Because of their practicality and efficiency, shower/tub combos have been staples of American households for decades. With the combo, homeowners have the options of a long, soaking bath or a quick hot shower.
For all their practicality, though, the shower/tub has had its share of problems — most notably mobility issues for older generations.
Even though the shower/tub combo has enjoyed a long run of popularity, the latest bathroom design trends are to do away with it entirely and instead go with a freestanding tub or walk-in shower.
In this issue, the bathroom remodeling experts with Columbus Bath Design will talk about the pros and cons of bathtubs and showers, and each fits into your bathroom.
What are the Pros of Tubs
Few things beat the luxury and relaxation of a soaking bath. If you have young children, it makes sense to have at least one tub in our home. Relatively easy to clean, soaking tubs offer great solutions for pain relief, circulation, and physical therapy.
Tubs don’t have to be boring. Many models have air jets and whirlpools to relax and soothe your every muscle.
What Types of Bathtubs are Available?
Here at Columbus Bath Design, we have the ability to get you just about any tub design you want. Here are the most popular options.
- Soaking tubs.
Offering you total immersion, a soaking bath is deeper than traditional tubs, and holds more water. Various studies have shown that a soaking tub is more effective at decreasing your stress and anxiety than traditional tubs. - Walk-in tubs.
This tub version is quickly rising in popularity, especially among older populations. Rather than stepping over the side of a tub, you simply open the tub door by gently pulling on it or by pushing a button. You shouldn’t be concerned about leaking because there’s a special seal at the door that holds in the water. - Whirlpool and air tubs.
Nothing beats the sensation of pulsating water as it jet-massages your muscles while you unwind in your whirlpool bath. The bubbles coupled with the shooting water from the jets give you a full body massage that’s incredibly relaxing. - Alcove tubs.
Often the easiest and less expensive tubs to install, alcove tubs are designed to fit in the three-sided enclosure in your bathroom that’s built specifically for tubs. Even though basic in nature, the alcove tub is exceptional at maximizing your bathroom space.
What are the Cons of Bathtubs?
Even as it adds value and comfort to your home, a tub also has a few drawbacks.
- Generally speaking, tubs are more expensive than showers.
- An often-used tub will undoubtedly cause your home’s energy bills to rise.
- When you’re ready for your soak, you’ll undoubtedly spend a lot of your time waiting for the tub to fill.
What are the Pros of a Shower?
Rather than wait for your water when taking a shower, you simply turn the nozzle and walk right in. It’s simple as that.
You’ll also be saving water. According to a study from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average full bath will need 70 gallons of water each time you take a bath. On the other hand, a quick shower usually requires only 10-25 gallons.
Other advantages of walk-in showers include;
- They’re generally easier to clean than tubs
- There are fewer moving parts, which mean showers are less likely to break
- Walk-in showers can fit in just about any bathroom size; there’s rarely a struggle to force a shower fit
- Walk-in showers generally provide easier access for homeowners, making them a perfect choice for those with mobility issues
What Types of Showers Are Available?
This is definitely a good time to be in the market for a new shower.
- Digital showers.
With an electrical control panel, you’re able to control the pressure flow and temperature of your shower. - Mixer showers.
Rather than using separate knobs to control the temperature of your shower, a mixer does it all with just one control. This allows you to easily control the temperature of your shower on the fly. - Eco showers.
A fantastic eco-conscious selection, eco showers actually aerates your water as it’s pumped in. You get the same sensation from your shower, but will feel the difference in your energy bill. - Electric showers.
Drawing from a cold-water supply, your electric shower will heat the water as you wish. Because the water is heated by an element, there’s no waste. Plus, an electric shower is 99 percent more efficient than its counterparts.
What are the Cons of Showers?
Just about everything in life has its drawbacks, and showers are no different.
- Your shower door will require regular cleaning.
- If you have a shower curtain, it will need to be replaced several times throughout the life of the shower.
- If your shower experiences a sealing leak, it can be a bit more difficult to fix than a bath.
- Because of the glass see-through door, you’ll likely have less private with a shower. However, many models have intricate designs that can guide your privacy better.
- Because of the high moisture and humidity, some water damage is common to the entire bathroom with a shower-only focus.
To Find the Perfect Tub or Shower for Your Home, Contact Columbus Bath Design
Bath design and installation are all we do here at Columbus Bath Design, so we’re confident we can find the right solution for you and your home.
For inspirational ideas, check out our online video gallery. You can also reach us at 614-907-4558 or complete our online contact form to have a better idea of what you’re looking for.
