What Is Bathtub?
Bathtub
A bathtub, also known simply as a bath or tub, Is a container for holding water in which a person or animal may bathe. Most modern bathtubs are made of thermoformed acrylic, porcelain-enameled steel or cast iron, or fiberglass-reinforced polyester.
A bathtub is a long, usually rectangular container which you fill with water and sit in to wash your body.
History About Bathtub?
Bathing is a basic human process that’s existed since the dawn of mankind, with natural streams and bodies of water serving as communal bathing areas for generations of people. Even as plumbing and hot water became readily accessible, luxury bathhouses and private baths were considered pampering and out of reach of common people in most civilizations. The commonly-available, modern-style bathtub that we know today didn’t come into popular use until the mid-19th century.
Washbowls and Moveable Tubs
Bathtubs weren’t a fixture in many homes before the widespread implementation of indoor plumbing. Instead, they were light and portable, often set aside in storage or placed outdoors if there wasn’t much space in the house. Typically made from sheet copper, zinc, or tin, these tubs were a staple of the modern American home in cities and the frontier alike.
More upscale homes had lead tubs with wooden enclosures that were sometimes equipped with early water heating mechanisms. As the 19th century progressed and running water became more prevalent in society, copper and steel tubs with wooden enclosures or bronze legs became the standard for high-end homes of the era.
Cast Iron Tubs and Glazing
While toilets and sinks were made from cast iron since the late 1850s, the corrosion and rusting problems with the material kept it from being used in bathtubs. Porcelain enamel worked well for cast iron sinks, but the complex shape of bathtubs kept it from being a viable solution. Plus, when filled with hot water, the cast iron would expand and stretch the coating. However, British tub makers eventually solved the problem and created bathtubs made entirely from ceramic with glazed surfaces. These resulted in extremely heavy tubs and made exporting them difficult, but other manufacturers began to adopt the technique and its popularity spread.
Porcelain seemed to be the perfect solution to many complaints about bathtubs in that era. They were smooth, sleek, and easily washable without the risk of rusting. Unfortunately, they were very heavy and expensive compared to steel tubs – sometimes several hundred dollars more expensive. They became a status symbol going into the 1920s and beyond; a necessary feature of any wealthy household.
High-End Bathrooms
A sure sign of progressive thinking and high culture meant your bathroom had several fixtures that served many purposes beyond daily hygiene. Therapeutic showers and soaking tubs transformed simple lavatories into personal spas. After World War I, however, the large homes that would accommodate these multi-fixture bathrooms started to disappear and cast iron, claw-foot tubs became more popular. J.L. Mott Iron Works achieved an iron casting technique that involved firing the coating, then reducing the production costs. This allowed many more homeowners to purchase the claw foot style tub that many older homes still use today.
So have you ever wondered who invented the bathtub? During the time of the Roman Empire (500 BC to AD 455), sanitation was prioritized through a sewerage system and daily bathing rituals. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, sanitation also collapsed and perfume compensated for the lack of bathing.
When did bathtubs become popular?
19th century;
The commonly-available, modern-style bathtub that we know today didn’t come into popular use until the mid-19th century. Bathtubs weren’t a fixture in many homes before the widespread implementation of indoor plumbing.
Standard tubs usually have external measurements around 60 inches long, 30 inches wide and 14 to 16 inches high. When shopping for a soaking tub, find a tub that measures between 60 inches long and 72 inches long.
How much water can a bathtub hold?
When filled to capacity (just below the overflow), a standard bathtub holds 42 gallons, but some of that water will be displaced when you get into the tub. So, the tub is rarely filled to capacity before taking a bath.
What is a bathtub made of?
The most common form of bathtub manufacturing material. Acrylic tubs come in a massive variety of sizes, colours and styles and are generally considered a good all-rounder, due to their relative light weight, ease to shape and good durability.
What is the most common bathtub material?
Here are the nine common materials used in bathtubs: Fiberglass. Porcelain over steel. Acrylic;
Fiberglass. Fiberglass is easy to install and maintain, but is among the least durable of bathtub materials
Porcelain Over Steel
Acrylic
Cast Iron
Solid Surface
Cast Polymer
Ceramic Tile
Stone
What is a drop in bathtub?
Drop-in tubs are the tub shell only. They’re fitted inside a framed enclosure that’s finished to match bathroom cabinets or tile. An enclosure is a separate item, so budget accordingly. Under mounts are drop-ins destined for floor-level installation. Flooring, such as tile, covers the lip of the tub
How is a bathtub measured?
The basin length should be measured at its widest point in the middle of the tub, from left to right. The length always refers to the longest point of the tub. To find the basin width, measure from the midpoint of the length of the tub, front to back.
Common or standard dimensions for a freestanding bathtub are: 60 inches long (5ft), 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with 19 inches of water depth (1.89ft). Small freestanding bathtubs can run 55 inches long(4.58ft), 27 inches wide (2.25ft) with a water depth of 15(1.25ft).
Generally, if your home can support it and you have the space for it, a larger tub is recommended. In the case of freestanding and corner bathtubs, if you have the requisite space, then by all means, choose those styles. But, if your space is more limited, alcove, drop-in, and soaking might be more suitable for you.
What can you put in a bathtub?
A Restful Soak – DIY Bath Remedies
EPSOM SALT. Wonderful at easing muscle soreness and relieving tension, Epsom salt can be added to almost any bath recipe
ALCOHOL It’s not just for happy hour!
GINGER
ESSENTIAL OILS
OATMEAL
COCONUT OIL
LAVENDER
MILK
What was used before bathtubs?
Before indoor plumbing, bathtubs—like chamber pots and washbowls—were moveable accessories: large but relatively light containers that bathers pulled out of storage for temporary use. The typical mid-19th-century bathtub was a product of the tinsmith’s craft, a shell of sheet copper or zinc.
Is bathtub useful?
As well as helping us to relax, there are a number of health benefits associated with bathing in hot water. This makes bathing an ideal option for those who need to improve blood circulation or want to de-stress. Take a look at the ways in which you can benefit from a shiny new bathtub.
How do you secure a bathtub to the floor?
How to Secure Acrylic Tubs to the Floor‘;
Place your acrylic tub where you want to install it.
Turn the tub over and shave down any higher feet with a metal hand file.
Thread the fixing plates onto each of the screws.
Set the tub in place and use a pencil to mark the location of the hole in the fixing plate on the floor.
Here is how the setup works. Bathtub drains have two legs, one to the main drain opening and the other to the overflow drain opening. To close and open the drain, two different assemblies are common: pop-up and plunger-type. Both are operated by a trip lever at the overflow drain.
store water during a severe storm. clean items which are too big for the kitchen sink. occasionally take a soaking tub bath to soothe aching.
How do you clean a bathtub drain?
Boil a large pot of water and pour it slowly down the tub drain. The goal is to dissolve the soap scum and dislodge the hair buildup. Pouring a cup of baking soda followed by one cup vinegar can also loosen things up. With the stopper removed, you can clear the drain with a plunger.
4 Different Types of Bathtubs and How to Choose One;
Bathtubs are bathroom fixture basics—containers that hold water for immersive bathing. They also provide a relaxing place to unwind, but there are several different types that all serve unique purposes. The most common bathtubs seen in residential homes include drop-in tubs, freestanding tubs, alcove tubs, and corner tubs.
For many homeowners, a soothing bath provides unmatched comfort—and if this fixture is a must-have in your home, it’s important to choose the right type for your space. Freestanding options include luxurious styles like claw foot tubs, while corner tubs offer plenty of extra space with added features like jets and whirlpools. On the other hand, small bathtubs like drop-in and alcove options may be more suitable when space is tight, and a drop-in tub even provides extra surface space for soaps and accessories.
Below, we break down the pros and cons of each type of bathtub to help you decide what’s best for your home;
Free-Standing Bathtubs;
- Best for: Deep soaker tubs with unique style
Free-standing tubs are unconnected to walls or any other surface except for the floor. Styles of these bathtubs include the classic claw foot tub, but it’s also possible to buy free-standing tubs in sleek, modern designs.
Free-standing bathtubs require a large bathroom to accommodate the tub and the buffer room around the tub. It is possible to install a free-standing tub in a small bathroom or a three-sided alcove, but this makes it harder to clean around and under the bathtub.
Slipper and clawfoot tubs fit into this category, and both convey the impression of antiquity. Thus, you need a house worthy of such a tub. One hurdle of free-standing tubs is exposed plumbing. You can purchase specialty plumbing parts that celebrate, rather than try to hide, this exposed plumbing.
Free-standing tubs tend to be significantly more expensive than alcove and drop-in tubs, and the overall cost is heavily dependent upon the material the tub is made of. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are a bit more budget-friendly, while cast iron, stone resin, copper, and brass tubs have high-end price tags. Overall, freestanding tubs tend to cost between about $700 and $4,000.
Cast iron tubs, in particular, are very durable and heavy (up to 500 pounds), but they’re the best option for staying warm during long baths. Many porcelain claw foot options are still common today, although older models may require bathtub repair to restore them to their original condition.
Pros
Charming, beautiful
Fits with traditional homes
Cons
Requires a lot of room
Exposed plumbing
Alcove Bathtub;
- Best for: Small bathrooms and tub/shower combinations
An alcove bathtub fits within a three-sided enclosure built just for the tub, and this style is often used in homes as a tub/shower combination to save space. This is a special type of bathtub that is very familiar to many homeowners, and it’s particularly useful when considering common bathtub sizes in a small space.
When the walls are tiled or fitted with panels, the enclosure can be used for a tub/shower combination. Alcove bathtubs are often the least expensive and easiest type of tub to install, typically costing from about $250 to $600 depending on the material and construction.
The alcove bathtub is all about maximizing your bathroom space: This is the tub with the smallest footprint, and it fits tightly into its allotted space. The standard length for an alcove tub is 60 inches (but some can range from 53 to 72 inches).
Alcove bathtubs can come as part of a package that includes the three-sided wall surround. In some cases, the wall surround is permanently attached to the bathtub, while others are detached for easy installation.
Tip
Attached wall surrounds are the easiest to clean, but, for a remodel, they can be difficult to fit through the bathroom door; generally, these are new-construction tubs. Bathtubs with detached surrounds usually come in three pieces including a large back wall with two smaller sidewalls.
This type of bathtub can be very durable depending on the material it’s made from, which is commonly fiberglass, acrylic, stone resin, or solid surface, but may also be cast iron.
Pros
Cost-effective
Excellent for small bathrooms
Predictable sizing
Cons
Requires tile or a wall surround
Only the front has an apron, so it must be positioned in one direction
Shallow compared to soaker options
Drop-In Bathtub;
- Best for: Customized designs with storage and deep soaker options
A drop-in bathtub is a shell that fits into a prepared deck. The inside of the bathtub is finished, but the outside is not since it is covered up by the deck.
This unique bathtub requires you to have a carpenter build a deck or peninsula that juts into the room. The tub comes with a built-in rim and is installed inside the structure. Drop-in bathtubs can be installed in an alcove, but most often are featured in a more open area. As such, these tubs usually require more bathroom space than alcoves and cost more. The cost of the tub itself usually ranges from about $500 to $2,000.
Drop-in bathtubs give your bathroom a more finished, permanent look. The structure your tub is installed in should be made with a durable frame and finished with tile or another waterproof surface. The tiled sides of the bathtub provide extra space for soap, shampoo bottles, candles, or books. Drop-in tubs can be made of fiberglass, acrylic, solid surface, stone resin, and even cast iron.
Pros
Customizable to each bathroom
Creates a polished look
Storage space on the sides
Cons
Requires a site-built deck
Difficult to DIY-install
Jet options require an access panel, which can be unsightly
Corner Bathtubs;
- Best for: Luxury features and extra space
Corner tubs are large, triangular bathtubs that fit into a corner of the bathroom. Typically expensive, corner bathtubs use a lot of bathroom floor space. One downside of this tub is that they take a long time to fill up, as the larger capacity requires more water volume.
Corner bathtubs tend to be less about bathing and getting clean and more about relaxing and taking care of yourself. For that reason, corner bathtubs tend to have whirlpool and air jet features, and they’re often built in a durable, high-end fashion. Corner tubs often cost about $1,000 to $3,000, but these luxury features may increase the cost. More affordable corner tub materials include fiberglass, acrylic, and solid surface, while cast iron comes with a higher price tag.
Pros
Spacious
Shape conducive to multiple users
Functional use of an empty corner
Cons
Expensive
Uses a lot of water
Takes longer to fill
Choosing a Bathtub
Choosing the right bathtub for your home can require some planning, but as a general rule, it’s best to start by deciding which size of tub your bathroom can accommodate. If you have a large space to fill and enjoy the high-end features of a free-standing bathtub or corner tub, these may be great options for your home. On the other hand, alcove and drop-in tubs are more reasonable in price and common in most houses.
It’s also helpful to choose the best construction material for your needs. Cast iron tubs retain the most heat, while acrylic, fiberglass, and solid surface tubs are more affordable. If you’re not sure whether your space is suitable for your favorite type of bathtub, it’s helpful to consult a local contractor to discuss the available options.
Buy Bathtub Products Online in Ghana;
- Price Range from GHS 910 and under
- GHS 910 to GHS 2275
- GHS 2275 to GHS 4550
- GHS 4550 to GHS 9100 and above