What Goes Into Choosing the Ideal Bathtub for Your Home Spa?

Being exposed to all kinds of stressors on a daily basis can easily make us overwhelmed. Sadly, we get acquainted with chronic stress without even being aware of it until it’s too late and it starts taking its toll on our health and well-being. This could manifest itself in having troubles with getting a shut-eye and making the most of beauty sleep, weakened immune system and frequent colds, difficulty concentrating and staying productive, as well as irritability.

Simply said, besides badly affecting your body, and shortening your lifespan at that, it could also have an impact on your personal and professional relationships. All things considered, taking the time to relax every day is mandatory. Of course, we all have different strategies when it comes to relaxing, yet a lot of things changed over the course of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With most local spas, yoga centres, gyms, and resorts closed for months, it became clear we would have to make the most of unwinding at home. And what better way to pamper yourself and reap the benefits of relaxation than soaking in a hot soothing and rejuvenating bath?

Take the Time to Find Your Ideal Bathtub

As we all have various ideas and needs in terms of what the perfect bathing experience should be, you can conveniently buy bathtub online or from a brick-and-mortar warehouse and store knowing there are all sorts of designs you can choose from, created to cover the different demands. Having this in mind, it’s necessary to carefully browse through the options to find exactly what you require to make the most of relaxation and the purchase.

Pay Attention to Your Budget

Perhaps one of the most basic and important aspects when shopping, the cost of the tub is the primary consideration but it certainly isn’t the only one. Apart from setting your budget based on the price of the tub itself, you should also include additional aspects in the calculation such as the installation and the plumbing which may or may not be that simple if they require undertaking a reformation project.

If it would make the process easier for you, perhaps you could use the help of a blueprint of the room, to be sure the layout you get would be one that works best for you and your living arrangements. This would give you a hint whether or not you should prepare for unexpected expenses too, like an extra change with the appeal and functionality of the bathroom with vanity and sink.

Moreover, don’t forget to give the tapware fixtures a thought too, and there’s more to them if you opt for a bath/shower combo fit for a compact bathroom. Yes, it sounds a bit overwhelming to process all of it, but when you buy bathtub online or in-store after you’ve thought this through, you can have the peace of mind it’s an investment that would serve you for years to come.

Think of Your Bathtub Needs

The minute you start looking through all of the options of baths at the homeware stores, you realise just how vast the range is, and before you know it, confusion ensues. Prior to moving on to discuss the styles and materials, it’s essential to note you can’t go wrong if you consider your current and future bathtub needs.

Maybe you now live in a home that you share only with your partner, but in the near future you plan on expanding the family and maybe even adopting a dog or two. In that case, you’d be better off with a more spacious and multifunctional bathtub straight off instead of one made strictly for indulgences. Now, should you move in with your parents, or you plan on using the same design as you age, mobility issues, easy access and fall prevention are also worth pondering.

Get Familiar with the Bathtub Styles

There’s no doubt once you buy the right bath tub, functionality and relaxation won’t be the only two benefits you’d get to reap – as it’s the kind of fixture that has a focal point in the room and as such significantly enhances its aesthetics and value. To make utmost use of these advantages, it’s advisable to get to know the various styles there are.

• Freestanding – as the name implies, this style refers to a tub that doesn’t require any support. Thanks to this, it can be the perfect piece that’s the centre of attention in a bathroom, however taking its size into account, it’s best used in spacious rooms. If you’re lucky to have all the space you need, you can add vintage charm with a clawfoot bathtub.
• Built-in – one of the most affordable options, this is perfect for homes with small bathrooms. Available as an alcove, i.e. nestled within three existing walls, you can choose to have it installed as a solo tub or use it in a combination with a shower. Should you want to add a dose of stylishness, you can have it tiled with tiles that match those of the floor, wall, or opt for an entirely different design.
• Corner – unlike the standard built-in, this one is somewhat bigger and as can be guessed by its name, it’s fit to the wall on two sides. Same as the previous counterpart, it gives you the flexibility to use it in a combination with shower, and you can even drop it into a frame but more on this with the following style.
• Drop-in – this style is installed in a frame and fit bellow floor level, and as such it’s much lower than the built-in and freestanding bathtubs. While it can be found in standard size, it’s also available in a bigger spacious size too which is ideal if you want to create your own luxurious spa in a large bathroom.
• Island – now this is a style famous for offering more space around the tub. It’s great if you’re looking for a sitting ledge, and storage for your pampering essentials.

Select the Suitable Bathtub Material

Now, moving on to the materials, you’re in for a treat too as there are plenty of options of both affordable and luxurious.

• Fibreglass – this is the choice you should be after if you’ve got a tight budget. It may not be as durable as the alternatives, but you’re going to like it for its lightweight properties, and the fact it’s easy to clean. A word of caution though is to be careful as it tends to be slippery.
• Acrylic – if you’re looking for something more durable than the previous option, yet aren’t so limited with the price, buy bathtub online that’s made from this material. You’re going to like it for the fact it retains heat too.
• Copper – now this is certainly known as one of the luxurious choices, and happens to be great for conducting and retaining heat as well, besides looking amazing.
• Enamelled Steel – known for its resistance to scratches, chemicals, and impact, it’s also great for retaining heat better than the stone resin tubs, but not the cast iron.
• Cast Iron – certainly not among the cheapest tub options, but definitely a must if you’re after classic appeal.
• Composite – also known as cast polymer, it’s coated in enamel so as to offer great heat retention that matches that of cast iron.