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Exploring the Differences between a Walk-In Shower and a Bathtub

by Ruben Trevor

Homeowners who wish to renovate their bathrooms can sometimes get confused whenever posed with the option to install bathtubs or walk-in showers. Both features have their advantages and disadvantages. A homeowner must decide between the two if they want to have a top-notch facility at home. While it is conceivable to have both installed you need to determine what sets them apart if you have to choose between them.

Let’s take a quick look at the differences between a bathtub and a walk-in shower, and perhaps we will be able to help you out in deciding which works best for you.

Convenience and comfort

If you have a bathtub or even a walk-in bathtub, you will have to wait a few minutes before you can enjoy the luxurious bathing experience it promises. Why? You’ll have to wait for the water to fill up. Yes, you can incorporate bath bombs and salts and other similar products, but there are times you only want to take a quick shower. At times, the water can be pretty cold, too.

Walk-in showers, meanwhile, offer you the option to step inside and wash the dirt and grime off your skin quickly. No need to wait; turn the dial and scrub away. It might not be as luxurious as the bathtub, but it does get the job done. If you also incorporate a steam generator into your walk-in shower, you can enjoy aromatherapy while steam bathing.

Safety considerations

When you have a bathtub, you would have to step over a huge ledge. It may be pretty dangerous, especially if you have mobility issues. If you also don’t take care and step on a wet spot in the tub, the same thing can also happen. A disastrous slip, and you might need to visit the hospital. Whereas if you have a walk-in shower, you would only have to contend with a small ledge, and you can install non-slip mats for additional safety.

Water usage

This has to be said, so we’ll say it. When you have a bathtub, of course, you’ll use a lot more water. Unless you have a used-water repository that would allow you to re-use the water, you will be using more water than a walk-in shower. The shower will still use a fair amount of water but compared to a traditional bathtub, the amount would be a bit less.

Hygienic considerations

Unless you have a traditional bathtub wherein you can recline, you would have to contend with difficult positions to submerge yourself fully. You might not get the full experience if you’re taller than average and you only have a walk-in tub. Whereas with a walk-in shower, you have full access to the showerhead to cleanse your body.

Installation cost

A bathtub will cost you much more to install than a walk-in shower. With a bathtub, you have to factor in the fixture price itself, plus the fittings and the tiles. With a walk-in shower, it’s the shower system price you’ll have to look into and the additional fittings and tiles. Look at your budget and determine which would be more realistic to install.

Final thoughts

In choosing between a walk-in shower and a bathtub, you need to look at various factors. You need to select the best amenity that your space and budget will allow. You also have to look into the differences of each fixture before deciding which one would be best for your particular needs.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/shower-tile-bathroom-interior-389273/

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