All You Need to Know About Baths
A good long soak in the bath is the perfect way to relax after a long day. While most households these days have showers, the bath still holds a special place in our hearts. According to this YouGov survey in 2016, baths are still integral to many people's bathroom routines.
Our in-depth guide will tell you all you need to know about baths, from the different types available at Bathshack to the many benefits they offer.
Fitted Baths
There are so many types of fitted baths to choose from. The one you choose will often depend on the size of your bathroom.
How are fitted baths made?
Most of our fitted baths are made from sheets of acrylic reinforced with fibreglass. It is one of the most popular materials used to construct modern baths, for several reasons:
- Acrylic is malleable, so it can be moulded into a huge array of shapes and sizes
- It is durable and easily repaired if damaged
- It is easy to keep clean. All you need is warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.
- It’s non-porous so it will not allow mould and mildew to build up.
- It also acts as an insulator, helping to retain heat in the bath.
- With most models, we can offer a Supercast finish, which is an additional strengthening layer.
Sizes
The standard size of a fitted bath is 1700 x 700mm. Rectangular baths generally jump sizes in 100mm increments. Common sizes include, but are not limited to:
- 1200 x 700 mm
- 1400 x 700 mm
- 1600 x 700 mm
- 1700 x 700 mm
- 1700 x 750 mm
- 1700 x 800 mm
- 1800 x 800 mm
Types of Fitted Bath
With a single ended bath, the taps, waste, and overflow are positioned at one end (the straight end with the wider ledge). The opposite end will have a gentle slope, making it the more comfortable side to lie back on. These baths are generally supplied undrilled (i.e., no holes for taps). As standard practice, the installer will do this when fitting the bath. With a fitted bath, you can choose between deck mounted or wall mounted taps. You could also add a shower mixer to turn it into a shower bath.
With two gently sloping sides, a double ended bath gives you the option to sit comfortably at either end. The waste, overflow and taps are generally positioned in the centre.
Shower baths provide you with more options for washing. The larger end of these baths will be the showering end, while the other end is usually sloped so you can lie down comfortably.
The size of your shower bath will depend on the model. Generally, the standard width of these baths is 700-750mm (800-850mm at the wider end), while the standard length is 1700mm. We also have some space saver models in various lengths.
A ‘top level’ shower bath will generally have the following included:
- Feet
- A glass screen
- A front bath panel
End bath panels are optional as you may decide to install your bath in a recess and therefore not require an end panel.
Left-handed or right-handed?
Your choice of shower bath will depend on its intended position in the bathroom. When shopping in one of our showrooms, stand facing the long side of the shower bath. If the outer/ showering side is on your left, it’s a left-handed bath. If the outer part is on your right, it’s a right-handed bath. Not sure what one you need? Do a sketch of your bathroom to help you, or speak to one of our staff.
Turn a single ended bath into a statement
Even a simple bath design can be an attractive design feature! Enhance your fitted bath with a wall mounted bath filler, a concealed shower valve with multiple outlets or an overflow bath filler in a dramatic finish such as black or gold. You could also go for stylish bath panels or an accent tile around the bath.
Corner Baths & Alternatives
These tubs are the perfect solution for small bathrooms. We offer both larger and smaller corner baths, as well as traditional freestanding corner baths too.
Our freestanding corner baths are traditionally styles and are perfect for doubling up as a shower bath. For example, this 1700mm Balmoral bath features stunning claw & ball feet with a chrome finish, making it ideal for a period-style bathroom.
Compact corner baths
A compact corner bath will fit into the smallest of spaces. For example, our Ravak Avocado space-saving corner baths are small in size without compromising on comfort.
The ledges of this bath are very narrow to provide as much space as possible for you to soak and relax. For this reason, not all deck mounted taps will be suitable. Choose a tap with a smaller base or install a beautiful wall mounted tap. For advice on choosing taps, contact us, or visit one of our showrooms.
Alternatives
Sometimes, all you need is just a little more space. We have a selection of straight bath designs that have a rounded outer corner; this is the perfect solution for giving you a bit more space without having to buy a full corner bath. For example, this Moods Bathrooms 1700mm Back to Wall Bath is neat, clean and saves a great deal of space in your bathroom while giving it some modern flair.
If you or someone in your home is living with restricted mobility, easy-access baths might be the perfect solution to help you get in and out of the bath. With traditional, modern, and compact designs available, our accessible baths are as stylish as they are practical.
Features of these baths include an anti-slip base for added safety, integrated seating, and twin wastes for quicker drainage. We even one with a powered lifting seat to ensure safe and efficient transfer in and out of the bath.
These beautiful baths will make a statement in larger bathrooms and come in many shapes, sizes, and colours.
These baths can be modern or traditional in style. They swoop up at one side, which generally makes one end longer. The allows you to stretch out your legs in the bath if you wish!
The waste is usually positioned at the lower end of these tubs. Note that they do not support deck mounted taps, so they are the perfect match for a freestanding or wall mounted tap.
The sides on a double ended slipper swoop up at both ends, allowing you to lie back on either end or share with another. The aesthetics of this bath can also offer balance to a room.
The waste is positioned in the middle of a double ended bath. Most of these baths are not compatible with deck mounted taps, so pair with a freestanding or wall mounted tap.
Installation tips for single/double ended freestanding baths
- Although you can't see them, these baths have adjustable feet underneath. This is in case the floor they are set onto isn’t level; by adjusting the feet, the bath will not rock on an uneven surface.
- We always recommend hiring a professional plumber to install any bath. They should dab a little tec 7 onto the bottom of the feet when finalising the tub’s position, as this will help prevent any movement caused by little nudges.
- Always purchase a flexi waste connector with your tub. This will allow it to move a little without breaking connections.
- Don’t forget the waste!
Freestanding baths with visible feet
Freestanding baths with visible feet are usually made from double-skinned acrylic with a resin centre. This makes them thick and durable, lasting you for years to come.
These baths come in both modern and traditional styles. They generally have a lip around the rim, which is flat on modern baths and rolled over on traditional baths. The flat ledge on more modern designs is ideal for resting things on such as your bubble bath, washcloths, or even a carefully placed glass of wine!
Some of these baths support deck mounted taps (make sure to check the model before you buy). For fitted taps, we suggest purchasing a shroud which doesn’t bear weight but is designed to cover the tap tails. This will create an exposed pipework feature which looks stunning in a traditional bathroom. The Eliseo Ricci Balmoral Shower Mixer is specially designed for this purpose.
Freestanding bath colours
Use your tub to coordinate a theme! Some of our freestanding baths come in different colours and finishes such as gold, silver, copper and black. If you can't find the colour you want, we have a selection of baths that can be spray painted for you! We recommend matching these baths with the colour of your vanity unit.
You could also opt for a white bath with contrasting feet. For example, this Balmoral bath features black claw & ball feet, perfect for adding definition and visual interest to your space.
White baths are not made from the same material as white shower trays, basins, toilets, or furniture. For this reason, they may not all appear the same shade of white. We recommend using a cool white light bulb in your bathroom to neutralise any variances in shade for a cohesive look.
Whirlpool baths allow you to enjoy the relaxation of a luxurious spa in your bathroom! Our whirlpool systems are made to order, so you can customise your bath with the following options:
- System A – 12 jet holes are spaced around the walls of the bath, with 1 intake hole and 2 for operation buttons.
- System B – This 12 jet Air Spa system will have 12 holes spaced on the base with operational buttons
- System C – An Air Spa system with 24 jets in total. The intake and the operation buttons will also be drilled for this design
Other added extras include Underwater Lights and Inline Heaters to enhance the spa experience.
Made with care
Creating an object of luxury is a careful process. We take great pride in offering these bespoke whirlpool baths at a very affordable price, from our dedicated facility in Northern Ireland. Our installation team are trained specialists, using modern technology to construct baths with a high-quality design.
Benefits of whirlpool baths
Whirlpool baths can provide you with several health benefits.
Relives stress and aching muscles
One of the most obvious benefits of a whirlpool bath is Hydrotherapy! The integrated jets of your bath will gently massage your muscles and stimulate your joints to ease aches and pains. The jet pressure will also lift your mood by helping the body to naturally release endorphins.
Whirlpool baths can also actively reduce your cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormone. The more cortisol in the bloodstream, the higher your blood pressure and the more stressed out you feel. Therefore, reducing this hormone will inevitably help you feel better.
Assists with sleep
Many of us lead busy lifestyles that can take a toll on our sleeping routines. A whirlpool bath can help you get a better night's sleep. They encourage the production of melatonin in the body, which helps to regulate your sleep.
Draws out toxins
Our skin absorbs the pollutants it encounters every day. A whirlpool bath relaxes the skin, which allows it to draw out these pollutants and leave you feeling refreshed.
Bath Fittings
Baths won’t just work on their own! Here is an overview of what you will need for a fully functioning tub.
- A bath will need a waste and a trap, although some freestanding designs will have these included. You will also need a flexi push pipe waste connection.
- Fitted double ended baths will benefit from a quick-release bath mixer kit. This allows the taps to be removed quickly and efficiently without the need to remove the whole bath panel.
- To prevent leaks, fitted baths will need Aquastrap on all sides that are fitted against the wall.
What about Bath Overflows?
An overflow is an opening that helps prevent your bath from overflowing. It does this by rerouting excess water back to the drainpipe once it reaches a certain level. Tub overflows are located a few inches below the rim to allow the water to rise to a level that submerges the majority of your body. There are two types of overflows:
- Traditional Overflow: A hole is cut into the tub to accommodate a drain installed on the inside and outside walls, which collects excess water and sends it down the drain to the P-trap. There are different types of tub drains to guarantee a proper fit for particular bathtub styles. If you’re unsure which one will work best for you, speak to our team.
- Integral Overflow: An integral overflow is designed very much like a sink overflow. An opening is cut along the interior of the bathtub to divert extra water between the walls and send it down the tub drain. This is a valuable option if you don’t want exposed piping in your bathroom, since the overflow channel is built into the tub's inner wall.
Use all your new knowledge to find your perfect bath at Bathshack today! You can shop online for delivery all over the UK & Ireland, or visit one of our showrooms. Our highly trained team will be on hand to help you with any questions you have.
