Over the years, the act of bathing has become a task or a chore, carried out primarily for hygiene purposes only. On occasion, one will use their time in the bath for a brief period of relaxation or as a brief respite to sooth sore muscles. In other cultures, however, bathing is and has always been viewed as more of a cleansing ritual, centered around an emotional process as well as a physical one. In recent years, Western culture has begun taking their cues from Eastern culture, with regards to bathing practices. More and more consumers re looking to design their bathrooms with a sense of tranquility in mind, rather than just function. This change is also very evident in the growing popularity of soaking tubs on the market as compared to standard bathtubs.
What Is A Soaking Bath Tub?
Traditional bathtubs in the states tend to be long, narrow, and shallow. They are designed this way primarily for easy access, making stepping in and out of the bath tub as simple as possible. In most households, the tubs are paired with shower units for added convenience. Soaking bath tubs, on the other hand, are designed to be shorter in length, slightly wider, and significantly deeper than a traditional tub. The reasoning behind this design is to allow the bather to sit more fully submersed in the water during the bathing routine. With regards to floorspace, a soaking tub takes up the same amount of room as a small bathtub. Because of their added height, however, they hold a much larger volume of water than small bathtubs are able to.
What Are The Benefits Of A Soaking Tub?
One of the primary benefits of a soaking tub is the ability to hold a larger volume of water. This added capacity is believed to create a more soothing and encompassing environment for the bather, further emphasizing the ritual nature of the bath, as opposed to simply the functional aspects. Many cultures believe the deeper submersion during the process also helps to better relax the body, as well as the mind. These beliefs are widely drawn from Japanese culture, one of the main origins of the soaking tub.
With regards to floorspace, a soaking bathtub can take up significantly less room than a traditional tub. This makes them ideal for smaller bathrooms, as well as a perfect secondary bath for a master bathroom. Even with standard sized bathrooms, square footage always seems to be at a premium, making any space saving appliance or fixture in high demand.
The features that can be found with a soaking bathtub also make them ideal for high end spa type bathrooms. Similar to hot tubs, soaking bathtubs can be fitted with water jets, creating a whirlpool tub experience within the privacy of your own bathroom. This not only provides an added level of luxury, but also helps to further soothe tired or sore muscles. Some are installed only with air jets, creating a bubble like movement in the water when a full massage experience is not needed. Further enhancing the overall spa like experience, and emphasizing the relaxation ritual, some soaking tubs are now taking use of both aromatherapy (scent therapy), as well as chromatherapy (color therapy).
What Should I Look For When Shopping For A Soaking Tub?
One of the first things to look for when selecting a soaking tub is the size of the unit your bathroom can accommodate. If you have a larger bathroom, you should consider selecting a soaking tub proportionate to the size of the room. For smaller bathrooms, keep in mind the available floor space to ensure that the unit you are selecting will fit properly.
The next set of choices during the selection process will involve the desired features for your new soaking tub. This will depend on both your personal preferences, as well as your budgetary constraints. While you may like the idea of having all of the bells and whistles installed, they do come at a premium when it comes to the overall cost of the unit itself.
Another aspect to keep in mind is the brand name of the soaking tub you are selecting. Most of the leading manufacturers, including Kohler and American Standard, offer a variety of soaking tub models to choose from. They come in a variety of sizes and included features, and also cover a range of price points. Some consumers will choose a brand name and then select a unit from within that brand’s lineup. Others will find the exact model they prefer, regardless of the manufacturer. It truly is a matter of personal preference as to which route you choose to take.
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