You’re ready to transform your outdated, cramped bathroom into a luxurious oasis. But how can you maximize comfort and relaxation in a small space? The answer is to upgrade to a bathtub with an inside shower. This ingenious design allows you to enjoy a spacious soaking tub and a roomy shower in one sleek fixture. As you plan your remodel, discover how to choose the perfect model to suit your space and style.
Learn insider tips for installation and maintenance to keep your new tub looking pristine. With the right information, you can create a bathroom worthy of a luxury spa right in your own home. Keep reading to explore the possibilities with an inside shower bathtub.
Upgrade Your Bathroom With a Bathtub Inside Shower
Gain Additional Space and Storage
Installing a bathtub inside the shower, also known as a walk-in tub, is an excellent way to open up space in a cramped bathroom. Since the tub enclosure sits inside the shower stall, it requires less floor space than a traditional bathtub. The area around the tub can then be used for extra storage, such as shelves, cabinets, or a bench seat. For homeowners with mobility issues or disabilities, a walk-in tub also provides easy access without having to step over a ledge.
Enjoy A Spa-Like Experience
A bathtub inside the shower offers a spa-like bathing experience. Most models include hydrotherapy jets that provide a stimulating massage with warm water. The deep soaking tub allows for full immersion, enabling you to relax in soothing waters. Some higher-end walk-in tubs even offer aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and sound therapy options for the ultimate in luxury and tranquility.
Increase Home Value and Safety
Replacing an outdated tub with a modern walk-in tub can significantly increase your home’s resale value. Walk-in tubs are considered an accessibility and safety feature that appeals to people of all ages and abilities. The non-slip flooring, strategically placed grab bars and leak-proof door provide stability and security for users. The easy-access design also gives homeowners peace of mind, knowing that bathing can continue to be enjoyed well into their senior years.
Upgrading to a bathtub inside the shower is an investment that pays off through added space, comfort, safety, and home value. For an improved bathing experience and increased mobility in the bathroom, a walk-in tub is a smart solution.
What Is a Bathtub Inside Shower?
A bathtub inside the shower, also known as a tub surround or tub-shower combo, is a spacious bathtub with shower walls and a door or curtain surrounding it. This configuration allows you to use the space as either a bathtub or shower stall. The tub inside the shower offers the best of both worlds in a compact space.
Spacious and Versatile
A bathtub inside the shower provides more room than a standard bathtub or shower stall alone. The surrounding walls contain the water, giving you more elbow room to shower comfortably. When you want to take a bath, simply close the door or curtain and fill the tub. This versatility means you can switch between bathing and showering easily based on your needs and mood.
Low Maintenance and Accessible
The bathtub inside the shower has a non-slip floor for safety and is easy to clean since water is confined to the tub area. It is also an accessible option for those with mobility issues as there is no need to step over a bathtub wall. Grab bars can be installed on the surrounding walls for extra support and stability.
Stylish and Practical
Bathtub inside showers come in a range of styles to suit any bathroom decor. You can choose from modern Euro-style doors, framed or frameless glass doors, and curtains. Acrylic and fiberglass surrounds are low-maintenance, while tile surrounds allow you to customize the look with your choice of tile. Whatever you choose, a bathtub inside a shower is a stylish and practical upgrade that adds value to your home.
A bathtub inside a shower is ideal for homeowners wanting a spacious, versatile, and low-maintenance option for their bathroom remodel. Providing the best of a bathtub and shower in one compact space, it is a stylish upgrade that will make bathing and showering more enjoyable for years to come.
Benefits of Installing a Bathtub Inside Your Shower
Installing a bathtub inside your shower, known as a bathtub inside the shower or wet room, provides several advantages over a traditional bathtub.
Increased Space
A bathtub inside the shower helps maximize your bathroom space by combining a bathtub and shower in one fixture. This allows for a more open concept without needing separate areas for bathing and showering. The spaciousness of a bathtub inside the shower can make your bathroom feel more luxurious and high-end.
Easy Accessibility
A bathtub inside the shower also improves accessibility since there is no lip or edge to step over when entering the shower area. This makes it ideal for individuals with mobility issues or disabilities and safer for children and the elderly. The seamless entryway reduces the risks of slips or falls.
Flexibility
With a bathtub inside the shower, you have the flexibility to take either a bath or shower, depending on your needs and mood. You can enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub or a quick shower without needing to adjust any fixtures. The combination of bathing options in one space provides maximum convenience and versatility.
Modern Style
Bathtub inside showers lend a sleek, modern style to bathrooms. Their spacious, open design and minimal edges create a contemporary look popular in today’s homes. Installing one can quickly help upgrade your bathroom to a modern, high-end style without needing a full remodel.
Overall, a bathtub inside a shower offers homeowners numerous benefits through increased space, easy accessibility, flexibility in use, and a modern style. Upgrading your standard bathtub to a bathtub inside a shower can significantly improve your bathing experience and the functionality of your bathroom. With their many advantages, it is easy to see why bathtubs inside showers have become a popular choice for modern bathrooms.
Things to Consider When Remodeling for a Bathtub Inside Shower
Space Requirements
When installing a bathtub inside the shower, ensuring you have adequate space is crucial. These units require a larger footprint than a standard bathtub, typically 5 to 6 feet in length and width. Measure your current bathroom space carefully to ensure there is enough room for the tub itself, as well as any accessories like sliding glass doors. The plumbing connections will also need to be properly spaced for the new fixture. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, you may need to remove a wall or cabinetry to accommodate the new tub.
Plumbing Needs
Integrating a bathtub inside the shower will require updates to your plumbing system. Both hot and cold water lines will need to feed into the new tub, as well as a drain pipe to remove used water. The plumbing should be installed at the proper height and spacing for your specific tub model. It may be necessary to install new valves or a diverter to control water flow between the tub spout and the showerhead. A licensed plumber can ensure your plumbing is configured properly for the new fixture.
Ventilation
With an open shower in the tub, moisture buildup is a concern. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent issues like mold growth. An exhaust fan should be installed to remove humid air from the space actively. For the best results, choose a fan with at least 50 to 70 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of power that is rated for continuous use. Vent the fan to the outside, not just into the attic. You may also want to install a humidity-sensing fan that will automatically turn on and off to keep moisture at the proper level.
Accessories
Sliding glass doors, a shower curtain, or shower doors will be needed to contain water inside the tub during showers. Grab bars provide stability in getting in and out of the tub. A handheld showerhead makes rinsing off and cleaning the tub easier. Consider built-in seating for comfort. Choose accessories in a style that matches your tub and complements your bathroom decor.
With some forethought and the help of professionals, integrating a spacious bathtub inside the shower can be a seamless and luxurious upgrade to your bathroom. Keeping the key considerations in mind will help ensure your remodel is successful.
FAQs
Can I put a tub inside a shower?
Yes, you can put a tub inside a shower. This design, often referred to as a “wet room,” combines a bathtub and shower in the same waterproofed space, allowing for a more flexible and efficient use of the bathroom area. This setup can be particularly useful in smaller bathrooms or for achieving a modern, spa-like atmosphere.
What is a shower tub?
A shower tub, also known as a shower-tub combo, is a bathtub that includes a showerhead and is designed to be used for both bathing and showering. This combination allows for versatility in the bathroom, accommodating both preferences within the same footprint.
Is a shower tub combo a good idea?
A shower tub combo is a good idea for several reasons:
- Space-saving: It maximizes the use of space, particularly in smaller bathrooms.
- Versatility: Offers both bathing and showering options, catering to different preferences and needs.
- Value: Can be a desirable feature for potential homebuyers, adding value to your home. However, it might not be ideal for everyone, particularly if you prefer a more luxurious or spacious shower experience.
Is it better to have a bathtub or shower?
Whether it’s better to have a bathtub or a shower depends on individual preferences and needs:
- Bathtub: Ideal for relaxing soaks, bathing children, and those who enjoy leisurely baths. It can also add a touch of luxury to the bathroom.
- Shower: More practical for quick, efficient washing, easier accessibility for those with mobility issues, and typically uses less water than a bath. Ultimately, a combination of both, if space allows, offers the best of both worlds.
Can a soaking tub also be a shower?
Yes, a soaking tub can also be a shower if designed with this dual functionality in mind. By installing a showerhead above the soaking tub and ensuring proper waterproofing and drainage, you can create a space that serves both purposes. This setup allows you to enjoy deep, relaxing baths as well as convenient showers.
Conclusion
You now have a wealth of information to consider when deciding if adding a shower enclosure to your bathtub is the right choice for your home remodel. With the pros, cons, costs, and design options covered, you can make an informed decision. Think through your needs, budget, and goals to determine if this project will enhance your bathroom space. If it is the ideal upgrade, use the tips here to find the perfect custom shower enclosure and bathtub combo. With careful planning and expert installation, you’ll soon be enjoying a more spacious, luxurious bathing experience.
At Livermore San Jose ADU Builder & Room Addition, we can help you turn your vision into reality. Follow our blogs to learn more about our tips and guides, or visit our website to discover more about our services. Give your bathroom the revamp it deserves – start designing your dream shower today with our expert assistance and professional craftsmanship.