Choosing a new bathtub 

can be an overwhelming experience, with so many different styles, materials, and features to consider. Whether you're remodeling your bathroom or simply looking to upgrade your current bathtub, it's important to choose a model that fits your needs and budget while also complementing the overall design of your space. In this article, we'll provide you with some essential tips and considerations for choosing the perfect bathtub for your home. 

Bathtub style

Freestanding Bathtubs

Freestanding bathtubs are a popular choice due to their versatility and aesthetic appeal. They can fit into almost any space without the need for connecting walls and can serve as a striking centerpiece for your bathroom. In addition, they are priced competitively with other bathtub options on the market.

Clawfoot Bathtub

A clawfoot bathtub is a classic freestanding bathtub style that has been popular since early Victorian era bathrooms. It is supported by four legs or "claws" at the bottom, giving it its distinctive look. This traditional design remains popular today.

Alcove Bathtub

Alcove or recessed bathtubs are installed in a recess of three connecting walls, with one finished side. These types of bathtubs are commonly found in smaller homes or apartments because they do not require a lot of space. In addition, they can often be combined with a shower to create a multipurpose bathroom fixture.

Corner Tub

Corner tubs are similar to alcove bathtubs, but they are much larger and wider. Although they take up a similar amount of space, corner tubs offer more room for relaxation and therapy than traditional bathtubs. They are typically installed adjacent to three connecting walls, often near a window. Due to their spacious design, corner tubs are more comparable to hot tubs than standard bathtubs.

Soaking bathtub

A Japanese-style soaking bathtub is typically oval or circular in shape and taller than conventional bathtubs. The aim of this design is to allow the user to comfortably sit and soak. These types of bathtubs are available in a wide range of sizes, with longer, more elegant styles being suitable for larger homes, while smaller, more compact designs are popular for apartments and smaller homes. Generally, the smaller size is preferred for use in apartments.

Walk-in

A walk-in bathtub is designed to provide a safe and slip-resistant bathing experience. The tub is fitted with grooves and notches along the inside to provide walking grip, while handholds are often also included to assist with balance and stability. These types of bathtubs are particularly beneficial for elderly individuals who may require extra assistance to safely bathe. They offer peace of mind and allow individuals to bathe independently without needing further assistance.

Whirlpool

A whirlpool bathtub features self-contained jets that provide a massage experience for both relaxation and health purposes. These jets can be either air or water jets. Air jet whirlpools have many small jets that push warm air to create bubbles, while water jet whirlpools have fewer but larger jets that push water at high speeds. The main advantage of using a whirlpool tub is that it provides a deeper massage sensation than any other type of bathtub available in the market.

Air Tub

An air tub is a type of bathtub that comes with multiple small jets that blow heated air into the bath water to create a bubbling, massaging sensation. While these tubs are similar to water whirlpool baths, they use their jets to create a bubbly sensation instead of providing a deep, massaging experience.

Bathtub Materials

The choice of material used in your bathtub production process impacts its appearance, convenience of installation and operation. Two key factors to consider when selecting the appropriate material for your bathtub are pricing and comfort. Your comfort is vital as you will be spending a significant amount of time in your tub. Ensure you test which material is most comfortable for you. However, the most comfortable option may be heavy and expensive, so research what your bathroom can handle before purchase.

 Here are some popular bathtub materials:

Acrylic: A modern, scratch-resistant material that's lightweight and easy to maintain and repair. It's a popular choice for drop-in and freestanding bathtubs.

Fiberglass: A flexible and light material that's simple to clean and repair.

Solid Surface: A high-quality material made from resin and pure acrylic that has both beauty and durability.

Cast Iron: A sturdy, long-lasting material that's difficult to scratch and clean but has an attractive vintage look.

Copper and Stainless Steel: Stylish, low-maintenance materials with great heat conducting qualities.

Cultured Marble: An expensive material made of crushed limestone and resin that's durable and maintains heat well. However, it's quite heavy and requires proper maintenance to avoid discoloration and staining.

Porcelain: Extremely robust and non-porous, porcelain-coated bathtubs won't deform or deteriorate over time, but the coating is sensitive to large impacts.

Ceramic: Made by molding ceramic tiles together, this type of bathtub comes in a variety of styles and sizes but must be constantly maintained to avoid decay and disintegration.

Wood: A visually beautiful and rustic material treated with water-resistant wax, wooden bathtubs are expensive and prone to breaking down with constant use.

Bathtub Weight

Weight is a critical factor to consider when purchasing a bathtub since it determines where you can place it. If the tub's material is too heavy, it may not be supported by your floor or house when filled with water. This is particularly common with high-quality materials like Cast Iron, Natural Stone, and Copper, which are heavy but desirable. One solution is to reinforce your floor to handle the increased weight. Alternatively, materials like Stone Resin and Acrylic provide a durable and relatively lightweight option that's compatible with most homes.

Bathtub Installation

Knowing the ease of installation for different bathtub styles is crucial as it can be a hassle, especially depending on the tub's size and shape. Alcove and drop-in tubs are generally easier to install than freestanding and corner tubs, respectively. However, this may vary based on the material and overall weight of the tub you're installing. If the tub is too heavy, it's best to hire a professional installer to avoid any potential issues.

Freestanding Installation

A significant advantage of a freestanding bathtub is its versatility in placement since it only needs a working drain and water source, eliminating the need for adjacent walls or a carved-out ingress required by most other tub styles. However, due to their size, freestanding tubs are often the largest and can be quite heavy, depending on the material used. It's important to ensure that your floor can support the added weight since they hold a large volume of water.

Drop in Installation

Drop-in bathtubs are among the easiest to install in comparison to other tubs available. As the name suggests, they can simply be dropped into an ingress or carved-out space where you connect the necessary plumbing before placing it down.

Alcove Installation

Alcove bathtubs, like drop-in tubs, are installed against three walls with one finished side. You would typically need an alcove space ready to place the bathtub in before connecting the necessary plumbing. These tubs are quite manageable to install, usually requiring only 1-2 people due to their size.

Corner Installation

Corner bathtubs are among the most challenging to install by yourself due to their wider design and additional water settings, which require more space and expertise to install compared to other tubs available. As a result, you may need additional help and professional assistance to properly place and connect the necessary plumbing for these tubs.

When selecting a bathtub, numerous factors should be considered such as size, price, and comfort. It's recommended to conduct research before making a purchase. To find the perfect bathtub for your home, take measurements of your space and consider the needs of your household members. By doing so, you will undoubtedly discover the ideal bathtub for your residence.

If you're in search of a high-quality bathtub, consider checking out Empava bathtub. Empava is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and the ibathtub is no exception. It's designed to provide the ultimate relaxation experience, with its spacious interior and comfortable design.

Empava also offers a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, ensuring that you'll find the perfect bathtub to fit your needs and style preferences. And with their commitment to customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that you'll receive excellent service when shopping with Empava.