How to Buy the Perfect Soaking Tub

Your Guide to buying the best Soaking Tub

Overview

A soaking tub is a luxurious addition to any bathroom that can enhance relaxation and provide a spa-like experience. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will help you find the perfect soaking tub for your needs by exploring different features, materials, installation processes, and more. We’ll also review the benefits of adding a soaking tub to your home and discuss the various types available on the market. With this guide, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision and purchase the perfect soaking tub for you.

Key features

  1. Budget: Set a budget to determine the size and type of tub you can purchase.
  2. Size: Consider the size of the tub you need to accommodate your bathroom space.
  3. Material: Determine which material type is best for your budget and needs. Options include acrylic, fiberglass, enameled steel, cast iron, and stone.
  4. Style: Choose a style that complements your bathroom’s décor, such as free-standing, claw foot, corner, alcove, drop-in, or walk-in.
  5. Features: Decide which features are important to you, such as built-in seating, apron fronts, textured surfaces, air baths, or jetted spa systems.
  6. Installation: Consider the installation requirements for your chosen tub, including ventilation, plumbing, electrical access, and any additional hardware.

See the most popular Soaking Tub on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Relaxation - Soaking tubs provide a relaxing environment for people to enjoy at the end of a long day. The deep tub can be filled with hot water and soothing aromas to provide a calming experience.
  • Durability - Soaking tubs are built to last and are often made with strong materials such as acrylic and fiberglass to ensure they stand up to everyday use.
  • Low Maintenance - Soaking tubs are designed to be easy to keep clean and require minimal upkeep. They often have a durable finish and require only basic cleaning to keep them looking their best.
  • Adaptability - Soaking tubs come in a variety of styles, sizes, and shapes to fit any bathroom decor. There are also several materials available to fit any budget and lifestyle.
  • Versatility - Soaking tubs can be used for a number of different activities from simply soaking to taking a bubble bath or even giving yourself a spa treatment.

Cons

  • Material Quality: The quality of the material used to make a soaking tub varies significantly between manufacturers. A lower quality tub is more likely to crack, chip, warp, or otherwise degrade over time.
  • Installation: Installing a soaking tub can be a difficult and time-consuming process, especially if the tub is larger or made from a heavier material. Additionally, installing a soaking tub requires access to a drain and hot water line, as well as modifications to the surrounding floor and walls if needed.
  • Cost: Soaking tubs can be quite expensive depending on the type and size, with larger and more luxurious models running into the thousands of dollars.
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required for a soaking tub in order to keep it clean and sanitary. This includes regular cleaning, scrubbing, and sanitizing of the tub itself as well as the surrounding walls and floor.
  • Weight: Soaking tubs can be quite heavy, especially when filled with water, so it is important to make sure that your flooring can support the weight of the tub.
  • Space Requirements: Soaking tubs take up a lot of space, which can make them impractical for smaller bathrooms.

Best alternatives

  1. Walk-In Tub - A tub with a watertight door that enables easier access without having to step over a high lip of a traditional bathtub.
  2. Whirlpool Tub - A tub with water jets that circulate the water, providing a massage-like experience.
  3. Air Tub - A tub with air jets that blow air into the bathwater, providing a bubbly and relaxing bath experience.
  4. Jacuzzi Tub - A brand of whirlpool tubs that are known for their quality and reliability.
  5. Soaking Tub - A tub that is designed to promote relaxation and provide a deep, restorative bath experience.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Drain and Overflow Kit - A kit that includes all the necessary items to install a drain and an overflow system into a soaking tub.
  • Faucet and Handles - A faucet and handles set that can be used to control the water flow and temperature of a soaking tub.
  • Shower Enclosure - A shower enclosure that can be used to protect the walls surrounding a soaking tub.
  • Bath Mat - A bath mat that can be used to provide a comfortable and slip-resistant surface for standing in a soaking tub.
  • Towel Rack - A towel rack that can be used to hang towels and other items near a soaking tub.

Common questions

  1. What materials are available for Soaking Tub? Soaking tubs are typically made of acrylic, porcelain enamel, cast iron, and fiberglass.
  2. What size should I choose? The size of the soaking tub depends on the size of the room. Smaller baths can accommodate a two-person tub, while larger bathrooms can accommodate a much larger soaking tub.
  3. How much does a Soaking Tub cost? The cost of a soaking tub varies depending on size, material, and brand. Generally, a basic soaking tub costs around $500, while more luxurious models can cost several thousand dollars.
  4. What type of maintenance is required? Soaking tubs require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning properly. This includes scrubbing away soap scum and hard water stains and applying a protective sealer every few years.
  5. Are there any safety features I should look for? Look for a tub with slip-resistant surfaces and built-in handrails for added safety. Additionally, some models come with a temperature-controlled system to help prevent overheating.

Trivia

Many people are probably not aware that soaking tubs have been around for centuries. In fact, the oldest known soaking tub dates back to the 5th century BC in the city of Pompeii, Italy. While the design of the tubs have certainly changed over the years, it’s interesting to note that humans have enjoyed the comfort and relaxation of a soak for centuries. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.