Pros and Cons of Japanese Soaking Tub with Shower (Explained!)
Modern Japanese soaking tubs are fast becoming trendy components in contemporary bathrooms but owe their origins to ancient Japan’s purification rituals. While you will enjoy the benefits of these tubs, including introducing you to a new, deeply relaxing bathing way, what does a Japanese soaking tub with shower offer?
Japanese soaking tubs with showers are compact, versatile, exceptionally comfortable, aid proper posture, add to your home’s value, and keep water warm for an extended period. However, they are expensive, aren’t designed for cleaning your body, and you must maintain an upright posture in the tub.
You need a deeper understanding of these tubs before buying, and I’m here to help by offering the information you need to make a decision. Besides the pros and cons, you will find out how deep these tub shower combos are and the ideal installation space.
Japanese Soaking Tub with Shower Pros & Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
| Saves space | Expensive |
| Convenient | Not made for cleaning your body |
| Promotes good posture | You can only sit upright in the tub |
| Versatile | |
| Comfortable | |
| Add home value | |
| Keeps the water warm longer | |
| Stylish | |
| Facilitates deep soaking |
Traditional Japanese bathing tubs are composed of cypress wood. Modern tubs comprise several materials, including porcelain, acrylic, and cast iron. This tub should cost between $1,200 and $3,200 on average.
What Are the Pros of the Japanese Soaking Tub Shower Combo?
Here are some pros of the Japanese soaking tub shower combo:
1. Saves Space in Your Bathroom
Japanese soaking tubs often fit into small places that a standard-sized bathtub would not, giving you more options when remodeling your bathroom.
2. Convenience
A Japanese soaking tub is a perfect addition to a bathroom if you prefer to bathe alone or with someone. It boasts amenities that allow you to personalize your experience.
Since it is smaller than a regular bathtub, you can place it in a corner, against a wall, freestanding, submerged, or semi-submerged. Moreover, you can install a shower above it, making it a convenient alternative to a typical bath- and paying homage to the pre-soak skin-cleansing routine of olden times.
3. Soak More Deeply in The Tub
Homeowners are becoming increasingly worried about water consumption, both economically and environmentally. Ensuring that water is not wasted is essential if you are environment conscious.
Usually, Japanese soaking tubs measure up to 70 cm deep, significantly deeper than conventional bathtubs. Compared to shallow Western-style spas, these tubs reach your shoulders, making it easier to bathe your body in one go.
4. Versatility
Many Japanese soaking tub-shower combos accommodate more than one person, so if you don’t want to bathe alone, you can relax with a loved one.
5. Health and Wellbeing
Proper posture provides health advantages, including reduced headaches, lower back discomfort, better sleep, digestion, and circulation. A total-immersion bath in a Japanese soaking tub/shower combo benefits your mind and body by reducing stress and enhancing cardiovascular function.
6. Modern Style
Japanese soaking bathtubs have undergone tremendous evolution from the blocky, wooden Ofuro that served as the ancestor of their species. They are currently available in different materials, including stone, copper, stainless steel, classic wood, and the more affordable materials used in conventional baths, such as acrylic and fiberglass.
By buying a Japanese soaking tub, you have the chance to transform your bathroom. You may discover bathtubs that match contemporary trends while also evoking the historical solemnity and beauty of the Japanese soaking tub.
7. Comfort
Unwinding is redefined entirely while taking a bath in a Japanese soaking tub/shower combo since you sit upright on the integrated bench seat as opposed to reclining down. Your back is upright, your feet are below your waist, and your spine naturally supports the head and shoulders.
8. Prolongs the Warmth of The Water
Due to the smaller surface area created by a deeper tub, the water cools more gradually, allowing you to unwind for longer without using hotter water.
9. Add Value to Your Home
A freestanding bathtub is a trendy primary bathroom feature that will increase the market value of your property because of its effect on your bathroom area. A Japanese soaking tub may be the main point of a luxury bathroom.
Cons of Installing Japanese Soaking Tub with Shower
Like other bathroom fixtures, the Japanese soaking tub shower combo has drawbacks. This section highlights some of them:
1. You May Have to Get Used to The Upright Posture
Usually, some people lie down in the water, the whole length of a standard tub, to soak, and while this posture can soothe, soaking tubs offer an entirely different bathing experience. Getting accustomed to a Japanese soaking tub could be difficult if you are used to lying in the bathtub.
2. Not Made for Cleaning Your Body
Although regular tubs perform multiple functions, many use soaking tubs for soaking and relaxing. However, experts advise against using soap and shampoo on a wooden Japanese soaking tub with a shower because soap discolors wood.
Most modern houses lack the space for a bathtub and a soaking tub. Therefore, if you intend to use the tub for bathing and resting, consider choosing an acrylic model that can take the soap.
3. Expensive
The cost of installing a Japanese soaking tub with a shower might entail a bathroom renovation to incorporate the tub and new plumbing and electricity outlets. Most installations need the use of a skilled contractor.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Japanese Soaking Tub?
A Japanese soaking tub does not require much space since it may fit in even the tiniest restroom areas. However, ensure that there is at least 4-inch spacing on all sides between the bathroom wall and the tub.
You must also measure any hallways, entrances, stairwells, and other passageways to verify that you can carry the tub to your bathroom seamlessly. The standalone bathtub is popular these days, so if you want a refreshed soaking experience, you might consider combining it with your shower.
How Deep Is a Japanese Soaking Tub?
Soaking tubs are typically 27 inches deep, but you can increase the depth if you are a tall person looking for more sitting room. Manufacturers designed soaking tubs for lengthy, relaxing soaks, so they must be deeper than regular bathtubs.
Measure a soaking bathtub from the bottom to the overflow drain to determine its water depth. You can choose a shallower tub or build a step system for a safer and simpler entry if an individual has any physical issues.
What Size Japanese Soaking Tub Should I Combine with The Shower?
The size of a Japanese soaking tub differs depending on the model but is often at least 27 inches deep to allow users to immerse themselves fully when seated. The size of your bathroom will determine the dimensions of a Japanese soaking tub for your tub shower combo; go for a smaller tub if you have a tiny bathroom.
A user’s height also determines tub size, with shorter individuals fitting into a small-sized tub, while taller individuals would want more space to relax. Therefore, before settling on a tub size for your shower, discuss it with the manufacturer.
Can You Shower in a Japanese Soaking Tub?
You can incorporate Japanese soaking tubs within a watertight, shower-like chamber with a drain. You can wash, rinse, and bathe in this area without splashing water elsewhere.
You can also use them as standalone units, comparable to an American-style bathtub.
Do You Leave Water in Japanese Soaking Tub?
Since the bathtub features temperature control, it saves water because you can keep it warm and reuse the water in the soaking tub for days. You can refresh your bathtubs once or twice a week in big families when children and parents take daily baths.
FAQs
1. How Do You Sit in A Japanese Soaking Tub?
Most Japanese soaking tubs feature seats inside that allow you to sink up to your shoulders without lying flat or sitting with your knees to the chest.
2. Are Japanese Soaking Tubs Comfortable?
Japanese soaking tubs are super-comfortable, with no strain on your neck and shoulders that you could experience while reclining in a regular bath.
3. Can You Use Soap in a Japanese Soaking Tub?
Although you can use soap, most customers prefer using the tub in the traditional manner- for a hot bath after showering. After each usage, give the bathtub a quick rinse.
4. How Do You Maintain a Japanese Soaking Tub?
Wash off the Hinoki baths daily, drain the water, and dry your bath afterward. A sticky material will attach to the inside of the bathtub if hot water lingers in the bath for an extended period.
5. What Is the Purpose of a Japanese Soaking Tub?
A Japanese bathing tub is a unit usually used for soaking rather than bathing. You will bathe or scoop water from the tub and wash with soap before using the tub to relax and unwind.
Final Thoughts on Japanese Soaking Tub with Shower
The Japanese soaking tub shower combo will be a stunning addition to your bathroom. They save space and money and come in contemporary designs.
However, the tubs are expensive, and installing them means you’ll have to get used to an upright posture. If you are unsure about these great additions, contact a professional or the manufacturer to help you.
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