How to Choose the Right Type of DIY Bathtub

When you’re remodeling (do-it-yourself) your bathroom, one of the most important choices you’ll make is choosing the right type of bathtub. Some people enjoy long hat baths, while others only take showers. There are also physical issues that might cause you to need a bathtub that fits the shape of your bathroom. DIY bathtub installation allows you the flexibility to choose the tub that’s best for you and your family. Let’s look at some of the different types of DIY bathtubs you have to choose from.

Types Of Bathtubs

Contrary to what many think, there are many varieties of bathtubs. Each type serves a different purpose, allowing for a different type of bath and shower experience. Here are a few:

• General Purpose Bathtub
  This is not an actual technical term for a bathtub. But, this term is used to describe the everyday bathtubs we all grew up using in our own homes. They are standard sized, with no extra features. They are generally used for taking baths, including bathing kids and pets. They are not fancy, but if you like baths, they serve the purpose quite well.

• Soaking Tub
  These bathtubs are for true bath lovers! They are much deeper that standard size tubs. This allows you to immerse your entire body into the nice, warm water, for a truly invigorating bath experience. Soaking tubs come in a variety of styles and shapes. You can also choose them according to the amount of water you would like them to be able to hold. Two popular types of soaking tubs are the clawfoot and vintage style free-standing tubs.

• Walk-In Bathtub
  These bathtubs are becoming more popular with older bathers, as well as those with physical limitations. They comes with a door that opens up, allowing you to just walk into the bathtub, as opposed to climbing into it. There’s a seal on the door that keeps the water inside while you bathe. These DIY bathtubs can be customized to fit your irregularly shaped bathroom.

• Whirlpool & Air Tubs
  Both of these bathtubs are all about therapeutic bathing. Built in the style of a jacuzzi, they are designed to shoot water and bubbles into the tub, in strategic locations. This gives you the satisfaction of getting a full body massage, while you enjoy your bath. What are the major differences between the two?
• Whirlpool – shoots water into the tub, which stirs the water around, causing a soothing, massaging effect.
• Air Tub – shoots air through the system, into the bath water. This creates thousands of air bubbles that stirs up the water, creating a messaging effect.

Special DIY Note

Whirlpools and air tubs are much more complex than other bathtubs. This makes them a little more complex as a do-it-yourself bathtub installation project. They require special water pumps, filters, hoses and other items in order to circulate the water properly for message purposes.

For your DIY bathroom remodeling project, think about changing the your bathroom lighting to create a more relaxing ambiance. Here’s a blog post that can help: DIY: How to Change Your Bathroom Lighting. We also have some great tips on DIY bathroom sinks and DIY toilet tips.