Install a Spa-Like Bathtub in Your Shower Enclosure
Do you wish you could soak in a warm, relaxing bath without sacrificing precious space for a separate tub? Installing a bathtub inside your existing shower enclosure creates the ultimate versatile sanctuary for both showering and bathing in even the smallest bathrooms.
Read on to discover how to transform your shower into a spa-like retreat with the addition of a custom-fit tub designed to maximize space while providing the numerous benefits of hydrotherapy right at home.
Why Add a Bathtub to Your Shower Enclosure?
Enjoy a Soothing Soak Without Sacrificing Shower Space
For homeowners with compact bathrooms, finding room for both a bathtub and shower can seem impossible without a full renovation. Many small bathrooms simply do not have the square footage to accommodate separate fixtures. However, you do not have to choose between just a standing shower or cramped corner tub with the clever solution of installing a bathtub within your existing shower enclosure!
This inventive layout provides the best of both worlds in one compact footprint--conveniently bathing and showering in a single integrated space. By utilizing the shower area for both purposes, you prevent the need for any major bathroom remodeling while still gaining access to a relaxing soak.
Create a Spa-Like Escape Right at Home
Today's built-in bathtubs are designed to beautifully integrate into modern shower enclosures, allowing you to personalize your home bathing experience. Enjoy a private spa feeling without costly renovations or leaving the comfort of your bathroom.
Choose from a range of sloped-back built-in tubs or make a statement with a freestanding tub placed inside the shower area. Built-in tubs offer a sleek, seamless style perfect for contemporary aesthetics, while vintage clawfoot or unique Japanese soaker tubs infuse traditional charm or ultimate relaxation.
Choosing the Right Tub for Your Shower
Measure Carefully for the Perfect Custom Fit
When planning to install a bathtub inside an existing shower enclosure, precise measurements of your available space should guide your tub selection. Consider the shower area's dimensions as well as the locations of plumbing, drainage, doors, and other fixtures. Custom-fit options ensure your choice integrates perfectly into the predefined shower enclosure without issues.
An expert can help you determine the best style and size of a tub to complement your space rather than overpower it. Ensure there is adequate room to fully open glass doors or shower curtains even with a tub installed inside.
Types of Tubs for Shower Enclosures
From contemporary built-in tubs to vintage rolltop options, today's styles are designed to seamlessly fit inside modern as well as retrofitted shower stalls. Choose the type that best suits your personal taste and space constraints.
- Built-In Bathtubs: Featuring sleek angles and a low-profile shape, these modern-style tubs sit directly on the floor or slightly raised platform. Available in a range of materials like enameled steel or acrylic.
- Freestanding Bathtubs: For a sculptural look, an oval, boat-shaped, or rectangular freestanding tub offers a unique focal point in a shower enclosure. Many feature clawfeet for vintage appeal.
- Japanese Soaking Tubs: Known as ofuro tubs, these models let you relax in warming hydrating heat with their integrated seat design perfect for small shower stalls.
- Clawfoot Tubs: The iconic vintage bathtub design brings a fabulous retro look to modern shower spaces. Choose a sloped back model to use comfortably as a shower-bath combo.
Material and Finish Options
From glossy acrylic to textured natural stone surfaces, today's tub materials and finishes let you customize your bathtub-shower enclosure combo to match your personal style. Consider easy-maintenance acrylic, classic enameled cast iron, or the luxe look of exotic gold, copper, or silver finished tubs setting a glamorous tone.
Tub Placement Within the Shower Area
Strategic Positioning Guidelines
Proper placement of your tub inside the shower is key both for functionality and water containment. clever design tips prevent splashing outside the shower enclosure while maximizing usable floor space.
Typically, installing your tub along the back wall directly across from the shower head is recommended. This allows users to face the shower while seated in the tub. For corner shower enclosures, tucking the tub snugly into one corner is ideal, preventing it from jutting out and taking up floor space.
Creative Layouts for Unique Bathrooms
For less conventional showers, such as walk-in designs lacking doors or curtains, centrally positioning your tub creates a nice symmetry while allowing easy access from all sides.
In irregularly shaped older bathrooms, customized angled configurations may best suit the existing layout when integrating modern fixtures. An expert designer can help develop creative tub placements to make the most of the available area.
Waterproofing Your Shower Enclosure
Choose Appropriate Wall Surfaces
To stand up to heavy steam, splashing, and constant moisture, your shower enclosure should utilize surfaces designed specifically for wet areas. Water-resistant tiles, stone, and glass panels make excellent waterproof enclosure options when installing a tub in the shower.
In addition to solid tiles or slabs, waterproof specialty paints and fabrics offer lightweight facades to protect walls from water damage.
Don't Forget the Floors!
Just as critical as the walls, shower enclosure floors must also withstand pooling water. Concrete backing with sloped mortar beds topped by tile or stone flooring angles water properly toward drains. Another option is solid vinyl sheeting featuring drain channels.
Be sure to have waterproofing membranes installed beneath any finishes.
Seal Connections, Doors, and Fixtures
Preventing leaks means paying close attention to all joints where water could seep through. Apply flexible sealant between shower pans, walls, and tub surfaces. Weather stripping or compression seals fill gaps around openings like doors.
Caulking bathroom fixtures and features like built-in shelving also protects vulnerable areas from moisture damage over time.
Enjoying Your New Tub Shower Combo
Bath and Shower Convenience Together
One of the greatest perks of incorporating a bathtub right into your existing shower enclosure is enjoying both vital bathroom functions in a single, compact space. Skip running a separate bath when a quick refresh or full-body soak is in order without sacrificing your shower.
Add Relaxing Features
Today's bathtub styles offer pampering upgrades like massaging jets, aromatherapy systems, chromatherapy mood lighting, and even waterproof Bluetooth speakers for the ultimate spa-at-home vibe. Look for models with built-in amenities or add your own accessories to enhance the experience.
Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning products and methods to keep your bathtub shower enclosure combo looking its best for years. Using harsh chemicals or abrasives could damage finishings over time.
Inspect all waterproof seals and caulking annually and reapply when necessary to prevent leaks and water damage behind walls or under flooring.
By incorporating the right tub into your current shower area, you can enjoy a tranquil spa bath and a refreshing shower without extensive bathroom remodeling or sacrificing space. With strategic planning and design, the clever tub-in-shower layout creates the perfect multipurpose sanctuary right at home.