Different Types of Bathtubs & How to Choose the Right One for You
The bathtub in your home is much more than just a place to get clean. This bathroom fixture provides a place for peace and relaxation, and the type of tub you choose can even keep you safe from slip-and-fall accidents.
Central Plumbing Specialties carries many different types of bathtubs, such as the freestanding tub, walk in tub, and whirlpool tub. In this article, we’ll cover the most popular types of bathtubs and the benefits of each one so that you can choose the best tub for your bathroom. It’s a good idea to consider who will be using your tub and how they’ll be using it before making this important decision.
Freestanding Tub
For a vintage look, the freestanding tub has emerged as a popular option among homeowners. These tubs come in a variety of unique designs, such as the clawfoot tub and pedestal tub. Something that makes these tubs great is that they are easy to install and don’t require special drilling for the faucet. They’re also able to stand anywhere in your bathroom, which gives you some creative freedom when decorating your bathroom.
Walk In Tub
Walk in tubs are very popular because of their easy accessibility. These are great options for people who have limited mobility, who are elderly, or who just want to make their bathing experience as risk-free as possible. With a walk in tub, you don’t need to step up and into the tub as you would need to with a standard bathtub. These tubs often have a chair inside for additional accessibility and may even have jetted whirlpool features.
Bathtub/Shower Combo
If you sometimes want to shower but also enjoy an occasional bath, perhaps a bathtub/shower combo is for you. These tubs typically have a standard bathtub with shower walls, but there are a lot of different design options available. These are also great bathroom fixtures because they usually have shelves to store your shampoo bottles and soap.
Whirlpool Tub
Many people wonder exactly what is whirlpool tub and how do these types of tubs work. Much like a hot tub in a spa, a whirlpool tub is a therapy-type tub that helps to relieve sore muscles and tension with jetted water. Whirlpool tubs often feature in-line heaters to keep those streams of water nice and warm, as well as multi-speed settings, silent motor technology for reduced jet sound, and foot massage jets located on underwater foot rests.
Corner Tub
While the standard bathtub is long and narrow, corner bathtubs are installed in the corner of the bathroom and feature a more triangular shape. These are nice because they save floor space in small bathrooms and can often accommodate two bathers. This is a popular tub style for whirlpool tubs because they’re large enough for prolonged and comfortable soaking.
Other Bathtub Considerations
In addition to choosing the type of bathtub that you’d like, there are other bathtub considerations to keep in mind. Tubs are made from several different materials, such as acrylic, fiberglass, cast-iron, copper, enameled steel, marble, wood, and stone. Modern and higher-end models of tubs have heaters and electronic controls, are able to integrate music into the bathing experience, and use light to soothe your mood while in the bath.
Of course, more practical considerations about a new bathtub purchase include making sure that your bathroom floor can handle the weight of the tub you choose and that the dimensions of the tub will fit into the space you have available. Stop by one of our five New York showrooms to browse our beautiful collection of bathtubs for inspiration and to ask questions about the features and benefits of tubs that appeal to you!