If you don’t know what a soaking tub is or you’ve heard the term and dismissed it, then you may be surprised that we recommend one for your home. Why? A soaking tub may be the ultimate form of relaxation because it’s deep and long enough to fully submerge your body. There are many benefits of taking a hot bath, including unclogging skin pores, improving circulation, relieving joint pain, and more. A great soak in the tub can help you to deal with stress and get a restful night of sleep. In this article, we will take a closer look at soaking tubs to help you make an informed decision.
What are the Major Differences?
There are many differences to consider when you’re comparing regular and soaking tubs. A soaking tub tends to have more spout locations when compared to a shower or regular bath. They can be placed higher off the ground, they are extremely stable and this makes them a great choice for people with mobility issues. When you choose your bath, it will typically have six legs to improve stability and for easier positioning on an uneven floor. Many people add a handrail system with grab bars if they don’t have one already to improve access.
The Showerhead
Many soaking tubs have a dedicated shower head to create a rainfall massage experience when bathing. This is also a useful feature for people that want to wash and rinse their hair as they take a bath. A standard bath may have a nearby hand or wall-mounted shower head that fulfills a similar role. Washing and rinsing with sufficient direct water pressure are possible, but there are no rainfall massage features.
Size and Bathing Positions
There are soaking tubs at many lengths, but most have a longer design than a typical bath/shower unit. The design is to facilitate deep-soaking to get the aforementioned health benefits. A seated position is different from a shower stool or regular bath. It’s a great idea to get a seat that can be adjusted up and down and an extra upper ledge to elevate the lower body during bathing. Because the design is deep it may be necessary to use steps or bend over to enter and exit. This is a crucial aspect of ownership that people need to consider before they make a final decision.
Choose a Professional Soaking Tub Installation
Upgrading an existing tub or shower to a soaking tub will require a professional installation. They are made from a wide variety of materials, including acrylic, fiberglass, concrete, and stone which may be heavy. They tend to be around 23” in height which is larger than a standard tub which is approximately 19” high. Some soaking tubs are 90” long and 76” wide, which is enough room for two people!
No Extra Features
Soaking tubs are pretty simple when compared to high-end bathtubs that may have jet, air, or massage features. There is no water movement at all unless you want the rainfall setting on the showerhead. Taking a bath in a soaking tub is a more relaxing experience and it’s important to let the heated water work its magic. There are high-end soaking tubs, but the plastic variants are very affordable and durable for those on a tighter budget. Another advantage is that they can be formed into many interesting shapes and they are not as heavy as concrete or stone tubs.
If you’re considering a new soaking tub, you can explore your options with this online collection. For further help and guidance speak to a home appliance expert.
