- Bathtubs provide both good hygiene and the ability to relax after a long, trying day. However, as bath tubs ago, they eventually need replacing. Because replacement can be costly, there are a number of options to consider.
- A soaking tub is designed to be deeper than a standard bath tub, and is meant to allow a person to completely submerge his body up to the chin when lying down. Soaking don't have complex mechanical parts such as water or air jets and focus solely on the soaking aspect of the bathing experience. These tubs can be very heavy, since they are often made of cast iron of other heavy metals. Claw feet are often seen on such tubs, and they require special floor reinforcements in many houses as the floors aren't meant to hold both the massive weight of the tub and the water within. Soaking tubs come in two primary forms, Roman tubs which are sunk into the floor and Greek tubs which are shorter in length but much deeper than Roman tubs.
- An alcove tub is one of the most popular tub styles in use in the world. An alcove tub is enclosed on three sides and open only on one, allowing the user to enter and exit freely through that opening. Many tub/shower combinations utilize the standard alcove tub configuration, since the enclosure allows the water to be directed without spilling out onto the surrounding flooring and walls. These tubs are generally made of acrylic and come in many colors and shapes.
- A walk-in tub is specifically designed for those with physical disabilities that make climbing into and getting out of a standard sized tub difficult. The elderly, the ill and those with medical conditions that limit movement are the most common users of these types of tubs. Walk-in are very deep and feature a door built into one side. This door makes it easy to enter and exit the tub, and the door offers watertight seal to prevent the escape of water. These tubs also offer advantages such as whirlpool massage and heated water in order to allow for aquatherapy.
