a really big bath

[EightToSixer]

2 storey extension being built. will finally have an upstairs bathroom and after 13 years of having cold shower head water drip on my head while I'm in the bath I've decided to only have a bath upstairs (no shower). I'm not of small proportions and I LOVE baths, they're my relaxing time.

does anyone have a bigger than normal bath? would you recommend it? I've found a website with a few bigger baths and I'm not sure how big to go? I'm tempted by a ginormous one! also going to have a TV in bathroom so a long soak with netflix is in order!
any advice or experience of big baths? any negatives to consider?

Negatives to consider - the huge amount of water to fill it, so there's a cost implication, an environmental consideration and the fact that you will need a hell of a lot of hot water to fill it (so a powerful boiler to ensure there's enough hot water and good water pressure so that it's not cold by the time it has filled).

I did wonder about that. I'm on a flat rate water rate which helps and have a combination boiler, but yes something to think about.

Have one, and rarely use it because of the guilt factor with the amount of water it takes, which I wasn't expecting to feel, but do. But dc love it - they have it quite shallow.

You might not be on a flat water rate forever!

I would probably go for an average sized one, with hindsight.

How tall are you?

My is big but not as big as I originally was going for as it was too big when I tried it out. I was practically lying flat on the bottom of the bath to get my toes to touch the end (I'm 5'7" so not super petite). With water in, I'd be struggling to wallow comfortably in the bath without slipping under (I like to lie back but need to brace feet on the end, obv). The one I went for is deep and longer than average but not as oversized as my original choice. I did go freestanding though (mine is a bateau). I don't know if you have much choice of larger ones if you need/want a fitted bath.

As well as the water warnings given by PP, I would say be aware that deep baths can be difficult to get out of. Not an issue if you are fit / young / flexible but if the bath is likely to be used by older people/people with mobility issues (even minor) or young children on a regular basis, you might want to reconsider. My 60yo BIL who stayed with us recently found it very difficult to get out of my bath (deep with no handles and steep sides).

We have a copper bath (bought on eBay at vastly reduced price!!). It is enormous and I absolutely love it. Most def big enough for 2! It is very very deep, so if you sit upright in it, water comes up to just below my shoulders, totally covers boobs. OH is 6ft 5 and fits no problem- he loves it too.

In terms of how much I'd recommend, 2 things...1) I had a homebirth with my first, and am planning with my 2nd - it's so large I haven't bothered hiring a birthing pool. It's that fab. 2) we are rapidly outgrowing this house, already have new house (huuuuuge renovation project) and I won't compromise on bath size, it has to be this big (at least for the adult bathroom). I'm searching eBay regularly in preparation!

Negatives: 1) it is expensive to fill. We have a good combi boiler and it doesn't struggle at all, takes about 30 mins to fill. On the other hand, it stays hot for over 2 hours, I go first, then dd 18 months joins me for 15 mins, then oh has it. So if you do water sharing doesn't have to be crazy expensive. 2) it is HUGE. We live in a 1700s house and it had to go in through the roof when we had it off as it wouldn't fit up the narrow staircase ( bathroom is in the eaves so it just went straight in). You need quite a big bathroom so it doesn't look ridiculous 3) even if you get an eBay bargain it is expensive...

Yes, if you love baths, I couldn't recommend enough!

I'd echo HowardMoonsJazzTrumpet. In my old flat we had a large Bette bath with middle fill. It was a lovely looking bath but it was actually so awkward to use. I used to love wallowing in the bath and reading, glass of wine etc but I just couldn't actually SIT in it. It was too wide and long. I could only brace my feet at the end with my chin half under the water, and it was too wide to get purchase. If i just got in and didn't move I'd still have enough friction on my bottom to sort of stick in one place, which was ok, but I ended up having to sit sideways on so I could actually sit and read. So I'd think carefully... I also tried using my children's IKEA crocodile grippy mat underneath me which did help but sort of took away the grown-up atmosphere

oh that's another thing I haven't thought of...getting it in there. I'll add that to list to ask the builders.

I'm not tall but I'm wide. so I don't really mind if its normal length as long as it is deep and wide. (snurk). that would also stop me slipping under water if it wasn't too long.

I have a deep soaking bath. I don't like reclining in a bath, and this one I sit upright instead. It uses about the same water as a full ordinary bath, maybe a little more, and the water comes up to my shoulders.

I'm building a new house soon and I'll be getting another deep bath, either this (if I have a big enough bathroom) or this.

wow timtam. those are impressive.

I've never thought of a deep tub to sit in rather than lie in but I like that idea!