Build Your Own Spa: Important Things to Know Before Buying a Bathtub

In the fast-paced world that we’re living in, we often hear about the importance of self-care. And taking a hot bath at the end of the day is the perfect time-slowing ritual for creating a steady self-care routine. It can help us quiet our minds and reduce depression and anxiety. And, it’s not only soul and mind-freeing: having regular hot baths holds some pretty incredible benefits too. It can help boost our immune system and improve our skin.

To create a perfect spa-like experience at home, you must have a spa-like environment. Meaning a well-equipped bathroom with all the essentials and the accessories you need. These include bathroom sinks, mirrors, lighting and the most important of all: a beautiful bathtub. The type of bathtub significantly impacts both bathroom aesthetics and functionality.

The wide variety of bath tubs available can make shopping for one a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re designing a new bathroom or remodelling an existing one, how can you choose the perfect bathtub for you? Before buying a bathtub, these are all the essential things you should know, from the many different styles to shapes and materials.

Decide on the Size

The first and most important step is to decide on the size of the bathtub. That way you won’t fall in love with a bathtub just to realise you don’t have enough space to accommodate it. Standard bathtub dimensions are 170x80X60. Yet, there are many other available options, both smaller and bigger. Take correct measurements of your bathroom space, and buy a bathtub that fits in.

The shape also largely impacts the size of the bath, which means if you haven’t got enough space, you should decide on a clean, minimalistic shape. Such shapes will ensure you make the most out of your bathtub, providing enough space to lay in and relax. Also, note where the drain is so it works well with the design you choose.

Another thing to consider in terms of sizing is the bathtub capacity. This will affect your monthly expense. A typical bath is made of one-third cold water and two-thirds hot water. Bathtubs vary in size, holding 100-500 kilos of water. Can you supply enough hot water for every bath? Your water heater should fill about two-thirds of your tub with warm water. Make sure you buy a tub with the right capacity to properly use it.

Choose Your Style

There are several bathtub styles out there. The one you choose comes down to personal preference. However, make sure it suits the overall bathroom design, as well as other rooms in your home. Here are some of the spa enthusiasts’ favourite bath styles.

Alcove

Also known as recessed tubs, these are installed between three connecting walls. Featuring only one finished side, an alcove is the first tub choice for apartments and homes with smaller bathrooms. They’re often combined with showers, so they’re the ultimate space-savers.

Freestanding

As their name suggests these tubs stand alone in a bathroom but must be placed near plumbing lines. In recent years, they have become popular as their versatility makes them a great choice for many bathrooms. They offer easy installation and placement flexibility.

Clawfoot

A clawfoot tub is a variety of freestanding bathtubs. It features iconic claws or legs for support. Their design, inspired by the Victorian era, is extremely decorative and is a great choice for traditionally themed bathrooms.

Soaking Tubs

Soaking tubs offer extra depth so bath lovers can fully submerge during their bath. An extra depth doesn’t have to mean extra volume, though, meaning you don’t have to compromise it if you don’t have a water heater capacity to fill an extra-large tub.

Consider the Material

It’s very important to consider the material of the bathtub as it greatly impacts other important factors, such as comfort, durability, cleanability, and price. Shopping for a bathtub can be quite overwhelming among the hundreds of tub shapes and sizes to choose from. Determining the composition of the tub you want to buy can make it a lot easier for you.

Another thing why bath material is so important is that it affects the weight of the tub. Ask yourself what is the maximum weight your floors can safely bear before making your decision. This is especially important if the bath is above the ground floor level. Use this bathtub material comparison to help choose the perfect material for you.

Plastic

Plastic bath tubs are made of either fibreglass or acrylic. They offer the greatest design flexibility as they can be moulded into many shapes and are supportive of a wide range of features. A plastic tub is often warm to the touch and is also well-insulated. This means it helps the water stay warm for a longer time, not allowing it to cool as fast as in enamelled steel or cast-iron tubs. It’s also the lightest tub, weighing 25-30 kilos max, and is very easy to install. Neither fibreglass nor acrylic is known to easily chip; yet, abrasive cleaners can damage the surface, reducing the gloss.

Enameled Steel

Made out of steel with a porcelain-enamel coating, these are the least expensive tubs. The porcelain offers a luxurious look and feels. And it can retain a glossy finish for years to come. However, it has its drawbacks: steel conducts heat, which means the water cools down very quickly. The surface is prone to chipping, and they aren’t as lightweight as plastic tubs.

Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron is a strong, durable material. The enamel coating is thicker than on steel bathtubs, so it doesn’t chip as easily. Also, cast iron is more durable and impact-resistant than steel, and it has great heat retention. At first, it may seem to pull heat from the water, but once it heats up, it will keep the water warm for a long time.

Being a high-quality material with many advantages, cast iron is the most popular tub. Once you buy it, you know you’ll enjoy it for decades. Its main disadvantage is weight. Usually weighing 150-200 kilos, they can be complicated for second-floor installations. If you consider this material, make sure your floors can handle it.

What Is the Best Kind of Bath Tub to Get?

When buying a bathtub, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. There are many tub shapes and styles, and they come in various materials and sizes. You must consider all of these factors and the many additional features like jets, bubbles, music, and lights when choosing the perfect tub. Don’t forget your comfort and the overall looks of your bathroom, and you’ll make the right decision for yourself and your home.