60' Soaking tub...what kind??

16 years ago

I'm going to purchase a 60" soaking tub this week. What type do you have and do you love it?

Featured Answer

igloochic

16 years ago

I put in a single Americh Japenese soaking tub. It's like a mini hot tub...you sit upright on a seat, feet on the floor and your back is fully supported. You are covered with water to the shoulder blades. It's HEAVEN! And it comes in a double configuration as well, with two seats and a well for feet. I've never in my life been in a more comfortable tub.

They come with or without jets, with or without mood lighting and heck I think you can get arouma therapy if you want. We got the air and/or water jets so I can have an effervescent and real "bubble" bath, and DH can have the water jets beat the heck out of him while he relaxes.

Honestly they're FABULOUS!!! No shape compares in a standard soaking tub under 30" deep.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (15)

scottmel
16 years ago
I have the KOHLER mariposa in that length and LOVE IT. I am about 5'8 and am able to totally strech out in it if I want or keep my knees raised. Has arm rests and very comfortable. I have a bad back so a proper tub was crucial to me. Mine is a soaking tub set in a marble tub deck...
qdognj
16 years ago
Kohler Portrait 5 1/2' soaking tub...Very large, but have yet to use it as we are just about done with remodel
Related Discussions
pre-soaking bark: what if I didn't? can use vinegar water?
Q
Comments (16)
I never soak the bark for the gritty mix, but I make sure the bark is moist when I make the 5:1:1 mix. The 5:1:1 mix can become hydrophobic (water repellant) and hard to rewet when it dries down to less than 30% water content. (Soils feel dry to the touch as the ingredients start to fall below about 40% water content). To combat this, I moisten the bark and the perlite before I mix all the ingredients. The peat will lose its water repellency overnight as the moisture from the bark and perlite diffuses in the mix and 'breaks' the peat's tendency to repel water. Even if the gritty mix is completely dry and the bark very hydrophobic, you can still wet the soil because the Turface sucks up water quickly, and it also clings to the surface of the grit. The water in the Turface and on the grit then diffuses into the bark, breaking its water repellency. The next time you water, whether it be in an hour or after a couple of days, the bark will readily absorb water. Like Josh mentioned, the only advantage in pre-wetting the bark is if you intend to soak the planting in a tub in order to wet it. When you do this while the bark is dry, the dry bark will want to float like a cork and often floats to the top of the soil, but not nearly as much when the mix is partially moistened. Al
...See More
Soaking seeds in Saltpeter
Q
Comments (9)
I have only one time had any real trouble germinating seeds simply by putting them in damp potting soil. The only time I had a problem was with some Black Pearl seeds. I planted about a dozen and NONE sprouted. My other varieties sprouted fine but none of the BPs. I have to attribute that to bad seed but I got the seed from a trusted source who said they successfully sprouted several plants from the same seed batch. So, unless something happened to the seed in transit, I have no idea what the problem was there. But in 5 plus years of starting peppers from seed, putting them straight into a decent potting soil 1/8" to 1/4" deep and keeping it moist (not soaked), between 80 and 85 degrees and covered until they sprout, gets me 9/10 or better rate in seed germination across all varieties. And for the most part, if a pepper seed doesn't germinate with 9 or 10 days, I move on unless they are a variety that is known to be slow to germinate.
...See More
Are there any good soaking tubs that address mobility issues?
Q
Comments (14)
Here's one example, but there are others. Walk in bathtubs I think you can find options between standard-soaking tub and these, which I think are pretty extreme. Expensive to buy, expensive to fill, looks inconvenient. I'd say stay away from clawfoot and other freestanding tubs; they're "raised" up off the floor, so you have to step out of the tub and down ... it's discombobulating, even if you have no mobility issues. You can have a freestanding tub (not a clawfoot) set "down" into the floor, but you're talking about a specialty installation ... AKA, a lot of money. I'd lean towards a tub-in-a-deck ... but not too wide. This would give you a place to sit down, then swing your legs "in". Paired with grab bars, I think this is the most reasonable not-out-there-but-still-good-for-limited-mobility tubs. (We aren't mobility challenged yet, but wanted to design for accessibility. I don't bathe often, but LOVE a good hot soak when joints are stiff and sore!) Just throwing out an idea: If you don't bathe often, would you perhaps be happier with a hot tub? With steps and a handrail for your in-and-out, it might be easier for a person with limited mobility. I have no trouble getting in and out of my tub (which is all I use). I will be 74 in a month. I have every intention of living past 100, and I hope to use my tub well past 74 !
...See More
Deep soaking tubs' dimensions. Questions?
Q
Comments (9)
Oh, I am sure there are lots of things I have not thought about. I just learned that "painting" means the same as "staining" to my contractor. We asked him to put everything on his bid except for painting. My husband loves to paint! Unfortunately, I am retired now, so I had to do it since I have more time. I assumed painting meant paint. My contractor ordered the new trim molding for the doors and the floors, and put them on his bid, but he did not put any staining or sanding on the bid. I assumed the contractor would stain the wood, and he assumed I would. So I spent last week researching how to sand and stain wood trim, and which products to use. I started sanding and staining today, and I am dreading staining the doors. I never seem to know enough about what needs done, so I don't know what is missing on his bill. I have to get the bathroom bids right so I am learning about the process of installing a tub and moving the plumbing. I am tired of things not being included on bids. My contractor gave me an estimate for installing the tub, but it is just a total amount. I told him I need a detailed bill, and that he is going to have to specify which products he will use, and what his process will be to waterproof for tiling. I am just thankful for Houzz and all the helpful people like you and FormulaRoss20.
...See More
jejvtr
16 years ago
sonnya

rec when searching for "soaking tub"

1. Cast Iron - plastic tubs simply can not hold the heat like cast iron - to me if you really want to "soak" then you won't want to be spending time constantly trying to bring water temp up

2. Check the SPECS of tubs - the most critical spec for tubs are then internal basin specs - You'll be quite surprised on many of the big tubs how the internal basin offers little more than "smaller tubs" -

3. GET IN - go to showrooms and take a test drive on any tub you are considering - make sure you fit and feel comfy

good luck

Here is a link that might be useful: specs of kohler steeping tub
peggross1
16 years ago
Also, check out the Aquatic Hotsoak series. Vinyl tubs do not hold water temps as well as cast iron tubs used to.

This one has a heater and circulates the water w/out being a full jet tub.

(We installed on, but haven't moved into our house yet, so I can't comment on the soaking pleasures personally yet.

Here is a link that might be useful: Aquatic Hotsoak Tubs
wikachick
16 years ago
We went with MTI--it's the only company I found that offers an inline heater for a soaking tub or airbath. Everyone else required a whirlpool bath to get the inline heater.
brugloverZ9
16 years ago
I ordered a 60" x 32" x 20.5" Jason, Forma collection soaking tub. It is not installed yet, but I am hoping to love it! It is a very rectangular shape inside and out, which I really wanted.
I will let you know in a few weeks after it is installed and I am using it, how I like it.
I did alot of searching, so I hope I am happy with it.
Good luck on your search!
kay_from_ca
16 years ago
Yes, a cast iron tub will hold heat longer, but you should evaluate how long you actually stay in the tub when you soak. If you soak for a half hour or less, I doubt you'll notice the difference -- I don't. I also prefer my acrylic tub over the old cast iron one because, when I lean back before the tub is full, the back of the tub is never cold.
barreg
16 years ago
Another vote for the Kohler Mariposa here. We put that into our last house and are about to put into our current master bath. I agree with Kay from CA, in that I hate leaning back against a cold surface, which is what generally happens with cast iron tubs. And, I don't take tubs for more than a half hour, so the heat holding capacity of cast iron isn't that important to me. Plus, the acrylic Mariposa is much easier to maneuver into place.
joelbuckley
16 years ago
Sonnya, so which tub did you end up with?

I can sympathize with the difficulties of finding the right tub. The manufacturers don't provide decent pictures, and selections available in your local showrooms are probably limited. Something that big and expensive and more-or-less permanently integrated into your home shouldn't be purchased based on seeing one crummy low-resolution photo in a catalog or on a website. I live in a metropolitan area with almost 2 million people, and I can't find a 60x42" soaker that will also work well in a 3-wall alcove/shower.

Our original plan called for a 66x36" tub and we had selected the Jason Forma - love its simple lines and big capacity - but it's not available in the 60x42" size.
thull
16 years ago
We went w/ a Kohler 72x42 Proflex (K-1148). If I'd had an infinite budget, there'd be a Tea for Two in there now, but such is life. If you can find a good deal on one of the acrylic Kohlers in a 5-foot length, I'd go for it. Plenty of other, higher-use places to spend the $$.

With the drought in GA, we haven't used ours in forever, as we try to reduce our water usage.
astridh
16 years ago
Barreg, what length Mariposa do/did you have? I will probably put one in my new bath. Are you and Scottmel happy with the depth? Scottmel is happy with the 60" length, and she's about my height (5'7"). I tried a 66" long one at Home Expo in San Jose and it seemed quite comfortable, but the 60" length might be better due to space constraints. I wish could try a Mariposa in the 60" length. I do like to sit up somewhat to read rather than recline more and soak to my chin. I thought the Tea for Two was gorgeous but not as comfortable.
raehelen
16 years ago
I'd like to tag a question in here too.

Have to start seriously looking for a new tub- think I want an air tub, but have never tried one. But being comfortable while soaking is the FIRST priority. Haven't had a bath for months during this remodel, but DH rigged it up so I could have a soak in our old tub (standard 5 ft length enamelled steel?), and boy was it hard on the neck! I felt like something was digging into my back between my shoulder blades. Guess I'm used to the hot tub and climbing in there and having nothing digging in.

So, my question is, what shape of back is best for soaking? Should it be sloped? Guess I'll have to wear comfortable clothes and try and find a showroom that I can climb into tubs in. Glad I had the 'crink in the neck' experience though before shelling out $$$$ for a new tub!
wikabouter
8 years ago
Hi to ScottMel & astridh - I saw your comments on the Mariposa and tried one at our local showroom. It seems very comfy and fits me well. I like the 30 degree slope and armrests. The only question is whether a 14" depth is enough to cover you completely. I'm 5'5" and was thinking about the 66" tub. I want to be able to be completely covered up to the shoulders and wondered whether you could do that in 14"? Since you posted several years ago, I wonder if you have any more comments about the Mariposa that would be helpful in making my decision. Right now I'm thinking soaker only, but I've heard the bubbles are nice. Thanks!
tsth5236
8 years ago
Rather than cast iron, you can always have insulation put around your tub when it's installed....that's what I'm going to do.

60' Soaking tub...what kind??

igloochic

Comments (15)

scottmel

qdognj

Related Discussions

jejvtr

peggross1

wikachick

brugloverZ9

kay_from_ca

barreg

joelbuckley

thull

astridh

raehelen

wikabouter

tsth5236

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US