The Pros and Cons of Bathtubs and Showers

May 12, 2021

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By 

Maica Jose

Showers Vs. Bathtubs? Which do you prefer?

From a child’s perspective, bathtubs were probably the best things in the bathroom. Aside from the chance to just lie or sit down in a pool of bubbles to relax, bathtubs were always an opulent display in any bathroom. In some magazines or even movies or shows, we get to see the richest characters pomp out in beautiful tubs that range from footclaw tubs to a freestanding one placed right beside a window for them to enjoy spectacular views while splendoring in bubbles. Then again, not all of us are able to enjoy such luxury, this could mostly be due to some problems with space and economic factors that most Filipinos struggle with especially in a country where spacious condos are still much too expensive for a person with a regular job. Once the years pass and time becomes less available, one starts to weigh the options between the straightforward shower and the sometimes beautifully designed bathtubs. Relaxation and luxury or the convenience and economical spending. So if you’re torn between installing a shower or a bathtub in your new or remodeled home, here are some pros and cons to consider before installing either of these bathroom elements.

Bathtubs for one go in the same sentence with the word “relaxing”. Deep tubs in particular are allows whole-body submersion and less chances of spillovers and overflows. When you have kids, bathtubs are also ideal when bathing the smaller children. Bathtubs also come in a variety of sizes and designs that can either highlight the style, material, or the tile surrounds. And if cash isn’t a problem, one can also opt to add in more features like air jets and even whirlpool effects. All in all, bathtubs are the best choice for people who put relaxation at the forefront of the time spent in their bathrooms. But when one is opting for convenience, bathtubs usually lose over showers. 

When it comes to points for aging-in-place (referring to someone’s choice of inhabiting the same house for as long as they can), bathtubs are not the ideal fixture for seniors or persons with disabilities. Bathtubs also take up more space and are economically not the best choice if you wanna save up on water bills. That and they take more time to fill up before you can finally take a good soak and presents the hassle of extended cleaning (especially if the tub is extra large). 

These problems do not apply to showers though. Obviously, showers are quicker and more convenient for people who prefer living on a strict time schedule. They also use up less water and helps lessen water consumption. Showers also make for ideal aging-in-place fixtures since they offer more mobility and the allowance for small fixtures like grab-bars, non-slip tiles, and benches to be added. Aside from removing issues of mobility, showers create the illusion of having more space and are versatile when it comes to customizing their size to the bathroom space. 

Unlike bathtubs though, showers are more susceptible to allowing water to splash all over the bathroom. This depends on the shower design chosen, however. With showers being more open, they aren’t the ideal fixture if your area is a place susceptible to cold breezes. Regardless of the design, showers also pose the big problem of high humidity and moisture that come in the form of water splashes of hot steam. A combination of humidity and moisture, in turn, creates an environment that creates mold. 

Of course, for those who aren’t afraid to use more cash and have the advantage of spacious bathrooms, considering the installation of both a shower and a bathtub wouldn’t be a problem. Installing both can also raise your home’s ROI once you decide to sell it and move to a new home. However, very few people have such a luxury to opt for both. Regardless of the situation, it’s always important to consider the overall state of your home and family before considering whether a bathtub or shower best suits your needs.

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