The bath or bath tub is a necessity as well as being a luxury item. They are available in many shapes and installation types. Tub materials include fiberglass, acrylic, enameled cast iron, and enameled steel. Installation types include Built-in and free standing tubs.
Types
Alcove Bathtub: It is the most common bathtub. This type is enclosed on three sides, withonly the front exposed. This type of tub is more specified as left-hand or right-hand describing the drain location as one faces the bath tub. They are also the most common installation types used in tub / shower combinations. Most alcove units employ wall mounted faucets with waste and overflow mounted with tub.
Built-in Bathtub: It is the drop in installation type, mounted much like sinks installed in countertops. The tub is mounted to a deck area that is framed independently. Because of the installation these bath tubs are more costly than alcove bath tubs. They can be under mounted or self rimmed in a manner similar to sinks.
Drop-in Bathtub: They are installed in walled alcoves supporting frame and a deck similar to alcove models. However this requires a supporting frame and a deck to be constructed. Occasionally these models are installed in a floor mounted sunken application, which requires space below the floor area. Drop-in tubs are expensive because they conceal the plumbing pipes. Under-mount installations are also possible. Material used to make tub are light weight fiber glass, acrylic and plastic. They are perfect for sitting and soaking feet.
Freestanding Tubs:They come in a range of styles from the old-fashioned claw-footed tubs to pedestal –supported models. These tubs sit independently often with exposed pipes that are easy to service. This design allows for deeper filling levels. Models with no faucet drilling require freestanding water pipes and faucets or wall- mounted faucets.
Claw foot Tub: As the name indicates the tub has claw or ball shaped feet. It is one of the oldest designs having antique look. Basic design consists of slanted back and straight front. These tubs are normally made up of cast iron, porcelain on steel or acrylic and do not need any specific carpentry work. It is a free standing tub with uncovered pipes. Wall mounted or floor mounted faucets can also be used. It has hole for over flow and drain and some designs also have additional holes for faucets.
Pedestal Tubs: This is a kind of freestanding oval shaped tub without feet. Most of these tubs do not have faucet drilling – floor or wall-mounted faucets. In some cases, the pedestal tubs rests on a base that is custom-made for the client. They have a deeper water level. Wood or another appropriate material can be used for such bases. In most cases these tubs are rested on an exposed wood frame rather than an oval pedestal. Some models also have hand showers for comfortable rinsing. Towel rail can also be installed on one or both ends of tub. These tubs are available in porcelain, cast iron and acrylic.
Whirlpool Tubs: A whirlpool is a type of soaking tub fitted with pipes, an electric pump, water jets, and frequently a booster and heater. The pump is used to circulate water through the pipes, using several water jets. They are available in alcove and drop-in models in standard 5-foot and much larger sizes as well as n a range of shapes. Drop-in whirlpools are generally installed into an elevated deck and placed against a wall or corner or out in the open. These tubs offer relaxing hydro massage with controlled water circulation. Installation requires special framing, water heaters, electrical circuits and electronically controlled speed pumps with variable speed. These tubs are available in different materials that include cast iron, fiber glass and acrylic.
Corner Tubs: These tubs are normally triangular in shape having one finished and two unfinished sides. They are designed to save space. They can be of any shape but two sides are backed against wall and don't haveintegrated showers. Drains are present in the middle or in one corner of tub. These tubs are also available in acrylic, cast iron, and porcelain and fiber glass.
Recessed Tubs: These tubs are very popular because of affordability and space efficiency. They have walls on three sides and only one side has decorative finish. They are available in number of different shapes such as square, round, rectangular, diamond and heart shape. Material used to make these tubs include cast iron, porcelain, fiber glass and acrylic. Some designs have integrated faucets and some do not. Hand held shower can installed for comfortable rinsing.
Hot Tub: These are huge tubs which include water heaters offering relaxing hydrotherapy. These tubs have jets present on both sides i.e. inside and outside. Electric or gas heater is used to heat the water. They also have pumps, pillows and grab rails. They are also available in two configurations lounger and non -lounger. Hot tub is expensive bathroom fixture and needs more maintenance as compared to other types. Cleaning and disinfection is very necessary to avoid microbial growth in bathtub.
Soaking Tub: A soaking tub is typical a bathtub constructed in a manner that allows the bather to sit in an upright position .These are available in a range of sizes and materials at heights from 22-32 inches. These are also available in lengths shorter than standard bathtubs.
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