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Handshower for bathtub worth it?

15 years ago

I always thought having a handshower for our new 60x60 bainultra airtub would be nice. Cleaning the tub.. showering off before getting out, etc. Now that I realize how ridiculously expensive this endeavor could be I'm having second thoughts! Keep in mind this is all being done *before* the tub is being installed, so no ripping out anything is required.

$200 more for the Delta fixture that has a handshower ($330 vs $130)

$150 extra for a rough-in to convert the existing rough-in to a "four hole"

$300 is what the plumber is quoting us to convert the rough-in.

Soo $650 extra. Is it really worth it?? Will I regret not having one?

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Comments (15)

User
15 years ago
Absolutely!!! I know it's expensive, but you'll have regrets if you don't. If you consider all the costs involved to have a bathroom that you really enjoy, it's just a drop in the bucket! But get a few quotes for the plumbing and you may be able to bring it down a pinch.
To help us cut some of the costs, we went with a chrome fixtures in the shower and are using brushed nickle everywhere else.
tzmaryg
15 years ago
I'm with lukkiirish. The hand held in our bath gets lots of use. Think washing hair. But where will it go on your tub? Will it get in the way of your getting in and out?
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pepperidge_farm
15 years ago
We have the air tub separate from the shower. I do not intend on washing in the tub- we will use it just for soaking, then hop in the shower for the rest.

We elected not to do a hand shower. The only reason I considered it was for cleaning... too expensive for that!
zippy_one
15 years ago
You can save money by using a diverter that attaches right at the showerhead.
It's very inexpensive, and eliminates the need for separate rough in.
We installed this in our shower 6 years ago and it works great.
vivachick
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for all the input! We talked the plumber down to
twogirlsbigtrouble
15 years ago
The only reason we will have a handshower is because our faucet came with it. Its the Toto Clayton and from what I can tell it only has 2 holes. Its kind of like a telephone tub fller thing lol. I just think its cool looking and we got a great deal on it, under $400 :)
monicakm_gw
15 years ago
YES, YES, YES AND YES! I never knew what I was missing not having a handheld. Mostly I use mine to rinse off with and to let hot water run over my back. It's so relaxing :) Also use it to rinse out the tub. On the few occassions I've used bubbles in my Bain Ultra air tub, it's used to rinse the bubbles down the drain. Tip: please be very conservative with the amt of bubble bath you use (you can always add more). Unlike a water jetted tub, it's fine to use bubble bath but man oh man...a teeny tiny bit goes a long way! Not exaggerating when I say that my husband couldn't see me because of the wall of bubbles that stood about 5' high (and then flowed out into the bathroom floor). We've never laughed so hard in our lives (lol)
The grandbabies like to play in it too :)
Monica
pirula
15 years ago
Totally worth it for me. And yes it did cost a fortune. But I like to bathe and finish off in the tub, including rinsing and washing hair, so it's invaluable. We've got a clawfoot and went with the telephone style faucet set up with the exposed legs. Cha ching. But it's wonderful.

That is a cutey patootey!
arleneb
15 years ago
Absolutely!!! I had one in my last tub and LOVED it -- wouldn't think of giving it up. I used it to rinse off, wash my hair, rinse grandkids' hair, and when cleaning the tub.

One small warning: In my last tub, I had all the fixtures mounted on the tile deck -- oops! The handshower tended to drip a bit after I hung it up, and of course, dripped exactly on the place where deck met tub. I had to remember to put a towel there till it stopped. No big deal, but this time I'm having it mounted on the tub itself.

I see that Monicakm was way smarter than I was!!
crazyhouse6
15 years ago
I have yet to use mine myself, but all 4 of the kids have. I love it for washing their hair or for when they just need a "feet bath." It's also great for rinsing all the dirt out of the tub when they get out! Totally worth it for me.
monicakm_gw
15 years ago
hostagrams...my plumber was smarter, not me (g)
bodiCA
15 years ago
Mine is worth every dollar! I love it and it's the one thing I miss when traveling. It is perfectly helpful for so many needs, I got the extra long hose too, so I can wash/rinse just about anything in my tub. Great for delicate dry clean only silk, simply hand, rinse, hand wash where needed, rinse and air dry, never wringing. Having mine for years, I cannot imagine being without.
nkkp
15 years ago
Zippy one makes a great point. Use a faucet with a diverter and you can save big money. You won't need an additional valve and it will save on clutter on the top of the tub. I did a quick google search and found a sample of one: Tub Faucet with Diverter for Hand Held
zippy_one
15 years ago
The diverter I have used is:
Hansgrohe Inversa Diverter-
"Diverts between showerarm and showerhead"

Here is a link that might be useful: Hansgrohe diverter
vivachick
Original Author
15 years ago
I'm so glad I decided to go with it! You guys have all made me feel so much better about the decision.

monicakm- cute kid!! Thanks for the tip on the bubble bath. I go a little nuts with bubble bath in my current tub so I'll have to remember to show some restraint when I switch to the air tub!

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