If you are worried about bathroom safety, consider installing a walk-in tub during your next bathroom remodeling project.

How do walk-in bathtubs work?

Walk-in tubs typically come equipped with a door that opens and closes on the front or side of the bathtub. The door allows the user to enter the tub without having to lift their legs over the threshold, as with traditional bathtubs.

Thanks to the sealing on these doors, water stays in the tub without flooding the floor. Walk-in bathtubs are have fast draining capabilities that are included with many of these tubs. This means that users don’t need to sit in the tub too long for it to drain all the water.

Walk-in tubs usually require professional installation. The tubs can include a variety of features, including adjustable bubble jets, handrails, adjustable shower heads and inside-the-tub seating.

Most walk-in bathtub vendors offer a variety of models. Look around for door designs, as the shape and size can affect access and the look of a room.

You can expect to pay roughly R25 000 for a lower-end model and up to R100 000 for one with extra features.

If you cannot hire a professional to install a walk-in bathtub, you might need to consider a portable model. These models hook up to an existing faucet, but do not require the installation and remodeling involved in installing a permanent walk-in tub.

What is good about walk-in tubs?

If a walk-in bathtub is on your wish list, a quick review of the advantages and disadvantages will be in order. The first and most obvious advantage is that a walk-in bathtub makes bathing easier for people with mobility issues.

In addition to the door, these bathtubs are design to prevent slipping. They feature handrails, seats and textured pads that help users keep their heads above water.

Walk-in tubs also remove the need for a sliding shower door, which is a danger to seniors.

Installing a walk-in bath is not only safer but it also raises the value of your home, especially if it is located in a retirement community.

What is the bad side of walk-in bathtubs?

There are some disadvantages to using walk-in tubs. First, you must enter the tub and shut the door before you can turn on the water.
It could be difficult to get the right temperature while you are getting impatient and even chilly.

Waiting for the tub to drain before you get out, is another factor to consider. Even though many of the walk-in bathtub manufacturers have addressed these problems with fast-filling faucets, fast-moving drains and temperature controls, these features add a lot to the total cost of the project.

Due to the size of the tubs,some people require new, powerful water heaters in order to use the tub properly.

If that applies to you, you need to add the expense of a new water heater to the total cost of your project.

The post Walk-in bathtub appeared first on Bathrooms.

Your bathroom water system controls how and when your water is heated and distributed. All of us want our water to be heated immediately, at just the right temperature. The reality is that many of us end up disappointed. Our showers produce a small trickle that becomes too hot, too cold or completely disappears when another tap is opened. This can be changed or improved; by looking at how your bathroom water system functions or which would be better for you.

Three well-known bathroom water systems:

Gravity Systems

These are extremely common in older homes. There is a hot and cold water feed, with a cold water tank installed. The tank is usually located in the roof, with a hot water cylinder found in another location. The contents of the hot water cylinder can be heated either by an external heat source like a boiler, or an internal heat source like an immersion heater. The pressure of the shower connected to this system, depends on the distance from the bottom of the cold water storage tank to the shower head. he greater the distance, the higher the pressure. It is recommended that there should be between 3 to 4m of distance to get adequate pressure. For those households that struggle with this bathroom water system, you can install booster pumps to increase the water pressure.

Mains Pressure System

The mains pressure bathroom water system is one of the mostly-used systems today. Instead of using a cold water storage tank with a hot water cylinder, this is one unit. The pressure in the wains water supply connected to your home, is used to pressurize the hot and cold water. A minimum pressure of 1.5bar is necessary but 3bar is ideal. The cold water can be heated directly on demand by a combination boiler or a thermal store. The cylinder has to be specially designed to store hot water under pressure. A pressurized system with a sealed cylinder will provide a powerful shower, without the need for a booster pump. The balanced hot and cold water pressure can eliminate the need for thermostatic mixer valves.

Combination Boiler Bathroom Water System

Pressurized cold water is heated on demand, and in theory should not run out. A powerful shower with a combination boiler will need a water flow rate of at least between 12 and 15 liters a minute. The larger the shower head, or number of nozzles, the more pressure you require. It is best to choose a thermostatic shower mixer valve, so that you can even out temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations occur when other taps are opened or when the toilet is flushed.

The post Bathroom Water System appeared first on Bathrooms.

Types of bathtubs

Bathtubs are different in characteristics. Freestanding and clawfoot types will usually have a favored position in the bathroom. Alcove, drop-in and corner tubs are nestled against the walls and integrated into the overall scheme.

3-wall alcove tub-shower combinations are the most common tub type and are designed to maximize space. The unfinished ends usually get sandwiched between an exterior wall and a handy built-in storage cabinet. A wall-mounted is a better choice than a hand-held shower.

Drop-in tubs are the tub shell only. They’re fitted inside a framed enclosure that’s finished to match bathroom cabinets or tile. An enclosure is a separate item, so budget accordingly.

Undermounts are drop-ins destined for floor-level installation. Flooring, such as tile, covers the lip of the tub.

Corner tubs are variations on the alcove and drop-in designs. Their large, squarish proportions are conducive to dual bathing.
Freestanding tubs feature a sculpted bathing bowl on a solid base or a cradle.

Clawfoot tubs are the grand version of a freestanding tub. The signature legs support tubs that are especially deep. ” Slipper” -type designs have a high back for supporting the user’s head and neck.

Bathtub features to consider

Most bathtub manufacturers offer an array of options, especially for the top-of-the-line products. The following accessories can be installed in a bathtub if the manufacturer allows it.

Jets and bubbles. This is usually found in a whirlpool tub and it comes with:

• In-line heaters that warm water as it circulates.
• Silent motor technology that reduces the sound of the jets.
• Multi-speed settings to adjust the vigor of the jets.
• Foot massage jets mounted on underwater footrests.
• Bubble-only jets providing warmed air throughout the tub.
• Micro-bubble jets that fill the tub with champagne-like effervescence.

Chromatherapy: Underwater LED lights that can change according to the colour you set.

Music: The bathtub can feature a resonant speaker panels attached to the tub that can sync to playlists you have on your computer

Digital Controls: A built-in touchpad that controls the temperature, jet direction and flow, color and music.

Materials and costs

Bathtubs are made from different materials and they are available in a wide range of styles. Prices can be anything, depending on the features you choose. For example, a standard acrylic alcove tub may go for R7000. If you add lights, heated bubbles and digital controls to a drop-in acrylic bathtub, you may even expect to pay R180 000.

Acrylic and Fiberglass: Generally, these are the least expensive options. They are easily available at home improvement centers. There is also a wide selection of colors. Prices are as low as R4 000, while it can reach as high as over R100 000.

Cast-iron: A cast-iron bathtub with an enamel finish can be available in many colors. Heavy cast-iron is a great tub to have, especially during winter because it keeps water warmer for longer periods of time. They are usually in the mid-price range but you will need a bit of muscle to transport it. Prices range from R4 000, to R12 000 and then up to R110 000.

Copper: This is probably the pinnacle of bathroom couture. Very elegant and attractive but it comes at great cost. Prices usually range from R40 000 to R50 00.

Enameled steel: These are moderately priced tubs with a well-deserved reputation for toughness, especially resistance to scratching and staining. Color choices are generally limited. As for the price range, you can pick one up from between R3500 to about R10 000. The top end models go as high as R80 000.

Stone and wood: Yes, it is possible to have one of these but they are very rare and you hardly find manufacturers that will make them. They are normally custom-made and it takes a bit of time to get it done. The tub can be carved from a block of travertine, limestone or other natural rocks. You can even get laminated walnut, pear, mahogany and other types of wood. They are only freestanding and the prices are extremyly high. If you find one of these expect to pay between R150 000 and R250 000.

Do not forget stock baths

It may be tempting to get all the features, shapes, sizes and colors but you need to remember something. Some of your favorite bathing experiences probably happened in your childhood, splashing around in an ordinary tub. These memories are absolutely prices and your kids will feel the same way.

The post Choose a bathtub appeared first on Bathrooms.