Freestanding Bath experiences/advice?

[TranquilBlue]

We’re considering going for a freestanding, possibly slipper bath, in our new bathroom.

Apart from liking the way they look, I’m wondering if they might be more comfortable for necks/shoulders than a conventional bath. Both ds and I have a condition which causes neck and shoulder instability. Lovely warm, deep baths really help, especially when we have dislocations, but our current standard bath is just not deep or supportive enough.

If you have one, is it full length or one of the shorter 1500/1600 versions and does it feel cramped. Ie Does it feel a bit like you are squished up with your knees under your chin or is there plenty of leg room? Ds is 5’9” if that makes a difference?

Also, re taps. It’s ground floor (solid floors) so I’m thinking wall mounting the taps may be our best option. Is this difficult to do and/or likely to cost us a lot extra?

We have recently had our bathroom done and had a slipper bath put in.

I find it really comfortable to lie in.. not sure exactly the measurements but it's full size.

I’ve a shorter one and to be honest it’s a bit cramped leg wise, but the shoulder bit is comfy . We are not bath people though , so it’s a nice ornament, we only got it because we felt a bath was required in a family home, but it was all about the walk in shower for us. If you’re bath people you need a full length one.

I have a shorter one. It’s lively and deep - but the plus is in the middle and i keep on sitting on it and accidentally draining the bath!!

i am five foot. A taller person I think would find it cramped

I have a shorter one as it's all I can fit in. Width is lovely but it is maybe a little short. I don't think it would need to be much longer to be fine - maybe 1650. I'm 5'8

I also keep sitting on the middle plug....

Thanks all, that’s really helpful.

Sounds like full size is the way to go then, which is good to know, as we are still at the planning stage and it will affect where the new wall goes to accommodate it properly, rather than looking shoe-horned in.

@Stripedbag101 good point about the plug! I will bear that in mind when we’re choosing one. Thank you.

Can I ask if any of you had special fittings to stop the bath travelling? I read they can move with people repeatedly getting in and out, but there are ways of preventing it.

Where is the existing drain? Moving it can be a royal pain in the ass, especially in a concrete floor.

You also need to think about bath 'bits' no just hanging a wet flannel from a towel Rail or over taps or putting a wet shower gel tub on a shelf because it won't drip over the bath.......

It’s being done as part of an extension and refurb and the whole area is already being reconfigured to move the toilet and sink, so we’re expecting costs relating to drainage etc and should be able to site the drain appropriately.

Good point. I have been looking on pinterest for inspiration on how to handle that sort of thing, lots of different options to think about, so I’m sure we’ll come up with something.

We have a full size one in each bathroom. They are really comfy and deep. However if we refit again no way would we have free standing baths again. They are an absolute pain to clean under and the one in the main bathroom actually once tipped over full of water.

I used to have a cast iron full size slipper but by the time I had filled it it was cold - a full size high double ended slipper can take over 200 litres to fill up. I therefore went for a shorter resin one (cien) so it fills up quicker (less volume, only 100 litres) and keeps warmer for longer. I think because it is such quicker and cheaper to fill, I use it more often. I am 6'6 and I need to pull my knees up in an angle, but that'sjust about comfortable. I also have a bottom skirt so that I don't need to clean underneath and it hides waste so I can have wall mounted taps. It still slightly wobbles, though.

I would highly recommend going to bathroom showrooms and testing out bath models in person. We loved a particular style of bath but trying it in person it was SO uncomfortable. You want one where the end that your back leans against is straight but slanted, basically this shape \………/ you don’t want the ends to be curved or too upright.

We ended up with the Clearwater Sontuoso which I would highly recommend for comfort.

Wall hung taps in the centre of the bath are a good option. But also consider a bath filler to avoid the risk of bashing yourself on the tap.

However… I agree that I wouldn’t do a freestanding bath again, unless layout demanded it be in the middle of the room.

Hi Minipie, can you remember where you found the Clearwater Sontuoso bath on display please? I’m struggling to find it anywhere. Thanks