For those of you who prefer having a shower as well as a bathtub, bathtub showers are the ideal and sensible option. Most homes nowadays have at least one bathtub (if not more) and they have become regular fixtures in bathrooms. Along with the daily routine of bathing, bathtubs are also very useful to have a nice long soak to drain away physical tensions. They give you therapeutic benefits as well, adding to their popularity. However, there are many people who cannot do without a shower - bath tub showers then make the perfect solution.

Features Of Bathtub Showers

Bathtub showers are used with tub and shower combinations. They are installed with bathtubs by enclosing the tub and tiling the walls so as to prevent leakages. Bath tub showers can be used with existing bath tubs and do not require a separate shower stall. They can be hand-held showers or wall mounted showers or a combination of both. The most popular type of tub shower is the traditional single-spray showerheads. They can be used with a one-piece shower and tub unit, a sectioned shower and tub unit, as well as with just a bathtub with wall surrounds.

Benefits Of Bath Tub Showers

• They are ideal if you do not have space for a separate shower enclosure.
• These combination units can help satisfy your need for a bath as well as a shower.
• The hand held varieties are great if you just need to wash your hair without taking a full bath.
• Tub showers provide a cheaper alternative than having a separate shower enclosure.
• They are great for small bathrooms.

Bathtub Shower Resources

Tub Showers at HomeClick HomeClick.com carries several lines of discount bathtub showers.

Although there are plenty of bathtub models and styles available to choose from, picking the right bath tub for your needs can be a tricky task, more so if you have a small bathroom. If you are unable to fit a standard 5 foot long bathtub in your bathroom, it is time to look for some small bath tubs. This article discusses everything you need to know about small bath tubs.

Yes, bath tubs do come in smaller sizes than the standard 5 foot long ones that are seen in most homes. Therefore, if you simply do not have the space to fit in a big bathtub in your bathroom, you do not have to forego the pleasures of a bathtub entirely but can go in for a small bath tub. Here are the various options at your disposal.

Small Soaking Bathtubs

For me, the most basic function of a bathtub is for relaxation. Some may argue that a bathtub is primarily needed for washing and bathing; but as far as I am concerned that is what showers are for. A bath tub on the other hand is for when I have the luxury of time to spend at least half an hour soaking in the tub. Thus, small soaking bathtubs are a great idea for those who have smaller bathrooms.

Soaking bathtubs are much deeper than standard tubs, thereby making it easier for you to immerse your entire body in the bathtub. With soaking bath tubs, you no longer have to slide down into the tub to cover your full body but can do so in a comfortable reclining position. And since small soaking tubs are deeper than they are wider, they make the perfect choice for smaller bathrooms.

Walk-in Bathtubs

Another option for people with small bathrooms is the walk-in bathtub. As the name suggests, you can walk into the bathtub through a door on its side. Most models even have tub seats for you to relax on. The advantage of a walk in tub is that it allows you to enjoy a relaxing bath but can still fit into a smaller bathroom as it occupies much less space than a regular bathtub.

However, the disadvantage of a walk-in bath tub is that you have to get into the tub first and then fill it and can only get out of the bathtub after you have completely emptied it of water.

Thus, depending on what suits your needs better, you can choose between these two types of small bathtubs for your small bathroom.

People always have a penchant for big things–big dreams, big house, big yard, big office, big bag, everything big. The same is true with house rooms–big kitchen, big living room, big bedroom, and big bathroom. The problem is, there will always be a limit. You cannot always have big things. For instance, you want this really huge bathtub in your bathroom, but your space is almost cramped, and there is no way for you to install this monstrous tub unless you remodel the entire room. But you can only think of two achievable options: leave the bathroom as it is and forget the tub, or forget the tub and leave the bathroom as it is. Choose either of the two and you'll be a sorry loser. Now, if this is the case, better explore the third option: leave the bathroom as it is and get a tub. No, not that big tub you have in mind. A compact bathtub is the best piece. Is there such a thing? Of course! As you might have guessed, these compact bath tubs are small enough to be installed in the tiniest bathroom.

Compact Bathtub Buying Tips

If you have no idea how to choose a compact tub, you are advised to know some tips. Remember, a bathtub is probably one of your necessary purchases, so make sure you pick the best item, otherwise, you run the risk of wasting some of your hard-earned money.

1. Choose a bathtub that allows you to sit than lie down. Of course, those tubs made for lying down are relatively long, so they are most likely not fit for a small bathroom. Better if you choose the shorter but deeper bathtubs.

2. Consider Japanese-inspired bathtubs. To tell you, bathtubs have long been part of Japanese culture and have been widely used for relaxation. And since Japanese people have smaller spaces to accommodate the traditional-sized tubs, they came up with these deep but small bathtubs. So, instead of stretching their legs straight in the tub, they sit down and soak deep in the water.

3. Look up for claw foot bathtubs. These are deep bathtubs that allow you to get a really good dip.

4. Forget the traditional rectangular shape in the meantime and consider the corner-fit tubs that have space-friendly shapes. As you might have guessed, you can install these in the bathroom corners without occupying too much space.

5. Find walk-in bathtubs. Though widely manufactured for handicapped and elderly people, walk-in bathtubs also have versions for able-bodied individuals. These have swinging doors on the side–so users can come in and out of them with so much ease–and raised seats for a more comfortable tub soak.

6. Check the manufacturer. Ideally, you should buy your small bathtub from a widely trusted manufacturer. Just a word: those that are made by a reputable company are most often expensive. But you know, spending for a costly item is much better than buying the cheap one that after some time may prove to be inferior in quality.

Roman bathtubs is a term that can mean several different things:

• According to one definition, Roman bath tubs have the filler spout rising from the deck of the tub, rather than through the side.
• Another definition of Roman bathtubs simply calls any center-fill bathtub (having the faucet in the middle of a long side, versus on the end) a Roman bathtub.
• Generally, Roman tubs are deeper than the average American bathtub and designed only as a soaking bathtub, with no shower or jets built in.
• Some bathtub manufacturers also refer to Roman bathtubs as free standing, that is, above ground, resting on legs or a pedestal. This particular style is usually oversized and catered more to the high-end market.

The Roman bathtub style is hard to find these days "“ only a handful of manufacturers still make them nowadays, notably Galaxy Aquatics. Second-hand Roman tubs can be found sometimes.Roman-spout faucets or fillers are more commonly found "“ this term simply refers to deck mounted faucets. Online retailers like AbsoluteHome have a large selection of Roman tub faucets.

The name refers back to the original baths of the ancient Romans, who had built up bathing and baths as an art form and a cultural expression. While today's Roman style tubs are somewhat different than the ones from ancient times, the name "Roman bath tubs" has stuck with us.

There's only one way to relax in a clawfoot bathtub: turn on the water, fill the tub, and then climb in! (Candles, bath oil and scented water are optional to make your bath the most relaxing time of the day in your tub).

There is a wide variety of tub designs to help you decide which type of bather you are. But the one constant feature among different styles of clawfoot bathtubs is that it offers the most in comfort and pure relaxation.

Clawfoot bath tubs became popular in the mid-1800's. They were made from iron and got their color and finish by application of a white porcelain finish. The tubs were produced both in Europe and in the United States. However, the tubs began to wane in popularity with the appearance of built-in bathtubs in the early 1900's.

The clawfoot styles varied according to where they were produced. The difference between the European and the American style of tub is that the European design features wall-mounted faucets and hardware, and the American design features tub-mounted hardware. Both styles have drain holes and overflow features.

You can have your choice of materials when buying a claw foot bathtub. Cast iron was the material from which the original tubs were made and it is always a good choice if you want the tub to have the same appearance and weight as the original, with a smooth, soothing surface for you to lean against.

A more modern material is acrylic, which has many advantages that cast iron lacks and is a good choice if you don't want the weight of the original. Acrylic claw foot bath tubs feature the same "look" as the original with only about 60% of the weight. They also feature smooth finishes and are warm to the touch. But a major advantage is their durability; being made of acrylic they will not rust as cast iron claw foot bathtubs may do. They can be manufactured in different colors and come in different lengths to accommodate the many different heights of a human.

When you visualize an old-fashioned claw foot bath tub, you envision a picture of a graceful tub with smoothly rolled rims and a relaxing, slanted back to lean against while relaxing in a fragrant bath. If this vision is what you long for, you're in luck because they are still available today and are the style of choice for most buyers. They can range in size from 4 feet long to 5 and one-half feet long, or it can be custom made according to your specifications.

Then there is the slipper tub, which offers a high back for your comfort. It is the choice of those who want a tub with plenty of back and head support. If you're a switch-hitter, you might choose the double-ended claw foot bath tub, which is the same design on both ends with the drain hole in the middle of the tub. An extremely elegant design is the pedestal style. Instead of feet it rests on a pedestal, which can be crafted to provide an elegant or casual look to enhance the design of your bathroom. You can accessorize your clawfoot bath tub with a wide array of enhancements such as a whirlpool and other specialty features.

So if you want the ultimate bathtub experience, consider a claw foot tub. Whether you want to soak with your significant other, read a book or listen to the calming strains of your favorite symphony, clawfoot bathtubs are the perfect selection for you.

Clawfoot Bathtub Resources

AbsoluteHome.com - Clawfoot Bathtubs
AbsoluteHome has a large selection of clawfoot tubs.

Vintage Tub and Bath - Old-Fashioned Clawfoot Bathtubs
Vintage Tub and Bath specializes in classic clawfoot bathtubs.

Soaking bathtubs can be a great convenience. In today's stressful life, the need and advantages of a bath tub cannot be denied. Most people have at least one bathtub in their homes, often more than one. A bathtub can help you to relax and ease away your physical and mental tensions. These are many types of bathtubs available such as drop-in bath tubs, whirlpool tubs, soaking bathtubs etc. Here we take a look at soaking bath tubs.

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Features Of A Soaking Bathtub

• A soaking bath tub is deeper than the regular bath tubs
• They usually do not have any showers and water jets, and are meant for the express purpose of soaking
• Deep soak bathtubs are available in different kinds such as garden baths, Roman Bath tubs, Greek baths, and Japanese bathtubs
• Garden soaking bathtubs were actually set in gardens of wealthy people in the 18th century. Nowadays, bathtubs that are placed in sun rooms or along a window with a garden view are commonly referred to as garden soaking bath tubs.
• The term Roman tubs refers to deep tubs that are fitted into a deck and which you get down into rather than climb into.
• Greek tubs are shorter in length so as to be space saving. They are usually meant only for one person bathing.
• Japanese soaking tubs are the deepest kind of soaking tubs available. In a Japanese deep tub, a person can soak their bodies up to their neck; that too while sitting.

Benefits Of Deep Soak Bathtubs

• The standard bathtub enables soaking of only the lower limbs. With a soaking bath tub, you can soak your entire upper and lower body for a complete soak.
• They are great for relieving physical stress from all parts of your body.
• Longer and wider soaking bath tubs enable two people to have a romantic bath if they so desire.
• Some deep soak bathtubs come with the option of chromatherapy. This provides different colors to look at during the bath. The various hues are believed to have a soothing and calming effect on the body.

Alcove bathtubs are the most popular bathtubs in the US and are the preferred choice of most Americans. Bathtubs are a nice and relaxing way to take a bath and also have their therapeutic uses. Soaking in a batht ub filled with really hot water can be very good therapy for aching and sore muscles. It can provide great relief to elderly people not to mention people of all ages. Alcove bath tubs are built-in tubs which became popular after the First World War. They are not a type of bathtub per se, but refer more to a type of tub installation resulting in an alcove.

Features Of Alcove Bathtubs

• Alcove bathtubs are enclosed on three sides, generally by walls and are open only on the front side. A shower curtain or door is used to enclose the open side of alcove bathtubs.
• The drain is either on the right side or the left sides of these bathtubs and you have to specify which side you want it on before buying an alcove bath tub.
• They can be purchased with matching bathtub doors from the same or different makers.
• Waste and overflow are mounted on them and the taps are typically wall mounted.

Benefits Of Alcove Tubs

• They have lesser finished surfaces and are thus cheaper than other types of free standing bathtubs.
• Alcove bathtubs are great for installing safety grab bars and rails. These can be installed either for pulling yourself out or pushing yourself out of the tub as per your needs.
• It is easy to install wall surrounds with alcove bath tubs. These are handy as an easy to maintain and water tight barrier for the tub.

Large bathtubs are an absolute must for any bathroom to be called a truly luxurious one. Imagine yourself coming home after an exceptionally tiring day at work. You want something that will literally melt your fatigue and make you feel completely relaxed.

Well, if you have a large bath tub in your bathroom, you can fill it with warm water, add some aroma oils to the water, and indulge yourself in a long and relaxing soak. Yes, it is possible to soak in a small bath tub as well, but the added room that a large bathtub provides makes for an unsurpassable bathing experience that simply cannot be achieved with a small tub.

Large tubs are available in many different styles, designs, and colors. Regardless of the type of décor in your bathroom, you are sure to find a big bathtub to suit your needs. With large bath tubs, you have the option of choosing bathtubs meant for one person at a time as well as those that can comfortably fit two people at once. If you like the idea of having your spouse or a loved one join you at bathing time, then larger bathtubs are definitely the way to go!

Large Bathtub Styles

In case you do decide to go in for a larger sized bathtub, you have the added option of choosing a large whirlpool bathtub. You can choose one that has air jets or go in for large whirlpool bathtubs with water jets. Air jet whirlpool tubs provide a gentle blast of water and have several jets. Water jet tubs on the other hand have a more powerful blast of water and there are fewer jets in the tub. Air jetted whirlpool tubs are less noisy than water jetted tubs. If you tend to add aroma oils, bath oils, or bubble bath to your bath, it may be better to go in for an air jetted large whirlpool bath tub as the air jets do not get clogged with such products, which does tend to be a problem with water jets.

Yet another type is the large clawfoot bathtub. For those who wish to add charm to their bathroom and give it a more romantic ambience; large claw foot bathtubs are a great way to achieve that. Thus, you can choose from the above different types of large size bathtubs to give your bathroom that truly luxurious feel. However, when buying any kind of larger tub, do make sure that you have taken precise measurements of the available space in your bathroom and that your bath tub will be the right fit.

With the fast pace of today's life and hectic schedules to adhere to, it is no wonder that many people covet the pace and serenity of years gone by. Although it is not possible to turn back the clock, you can recreate the look of the past in your home with period furniture and fixtures. Victorian fixtures, including Victorian bathtubs, are a great way to achieve the traditional period look for your home.

 

Today, bathtub manufacturers are making Victorian style bathtubs that are styled like antique tubs but which have all the modern conveniences. Thus, even if your bathtub looks like it belongs in the Victorian Era, you ca still enjoy all the various amenities that modern technology has made possible. Here is a look at our featured Victorian tubs that allow you to do just that.

Victorian Clawfoot Bathtub

A clawfoot bathtub in itself lends a very old world charm to your bathroom. Add to that the fact that it is made in a Victorian design and you end up with the best type of Victorian bathtub available today.

This popular Victorian style of tub is made from acrylic and is extremely durable. The acrylic used is a glossy one that provides a smooth finish. The non porous material ensures that your bath tub will never get stained or soiled, thus making sure you do not have to live with a stained eyesore.

Walk-in Victorian Bathtub

The walk in Victorian tub available from seabridgebathing.com is the ultimate in elegance and beauty. It has a very streamlined shape that is extremely attractive to look at and can be fitted in the smallest of bathrooms thanks to the compact bathtub design. The side door ensures that even elderly people and those with handicaps can use this Victorian beauty with assistance, thus making them more self reliant and less dependant on others.

This bath tub also features a jet massage system that converts your regular tub into a therapeutic bathtub. Just a few minutes in this bathtub and you will feel completely rejuvenated and raring to go! Other features include textured bath floor, quick fill taps, bathtub grab rails for added safety, fast draining mechanism, and leak proof door system.

Whichever Victorian bathtub you decide to buy, do make sure that it is the right size for your needs. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your Victorian tub can serve you for years on end without requiring too much bathtub repair work or restoration.

Bathrooms are increasingly becoming a haven to seek some peace and quiet from the hectic and fast paced routines of life. While the modern trend is shifting towards larger and bigger bathrooms, designing and remodeling a smaller bathroom is where the challenge lies.

Corner bathtubs are perfect for tight spots. A bathtub is an integral part of any bathroom. A nice long soak in a bathtub can make anyone feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Bathtubs are available as built-in tubs, free standing tubs, soaking tubs, and also specialty tubs such as whirlpools. A very convenient and useful style of built-in tubs, are the corner bath tubs.

Features Of Corner Bathtubs

As the name suggests, corner bath tubs are designed to be placed in corners of bathrooms to set off the entire room. These are usually installed under windows. They can have the drains in the center of the tub as well as on either side. A corner bathtub can be specifically installed in angled and curved spaces.

Benefits Of Corner Tubs

• These smaller tubs, being built-in bathtubs, make it very easy to clean the floors. They can be custom made to fit even the most tightest of spaces and also angled and curved walls.
• Corner bath tubs provide you with a handy deck to keep your cosmetics such as your soaps, shampoos, oils. These are usually installed under windows and thus give you a convenient ledge for keeping potted plants or decorative items.
• A feature that is very useful, especially in smaller bathrooms. They are generally made to fit two people comfortably.
• A corner bath tub can be fitted between adjoining existing vanities and cabinets in your bathroom, thus saving you considerable space. This is very essential for small bathrooms.

 

Drop in bathtubs are great for indulging yourself with a luxurious soak. Stress has become a part of our daily lives. A massage is a popular way to relieve physical stress but it does not come cheap and you also need to put away considerable time for it, not to mention getting a qualified masseur. Using a bathtub can do the trick of relieving you of all physical tensions and it need not even cost you anything. You can take a long bath anytime you wish to and also in the privacy of your own homes. And your partner in all of this – your drop in bathtub.

Features Of Drop In Bathtubs

• As the name suggests, drop-in bathtubs are tubs which are "dropped" into placed, either into a platform, between walls or into the floor, in contrast to free standing tubs.
• Dropin bathtubs can be of many different types. They can be floor mounted sunken tubs, deck mounted bathtubs or pedestal mounted tubs much like sinks.
• Floor mounted tubs are very easy to get into but it might be difficult to get out of them without standing up fully. Even then there can be a big step to get down from.
• The easiest way of mounting the drop in bathtub is in separate decks as this makes getting into and out of the bathtubs relatively simpler.
• Drop-in tubs are available in different finishes. They may include the island platform or pedestal for their installation.

Benefits Of Dropin Bathtubs

• Drop in bathtubs are available in different shapes such as square, rectangle and oval and can thus suit your individual bathroom space.
• These bathtubs are excellent for sitting and soaking - even just your feet if you so desire.
• Drop-in bathtubs are easy to clean.
• The plumbing is concealed, thus giving your bathroom a cleaner look.
• Deck mounted drop in tubs have the faucets mounted on the deck. This enables overflow tubes to be mounted higher and give these bathtubs a deeper water level.

Drop In Bathtub Resources

Most bathrooms nowadays have a bathtub as well as a shower unit installed in the bathroom. People typically use the shower for bathing on most days because they are strapped for time and a shower is fast and convenient.

The bathtub on the other hand is reserved for days when they have a little more time to spend in the bath. However, there are those who almost never use the bathtub since they are always rushing to be somewhere, and that indeed is quite unfortunate. We say unfortunate because using a bathtub, and a deep soaking bath tub at that, can be extremely soothing, not to mention therapeutic.

Before we get into the health benefits of deep bathtubs, here's a look at what they are.

While standard bathtubs are typically 5 to 5 ½ feet in length, soaking bathtubs can be a bit longer. Deep soaking bathtubs are also a lot deeper than standard models. In a deep bathtub, you can generally soak up to your chin without having to recline too much. Some models of deep tubs can be used in the sitting position while some are for use in the normal reclining position.

Deep bathtubs too can be classified into long deep bath tubs and extra deep bath tubs. Long deep bathtubs are those which are much deeper than regular tubs and also longer so that a person can lie down comfortably in the tub and be submerged completely. Extra deep bathtubs are even deeper than long deep bathtubs. These may not be as long and you may have to bathe in the sitting position.

Benefits of Deep Bathtubs

• When filled with hot water, a deep soak bathtub can be very relaxing and soothing. The warmth of the water relaxes your body and drains away your physical stress. The increase in body temperature leads to an increase in your heart rate, which provides the same kind of benefit that exercise does. However, intense exercise is known to raise your blood pressure too, which never happens after soaking in a deep bathtub. Thus, if you have a very fast paced and stressful lifestyle, a soak in a warm water deep tub can do wonders for you.
• You can also use your deep soaking bath tub for bathing in cold water. If you are feeling fatigued and lifeless, a soak in cold water can make you feel thoroughly invigorated and energized. The cold water stimulates your body and you will feel ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.

Thus, bathtubs for deep soaking can do the dual job of picking you up at the start of a day as well as calming and relaxing your body at the end of a long and tiring day.

There are a variety of baby bathtubs on the market, making it easier for you to handle a squirming infant. These portable bathtubs are contoured for comfort and made of soft, but sturdy, material. They are elevated at one end, and the water pools around your baby's bottom and not his head when you lay him in the tub. There are many models to choose from. These tubs provide a safe and appropriate place for bathing your baby. Some bathtubs have a slip-resistant padding allowing your baby to lie back in a semi-reclining position.

What To Look For in Baby Bathtubs

For your baby, safety is of primary concern to you. When buying a bathtub for your baby, look for:

• A smooth rounded contour material that is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your baby and the water.
• A padded slip-resistant bathtub seat reclined at a comfortable angle to support your baby.
• A plug at the bottom for easy drainage of water.
• Some tubs have a rounded crotch projection to keep your baby in a safer and more comfortable position.

It is safer to use baby bath tubs until your baby is old enough to sit up on his own. Using the adult-sized bathtub may be dangerous as he can bang his head on the hard surface or even slip out of your hand causing much worse harm. There are many models to choose from, but this does not matter. As long as the tub holds water, your baby can have the time of his life.Some bathtubs for babies come with hooks for hanging up to dry and store. Some have suction cups at the bottom to enable them to be attached to regular bathtubs. To alert you if the water temperature is high for your baby, some tubs have drain plugs that change color. Tubs with mildew resistant pads are also on the market. However, you still need to prevent scum and mildew built-up by cleaning the tub after each use. \

Freestanding bathtubs lend a very classical look to your bathtubs and bathrooms. There was a time when only freestanding roll-top cast-iron claw foot bathtubs were found in most American homes. These are still available and come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and materials. The basic tub design is a sloped back and a straight front, resting on a pedestal or clawfoot. . . .

Sheer Sophistication In Your Bathroom

• Clawfoot bathtubs come in two basic European and American styles. The European style does not have holes for faucets. The bathtub faucets can be floor or wall mounted. Drainage and overflow holes are provided. The American clawfoot style has holes for faucets, drainage and overflow. Most cast iron clawfoot bathtubs are available with brass feet. You can have a shower system integrated with your clawfoot bathtub.
• Fairy-tale like slipper tubs and the dual-end tubs are the more elegant of styles.
• Another of the free standing bathtubs is the pedestal type. It is oval in shape, has no feet and instead rests on an oval base. The base can be of wood, finished to match the exterior surface of your tub, painted, or decorated to suit your taste. The base could also be of the same material as the bathtub. Like the clawfoot-style tubs, the pedestal bathtubs also come in the European and American styles. Some manufacturers of these tubs provide an optional wooden rail to hang your towel on.

Some free-standing bathtubs have a very contemporary look. With a cutting-edge design, these are similar to the vintage pedestal free standing tubs but without pedestals. With built-in support, the bathtub appears to sit directly on the floor. Some are rested on wooden cradles or iron frames. These vintage and contemporary freestanding bathtubs stand testimony to the timeless beauty.

Garden bathtubs suggest a whiff of tranquility of a country garden. Built in a multitude of sizes, colors and styles, bathtubs come in a variety of materials as well. The bathtub choice depends upon individual needs and tastes. Three centuries, or so, ago, wealthy landowners in France sometimes placed zinc bathtubs in their gardens. After use, water was drained for vegetation.

Aristocrats in England built luxury homes with rooms known as 'garden rooms' that had tubs overlooking the gardens surrounding their estates. Bathtubs installed under a window that looked out onto the landscape also came to be known as garden bath tubs.

The term, more often than not, used to refer to a larger, deeper bathtub, used for soaking only, and without an integrated shower or whirlpool jets.

Portable Garden Hot Tubs

With today's stressful lifestyle, the garden hot tub is a perfect place to relax - alone or together with family. Placed in the privacy of your garden, this bathtub helps you escape to your 'private resort' and leave you renewed, revitalized and rejuvenated. They come with an arrangement of whirlpool jets as an aid to relaxation.

With the state of the art technology available, a common garden bathtub is more of a garden spa than a mere bathtub. For outdoor installation, cedar and redwood-clad hot tubs are available. Plumbing arrangements for outdoor hot tubs are similar to those of indoor hot tubs. You need a hot water supply, a cold water supply and water drainage. Electrical connections are required if you have whirlpool arrangements in your garden hot tub.

For the fun loving, your garden hot tub comes equipped with stereo sound system. Install a garden tub and soak away your stress with your own personal spa.

Pedestal bathtubs are a type of clawfoot bathtub. They have the same basic oval shape, with a straight front and a sloped back, and can be made from the classic cast iron, as well as steel with a porcelain coating, and more modern materials like acrylic.

Features and Benefits

• They are free standing, with no "feet" to stand on. Pedestal tubs instead sit on an oval base, which is the pedestal. This base may of wood, which allows for easy customization of the look by painting.
• Due to their freestanding nature, pedestal bath tubs are easier to install, since no carpentry or masonry has to be performed. The pipes are exposed, which makes for easier repairs and maintenance.
• They have no drilled holes on the side for a faucet, which allows the water to be filled to a deeper level. Faucets are installed on the floor or on the wall.
• Since the pedestal tub style is not that common, manufacturers usually provide a very small number of options with the tub.

Pedestal Tub Manufacturers

Only a handful of manufacturers still offer pedestal tubs:

• Kohler has the Kohler Vintage Bath, made of cast iron.
• Aquatic Whirlpools offers the Serenity XI Tub made of acrylic and has 60 jets blowing warm air bubbles for a hot spring effect.
• Vintage Tub & Bath offers several pedestal bathtub models from lesser-known manufacturers.
• On the high end, Herbeau Creations has created the Medicis Copper Bathtub.

Jetted bathtubs are more commonly known as whirlpool tubs. These tubs are great for soaking in and relaxation. As the name suggests, a jetted bathtub is a bathtub with in-built jets.

How A Jetted Tub Works

Jetted bath tubs are fitted with pipes, suction fittings, an electrical pump, and water jets. The pump draws water from the suction fittings and circulates it to the water jets. Each jet has a vented constraint at its mouth, which propels air into the water. This results in water coming out of the jets at high speeds and velocity. Most jets can be controlled to provide the required amount of air to the water, thus controlling the velocity and pressure of the water.

Benefits Of Jetted Bathtubs

• A jet bath tub is akin to having a personal masseur whenever you need one.
• The hot, high speed water of a jetted bathtub helps to ease muscular pain and stiffness.
• Soreness due to arthritis, sports injuries, or poor circulation, is all relieved by regular use of jetted bathtubs.
• The water and air coming out of the jets in a jetted bathtub gives a massaging action. This helps to relive stiffness in the neck, back, shoulder, thighs, and lower back resulting in better posture.
• Soaking in hot water increases body temperature; whereas the massaging jet spray encourages blood circulation. Thus jetted bathtubs help to rejuvenate and repair worn and damaged muscle tissue.
• The massaging action of jetted bath tubs fuels the lymphatic system and helps in the speedy removal of toxins (e.g., lactic acid) from our bodies.
• Jetted bathtubs help to improve the quality of sleep.
• Some studies have also shown that regular use of jetted bath tubs can lower the requirement of insulin doses of diabetic people.

Whirlpool bathtubs circulate water through jets, which can be quite relaxing as your muscles get massaged while you are soaking in the tub. Beyond relaxation, whirlpool tubs can also be used for therapeutic purposes.

A whirlpool bath tub has an electric pump which pulls water from the tub to water jets. The jets have vented constrictions called venturi that inject air into the bath water, causing a high-speed stream of water to flow into the tub. Unlike spas or hot tubs, whirlpools are filled and emptied every time you use it.

There are two main types of whirlpool bathtubs: alcove tubs and drop-in tubs . Alcove whirlpool tubs have the following features:

• They resemble regular bathtubs, which usually are in an alcove, or a recessed part of the bathroom.
• There is an apron on the exposed side, from which the motor is usually accessible.
• Alcove tubs are sized to fit regular bathrooms and usually support standard fixtures.
• Typically, they cost less than drop-in bathtubs.

Drop-in whirlpool bathtubs have these characteristics:

• They are built into an elevated platform, and can be located in a corner, against a bathroom wall, dropped in a floor or put in the open.
• Drop in bathtubs tend to be bigger than alcove tubs. Some are even big enough to hold two people
• They have a larger variety of shapes to choose from. Available shapes include square, oval, hearts and diamonds.

The most common materials from which whirlpool bathtubs are constructed are fiberglass, acrylic (or a combination of the two), and cast iron. When choosing whirlpools or jetted bathtubs, there are several factors to consider:

• Look at the size and shape. Specifically, make sure that these features make it easy for you to get in, sit comfortably and get out again.
• You need to make sure that the whirlpool tub will fit in your bathroom. Make sure that the doorway is big enough for the tub to fit through. For a new house, make sure that the architectural plans give it enough space, and that the floor can handle the weight, since whirlpool bathtubs tend to be quite heavy (over1500 lbs when filled).
• The pump will be need to be in an accessible location for servicing.

Elderly people, those with handicaps, and those with special needs may not always find it easy to use conventional bathtubs. However, by choosing the right handicap bathtub for them, you can ensure that they do not have to do without a bathtub.

When buying a handicap bathtub, you will have to take into account many factors. Main things you need to consider are the safety of the handicapped bathtub as well as easy accessibility.

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Different Types Of Bathtubs For Handicapped People

1. Walk-in Bathtubs: These bathtubs have a door in their side and are also known as bathtubs with doors. Entering and exiting these bathtubs becomes extremely easy and safe as you do not have to climb over the side wall of the tub. Since most handicapped people face the problem of getting in and out of bathtubs, walk-in handicap tubs solve this problem easily.

2. Handicap Reclining Bathtubs: These bathtubs are quite deep, thus allowing for a complete soak. Handicapped people can benefit a great deal from water therapy which is possible due to the depth of these tubs. Also, the surface of these bathtubs is a non-skid surface that prevents you from slipping and falling in the tub, thereby making it safe for handicapped people. A useful accessory here is a bathtub pillow.

3. Assisted Living Handicapped Bathtubs: These specialty handicap bathtubs feature a comfortable ledge on the outside of the bathtub. The ledge is very handy for caregivers of the handicapped and allows them to bathe and clean handicapped people properly. If someone with a handicap finds it difficult to enter these tubs, they can also sit on the outside ledge and be washed by their caregivers.

The type of handicapped accessible bathtub you choose will depend on the nature of your handicap as well as its severity. For instance, if you can not access standard bathtubs easily, you may want to go in for walk-in handicap bathtubs. However, if accessibility is not so much a problem as complete immersion, then your needs may be fulfilled better with a handicap reclining tub.

The purchase of a handicap bathtub may be covered by Medicare, especially if your doctor has advised you to buy such a tub for medical reasons. Do find out from your insurance agent if you are eligible to claim your tub costs.

Accessible bath tubs have certainly transformed the way handicapped people care for themselves. They no longer have to depend on someone to give them a bath and can do so independently with bathtubs designed especially for those with special needs.