Bathroom Dilemma: How to Find the Ideal Bathtub?

In this stressful day and age, we could all do with a little bit of relaxation on a daily basis. Still, not everyone can afford to go to the local spa as often as needed, but soaking up in a hot bath at home sure compensates for it; a shower is great for when you’re in a hurry but a bath is the perfect luxurious treat.

Given that it’s the element that acts as the focal point in the bathroom, it deserves all the attention it can get when you’re out shopping for the ideal bathtub, be it for a remodelling project or a new bathroom. Since there’s a wide assortment of bathtubs for sale at the stores, you need to do some careful planning and picking in terms of models, sizes, materials, properties and prices.

bathtubs

Consider the Space

Before you set your eyes on a specific model, it’s important to think about the bathroom layout and ask measure up well to see how spacious it. Deciding where you’d like to fit in the bath tub would give you a hint not only on the best size but the type as well, along with the exact installation that would most suit your home needs.

In addition, don’t forget to consider the drain location and whether it’s the perfect match with the design of your choice. If you want to enjoy morning or night showers as much as baths, when you don’t have that much time for pampering and relaxation, it’s advisable to check if the space above the tub is adequate for shower installation too. In case it is, you’d require a bath screen to prevent splashes and accidents.

Give the Tub Use a Thought

Your lifestyle is another indicator to follow, as it would point out the model and features you’d most require to use it to the fullest. For instance, if you’d like to turn your bathroom into your own spa, you could treat yourself to the luxury of air or whirlpool baths equipped with jets that not only help relax but improve circulation, and reduce the aches and pains.

Additional bits of luxury include arm and neck rests, ambient lighting, but of course all of this is going to cost you more. If you wouldn’t mind soaking in a simpler design without such extras, as long as it’s comfortable, then you’ve got plenty to choose from.

shower-screen

Don’t Forget the Water Heater

You can’t make a good decision unless you also think of the water heater capacity so as to avoid the problem of not enough hot water; after all, it’s directly affected by the choice of tub, specifically its size.

There are various sizes of which the standard hold up about 300l (around 80gal), though there are bigger ones too. As for the smaller, they can hold up to 150l (40gal). In terms of the type, spa-type baths require more hot water.

This is why it’s necessary to include the water heater in your selection – even if you don’t get to fill up the entire tub, as you’d leave some room to get in and bathe, it’s still quite a lot of water. To be sure you make the right choice, the size of heater should be about 20% the size of the bathtub.

Bath-tub

Choose the Material

Though for some the thought of style is more important than that of materials, it’s an aspect that requires the same consideration, if not more. When you’re looking for the bathtubs that are on the affordable side, are easy to clean, and offer durability, then you should carefully choose the materials.

Some of the most common examples are: sanitary grade acrylic, cast-polymer, cast-iron, and enameled steel.

Acrylic – This is a great choice if you love spending more time soaking in the tub, and you’re looking for the type of bathtubs for sale that retain the heat for longer. It’s also resistant to chipping, though not so much to scratches but it’s simple, cost-efficient and easy to repair it. In addition, it’s lightweight, durable if reinforced with fiberglass, and piece of cake to clean. A word of caution though is to avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Cast-polymer – Available in a wide range of colours, this type is made to replicate the stylishness of marble and granite. The gel-coat finish adds to the aesthetics, as well as protection, however once it becomes brittle you wouldn’t like the result. Not to mention it’s also a more expensive option than acrylic.

Cast-iron – Known to be the thickest and most durable option, cast-iron is coated with enamel and you’d love it for the resistance to impact and cracks. Same as with the acrylic, it can retain the heat longer, yet a major drawback is its weight. Before you choose it, make sure your floor can withhold such weight, and avoid installation on second floors.

Enameled Steel – One of the most affordable types, the enamel coated steel isn’t going to break your bank. Yet, compared with the aforementioned options, it lacks the durability, as it’s prone to chipping, while it also weighs more than acrylic and doesn’t retain heat.

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