One of the highlights of the bathroom renovation is the bathtub. Gone are the days when a 5’ long, 14” deep tub was installed as a matter of course. With the choice available of jetted tubs, air tubs, soaking tubs, corner tubs and tubs of every depth consumers are now able to find the tub that suits not just their bathroom, but their needs.
Learning the Differences
Before deciding to purchase a specialty tub, it helps to know the difference between them, and their uses. It is an unfortunately common experience that consumers purchase the wrong type of tub for them and the let it sit unused, simply because they didn’t know better to begin with.
A whirlpool tub is a jetted style acrylic tub. This tub comes in multiple sizes and depths, and can even accommodate multiple bathers. The jets offer a deep tissue massage to various parts of the body. People who have blood pressure problems, diabetes or circulatory problems should not use this type of tub.
An air tub uses forced hot air, blown through tiny holes near the base of the tub to offer a relaxing massage without the heavy force of the jets. Many people with medical problems that cannot use a whirlpool tub will benefit from this type of massage. Typically seen as an acrylic tub, this method can be purchased in cast iron claw foot tub models as well. Air tubs and whirlpools can sometimes be combined into one model, an option for multiple bathers with different needs.
A soaking tub is a deep tub with no jets or air. It can be cast iron or acrylic and is best suited to consumers who prefer a long soak. Japanese soaking tubs fall into this category. Anyone who prefers to read in the tub may enjoy this style more, as the water will not be splashing pages of the book.
Adding the Bells and Whistles
Once the type of tub has been selected, it’s time to add the options. If a long soak is preferred, a maintenance heater, which maintains the temperature of the water plus or minus three degrees, will be an important feature.
Chromatherapy, heated back rests, massaging neck pillows and double walled acrylic are all options available for specialty tubs these days. Speak to the sales person about what options are available for the model being considered. Try to decide if something is truly going to be utilized once installed, or if it’s simply going to be a waste of money.
Get Into the Tubs
Once the type of tub has been selected, and the size and orientation of the tub in the room has been considered, begin visiting showrooms and climbing into the tubs. Not every model of tub is created equal, and while a 6’ tub is a 6’ tub on the outside, the angle of the backrest on the interior may end up eating away at precious inches of space, making one tub a perfect fit, while another becomes too small.
The intended bather, or bathers should be able to sit comfortably stretched out in the tub, but not with so much room that once the tub is full of water the bather begins to slip under. The intended bather should also be able to climb into and out of the tub without need of dangerous steps. Sitting on the edge of the tub and swinging the legs in is the safest method of entering and exiting.
Remember to evaluate the back rests of each tub. Some tubs, such as Zuma are designed to curve into the bather’s lower back offering extra comfort and support. Other tubs may keep the bather more upright; finding the right fit may take some time and effort, but will pay off in comfort for years to come.
Showrooms that have working tubs will often allow potential buyers to make appointments before or after hours to try out a tub. Call ahead to various showrooms find out if this is the case.
Most importantly, remember to purchase a tub that will last for years to come. A good tub will come with a minimum of a ten year warranty, and many go up to twenty years. After finding the tub that suits the needs of the bather, and the space, ensure that it will be enjoyed for years to come.
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