Wall panels provide a refreshing look to your bathtub surround. These panels come in two-panel, three-panel, four-panel and even five-panel versions. Bathtub walls are made of durable plastic, thermally formed acrylic, fiberglass and a variety of other materials.
Stylishness & Durability
Tiles are the most conventional materials used as wall surround for bathtubs. These tub tiles are porcelain, ceramic or stone. The main problem of tiles is the grouts. They are difficult to keep clean and attract mould and mildew. Some people have found tiles difficult to install, difficult to keep clean, and that they broke often.
The walls surrounding bathtubs are real problem areas. Water from tubs and showers damage the wall surfaces around the bathtub. There are many inexpensive and attractive materials for walls surrounding your bathtub.
Elegant wall panels made with durable laminated plastic or imitation marble are used as wall surrounds. These come in a variety of colors, high gloss or textured look. These bathtub wall panels could be plain or having a tile like appearance. One advantage of tile like appearance is that there are no grouts to clean. These panels can be installed over drywall, plaster, tile or any flat wall surface. All wall panels need to be professionally handled for best results.
If you have the inclination to improve your bathtub surround, go for bathtub walls. There is no substitute to elegance in your bathroom.
Bathtub doors have replaced the bathtub curtains of yore. Though the vinyl curtains may be inexpensive, they have a very short life expectancy and frequently need to be replaced. In addition, they promote the growth of mildew, mold, and bacteria when folded in their wet state. The one good reason for installing doors on your bathtub is that they can be wiped clean to discourage mildew, mold, and bacteria.
Add Designer Features to your Bathtub
To enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom, a variety of doors is available for your bathtubs. The rust proof aluminum frames are available in white or given a gold or silver finish. You can have your choice of tempered safety - clear, opaque or rain - glass. 
Bath tub doors come in a sliding doors or folding door version. There could be two or three folds. If installed and maintained properly they should give you many years of trouble free service. The aluminum used is durable and water resistant and needs usually to be wiped clean to avoid any build-up. Use a non-abrasive cleaner as use of abrasive cleaners may spoil the shiny finish of aluminum, but this will in no way affect the function of the doors. To avoid build-up of hard-water spots, wipe the glass after every bathtub use. A clean cloth or any normal glass cleaner, used elsewhere in your house, will do. The tempered safety glass that is used is not unbreakable. Do not strike it with sharp or hard objects. Some doors may have through-the-glass towel bars. Avoid putting too much pressure on them as this can cause the glass to break. It is amazing how the small addition of a bathtub door enhances the look of your bathroom.
The earliest bathtub drains were nothing unique. Just an unglamorous rubber plug attached to a chain, to fit a hole at the bottom, did the trick. The rubber plug would inevitably crack and leak. The solution was to replace the rubber plug and your bathtub was back in business. With time, this old rubber and chain contraption has been replaced by leak-free rust proof alternatives. Newer bathtubs have either plunger or pop-up drains. The first pop-up drain assembly was a small metal rod operating a stopper, that sat in the drain, when raised. The stopper would 'pop' up when the rod was lowered.
Drains for Your Tub "“ A Wide Selection
Today, drains for bathtubs are made with a variety of materials, styles and finishes. Brass drains are available in un-lacquered or lacquered polished variety, chrome plated, polished or brushed nickel. If you are the proud owner of a vintage or antique bathtub, a variety of decorative drains in high polished chrome or brass is available to select from. Drains come with an over-flow arrangement in case your faucet keeps running. The basic problem with all drains is that they clog. The best thing to do is to stop your drain from clogging in the first place. Checking the drain and cleaning it on a regular basis should keep your it 'clog' free. Most of the clogs can be taken care of, by cleaning the trap, of waste. Bath tub drains are generally clogged by hair. All you may need is a little bent wire to unclog them. If the 'clog' cannot be reached, a variety of chemicals is available to pour down the drain. Avoid over-tightening the fittings during installation of bathtub drains. To make leak-free connections, hand-tightening is all that is required.
Bathtub mats are mainly used for one reason only - safety against slippage in the tub. Bathtubs are made of a multitude of materials, and given a variety of finishes. Most of the finishes are smooth, glossy and sleek. Soap, used while bathing, makes these surfaces further slippery. Bathtub users are prone to slippages on these slick surfaces. Non-slip mats placed in the bathtub will ensure fall prevention.
It's All About Safety
A variety of mats, primarily for safety, are available that also enhance the décor of your bathroom. Choosing mats for bathtubs is more about safety than looking for a design that appeals, at a price that is right. Non-porous, slip resistant mats for bathtubs should not wear, stain, mold, mildew, discolor, or peel up. These mats normally adhere to any clean tub surface and can be used immediately after installation. 
Bathtub mats are available in non-slip, PVC, rubber, soft foam, or vinyl. Some tub mats can be fixed to bathtub surfaces with adhesives, permanently. Others come with suction cups on the bottom, which stick to the tub surfaces. Mats with textured or ribbed surface are ideal for safety. To install mats with adhesive, clean the bathtub surface with a non-abrasive cleaner, completely rinse the surface and dry it. After ensuring that all oil and soapy residue is removed, carefully lay the adhesive side of the mat on the tub's surface and firmly roll it on. For mats with suction cups, wet the tub surface and firmly press the suction cups onto it. No price is too high for your family's safety and these mats are not expensive at all. Use a bath mat to avoid an accident in your bathtub. It could happen to you or someone you love.
You have a bathtub filled with hot steaming water, and you sprinkle bath salts into the water. Scented candles fill the bathroom with the soothing smells of lavender. What are you missing? A bathtub pillow!
Bathtub pillows, also known as bathtub support pillows, provide additional comfort to bathers. Bathers can now reach a different level of enjoyment while relaxing in the bathtub. Before bath tub support pillows were invented, bathers had nothing to rest their heads on "“ so they had to rest on the hard bathtub edge. Now not only are tub pillows available but they are available in many different styles, materials and colors. Common materials include vinyl, terry or even plastic. It also comes in several shapes and sizes, and often with indents to support the head. A standard pillow measures around 14.5 inches wide and 11 inches long.
When purchased, the bath pillow comes as a deflated piece. Simply blow it up to inflate it to the desired firmness. The pillow will come with suction caps which will help it stay stationary while attached to the bathtub edge. To fit the pillow to the bathtub, just position the pillow where you want it to stick and press down.
Many websites offer for pillows for bathtubs, such as Always Organized that sells two-section bath tub pillows for $14.99. A two-section tub pillow simultaneously supports the neck, head and the shoulders. Each pillow is also designed with several heavy-duty suction cups to bring about maximum hold and support. West Can Products offer pillows for sale with a special design selling at $10.99. If you do not fancy online shopping, they can also be purchased from hardware stores and stores that stock bathroom products.
Nobody ever said bath time should be a bore! An interesting and fun way to liven things up in the bathroom is to add special bath salts to your bath. There are so many different kinds to chose from "“ nice-smelling ones, pretty-colored ones and even ones that fizz on contact with water!
Bathtub salts make an interesting addition to your bath time. Made of different types of salts, they generally contribute to our overall well-being by softening our skin and even helping us to de-stress after a strenuous day at work or bustling about. Common salts used are Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts and kosher salts. Often, these are then mixed with baking soda which has a unique ability to soften our skin and make our skin look smooth and moisturized. Essential oils are then mixed into the salt and baking soda mixture, for example, rose oils, lavender oils and citrus oils.
Nowadays you can find salts for the tub in various smells and colors, and it isn't difficult to spot one that tickles your fancy. If you find making a choice is too difficult, you can always opt to make your own. Just buy some salts, throw in a few drops of your favorite oils, add your favorite colors to it and voila! The easiest and fastest way to enjoy bath salts is probably to buy a ready-made bottle. If you cannot be bothered with making your own, you can always check out websites that offer online shopping. These online shopping sites offer a wide variety of selections and will deliver your precious bath tub salts right to your door step!
An alternative to buying ready-made salts from expensive boutiques is to make your own. There are many sites that offer easy step-by-step instructions to create customized bathing salts.
Bathtub seats are ideal for those for whom negotiating a bathtub wall is difficult and dangerous. Installing transfer seats will make it easier for people with disabilities to sit in the bathtub without lowering themselves to the tub bottom. Wheelchair users can also make use of these seats to transfer into the tub.
Some are elevated seats, to aid comfortable personal cleaning. This is beneficial for people not able to sit on the bathtub floor. Seats for bathtubs have holes in the bottom, for drainage of water. Some seats are provided with suction cups and some have rubber tip on the legs to save bathtub surface from scratches.
American Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliant Seats
If you care enough for your disabled or frail loved ones ensure that the bathtub seats are American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Ensure that the seats are comfortable and fit properly on the rounded bathtub bottom. Ensure suction cups do not allow the seat to topple over.
Different types of seats are available:
- Some are placed outside the bathtub and bathers slide over into the tub avoiding climbing over its edge. Height of the seats can be adjusted enough to ensure that the users can stand up easily.
- Some are folding seats, making it easy for transfer and storage.
- Some seat tops are contoured for comfort.
Bathtub seats are made of non-rust and non-corrosive materials and the seat tops are slip-resistant.
Not all seats for the bathtub are for the frail and disabled. A number of seats are available for children. Allowing children to use these seats in bathtubs, unattended, can be very dangerous. Even seats with suction pads may not be as safe as you may think. As a parent ensure that your child uses seats in the bathtub under adult supervision only.
Bathtub tiles impart elegance to your bathroom and bathtub surround. A variety of tiles are available in a multitude of sizes and styles to choose from. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are most common for use as bathtub surround. Porcelain tiles, in fact, are ceramic tiles only, and have the lowest absorption rates of all the ceramic tiles. To be classified as 'porcelain', ceramic tiles must not absorb more than 0.5 percent of its total mass in water. Some porcelain tiles absorb as little as 0.1 percent. Porcelain tiles are ideal for use as bathroom tiles and are strong and durable.
Bathtub Tiles - An Overview
Over years of use, tiles surrounding your bathtub may be showing their age, getting discolored and not giving a 'shine' anymore. Your outdated and yellowing bathtub tiles may no longer be a credit to your bathroom. There is no need to replace your tiles, as you would have done in the past, and save yourself the cost of new tiles and hiring a contractor. You can now have your tiles re-glazed, and even arrange to have their color changed.
If you need to replace a few broken tiles, you do not have to shop hours on end to find that perfect match. Professional refinishers can match thousands of color combinations and you are not limited to a handful of tile colors. Now, your bathtub tiles can have a perfect color match with your toilet, sinks and other bathroom tiles or even wall paper.
The beauty of bathtub tiles lies in their symmetrical layout. Full tiles need to be in the most visible areas like the back wall of a bathtub surround. Cut tiles are used in the hidden areas. You need to hire professional people to give an elegant surround to your bathtub.
Bathtub transfer benches help bathers get in and out of bathtubs. For persons with physical limitations, getting in and out of tubs can be an immense problem. Instead of having to step over the tub edge, these benches make it easy for people with disabilities to slide into them. People facing severe mobility problems can get into bathtubs with the aid of such transfer benches.
If, while bathing, sitting on the tub floor is difficult, there are a variety of portable tub seats, chairs, and benches available. These benches provide a safe and functional way to sit in the bathtub. Usually the seat height is adjustable and has a slip-resistant surface with drain holes.
Easy Access into The Bathtub
Bathtub transfer benches provide easy access into the tubs. These benches are designed, incorporating comfort and safety features. The height of the seats is adjustable and fit snugly inside the bathtubs. The legs are provided with slip-resistant rubber tips. These rubber tips also prevent marring of tub surfaces. Some benches fit into the tubs, some sit outside the tub, with extensions over the edge and bathers quietly slip over into the tub. Some benches have slots where bathtub curtains can be tucked into. Other than privacy, curtains ensure that water does not splash all over the bathroom.
Some models of bathtub transfer benches are wall mounted. These can be mounted onto the wall next to the bathtub without the need for wall reinforcement. These wall mounted units fold up easily for conventional bathtub use.
Benches are made of rust proof material like aluminum, vinyl and have plastic seats. Some have no metal parts to rust or corrode. Most are portable and can be disassembled for transfer.
Ensure that your bathtub transfer benches are American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant to reduce bathtub slipping accidents.
Without a bathtub faucet, what would your tub be? It is important that you select appropriate type of faucets to match with your bathtub. It would be a sad sight if your faucets do not do justice to your stylish bathtub. A variety of options in style and finish is available to suit your needs. Beautifully designed and crafted faucets would add character to your bathroom. Consider quality, features, and style while buying faucets for your bathtub.
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Bath Tub Faucets With Durability and Style
Bathtub faucets are usually made of brass, which is a highly durable metal and requires least care. With hard water, brass is the best option, as it does not get corroded. These faucets are given various finishes to suit individual tastes. The faucets could be uncoated Brass or given Chrome, Matte Nickel, Satin Nickel, Polished Nickel, Super-coated Brass, Polished Brass, or Oil Rubbed Bronze finishes. Earlier faucet handles were usually made of metal. Porcelain handles came into vogue at the turn of the twentieth century, as porcelain is easy to clean. Faucets are designed with various styles in handles. You may opt for tub faucets with side-mount handles or front-mount handles for your bathtub. Faucets may come with lever or cross-point handles. Depending on the style of your bathtub, you have a variety of faucets to choose from:
- Tub Rim Mount Faucets
- Tub Wall Mount Faucets
- Deck Mount Faucets
- Mounting on the inside wall of the tub
- Free Mounting Faucets
For your bathtub of vintage or antique style, faucets of classic vintage style are available. A combination Single Lever Tub and Shower, 2-Handle Tub and Shower or 3-Handle Tub and Shower sets feature timeless designs blended with modern technology.
Also see…
- EBuild.com, the Professional's Guide To Building Products, has a comprehensive listing of bathtub faucets.
- HammerZone.com has a very detailed guide to replacing a tub faucet.
One needs to consider the importance of bathtub safety bars. Taking a nice and long hot water bath is known to have relaxing and therapeutic benefits. Most people love to take a soaking bath irrespective of whether you are a teenager, and adult, or an elderly person. While installing a bathtub, care should be taken to do everything possible to reduce instances of accidents in the bath. To this end and for bathtub safety for the elderly, it is important to fit safety grab bars for bathtubs.
Not just for bathtub safety of the elderly, but bathtub safety grab bars can help anyone taking a bath if they happen to loose their footing and slip in the bathtub. If they have a grab bar or a safety grab rail to hold on to, this can prevent them from falling and hurting themselves badly.
The safety grab bars for bath tubs should be of stainless steel and institutional grade. They should be installed properly and securely according to the specifications of the manufacturer. Even though these safety grab bars are a little expensive, under no circumstances should you use towel bars as grab bars as they will not provide the necessary support and security.
A bathtub safety rail or a grab bar will be installed according to the make and type of bath tub. The Safety grab bars should be installed taking into consideration the user's height and also how they enter and exit the bathtub.
You should avoid placing the safety grab rails or grab bars in a diagonal position. A person's hand can slip on a diagonally placed bar and this can cause them to fall. The best option is to place the bathtub safety bars vertically on the wall at that end of the bath tub which has the showers and faucets. As most people getting into a standard American bath tub tend to keep their bodies upright while entering the bath tub, this positioning of the bathtub safety bar is the most ideal one.
Do you believe that there is a place for everything, and everything has a place? If you are one of those who love to organize your belongings, fret no more as you can now use bathtub caddies to organize your bathtub!
Imagine relaxing and soaking in bubbles while being able to have the option to light candles, read a novel or even drink wine. This is where a bath caddy comes into the picture. Such an invention has made all the above possible as a tub caddy comes in several designs to suit your taste and lifestyle. Some come with adjustable holders and partitions for keeping your book dry while you soak, and others with ice buckets and wine glass holders for that glass of wine in your bathtub.
Bath tub caddies are available from hardware stores and bathroom and bathtub product stores. Companies such as Comfort House and Bed Bath and Beyond provide great online shopping options too.
If you are looking for a unique type of bathroom caddie with an adjustable rack for books, you can get it from Comfort House. Side shelves on this bathtub caddy with removable partitions let you place your reading glasses, bathtub soaps and salts. This 48-inch wide caddy is about the width of a standard bathtub.
Caddies for the bath are available in several materials ranging from polished chrome, brass to teak wood! Bed Bath and Beyond, on the other hand, offers a Satin Nickel Aromatherapy Bathtub Caddy that allows you to read and drink wine and even to light a candle on its candle holder.
Types Of Caddies For The Bath
There are many types of available in the market. The most common one would be the standard caddy with partitions for storage of soaps, bath salts, loofahs and other things you may need while bathing in your bath tub. Another type would be one that comes with a reading rack. This caddy is like the standard one except it has additional shelves for a book and your reading glasses (if you have any).
Finally, there is the bathtub caddy with Candle Holder and Goblet Holder. This is like the standard one but it has additional compartments for you to place your wine glass and candles. You also have an option for a caddy with an ice bucket and a bracket which hangs outside of the tub to keep your wine nicely chilled while you soak in your steamy hot tub.
Now that you've decided on the perfect bathtub to install in your home, why not let it do double duty and install a bathtub enclosure? Bathtub enclosures will turn your tub into a shower that will protect surrounding flooring and furniture and offer you the best of both worlds.
You selected your bathtub for the beauty and comfort it offered. Bathtubs are available in many different styles and can be equipped with accessories to turn your tub into an invigorating shower. Bath tub enclosures are equipped with faucets of brass, may have chrome plating, your choice of styles to fit in with vintage or classic tubs and a showerhead that features your choice of shower settings.
A tub enclosure has faucets, the showerhead and shower ring and the necessary supports. Faucets can be found in nickel, chrome and brass, which is the most popular type. For those of you with an antique-look clawfoot bathtub, your choice might be polished nickel.
The ultimate touch to make any bathtub a place of beauty, comfort and practicality is to install a bath tub enclosure. They are compatible in design for use with dropin bathtubs, clawfoot tubs, tubs with a whirlpool, etc. You should consult a professional installer to be sure your bathtub and enclosure meet all local plumbing codes.
You can create a beautiful, elegant look by installing an enclosure around your tub. You can retreat to a spa-like environment when you add luxurious rugs, towels, lotions, oils and soft music to calm your nerves and soothe your soul. You can make your life more beautiful today by installing a bathtub enclosure to create your beautiful bath.
Bathtub Enclosure Resources
How To Build A Bathtub Enclosure
DoItYourSelf.com provides a good how-to guide.
Whether we are young or old, we cannot escape the fact that bathtubs are generally a hazardous place due to its slippery nature. Of course, such conditions pose higher threat to young children and older people. Slipping and falling in bathtubs is considered to be a leading injury cause. Hence, this led to the invention of bathtub grab bars to give you a stable hold when you step in and out of the bathtub.
Generally, tub grab bars are placed on the wall inside of the tub, but there is no rule that says you can't place it anywhere else. Some companies such as Adaptive Access offer such a wide range of grab bars that you may become confused when deciding on the location of your grab bar. The possibilities are endless - you can put in on the wall behind the tub, or behind but connected to the side and so on. Check out Adaptive Access' website to see some placement suggestions. Priced around $50-$100, the bathtub safety bars are usually made of heavy-duty stainless steel and measure around 2 inches in diameter and its length varies according to your choice of design.
Another company, Medical Products Direct , sells a different kind of bar – clamp-on grab bars. Instead of having the bars fixed onto the walls, this clamp on grab bar is affixed onto the side of the bathtub. They are cheaper, priced around $25 for the most basic one, and measures 8 inches by 11 inches.
Grab bars in the bathtub will not only benefit young children and older adults, but will definitely make getting in and out of the tub much easier for all in the family.
When your muscles are severely aching, what is the first thing that comes to mind? You have 5 seconds to think. 1…2…3…4…5… Done thinking? Again, what do you usually associate with muscle pain? Isn't it a massage session done by a pair of therapeutic hands? Golly, imagine feeling those hands touching your skin, working their way up to your neck and down to your back. Those hands, whose soothing powers are heaven-sent, tirelessly make signature circular motions and give your muscles a brand new life. Though you entirely do not know whose hands they are, you are thankful that these hands have found their way to your skin. But you know what, a massage isn't always necessarily done by hands. Of course! To tell you, you can have a luxurious and pampering massage even when you are enjoying a bath soak. This is only possible with a massage bathtub.
Massage Bathtub Types
You probably have been to spas and have once tried dipping in a tub with all those bubbling water. That tub is exactly a massage bathtub version. It has jets, holes situated on the tub sides, which propel the water or air being circulated in the tub. There are actually two types of massage bathtubs: water-jetted and air-jetted.
Water-Jetted
As the name implies, water-jetted tubs have jets that push water from the holes into the tub, creating a stronger massaging effect than the air jets. However, using bubble baths, bath oil, and the likes in a jetted bathtub is a big no-no, so you may find this tub version somewhat boring. Moreover, maintaining this bathtub appears tedious since it requires more meticulous cleaning than the other type. Just a hint: there are water-jetted or whirlpool bathtubs that have a built-in cleaning system, so better eye for these models.
Air-Jetted Bathtubs
The massaging force made by air jets is slightly gentler than the one produced by water jets since air is propelled and circulated in this jet system rather than water. But not like the water-jetted bathtubs, air-jetted tubs can accommodate bath oil, bubble baths, and bath salt, making your bath soak entirely more fun and thrilling.
Tips in Buying
Now, remember that you have lots of bathtub options, and it would be just unwise of you to impulsively buy one without considering some guides. To help you in your purchase, the following tips are specifically outlined for you.
1. Consider your budget. Whether you are buying a new pair of shoes, a bag, a corner table, a bathtub, or a house and lot, it is always important to check your money. You may have successfully located your desired item after months of scouting, but is your budget enough to bring it home? Remember, you don't want to engage in impulsive buying only to find out later that your debts are almost ceiling-high.
2. Consider the style. There are several style options that you would want to see first before buying. Do you want an egg-shaped massage bathtub? What do you think of the rectangular one? Have you seen the Victorian style? You see, there are absolutely many styles to choose from, so go now and visit online stores and showrooms.