types of bathtubs
Built-in Tubs:
The alcove tub is by far the most common type of bathtub in the United States. After World War I, this bathtub was mass produced. Alcove bathtubs are generally found in second, third and fourth bathtubs; the master bath is not usually one of these. It is enclosed on three sides, with just the front exposed. The popularity of these tubs comes from its economical price and its use as a tub/shower combination. However, they oftentimes tend to be quite shallow and short in length. Tall or large people have a difficult time bathing in them. They are also one of the least decorated models of bathtubs. The three walls surrounding the alcove bathtub are generally covered in a waterproof material such as stone or tile. It is also very low maintenance. Tub/shower combination bathtubs, as just mentioned briefly, are quite popular because they satisfy two needs using the same floor area. A one-piece acrylic covering can be placed on the surrounding walls with little-to no maintenance over time. However, if tile or stone is placed there, possible remodeling and leaking may occur. Drop-in model bathtubs are easy to get into but are quite difficult to get out of because they are so deep. Although this can be dangerous for all kinds of people, it is not recommended for the elderly, small children or the infirmed. These tubs’ construction is a lot like the construction of sinks that are installed in countertops. This requires extra building time and can significantly add to the cost. When a deck is constructed in front of the tub, it makes soaking feet and sitting much easier. Corner tubs are uniquely designed to ‘set off a room.’ They are generally installed without integrated showers. Corner tubs can be made to stand alone or fitted into some other area in the bathroom. Most people place these tubs under windows and use the large space on the tub for decorating with plants. Corner tubs are about 5’ to 6’ in length. Also, a bathroom must be large to accommodate a corner tub because they take a lot of floor space.
Soaking Tubs:
The Classic Legged/ Pedestal bathtubs are available in ball and claw foot, pedestal, and leg tubs. In the past, these were the most common, widely used bathtub. In fact, most American homes had the roll-top cast-iron claw foot tub. Today, the classic legged/ pedestal tubs are offered in a wide variety of styles and materials which makes them more affordable to those who love this look. The basic design of these tubs is familiar to most people: a sloped back and a straight front with ball and claw, pedestal or legged feet. Materials consist of cast iron, porcelain on steel and acrylic. For the most part, these are small tubs; 4’ to 6’ are the average sizes. These bathtubs are freestanding and have exposed pipes that are easy to service but are hard to reach and clean unless the tub is in the center of the room! They also require no specialty carpenter work. Claw Foot Tubs have two different styles: American and European. The European style is designed with no faucet drilling so there’s a deeper water level. The faucets can be wall- mounted and even ceiling- mounted. The American style claw foot tub has holes drilled for a faucet. More elegant styles of these tubs are the fairy-tale like slipper tubs and the dual-end tubs. Interestingly, some of these tubs can actually have an integrated shower if they are specially designed. Pedestal Bathtubs are oval in shape and has no feet. Instead, it rests on an oval base which can be constructed of wood, finished to match the exterior surface of the tub, painted, or decorated to the owner’s desire. Much like the European style of the claw foot tub, the pedestal bathtub has no drilling for a faucet which provides a deeper water level. The downside is that manufacturers offer a limited amount of different options that a buyer can choose from. Although the pedestal tub was designed for soaking, a hand-held shower is a common addition for rinsing. Leg Tubs today, manufacturers are using a wide variety of building materials to update the classic look of these vintage bathtubs. It is a big and rather inviting bathtub. The extra 36” space in width and lumbar support enhance comfort and relaxation. Free-Standing/ Legged Tubs are similar in design to the vintage roll-top tubs of the early 1900s. Contemporary freestanding and legged models offer cutting-edge design with easy maintenance. They are also available in a many different materials such as cast iron, porcelain on steel, acrylic, and solid surfaces. Sizes can range from 4’ to 6’ in length. Also, these tubs are freestanding and have exposed pipes that are easily serviced and cleaned. Freestanding tubs can have high-gloss added to them and can be built-in as well if so desired. Legged bath tubs have much of the same physical description as freestanding and are also available in a range of materials and sizes. However, legged tubs have a more modern- Asian look than the freestanding tub. Greek, Japanese Tubs are quite similar to hot tubs, are shorter and deeper than traditional bathtubs and allow for one or more people to be inside. They are also much deeper; a person can soak in the bathtub up to their chin! The Greek tubs are quite similar in size to the tradition Japanese bath but are mainly designed for one person bathing and has high-gloss acrylic backed with a solid layer of fiberglass. These are resistant to chipping, cracking and flexing. Back to the Japanese bathtubs, the typical tub consists of wood, tile and certain metals. These tubs are oftentimes made of polypropylene reinforced with fiberglass.
Specialty Tubs
People with special needs, whether for the elderly, incapacitated or those with special needs, often find bathtubs that are difficult to maneuver in. Ideally, tubs serving special needs should be larger than the typical 5’ tub. Longer, around 66”, deeper than 20” and wider than 36” bathtubs, allow for better maneuverability, comfort and immersion in the water. Also, these tubs designed for special needs should be accessible from at least three sides; this provides the bather and caregiver with surplus access room. Railing of some kind should be incorporated into the tub design or firmly attached to the wall for safety reasons. Transfer benches are wonderful for persons with special needs to transition from in and out of the bathtub. However, it is important to expect a transfer bench to take up as much room as the bathtub. Whirlpools are fitted with piping, an electric pump and water jets. The pump transfers the water through the popes using an underwater suction system and several water jets. Each jet contains a venture, a vented constriction near its opening that injects air into the water. Whirlpools and spas and hot tubs differ in that whirlpools are drained with each use. The velocity of water of water can be quite high, making it unsuitable for people suffering from medical conditions, the elderly or small children. There are a wide variety of choices to choose from with whirlpools in colors, sizes, styles and designs. For the most part, whirlpools are constructed of either fiberglass/acrylic, or cast iron. Hot Air Tubs differ from spas or hot tubs because they are filled and drained with each use, just like whirlpools. Air massage tubs have small holes along the bottom of the tub that release a steady stream of air bubbles into the tub. The intensity and strength can be easily controlled by the user. The jet therapy system is created by hot air action alone and the massage effect is different from a whirlpool system in that all areas of the body are massaged, soothing muscle and joints, and developing tone and strength.
Bathtubs
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