Shower Renovation vs. Bath: 7 Key Factors to Help You Choose the Best Option for Your Bathroom

Introduction

Choosing between a bath and a shower during a shower renovation can be tricky. Each has pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your needs and circumstances. Let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.

Should You Have a Bath at Home?

During a shower renovationyou might wonder if you should switch to a bathtub instead. Bathtubs often seem overwhelming for small bathrooms, as they take up much space. However, consider the benefits you might overlook before opting for a shower cabin. Once a shower cabin is installed, many benefits might no longer be available!

Modern shower renovation with glass enclosure and rainfall showerhead

Arguments in Favor of Bathtubs

  1. Versatility: In a bathtub, you can quickly rinse off using a handheld shower, but you can’t stretch out your legs in a shower cabin. Deep trays with seats can somewhat substitute for a small seated bath but are limited in function due to size. Medium-sized bathtubs are suitable for large laundry loads, bathing children, washing pets, and reviving plants. At the same time, shower trays are only appropriate for quick rinses. Shower cabinsthough central to anyshower renovationare ideal for bathing young children, cats, and small dogs. Older children or large dogs need more space.
  2. Storage Options: Trying to neatly organize all towels, soap dishes, and bottles in a compact radial shower cabin leaves no room to move. However, next to a bathtub, there’s usually enough space to place a small cabinet, shelf, or organizer to keep all hygiene items within reach. Removable shelves and brackets can be hung above the tub or along its edges. At the same time, items not needed daily can be stored under it.
  3. Comfort: Only in a spacious, deep bathtub can you truly relax and wash away the fatigue of a long day immersed in fragrant bubbles. Adding rose petals, aromatic salts, candles, and relaxing music can make the evening perfect. You can bask for hours, enjoying a book or your thoughts. At the same time, women can finally pamper themselves without fear of being interrupted. Bathtubs can also host romantic photo sessions, meditations, and poetry writing. On the other hand, shower cabinsthough practical in ashower renovationare purely functional with no romantic appeal.
  4. Health Benefits: Lying or seated baths are convenient for therapeutic and preventive purposes. Deep soaking warms the muscles, relieving chronic pain and spasms, reducing nervous tension, and slowing the onset of colds.
  5. Ease of Cleaning: Bathtubs have fewer protruding elements that complicate cleaning than shower cabins. A bathtub’s smooth, convex walls are easy to clean if rinsed with warm water and dried after each use. This prevents soap and mineral deposits from accumulating and damaging the fixture’s surface.

Drawbacks of Bathtubs

  1. Size: Large bathtubs are not ideal for small bathrooms, often found in typical apartments. For uniquely shaped spaces, custom-made shower cabins might be the only option during a shower renovation.
  2. Time and Water Consumption: Showers are quicker and use less water. Baths, however, take longer to fill and use more water, which can impact your utility bills.
  3. Repair Difficulties: Fixing a bathtub is more complicated than restoring a shower. Shower cabinshave replaceable parts, but a cracked bathtub often needs complete replacement. Additionally, bathtub surfaces wear out over time and need refurbishing.
  4. Accessibility: High bathtub edges can be inconvenient for elderly or disabled individuals. Budget models made of slippery stainless steel can also pose injury risks.

Advantages of Shower Cabins in Shower Renovation

  1. Space-saving: Well-designed shower enclosuresuse space and water efficiently. They free up room in small bathrooms for other essentials like a washing machine or storage. This is a significant advantage to consider during a shower renovation.
  2. Variety of Options: Showers come in many shapes and sizes to fit various bathroom layouts. For awkward spaces, asymmetrical, corner, and radial models are ideal. Sometimes, a simple two-panel corner shower suffices.
  3. Cost Efficiency: Basic shower setupswith a manual showerhead and tray can be upgraded over time as finances allow. This flexibility is a key benefit in shower renovation 
  4. Water Savings: Showers use less water than baths, and modern cabins often have water-saving features.
  5. Quick and Efficient: Showers are ideal for a quick cleanse, saving time in busy schedules.
  6. Ergonomics and Safety: Advanced showers have ergonomic features like adjustable shelves, mirrors, towel racks, and multimedia options. For safety, choose trays with anti-slip surfaces and consider installing a seat for elderly users.
  7. No Splashing: Well-sealed enclosures prevent water from splashing out, keeping the bathroom floor dry.
  8. Home Spa Options: Some shower cabins offer spa-like features such as massage jets, tropical rain settings, and steam functions.

Drawbacks of Shower Cabins in Shower Renovation

  • You can’t relax in a lying-down position in most cabins.
  • Low water pressure in some high-rise buildings (less than 2-3 bar) means you won’t be able to use features like hydro-massage or steam rooms, which limits your options.
  • Cleaning a shower cabin is trickier because there are more technical parts and ledges to deal with.

Conclusion

To ensure the benefits of a shower cabin outweigh the drawbacks, it’s essential to get high-quality plumbing equipment from a reliable, trusted manufacturer. During your shower renovationor if you’re considering renovating the whole bathroom, we are at your disposal.

 

Rate this post

Your Comment: