A soaking tub is defined by several characteristics, such as the material used in construction, depth, length, and the features it is equipped with.
A soaking tub can best be defined as a bathtub that is deeper than the normal bathtub, allowing you to be more deeply submerged in water, which allows for more relaxation benefits.
Once a luxury form of bathing, soaking tubs have become favorites with owners looking to take a relaxing, therapeutic soak without having the tops of their knees exposed to the air as they squat in compact bathtubs!
The Differences Between A Regular And A Soaking Tub
Depth
The first primary difference between a regular bathtub and a soaking tub is their depth.
Regular tubs allow you to lay down or squat horizontally while soaking tubs easily accommodate an average-sized person completely immersed in water.
The depth of water in a standard bathtub can be 1.5-2 feet maximum, while soaking tubs start at anywhere around 2 feet in depth and can be deeper than that as well.
Functionality
The functions of the two different tubs are very dissimilar, hence the difference in their construction.
A regular bathtub is a common site in most bathrooms and allows you to relax and lay back, with your favorite bubble baths and bath oils providing a therapeutic function.
The healing and relaxing effect of soaking tubs is achieved via your entire body being submerged in warm water, but in some models, you cannot use bath salts and bath bombs for fear of clogging the hot water vents.
Regular tubs can easily permit shower heads and other fittings as installations to become a more multi-purpose space, but soaking tubs are more restrictive because they occupy most of the space in which they are installed.
A general drop-in tub requires a recess or a space in your bathroom, while most free-range, modern soaking tubs can be installed in any convenient place where there is space.
Kinds And Shapes Of Soaking Tubs
Soaking tubs come in many different shapes, colors, and styles, making them adaptable to any aesthetic you have going on in your house- minimalist, vintage, chic, and much more. Some common types of soaking tubs are:
- Freestanding Tub: The favorite of modern, minimalistic interior designers, these tubs are attached to the floor away from a wall. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have flaunted their freestanding soaking tubs.
- Drop-In: These soaking tubs are installed into a structure built to contain the tub, with the “overmount” rim of the tub as the only part showing through the level surface.
- Corner Tubs: These are created to configure your bathtub space snugly into your bathroom shape. Whether rectangular or oval, corner tubs are fitted into a corner of your bathroom.
- Alcove Tubs: These are all the rage in modern, maximalist bathroom structures and are canopied on all three sides by a wall, guaranteeing you privacy and a space where you can snugly take a bath.
- Walk-in Tubs: These are perfect for ensuring minimum slippage if you are installing a soaking tub in a house of kids since it eases their going in and out of the tub. Some walk-in tubs have door structures for the physically disabled to be able to bathe in all comfort without having to clamber in.
Shapes and Materials
The shape of a soaking tub can be left entirely up to your discretion.
You can have a soaking tub installed in a round, square, oval, rectangular, slipper, hourglass, or clawfoot style and shape per your bathroom aesthetic.
The common materials used in the construction of soaking tubs are traditional ceramics, which come in a multitude of colors and patterns.
If you are focused on aesthetics, you can install a luxury wood bath, but it requires you to spend a pretty penny on maintenance as well as initial installation costs.
Stone resin is becoming more and more common as a construction material for tubs since they are very good at retaining heat, are comparatively cheap, and are malleable to the style and color you want for your soaking tub.
How To Install A Soaking Tub
Installing a soaking tub is way easier when compared to the complicated pipeline fittings required for appliances like jetted tubs.
As freestanding tubs, you simply have to make sure the place of installation can carry the weight of the tub, isn’t impeding the space in your bathroom, and is in close proximity to a water source.
Simply connect the pipe fittings and taps close to the tub, install it, and you are done!
However, there are steps to this process where you will need a couple more people to help you, such as carrying the tub to the requisite space before installation.
Make sure the plumbing is in place before you place the tub in the space since soaking tubs are generally heavy, and it’s a hassle to move them repeatedly.
Summing Up What Soaking Tubs Are
It’s important to note certain things before investing in a soaking tub. Just simply going for aesthetic and visual appeal isn’t enough, you first need to make sure your space is conducive to installing a soaking tub.
As a financial investment, it can be a bit more on the pricey side and requires maintenance frequently, which has to be another cost you have to account for.
Furthermore, soaking tubs are not suitable for younger kids, as the depth can prove to be a drowning hazard.
Otherwise, for therapeutic bath times, adaptability to your space, and visual appeal, soaking tubs have a lot of commendable qualities.
