Bathtubs Shopping Guide
Explore our guide to Produits Neptune bathtubs to craft your ideal bathing retreat. Discover insights on installation options, materials, standout features, and more to curate your ultimate bath experience!
Navigate Your Bathroom Renovation with Our Comprehensive Guide
Our step-by-step guide will provide you with helpful tips and give you an overview of the various constraints to consider when remodeling your bathroom.
Define Your Requirements
Embark on your bathtub selection journey by evaluating the most suitable options for your specific space. Here’s a breakdown of essential factors to ponder when selecting a new bathtub:
- Assess Your Available Space
- Consider Household Requirements and Lifestyle
- Explore Various Bathtub Installation Methods
- Evaluate Material Composition
- Set Your Budget Parameters
- Factor in Accessibility Requirements
- Explore Bathtub Systems
- Make Informed Decisions on Faucet Selection
- Familiarize Yourself with Bathtub Components
Let's Size Up Your Space
Step 1
For alcove installations, begin by measuring the length between the walls(1). Note that the standard alcove bathtub is typically 60” long. Subtract at least an inch from each side to accommodate the undermount or drop-in bath rim within the framework comfortably.
(1)Note: Bathtubs are commonly installed to the bare studs. If you're replacing an existing tub with finished walls, adjust for wallboard and enclosure thickness. Adding ½” - ¾” on both sides of your measurement (as wall tiles are usually thicker than shower panels) should align you closer to the required size. Common sizes include 60”, 66”, and 72”.
Step 2
Measure the distance from the front to the back wall(2) and add ½” - ¾” if measuring against finished walls. Standard bathtub widths typically range from 30" to 32". To ensure comfortable entry and exit, maintain a clearance area alongside the tub of at least 60" L by 30" W.
(2)Note: When measuring, ensure ample clear floor space alongside the installed tub, ideally 60" L by 30" W, for comfortable entry and exit.
Step 3
The standard bathtub height falls between 16" - 20". Assessing the bathtub's height relative to the floor helps determine a comfortable step-over height for entry. Consider who will be using the tub and whether it's suitable for long-term use.
Bathtub Interior
Soaking Depth: Measure from the drain top to the overflow bottom to determine the soaking depth. An average bathtub has a depth of 12”. For a more indulgent soak, opt for a depth of 14” or more.
Water Capacity: Refer to the product page's technical specifications for the bathtub's capacity in gallons. Standard capacity ranges from 40-50 gallons. Ensure your water heater can handle this volume.
Bathing Well: Consider interior basin measurements once you have exterior dimensions. Check technical specifications for bathing well dimensions, including length and width. Ensure it comfortably accommodates your body and whether you prefer a reclined backrest for extended soaks.
Bathtub Weight:
Consider the bathtub's weight when filled and occupied to determine if your floor can support the added load. Additional bracing may be necessary.
Additional Considerations
Contemplating Hydrotherapy Systems?
When considering a bathtub with a hydrotherapy system, it's crucial to note the specific electrical requirements and the necessity for access to the pump and/or heater via an access panel. Consulting with a professional before making a purchase is highly recommended to ensure proper installation and functionality.
Navigating Small Bathroom Constraints
Designing a small bathroom poses unique challenges, particularly when accommodating a standard-size bathtub. Traditionally, a bathtub occupies more than 13 square feet of floor space, a significant allocation for bathrooms measuring only 36-40 square feet. Thus, meticulous space planning is essential to allow ample room for other sizable fixtures like toilets and vanities while maintaining clear floor space. However, strategic planning enables effective optimization of every square foot in your bathroom.
Selecting Optimal Bathtub Height for Safety and Comfort
When deciding on bathtub height, it's advisable to aim for a range between 16 to 20 inches. It's worth noting that taller tubs offer greater water depth, ideal for indulgent soaking experiences. However, it's essential to consider the comfort and accessibility of all users. While taller tubs may accommodate deeper soaking, they could pose challenges for some individuals, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing long-term comfort and safety. For households with toddlers, children, or elderly residents, opting for a bathtub height of no more than 14 inches is recommended for ease of use and accessibility.
Can Your Bathroom Accommodate a Freestanding Tub?
Kicking Off Your Bathroom Makeover: Is a Freestanding Bathtub the Right Choice?
The decision ultimately boils down to this: many view freestanding tubs as a centerpiece and a declaration of style. They are often associated with a more luxurious aesthetic and provide the opportunity to craft a sanctuary for spa-like baths. Freestanding tubs no longer conform to a one-size-fits-all model; a variety of dimensions are now accessible in the marketplace. Should you be contending with spatial constraints, for instance, you can opt for a more compact version that extends up to 60 inches in width, seamlessly occupying the vacancy left by a previous podium or alcove tub. It's crucial to ensure that the internal dimensions of your freestanding tub are sufficiently spacious to accommodate your personal requirements – take into account your stature, body mass, and the specific purposes you envisage for the tub.
Exploring Installation or Replacement Options for a Corner Bathtub
If you're aiming to switch out or fit a corner bathtub, you've found the right paragraph. Corner bathtubs come with a wealth of advantages. They're not only aesthetically pleasing but also an excellent strategy for optimizing the space in your bathroom. Regardless of your bathroom's size, introducing an elegant bathtub into a seldom-used corner can enhance the overall square footage of the area while infusing it with style. Strategically positioned corner bathtubs allow for smoother traffic flow within the bathroom, providing additional space for individuals who are standing or seated at vanity tables.
2. Family Requirements and Lifestyle Preferences
Multi-Generational Residence
When considering a multi-generational household, it's crucial to prioritize universal access and longevity in the design. To create a bathroom that accommodates all family members and promotes safety from infancy to old age, focus on selecting accessible units and amenities. Seek out options with features such as a low threshold, slip-resistant flooring, and fold-up seats, which facilitate easy entry and exit. Enhance safety by installing grab bars and additional fold-up seating to ensure secure movement in and out of the bathing area.
3. Types of Bathtub Installations
Freestanding
Freestanding tubs come in modern or timeless designs. They're the epitome of luxury, perfect for making a bold statement, and offer versatility in placement within the bathroom area.
Alcove
Alcove bathtubs are crafted to fit snugly into a recess formed by three surrounding walls. They typically feature a tiling flange for seamless integration with wall materials and a sturdy front apron panel or without the skirt but with your preferred type of finishing material.
Corner
A corner bathtub is a type of bathing fixture designed to fit neatly into the corner where two walls meet. It has a shape that is somewhat like a rectangle or triangle with a curved front, and it provides plenty of space while being large enough to make small bathrooms feel more spacious.
Wall-mounted
A wall-mounted bathtub anchors to one side, providing a freestanding look while saving space. The three sides are adorned with a finished apron.
Walk-in
The walk-in bathtub is designed with a low threshold, a door, and a built-in seat, ensuring accessibility and promoting safe and effortless entry and exit from the tub.
Drop-in
A drop-in bathtub is a self-rimming tub crafted to be placed within a framed enclosure, known as a surround or platform. The underside of the tub remains concealed, leaving only the rim and bathing well exposed. This installation option allows for customization of the enclosure using materials like tile, offering a personalized touch to your bathroom. However, it's essential to consider additional budgeting for this customization.
Undermount
An undermount installation offers a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that complements contemporary decor seamlessly. Similar to a drop-in bathtub, the undermount tub is installed within a framed enclosure. Featuring a flat rim, this bathtub is designed to be concealed below the deck of your enclosure. Unlike other installations, the weight of the tub is not supported above the rim, often featuring a flat bottom to rest directly on the floor or equipped with support legs for stability.
Maximizing Your Bathroom Space: Tips and Tricks
Transform your bathroom into a space-efficient haven by combining the benefits of a shower and a tub with a tub shower!
4. Manufacturing Materials
When revamping your bathroom, a plethora of materials come into play, particularly when selecting fixtures like your bathtub. Ensuring quality is paramount in the bathroom, given its frequent use and exposure to high humidity levels.
Acrylic: Crafted by thermoforming acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass and resin, acrylic boasts durability surpassing fiberglass due to its non-porous nature and superior heat retention. Its resistance to chipping and heavy impacts makes it a reliable choice, while its lightweight properties allow for versatile styles and sizes.
AcrylX: AcrylX™ stands out with its applied acrylic finish, offering a brilliant white color backed by a lifetime warranty. Its glossy, UV-resistant surface outshines traditional gelcoats, maintaining a factory-new appearance over time. An exclusive offering from American Bath Group, AcrylX™ ensures lasting brilliance.
Fiberglass: An economical alternative to cast acrylic, fiberglass consists of fiberglass-reinforced resin (FRP) sprayed onto a mold with a gelcoat surface. While lightweight and easy to clean, fiberglass tubs are less durable. Nonetheless, their repairability by skilled professionals is a notable advantage.
Porcelain: Porcelain tubs feature a cast iron or formed steel base coated with a porcelain-enameled surface, crafted from a blend of powdered glass and substrate. This durable, non-porous surface exudes luxury and withstands warping, scratching, and decay over time.
Stone Resin: Composed of crushed stones bound with polymer resins and natural minerals, stone resin mirrors the look and feel of natural stone without the weight and cost. Its durability, heat resistance, and non-porous nature offer discerning homeowners an affordable yet quality option.
Cultured Marble: A blend of limestone, resin, and pigments cast in a mold with a clear coat finish, cultured marble is highly durable and stain-resistant. It adds a sophisticated touch to any space with endless color and style options.
Copper: Luxurious and malleable, copper boasts excellent heat retention and requires minimal maintenance due to consistent water use. Custom-made copper bathtubs epitomize luxury, offering a high-end bathing experience.
Wood: Rustic and aesthetically pleasing, wood provides excellent heat retention and a luxurious, eco-friendly ambiance. Sealed with water-resistant wax, wooden bathtubs require some maintenance but exude opulence. While costly, they offer a lavish touch to any bathroom space.
5. Navigating Your Budget
Download the PDF guide to assist you with planning your bathroom renovation.
6. Enhancing Accessibility
Personalize your bathing space with essential safety features for seamless and secure day-to-day routines. Our diverse range of accessibility options ensures that your bathroom remains accommodating for every member of the family, catering to the evolving needs from active parents to elderly individuals with mobility concerns.
Handles
Elevate the security of your bathtub or tub shower with premium grab bars, essential allies in ensuring safety. These bars provide crucial support for maintaining balance and facilitating mobility when sitting or standing. They offer versatile mounting options, including horizontal or vertical placement on the back wall, side walls, or near the unit's entrance. Additionally, they can be mounted on the rims on each side of the bathtub for added convenience.
Seating Options
Choose the seating solutions that best suit your daily needs, whether it's molded, fold-up, fold-down, or removable, ensuring both safety and convenience. Removable bath seats, in particular, offer versatility for various family members, accommodating growing children and providing comfort for adults with mobility issues who prefer bathing while seated.
Apron Height: Enhancing Accessibility
When selecting your bathtub, take into account the apron height, which differs from the water level. The apron height refers to the distance between the bathroom floor and the top of the rim. Opting for a lower apron height ensures easier access in and out of the tub, minimizing the risk of slips and falls by reducing the required step-over height.
Slip-Resistant Floor
Opt for a bathtub featuring slip-resistant flooring, characterized by a matte or textured finish at the unit's bottom. This enhances safety by replacing slippery surfaces with ones offering better traction, thus reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, consider investing in bath mats to further enhance safety within your tub.
7. Bathtub Systems: Tailoring Your Therapy Experience
When exploring bathtub systems, aligning your choice with your therapy objectives is crucial. Each therapy option offers varying intensities, from gentle relaxation to targeted tissue massage. Consider factors such as noise levels during operation—typically, an air bath generates less noise compared to a whirlpool bathtub.
Note: When installing a system bathtub, ensure provision for an access service panel to the pump or other equipment. Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's instructions. Regarding electrical requirements, most systems will need a dedicated 15 AMP circuit for each electronic component (pump, heater, blower, etc.), all of which must be protected with a GFCI. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Wiring installations should comply with local, state, and national electrical codes, be conducted by a qualified electrician, and adhere to local regulations!
Air Massage
Air massage systems inject air into the bathwater through pin-sized portals, creating a soothing blanket of bubbles that envelop your body from head to toe. Experience gentle yet exhilarating sensations for a truly invigorating bathing experience.
Water Massage
Water massage, also known as whirlpool therapy, offers an invigorating and deeply relaxing therapeutic experience. This massage system allows you to indulge in a full-body massage or target specific pain points for targeted relief.
Combined Massage
Experience the ultimate in relaxation with a combination massage system, seamlessly integrating whirlpool jets with the therapeutic benefits of an air bath. These versatile systems can operate independently or together, offering a luxurious home spa experience tailored to your preferences.
Soaking Therapy
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of warm water immersion in alleviating pain and inflammation, while also promoting relaxation by calming the nervous system and reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Chromatherapy
Colors possess a remarkable ability to influence our emotions, moods, and physical well-being. Set your bath water to green for a calming, nature-inspired effect, or opt for vibrant red to ignite your internal energy and passion.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy fosters healthy self-care and holistic well-being. Select scents that promote relaxation, emotional balance, and physical healing to enhance your bathing experience and overall wellness.
Discover Your Ideal Tub Door
Take a look at our variety of tub screens to discover the perfect match for your project.
8. Choose Your Faucets Thoughtfully
When selecting a bathtub faucet, consider the style and compatibility with your existing setup. Opt for a faucet that harmonizes with your bathroom fixtures and complements your home's overall theme and design. For minimal maintenance, opt for matte or brushed finishes that resist water stains and fingerprints. Look for polished finishes for durability, ensuring resistance to rust, tarnishing, and discoloration. Prioritize faucets with a lifetime guarantee on the finish for added peace of mind.
Deck Mounted Faucet:
This budget-friendly option offers easy installation and provides accessibility to plumbing afterward. Ideal for drop-in style bathtubs and some freestanding tub models where sufficient installation space is available on the upper rim or deck surround.
Floor Mounted Faucet:
While it occupies more floor space and comes at a higher cost, a freestanding faucet creates a visually appealing look. Consider integrating storage space for added functionality that complements your bathroom decor.
Wall-Mounted Faucet:
Perfect for space-limited bathrooms, this option requires the bathtub to be positioned close to the wall to ensure the water stream falls directly into the tub. Ideal if plumbing is already in place for alcove or corner bathtubs. If you are considering this configuration, please note that you might want to consider increasing insulation that has been accounted for and validated with your plumber.
Important Note: Ensure compatibility between faucets and bathtubs. Consult a Produits Neptune dealer for assistance in selecting a functional combination.
9. Familiarize Yourself with Your Bathtub Components
Exploring Bathtub Components
- Deck Space for Faucet: Some tubs feature holes on the rim for faucet installation, while others require wall or floor-mounted faucets. The placement depends on the bathtub type.
- Waste and Overflow: Located near the upper part of the bathtub, this feature prevents water overflow and typically includes a trip lever to control the drain, along with decorative trim.
- Drain: Positioned at the bottom of the tub, the drain facilitates water evacuation towards the drain pipe. If a trip lever is not present with the waste and overflow, a stopper or pop-up-style drain may be used.
Additional Installation Considerations
The 1-2-3 Connect
The 1-2-3 Connect offers an innovative and accessible drain solution for freestanding bathtubs, streamlining the entire installation process. Enjoy effortless connection and perfect alignment without the need for flooring demolition. The 1-2-3 Connect Drain and P-Trap assembly require a minimum space of 10 3/8 inches for installation.
AFR
The AFR feature for bathtubs creates a few inches of clearance between the product's underside and the flooring. This allows for easy routing of pipes without the need for ground excavation or drain relocation. Ideal for installation on a concrete slab in renovation or new construction projects.
