Buying and Fitting a new Bath

When designing a bathroom, for many people the bathtub is an essential piece of furniture. There are now numerous types of tubs to fit for various types of bathrooms. Whether the purpose you have in mind is for soaking, washing or showering, there is a bathtub for you.

First and foremost, there are soaking tubs. If you enjoy candlelight, soft music and bath bubbles, this is the ideal tub for you. It is deeper than most tubs, making it ideal for soaking up to your chin. It generally does not include shower fixtures or special features such as jets. It is used for simply soaking.

When discussing soaking tubs, there are the Romans and the Greeks. Roman tubs are also called freestanding tubs. The spout is generally found rising up from the deck of the bathtub and they are significantly deeper than the average tub. These bathtubs are getting harder and harder to find. Greek tubs are similar to Roman tubs, the main difference being the length. These tubs, while deep enough to allow water up to the chin while sitting, are ideal for bathrooms with limited space.

Aside from the Greeks and the Romans, there are also claw foot bathtubs and pedestal bathtubs. These freestanding tubs generally have the taps mounted onto the side of the tub or onto the wall. Claw foot bathtubs are known for their elegance and comfort. Some even include a slanted back, making it ideal for deep relaxation. A variation of the claw foot bathtub is the pedestal bathtub. In place of feet, this tub rests on a base, elegant or casual depending upon your preferences.

More common in most American homes are the built-in tubs, the most popular of these being the alcove tub. These bathtubs are generally surrounded by three walls and have either a shower curtain or door on the fourth. These are preferred in the US due to their lesser-finished surfaces, making them more economical than other choices. Slightly more luxurious are the drop-in tubs. These bathtubs can be sunken into the floor, mounted onto a deck or set up on a platform. One of the benefits of these tubs is that they come in various shapes, thereby allowing you to choose the shape that best fits your purpose.

Special Feature Baths

Let's not forget all of the special features available. Whirlpool tubs have an electric pump that circulates the water through jets, making the bathing experience truly delicious. Disability-compliant tubs are especially designed for the handicapped and the elderly, coming with seats, handrails and non-slippery surfaces. Aqua massage tubs, also called hot air tubs, include holes in the bottom from which air bubbles are released.

Bathtub options are as varied as the people who buy them. Taking your specific wants and needs into consideration, you will surely find the tub that's right for you.