A Guide to Choosing the Right Bathtub
There are hundreds of different kinds of bathtubs available in the markets today, all of varying styles, which is why selecting the right one for your home is not a very simple task. Not only do you have to pick the right color to match your bathroom and ensure that the design is right, but many more decisions have to be taken. To help you in this regard, we have put together this article that will show you exactly how to go about choosing a bathtub.
1) Functionality: Before you go to choose a bathtub, you should be clear about your requirements from the bathtub. Do not buy a whirlpool tub just because it looks so comfortable and inviting. Will you actually be using the jets often and can you justify the added energy costs as well as extra water consumption? While comfort is very important while choosing a bathtub, you also want to ensure that you will make use of all the features of the tub.
2) Size of the bathtub: The size of the bathtub is a major purchase criterion. People often assume that if the tub is big enough to fit them comfortably then it is the right size. However, there is such a thing as a too big bathtub. While the tub should definitely not be small for you, there shouldnt be too much extra space either, which results in water wastage. Another thing to consider is whether you want a one person or two person tub. If you are likely to want to share your bathtub with your partner, go in for the 2 person one. However, if bath time is when you want to be with your thoughts, then choose the regular sized single person bathtubs.
3) Design, shape, and color: While functionality of a bathtub is very important, its looks matter a lot too. If your bathtub matches in style and color with the other fixtures in the bathroom and fits in with your bathroom theme, your entire bath area will become that much more appealing. Thus, do try to find a matching color and style of bathtub. Your choices in colors are cream, white, pink, blue, black, brown, green, maroon, etc.
4) Material of the bathtub: Many different materials are used to make bathtubs, which in turn give the bathtubs different degrees of durability, strength, and difficulty of maintenance. According to their materials, tubs are classified as Acrylic tubs, Porcelain tubs, Cast iron tubs, Fiberglass, Marble, and Wood. While a fiberglass tub can be very cost effective, it may not be as durable as porcelain or an acrylic tub. A cast iron tub can last you for years but is quite expensive. Marble and Wooden tubs can look very attractive but are very high maintenance and will not last you for very long. Thus, your choice of tub material will depend on your budget, your frequency of use, ease of maintenance of the tub, and its durability.
5) Soaking or standard: The difference between a standard bathtub and a soaking tub is that the soaking variety is much deeper and enables you to immerse your entire body into the warm water instead of just your lower half. And since tubs are now being used for their therapeutic value as they help lower stress, relieve pain, and lower hypertension, you need to decide whether you want such a tub or not. If you do, then you will be better off buying a soaking tub instead of a regular bathtub.
6) Special Needs: Bathtubs have traditionally not been very user friendly if you are old or handicapped. Getting in and out of bathtubs can be dangerous for people with such special needs, and there is also a danger of slipping and hurting yourself. However, with ADA compliant bathtubs, you need not worry about all this anymore. ADA tubs are manufactured such that entry and exit is extremely easy and they also offer protection from slip and fall accidents due to the presence of grab bars and grab rails. Thus, if you or any family members have special requirements, do consider buying an ADA tub.
Thus, you should choose a bathtub only after taking all the above factors into consideration. Your budget will also determine your choice of tub, but there are bathtubs available in all different price ranges so finding one within your budget should not be a problem.
By considering all the above factors before buying a bathtub, choosing the perfect one will be a breeze!
1) Functionality: Before you go to choose a bathtub, you should be clear about your requirements from the bathtub. Do not buy a whirlpool tub just because it looks so comfortable and inviting. Will you actually be using the jets often and can you justify the added energy costs as well as extra water consumption? While comfort is very important while choosing a bathtub, you also want to ensure that you will make use of all the features of the tub.
2) Size of the bathtub: The size of the bathtub is a major purchase criterion. People often assume that if the tub is big enough to fit them comfortably then it is the right size. However, there is such a thing as a too big bathtub. While the tub should definitely not be small for you, there shouldnt be too much extra space either, which results in water wastage. Another thing to consider is whether you want a one person or two person tub. If you are likely to want to share your bathtub with your partner, go in for the 2 person one. However, if bath time is when you want to be with your thoughts, then choose the regular sized single person bathtubs.
3) Design, shape, and color: While functionality of a bathtub is very important, its looks matter a lot too. If your bathtub matches in style and color with the other fixtures in the bathroom and fits in with your bathroom theme, your entire bath area will become that much more appealing. Thus, do try to find a matching color and style of bathtub. Your choices in colors are cream, white, pink, blue, black, brown, green, maroon, etc.
4) Material of the bathtub: Many different materials are used to make bathtubs, which in turn give the bathtubs different degrees of durability, strength, and difficulty of maintenance. According to their materials, tubs are classified as Acrylic tubs, Porcelain tubs, Cast iron tubs, Fiberglass, Marble, and Wood. While a fiberglass tub can be very cost effective, it may not be as durable as porcelain or an acrylic tub. A cast iron tub can last you for years but is quite expensive. Marble and Wooden tubs can look very attractive but are very high maintenance and will not last you for very long. Thus, your choice of tub material will depend on your budget, your frequency of use, ease of maintenance of the tub, and its durability.
5) Soaking or standard: The difference between a standard bathtub and a soaking tub is that the soaking variety is much deeper and enables you to immerse your entire body into the warm water instead of just your lower half. And since tubs are now being used for their therapeutic value as they help lower stress, relieve pain, and lower hypertension, you need to decide whether you want such a tub or not. If you do, then you will be better off buying a soaking tub instead of a regular bathtub.
6) Special Needs: Bathtubs have traditionally not been very user friendly if you are old or handicapped. Getting in and out of bathtubs can be dangerous for people with such special needs, and there is also a danger of slipping and hurting yourself. However, with ADA compliant bathtubs, you need not worry about all this anymore. ADA tubs are manufactured such that entry and exit is extremely easy and they also offer protection from slip and fall accidents due to the presence of grab bars and grab rails. Thus, if you or any family members have special requirements, do consider buying an ADA tub.
Thus, you should choose a bathtub only after taking all the above factors into consideration. Your budget will also determine your choice of tub, but there are bathtubs available in all different price ranges so finding one within your budget should not be a problem.
By considering all the above factors before buying a bathtub, choosing the perfect one will be a breeze!
Source...