The process of choosing a bathtub might seem a fairly simple choice of what colour you like, but there is actually more to it than that if you want to get it just perfect. As well as thinking about its colour and appearance there are different styles of tubs to consider, how much room you have in the bathroom, there are different depths, lengths and widths when it comes to bathtub sizes as well as the different taps to consider. Why you want a bathtub or who it is for is also a factor to think about. Is it for someone with reduced mobility so they need help getting in? Is it to bathe babies and young children in so shallow so you can lean over? Is it somewhere you just want to wash and go, or maybe you want something more luxurious you can soak in for a while. Here is some help for choosing the right bathtub.
Bathtub sizes
Before you focus directly on the bathtub dimensions you need to look at the size of the bathroom it is going in. Where do you want the tub to go, how much room do you have, what shape can fit there, and can it accommodate the plumbing? There is no point in having a great tub if it can’t be connected! A small bathroom cannot have a large tub. A large bathroom would look odd with just a tiny tub. Think about how it is going to fit the space.
You then need to consider how many people are going to be using the tub in any one sitting? A two-person tub takes more water and its size impacts how big your hot water system needs to be. A bath takes about 65% hot water and 35% cold water. Depending on bathtub size, larger tubs might need as much as 152 litres of hot water. Can your current water heater fulfil that while meeting the needs of other people in the home? You might have to reduce the size of your bathtub, its length, width or depth, so your heater can give enough water.
As well as measuring accurately the width and length, depth is important too when considering bathtub sizes. If you are looking for a tub to sink into and soak a deeper bathtub is better. Relax your tight muscles, let go of the stressful day and unwind. You might even consider special deeper tubs designed for soaking where you can immerse your whole body rather than just your lower body as with a standard tub’s depth.
Bathtub materials
As well as thinking about bath sizes you should also take a look at the options when it comes to materials. What do you want your tub to be made from? The choice here will depend on how often you take a bath, how durable you need it to be, how easy to clean and what your budget is. A budget-friendly option for example is fibreglass, but it is not as durable as porcelain or acrylic. When it comes to being attractive not much looks better than marble or wood, but these do not have long life spans, and they need more maintenance. For the most durable option take a look at cast iron bathtubs, but be prepared they do cost more.
Function and features
You also need to decide what if any features you want the tub to have and what its function is going to be. Do you want jets, do you need handrails to get in safely, are you looking at reducing your energy consumption and water consumption? Different features will add to the cost of the bathtub.
Bonus Read: How To Install A Bathroom Vanity In 4 Steps
Conclusion
You can get tubs in all kinds of bathtub dimensions, styles, shapes, models with a large range of different features. Make sure that you have the right support for your back, neck and head. You can choose to have freestanding tubs, alcove tubs, drop-in tubs, corner tubs, combo tubs and more. The size of your tub, its width, length and depth are not just a factor in your needs and the bathroom size but even the size of the door to get it into the room.
Need more help with choosing a bathtub? Then get in touch with Best Plumbers Club! We have a network of experienced bathroom renovation plumbers that not only can help you with choosing the right bathtub but can also install it for you.
