In the modern bathroom, a soaking tub has become a symbol of luxury and relaxation. It is a sophisticated design that allows you to enjoy a spa-like experience in your own home. For some, a soaking tub transforms an ordinary bathroom into a peaceful retreat, perfect for relaxing after a busy day. For others, it may feel like an unnecessary extravagance, especially if space or budget are limited. Understanding the pros and cons of soaking tubs can help you determine if this elegant addition fits your lifestyle and home needs.
What is a Soaking Tub?
A soaking tub is a deep bathtub designed for full-body immersion, providing a soothing, spa-like bathing experience. Unlike a standard bathtub, these tubs are deeper, typically between 14 and 20 inches deep, allowing the user to comfortably submerge a large portion of the body in the water. This design promotes greater relaxation and comfort than a traditional bathtub.
Soaking tubs come in a variety of styles, including freestanding, alcove, and built-in. Materials include acrylic, cast iron, and stone. Some styles are ergonomically designed to ensure maximum comfort even during long baths. Luxury bathtub brands often offer soaking tubs with advanced features, such as built-in heating elements or massage systems, to enhance comfort.
Top soaking tubs are praised for their aesthetics. These tubs can become the focal point of a bathroom, adding elegance to the overall design. In addition, their compact base design makes them suitable for both spacious and smaller bathrooms, and provides flexibility in installation location.
Types of Soaking Tubs
Soaking tubs come in a variety of shapes, styles, and materials, each offering a unique bathing experience. Let’s explore some of the most popular types of soaking tubs:
Freestanding Soaking Tubs
Freestanding soaking tubs are freestanding units that can be placed anywhere in the bathroom. These tubs are designed to be the focal point of the bathroom, and their sculptural appearance adds a touch of luxury to the room. Freestanding tubs, which are typically deeper than built-in tubs, allow for a full-body soak.
Advantages
Stylish and luxurious design.
Can be placed anywhere in the bathroom.
Available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Disadvantages
Requires more space than built-in tubs.
May require plumbing modifications for installation.
Japanese Soaking Tubs (Ofuro)
Japanese soaking tubs, also known as ofuro tubs, are designed for deep soaking. These tubs are typically shorter but much deeper than traditional tubs, allowing bathers to sit upright while fully submerged in the water. Japanese soaking tubs are ideal for homeowners with small bathroom spaces or seeking a more compact soaking experience.
Advantages
Extremely deep, providing a more immersive soaking experience.
Compact design is perfect for small spaces.
Often paired with a shower for added versatility.
Disadvantages
Short length, may not be ideal for lounging.
Drop-in Tubs
Drop-in soaking tubs are installed within a prefabricated deck or enclosure, making them more customizable in terms of aesthetics. These tubs are typically deeper than standard drop-in tubs, providing a more immersive soaking experience. The surrounding deck can be customized with tile, stone, or other materials to match the design of your bathroom.
Advantages
Can be customized to fit your bathroom design.
Provides a built-in look that integrates seamlessly with the bathroom.
Disadvantages
Requires more construction and planning.
May take up more floor space depending on deck design.
Clawfoot Tub
For a more vintage or traditional look, clawfoot tubs offer the charm of classic design with the comfort of a soaking tub. These freestanding tubs come with elevated feet, giving them a timeless appeal while still providing the deep soaking experience you crave.
Advantages
Classic, vintage design.
Deep water level for a relaxing soak.
Disadvantages
Heavy and may require additional floor support.
May be more expensive than a standard tub.
Advantages of Soaking Tubs
A soaking tub has many that make it a perfect addition to a modern bathroom. It combines comfort, beauty, and practicality to transform a simple bathing experience into a luxurious indulgence.
Enhances Relaxation and Relieves Stress
Since their design focuses on full-body immersion, soaking tubs excel at deep relaxation. With tub depths ranging from 14 inches to 20 inches, users can comfortably submerge themselves in the water for a soothing experience. These tubs create a spa-like atmosphere in your home, relieving stress after a long day. Many of the top soaking tubs feature ergonomic designs that enhance comfort for extended use. This full-body support, combined with warm water soaking, helps relax muscles and improves mental health.
Aesthetic Appeal and Luxury
A soaking tub is the finishing touch that elevates the look of a bathroom. Luxury bathtub brands offer elegant designs that add sophistication and charm. Whether freestanding or built-in, their presence elevates a bathroom. A wide range of finish options, such as glossy acrylic or matte stone, ensure that different design preferences are met. Their visual appeal is not only functional, but also reflects a luxurious and leisurely lifestyle, making them a symbol of enjoyment.
Therapeutic Benefits
The therapeutic benefits of a soaking tub benefit both physical and mental health. The depth of a deep soaking tub helps to distribute heat evenly, soothing joints and muscles. The hydrotherapy features of premium models enhance these benefits, helping to relieve chronic pain or recover from exercise. Warm water soaking also improves blood circulation and sleep quality, making soaking tubs ideal for health-conscious homeowners.
Increase Property Value
The addition of a soaking tub can make a property more attractive to potential buyers. Soaking tubs are often seen as a luxury, especially when they come from top soaking tub brands. Homes equipped with such high-end features can achieve higher resale values. The unique combination of style and functionality they bring to a bathroom makes it stand out in a competitive market. Adding a soaking tub can satisfy buyers who value a modern, comfortable living space.
Disadvantages of Soaking Tubs
While soaking tubs offer many , there are also some dis that can affect practicality depending on personal circumstances.
Higher Cost and Installation Challenges
Soaking tubs typically have a higher upfront cost than standard tubs, especially when choosing luxury tub brands. Soaking tubs vary widely in price, ranging from $600 to $5,000 depending on the material, size, and design. Freestanding or stone tubs typically cost more.
Bathtubs can be challenging to install due to their weight and plumbing requirements. For example, cast iron and stone soaking tubs require reinforced floors, which can increase installation costs. Freestanding soaking tubs also require precise plumbing work to install. For owners of older homes, additional renovation costs may be required if structural modifications are required to accommodate the weight or depth of the tub.
Space Considerations
Due to their larger size and deeper design, soaking tubs typically require more space than traditional bathtubs. Most models have a soaking depth between 14 and 20 inches, making them unsuitable for smaller bathrooms. Freestanding soaking tubs, while beautiful in appearance, require additional space to maintain their appearance.
Homes with compact layouts may have difficulty fitting a soaking tub without detracting from other bathroom features. A top-of-the-line soaking tub can elevate the elegance of a bathroom, but only if the room size allows for its functionality and balance. For small bathrooms, other solutions such as compact or corner tubs may be more practical.
Maintenance Requirements
Soaking tubs can be more challenging to maintain than standard bathtubs. Luxurious materials such as stone or copper require specialized cleaning products to avoid damage, and the base of a freestanding tub is often more difficult to clean or repair. Acrylic bathtubs are a common choice for soaking tubs, but they are prone to scratches and may require careful care to maintain their appearance.
While the depth of a soaking tub allows for full-body immersion, it also results in increased water usage, which can increase utility bills. It is also more time-consuming to drain and clean a larger tub, especially in homes with hard water, as mineral deposits can form more quickly.
Who is a Soaking Tub Suitable for?
As the most expensive tub on the market, you should consider your family situation before purchasing one. Due to the large depth of water, it is not recommended to let children bathe in it to avoid danger. Therefore, this tub is perfect for adults and seniors as it relaxes the muscles and the deep soaking can relieve joint or muscle pain.
For seniors, it is also very beneficial for their joints and muscles, which can prolong their health, as many tubs can be equipped with aromatic steam and salts. However, with the increase in water usage, these tubs are seen more as a symbol of luxury and less as an everyday bathing device.
How Difficult is it to Install a Soaking Tub?
Since soaking tubs are freestanding tubs, they are probably the easiest to install. If you have purchased a soaking tub and are looking for clear installation instructions, follow these steps:
Before placing the tub in your bathroom space, make sure your space can handle the weight of the tub filled with water. Depending on the size of the tub, you may need additional help to carry it to your desired location.
Once it is positioned, simply connect all the necessary plumbing to the tub and you will have a fully functional bathtub.
The biggest difficulty during installation may be transporting it to your desired location, as these tubs are also the largest and heaviest compared to other tubs on the market, so it is recommended to seek additional help.
While soaking tubs may be tempting, they are not for everyone. Since soaking tubs are the most expensive in terms of overall size and maintenance costs, it is recommended that you consider your home's needs before purchasing.
It has many health benefits, but its functionality is limited to adults and the elderly, and it is not very friendly to young children. It is important to consider your budget and needs before choosing the right tub for your home.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Bathtub
Several key factors should be evaluated when deciding whether a soaking tub is worth the investment. These considerations will help ensure that the tub will fit the homeowner's space, usage needs, and financial situation.
Available Space
Soaking tubs are designed to be deep and come in a variety of sizes, requiring ample bathroom space. Standard soaking tubs range in depth from 14 inches to 20 inches, while models like freestanding tubs require more floor space to fit the tub properly. Smaller bathrooms may have trouble accommodating these tubs without a major remodel.
Before choosing a tub, measure the available space. Freestanding tubs often require an open, easy-access area, while alcove and built-in tubs are better suited to existing layouts. For example, alcove tubs fit perfectly with three-wall tubs and are ideal for compact designs. Also, check the structural integrity of the flooring, as heavier tubs such as cast iron or stone may require reinforced floors.
Homeowners who want to create a spa experience should also evaluate the space to see if more features can be installed. Some top-of-the-line soaking tubs with whirlpool systems or built-in heating elements may require more space or electrical modifications. Proper space planning can help avoid costly adjustments and ensure a comfortable bathing experience.
Budget and Cost
Soaking tubs can vary widely in price, ranging from around $600 for an affordable acrylic tub to more than $5,000 for luxury bath brands. Freestanding designs and tubs made of premium materials such as marble or cast iron tend to be more expensive. Other expenses may include shipping, installation, and structural modifications.
Consider long-term expenses, such as increased water usage and maintenance costs. The deeper the tub, the more water it uses, which can increase utility bills. For luxury models with premium features like whirlpool tubs or chromotherapy lighting, you should also consider higher maintenance costs.
Researching top soaking tubs can help balance initial cost and long-term value by comparing options within your budget. For those planning to sell their home, a soaking tub can improve resale value, but only if the investment is in line with local market buyer expectations.
Frequency of Use
Whether or not to invest in a soaking tub depends largely on how often it will be used. If you prioritize full-body soaking and relaxation, daily or frequent use is worth it. Soaking tubs can be beneficial for people seeking therapeutic relief, such as soothing sore muscles or improving circulation, especially in families with active lifestyles.
If you only enjoy it occasionally and don't use it often, other options, such as a standard bathtub or a smaller soaking tub, may be more practical. Consider how many people will use the tub. For a larger family, a larger tub may be more suitable for multiple people to share.
For those who don't use the tub often, the cost of installing a tub or buying a high-end luxury brand tub may be more than its actual value. If you don't anticipate frequent bathtub use, you might want to compare the pros and cons of soaking in a tub with other forms of relaxation, such as stand-alone spa treatments.
