Comfortable alcove bathtub?

5 years ago

I am renovating a half bath to a full bath and am in search of a good tub. I was hoping some of you might have experience and/or knowledge of a good tub that is comfortable on the back and under $1k (preferably a lot less). I was interested in the Kohler Windward which I laid in at one of those showrooms once cause it felt nice. But it's a bit on the wider side at 42", which I can fit but would rather go a bit narrower. I also read about the Kohler Mariposa that came in the 66 length which would also be nice but it's up there in the budget.

I've never laid in an oval tub before and was wondering if the shape or the back slope of 35 is what made it more comfortable? And with the Mariposa having a slope of 38 would it make it just as comfty?

The area it will be installed has 3 walls so I'm told thats needing an alcove tub or a drop in that has those lil tabby things that the wall can be installed to or whatever it's called. 42" width is the max I can fit, and I could do a 6ft tub but then I'd lose a foot out of my walk in closet.

Thanks for any suggestions y'all can give me in my search! I am willing to splurge a bit on the tub (going to wait to replace the toilet if need be) since that is the one thing once the wall is built that wouldn't be able to easily or cheaply be changed out :)

Featured Answer

User

5 years ago

Comfort is subjective. Most alcove tubs are rarely used as tubs. They are mostly used as showers, and are maximized for that, with straight sides. You are just going to have to visit more showrooms yo try them out.

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Comments (8)

ellusionz
Original Author
5 years ago
Yea I had hopes to do that but I called all the local and not so local Kohler showrooms and no one has the Mariposa on their showroom LOL
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badgergal
5 years ago
I have a drop in Mariposa tub that is 66x36. I think it’s a great tub. Mine happens to be a whirlpool version but I’m quite sure the specs are the same. I find the tub very comfortable for laying back and soaking. The water depth is good and the arm rests are a nice feature. I would not hesitate to purchase it again if I needed one. I have a separate shower so I can’t speak to using the Mariposa as a tub/shower combo.
ellusionz thanked badgergal
Elizabeth B
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Check out a Ferguson showroom if you have one near by
ILoveRed
5 years ago
Great tub. Not deep. Comfortable. A little over your budget.

https://www.build.com/kohler-k-848-soaking-bathtub/s846961?uid=2170076
pricklypearcactus
5 years ago
Hydro Systems Lacey tub comes in narrower widths and I believe they offer tile flanges to allow installation in an alcove.

Hydro System Lacey

I thought it was pretty comfortable although the shape is quite simple and square rather than contoured to the body like some tubs.
aprilneverends
5 years ago
pricklypearcactus that's exactly the tub we ordered! and got delivered.

(but had to switch to another one as our framer made a mistake when framing))

I agree it was very comfortable, well to me-everybody's different, height and all, so it's best to try the tub first

I also remember it being not the most expensive tub ever but it for sure was more than 1 k..was twice as much I think.
pricklypearcactus
5 years ago
Sorry I didn't see your price limit. I think I paid around $1500, but that was years ago. Prices are probably dramatically higher now with nationwide building boom. (A plumbing distributor friend says the plumbing supply companies are maxing out production right now.)

Comfortable alcove bathtub?

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ellusionz
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Comfortable alcove bathtub?

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ellusionzOriginal Author

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