Bathtubs: An In-Depth Product Guide

What Is a Bathtub?

A bathtub is a bathroom fixture used for bathing, whether it be soaking in warm water or a stand-up shower with a curtain. Most modern bathtubs are made from either thermoformed acrylic, porcelain-enameled cast iron, porcelain-enameled steel, or fiberglass-reinforced polyester. Bathtubs have hot and cold water connections used to fill the tub and a water overflow and waste drain allowing the tub to drain if the water is above the fill line.

What Types of Bathtubs Are Available?

There is an abundance of bathtub styles to choose from. Some of the most popular include the classic cast-iron clawfoot style, jacuzzi tubs with jets, and soaker tubs. Bathtubs can be freestanding or can be enclosed, alcove style with walls on three sides, or corner set.

When Was the Bathtub Invented?

The earliest known personal-sized bathtub was dated to 1,700 BCE on the Isle of Crete. The roughly five-foot-long pedestal tub was built from fired pottery and found in the Palace of Knossos. Though pottery bathtubs are no longer the norm, the design of bathtubs throughout history has been surprisingly similar. Only recently, acrylic thermoformed bathtubs have allowed bathroom designers to experiment with different tubs shapes.

What Types of Bathtubs Are the Most Durable?

The most durable bathtubs are made from cast iron. In the same way that your great-grandmother's cast iron cookware continues to outlast the cheap frying pans you buy on the sale rack at Wal-Mart, cast iron tubs will almost always outlast their acrylic and fiberglass-reinforced plastic bathtubs. Most cast iron bathtubs sold today have a finish coat made from enamel. They are also fire-polished for a smooth and ageless finish. Cast iron tubs will cost significantly more. Due to their weight, homeowners should expect a higher installation fee if they pay for professional installation. Suppose you plan to place the cast iron tub on the second floor of your home. In that case, you might also need to check with the installer to make sure that your floor is sturdy enough to withstand the extra 300-400 pounds that most cast iron tubs weigh.

Acrylic tubs are fairly durable despite being much lighter than cast iron. Homeowners should expect an acrylic tub to last at least 15 years, significantly longer than fiberglass tubs. However, not all acrylic tubs are made alike, and the thinner models are generally flimsier and more prone to cracks. If you are considering purchasing an acrylic tub, look for double-skinned acrylic baths at least 8mm thick.

Can Bathtubs Be Recycled?

Incorporating recycled content into your new home or any renovation project is one of the best ways to reduce the embodied energy footprint of your house. Fortunately, many builders and companies providing home products are continuously looking for ways to source recycled content. In the specific case of bathtubs, cast iron options are generally the best for recycled content. In many cases, cast iron tubs will be made from up to 80 percent recycled material. Better yet, consider searching for antique or vintage cast iron tubs on eBay, Craigslist, or other online sources. With a little bit of refurbishing, you might be able to turn a vintage 1920s claw foot cast iron tub into the centerpiece of your bathroom for a minimal investment.

Acrylic tubs are generally manufactured without recycled content. Most acrylic tubs are surface coated with a type of plastic known as PMMA. Though PMMA is recyclable, it is close to impossible to separate when it is combined with glass fiber. This feature essentially renders the acrylic tub non-recyclable. Most thrown-out acrylic bathtubs are usually shredded into pieces and landfilled.

If you do have an old acrylic-style tub that gets cracked and needs to be replaced, consider upcycling or repurposing the tub into a useful "second life." Old acrylic tubs can be transformed into a planter in your garden or even a unique chaise lounge for your patio.

Can You Install a Bathtub Yourself?

Bathtub installation is a relatively "approachable" DIY task, even for homeowners who do not have advanced building skills. You will need to know a bit about basic plumbing. Still, most people should remove an old tub and install the new one in a day without hiring professional labor. The basic process goes something like this:

• Turn off the main water valve into your bathroom.
• Disconnect the drain flange, overflow cover, and drain assembly.
• Separate the old tub from the wall. Tubs are usually connected directly to the wall studs through a flange.
• Remove the tub and set up a time for it to be recycled or store for a future recycling project.  
• Set the new tub into place, and install a 2 x 4 stringer directly to the studs. This stringer will support the tub along its length.
• Reattach the overflow drain assembly and connect it to the existing plumbing in your bathroom.

For a complete video tutorial on how to install a new bathtub, check out this YouTube video.

Do Smart Bathtubs Exist?

Yes, of course! Smart technology is infiltrating virtually every aspect of our homes, including our bathrooms. We've written before about smart technology for self-cleaning toilets, and smart bathtubs are another luxury addition to our bathrooms' growing smart technology trends.

Smart bathtubs are indeed designed for the luxury bathing experience. They also have a price tag that will frighten away most people. Earliest this year, the company Kohler released their Stillness Bathtub. This app and voice-controlled luxury bathtub combine water, steam, lighting, and aroma to allow users to "personalize" their relaxing bathing experience. It also comes with a price of $16,000, which isn't so relaxing and soothing, but we digress.

What Are The Best Brands of Bathtubs?

If you don't have $16,000 in savings to splurge on a new smart bathtub, there are still plenty of quality bathtub options out there for you to choose from. Some of the best bathtub brands on the market today include Woodbridge Bath, Sinkology, and Kohler.