Modern bathtubs are not just a bathing vessel but also a symbol of relaxation, comfort, and luxury. Many homeowners choose to purchase a soaking tub to enhance their bathing experience. To help you make an informed decision, Giving Tree Home will introduce everything you need to know about soaking tubs in this article, including their features, types, and a buying guide. Let’s get started!
What Is a Soaking Tub
Soaking or soaker tubs unlike traditional tubs primarily used for quick showers or baths, are specifically designed to fully immerse users for relaxation and rejuvenation. The term "soaking" reflects their deeper construction compared to standard tubs, providing a more immersive experience conducive to therapeutic recovery and stress relief. The "soaking depth" refers to the water depth suitable for full-body immersion, typically measured from the bottom of the tub to the overflow. While standard tubs may offer depths of around 13-15 inches, soaking tubs can extend to depths of 20 inches or more, significantly enhancing comfort and efficacy. Through surveys with homeowners, we've identified several reasons why people prefer soaking tubs:
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Enhanced Effectiveness:
The greatest benefit of soaking tubs lies in their ability to facilitate deeper relaxation. The increased vertical water capacity due to their depth helps improve blood circulation, significantly alleviating muscle soreness and stiffness.
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Extended Time:
Most soaking tubs are made from materials like acrylic or solid surfaces, known for their excellent insulation properties. Coupled with minimal heat loss through smaller top openings, soaking tubs can maintain water temperature for longer periods, losing only about 20°F within 50 minutes.
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Japanese Influence:
The concept of soaking tubs often evokes a Japanese aesthetic. Many soaking tub designs are inspired by Japanese styles, which may be a blessing for homeowners who like Japanese culture.
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Compact Compatibility:
Soaking tubs with depths ranging from 15-17 inches often have similar top dimensions to standard tubs. Deeper models around 20 inches may include built-in seats, reducing their top dimensions to approximately 47 inches.
Types of Soaking Tubs
Freestanding Soaking Tubs
These tubs are not attached to any walls, allowing for flexible placement within the bathroom. They come in various shapes and sizes, including oval, rectangular, and slipper designs. Freestanding tubs often serve as a focal point in bathroom design, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Japanese Soaking Tubs (Ofuro):
Inspired by traditional Japanese bathing practices, these tubs are typically deeper and shorter than standard soaking tubs. The bather sits upright, fully immersed in water, providing a unique and deeply relaxing experience. Most Japanese soaking tubs are made of wood, but acrylic is increasingly used to accommodate modern bathroom designs.
Clawfoot Soaking Tubs:
These classic tubs feature ornate feet that elevate them off the floor. Clawfoot tubs have a vintage charm and are often associated with traditional or Victorian-style bathrooms. They offer a deep soaking experience with a touch of elegance.
Walk-In Soaking Tubs:
Designed for accessibility, walk-in soaking tubs have a door that allows the user to walk in and out of the tub easily. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or seniors, offering a safe and comfortable bathing experience.
Price of Soaking Tubs
The price of soaking tubs on the market typically ranges from $1500 to $2500, with some unique styles costing even more. In fact, the price of a soaking tub is not directly related to its soaking depth. In other words, the price difference between soaking tubs and regular tubs is not significant. The more critical determining factor is the choice of materials. For instance, at Giving Tree Home, if you choose a small-sized acrylic soaking tub, the price might be between $700 and $900; for a large-sized solid surface soaking tub, the price is between $1200 and $1500. The most surprising are the wooden Japanese soaking tubs, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Besides materials, some additional features can significantly impact the price of soaking tubs. For example, tubs with built-in heaters, jet, and air systems can cost over $5000. These types of tubs require more complex installation, usually needing professional assistance, and entail maintenance costs during subsequent use.
If you are price-sensitive about soaking tubs, it is recommended to consider regular acrylic soaking tubs. Here are the four best-selling soaking tubs from Giving Tree Home, generally priced around $1300:
Soaking Tub Selection Guide
Before choosing a soaking tub, it is recommended to follow a comprehensive selection outline. This includes deciding on the size, style, and color of the tub, and ensuring these choices match your bathroom's size, layout, and personal preferences. For example, a vintage-style bathroom might require a clawfoot or built-in tub, designs commonly found in older homes that complement a vintage decor.
For small bathrooms, corner tubs and alcove tubs are good options. Corner tubs are designed to be installed in the corner of the bathroom, maximizing space and often providing a more spacious soaking area, though they can be more complex to install. Alcove tubs are installed in a space enclosed on three sides, making efficient use of space and suitable as soaking tubs, despite their relatively shallow soaking depth. If you seek a modern design, deep soaking depth, and compatibility with small spaces, consider the 47-inch tub series from Giving Tree Home.
An important aspect of choosing a soaking tub is the soaking depth. Soaking depth determines the area of your body that is submerged in water, and an appropriate soaking depth can allow you to be fully immersed, providing uniform warmth and buoyancy.
The ideal soaking depth varies based on personal preference, body size, and tub design. For larger users, it is recommended to choose an ultra-deep style with a soaking depth of 19-20 inches, which can cover most of the body with water. These tubs often feature built-in seats, allowing you to sit comfortably while bathing. For women or smaller users, a standard soaking depth of 14 to 16 inches is recommended, which is sufficient for a relaxing bath and offers a wider range of styles, including sitting, lying, modern, and vintage designs.
It is important to note that some brands might recommend regular tubs and claim that their soaking depth is sufficient to promote blood circulation in the elderly. This can be misleading. If you want to buy a soaking tub for elderly family members, consider a walk-in tub. Although walk-in tubs might be more expensive than regular soaking tubs, they are more convenient to use. The elderly do not need to step over the tub edge but can simply walk in. These tubs typically offer a soaking depth of about 20 inches, making them ideal for seniors.
Ending
A soaking tub is more than just a place to bathe; it is a sanctuary for relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation. Although soaking tubs may be slightly more expensive than traditional ones, their numerous benefits make them worth the investment. With their deep immersion design, soaking tubs can help relieve stress, improve blood circulation, and enhance skin health.
Whether you prefer a freestanding bathtub, a Japanese soaking tub, or a classic clawfoot design, Giving Tree Home has the perfect option for you. If these are what you need, don't hesitate—buy now!
