relax from the stresses of the day.

The home improvement industry has responded to this trend by making many different types of bathtubs available, and in a variety of materials.

The claw foot bathtub saw a decline in popularity for a time, as more modern and sleeker styles became popular. That is no longer true. Today many homeowners favor a vintage style in their bathrooms and the clawfoor tub is again a very popular feature in many bathrooms.

Deep soaking tubs are also a very popular style which migrated here from Japan. These bathtubs are very deep to give the most for an aching body at the end of the work day. They are available in one person bathtubs or can be found to accomodate two people comfortably.

The whirlpool is also rapidly gaining popularity. Whirlpool bathtubs offer a vigorous massaging action by forcing air and water through a number of jets and many find the whirlpool bath to be a therapeutic experience. Whirlpool bathtubs are available in various sizes to accomodate different bathroom situations, and different pocketbooks.

Before buying a whirlpool tub it is highly recommended that you try it out for size and comfort. That suggestion is literal. Most experts recommend visiting your local supplier and actually getting in the bathtub and lying down just as you would if you were using it at home to see how it feels. One size does not fit all.

When considering a soaking tub or a whirlpool bathtub, make sure that your hot water supply will be adequate. If the tub is large you may need a new hot water tank.

Many and in various materials are available on today's market. Shop with care, investigate features, and inquire about care and maintenance. Whirlpool bathtubs do require periodic maintenance.

Bathtubs are a great feature for a bathroom, and even with the popularity of showers for speed and convenience, there are times a bathtub can be a very desirable thing to have.

Standard bathtubs fill the bill for many homes. Yes, there are a variety of bathtubs out there, whirlpool tubs, corner bathtubs, two person tubs etc., but in many homes economy of space is a real need, and a bathtub/shower combination can be the best solution.

In a home with young children a bathtub is necessary until they are old enough to take a shower and feel comfortable about it. When you have aches and pains, there is nothing like a bath to soothe your aching body. Just start an exercise program after a lengthy absence of exercise and you can really appreciate a good warm soak.

But many homes will not accomodate both a bathtub and a shower as separate units. This is when a standard bathtub is a good choice. An alcove bathtub with a surround and the added feature of a showerhead will solve both needs and in the same space.

This may not look as luxurious as separate units, but it is a good practical solution to a space problem. If this is your situation, then you can add some perks to make you feel better about the compromise.

Buy yourself a great shower head. Many people like the large rain shower heads. There are also shower heads that offer a variety of sprays, and even massage shower heads. Unlike in the early days of the portable units these new showerheads really do their job.

Another way to dress up your standard bathtub/shower combination is to put in a special surround in a material or pattern of your choosing to give you the feel of a little extra luxury even in a smaller space.

Another option is to install a very attractive shower door.

A final suggestion is to buy a deep bathtub. Buying a standard bathtub that is deeper will give you the maximum enjoyment when you just want a warm luxurious soak. Do some shopping around, and you will find standard bathtubs that have more depth.

And, once your new bathtub is installed treat yourself to some special bathsalts, bubble bath and products that will enable you to fully enjoy your new bathtub.

Homeowners today are outfitting their bathrooms with many amenities, and a bathtub is again considered a very necessary item. With all the stresses in our modern busy lifestyle a bathtub is a very welcome fixture in the bathrooms of today whether it is a standard bathtub used for a nice relaxing soak, or a whirlpool tub that can offer the added benefit of a more therapuetic bath.

Today's bathtubs come in many forms from the standard tub, to deep soaking tubs, corner tubs and whirlpool or jetted tubs.

The materials are also very diverse

The traditional clawfoot tub was cast iron, and these are enjoying a major comeback, but they are also available in acrylic which offers the added benefit of being lighter, warm to the touch and retains heat for a longer period of time. There are alsojetted clawfoot tubs available.

Corner tubs find their place either to solve a space problem in an awkwardly shaped bath or because the look is a personal preference.

Pedestal tubs are an interesting concept with their roots in the Art Deco era.

A copper bathtub is the ultimate choice, but not within most budgets.

When planning a bathroom remodel, do some serious window shopping, survey all your options before making a final selection. Installing a bathtub is a big project, and one you won't wish to do again for many years.

Whirlpool tubs are a wonderful option for your bathroom if you have the space and your budget will allow.

Whirlpool tubs are made of various materials, but the two best options are cast iron or acrylic.

Cast iron is very durable, but the drawback is the weight factor. When you consider the weight of the bathtub itself, and then factor in the additional weight when it is filled with water, this can put a lot of stress on your floor. Be sure, if you select a cast iron model, to check your floor to verify it can take the load.

Acrylic tubs can be a good choice because they weigh much less and will be warmer to the touch. Of the newer materials used in making bathtubs acrylic stands up better over time.

Features to consider when purchasing a whirlpool bathtub:

1. Is your hot water heater large enough? You should be able to fill your tub approximately two thirds full of warm water. Check the water capacity of the bathtub to be sure.

2. The pump size and where it will be located is another important thing to consider. Usually a 2 hp is the recommended size. Location will be important from the standpoint of noise factor.

3. Inquire about maintenance needs, and access.

4. consider how many jets you want and where they will be located.

5. Lumbar support, slip resistant tub bottom, and a 20 minute safety shutoff are features you should be sure are included.

6. Check with your local building authority about installation. You will probably need the bathtub professionally installed because of the electrical and plumbing needs, and to ensure a safe installation.

7. And finally, be sure this is something that you will use regularly before you take the plunge. A whirlpool is a wonderful way to relax at the end of the day, but be sure you will take full advantage of your investment.

Replacing a bathtub with home resale in mind is somewhat different than replacing it for your own ongoing needs, and there are a couple of things to think about before you start.

First decide if you really need to replace the tub or will some refurbishing do as much for your needs.

What is the condition of the bathtub itself?

If the bathtub itself is in good condition, maybe replacing the surround above the tub will give it a whole new fresh appearance. Replacing shower doors, bathtub faucets and recaulking can also do a lot for the look of a bathtub.

If replacing a bathtub is the only option, there are a couple of things to consider. For many years showers were very popular and considered adequate. Today, however, bathtubs are back and homeowners expect them in both a main bath and a master suite. In fact, it is not considered to be a real master suite unless it has a tub.

A couple of things to consider before buying a replacement bathtub:

1. If you are thinking of adding a whirlpool tub, it is better suited for a master suite.



2. .If your home has three bedrooms or more your main market will be families with children, and a whirlpool in a main bathroom may not be
   considered a plus.



3. Before installing a whirlpool tub in the hope of getting more for your home, check around and see what comparable homes in your area sell
   for. You don't want to over-invest in improvements that will not pay for themselves.

Bathrooms and kitchens are the most looked at rooms when you are selling. A bathroom can make or break a sale. Updating your bath, making it free of clutter, and being sure it is pristine when your home is shown is essential. But...

Don't over-improve if you won't get your investment back, and consider the options above before replacing a bathtub. Reglazing a lack-lustre bathtub is another option. This is not in-expensive, but it is much less work and chaos.