Showers vs Bathtubs: Should You Buy A Bathtub?

Showers vs Bathtubs: Should You Buy A Bathtub?
October 15, 2022 hometrust

Showers vs Bathtubs: Should You Buy A Bathtub?

Showers are the default – and more practical – choice, but bathtubs definitely give you an *upgraded*, more luxurious experience.

Should you go for a shower, or a bathtub? Read on to find out more!

Using A Bathtub: Pros & Cons

contemporary bathroom with mirror and bathtub
Blu Coral ($105,000) by Mr Shopper Studio

If you’re thinking of purchasing a bathtub, here are the advantages and disadvantages that tubs come with:

ProsCons
More relaxingTakes up more space
Easy to bathe babies or toddlersHigher water consumption
More difficult to climb in and out
More expensive to install

The one biggest advantage of having a tub is being able to have a good, long soak to unwind at the end of a busy day. If you have babies (or are planning to), it’s also easier to bathe them in a tub as compared to a shower.

On the flip side, there are several disadvantages associated with bathtubs. Obviously, these take up more space, which make them impractical for most folks. The smallest bathtubs are around 72 inches long, so unless you have a bathroom that’s bigger than average, it might be difficult for you to squeeze a tub into your bathroom.

Space aside, you also consume more water when you take a bath in a tub, as compared to taking a shower. Tubs are also more expensive to install, and they’re more difficult to climb in and out of, especially for older folks or folks with injuries.

modern bathroom with vinyl flooring and wood flooring
Clementi | Clementi Ridges ($70,000) by Design 4 Space Pte Ltd

Using A Shower: Pros & Cons

For those who are thinking of sticking with a shower, here are the advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind:

ProsCons
Takes up less spaceLess relaxing

Lower water consumptionNot particularly easy to bathe babies or toddlers
Easy access
Cheaper to install

Showers are seen as the practical or sensible option because they’re low-maintenance: they take up less space, consume less water, and are easy to climb in and out of. They’re also much cheaper to install as compared to a bathtub.

However, taking a shower is obviously nowhere as relaxing or enjoyable as having a long soak in your tub. (Although there are ways to make your shower more luxurious – think rain showers, jets, and other bells and whistles).

Your 3rd Option: A Shower-Tub Combo

If you can’t decide between a shower and a tub, there’s another option: a shower-tub combo. You see these pretty often in hotels, where there’s a bathtub with a shower fixture.

asian bathroom with bathtub and bathroom storage
Yung Loh ($105,000) by Mr Shopper Studio

This gives you the best of both worlds because you can choose to shower or take a bath, but it’s still not an ideal option for old folks or folks with injuries. To mitigate this, you can install support rails, bath steps, or bath seats – these will all make it easier for someone to get in and out of the bath.

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The Hometrust Team