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Original poster

Bathtub regrets?

38 replies

CohenTree · 12/01/2023 11:47

Hi all, my built-in tub is worn out and I'm thinking of replacing it with a freestanding one. Has anyone done this and regretted it? I have a very small bathroom (see pic) but don't see why it shouldn't work... after all, the bath itself won't actually be any larger.(?)

The bathtub also serves as a shower in case that is relevant.

My other thought was to put in a Japanese-style bath and a separate walk-in shower, but that might make it all too cramped. I love the idea of sitting in hot water up to my neck though!

Please post your thoughts/recommendations/photos. Any input will be appreciated.

Bathtub regrets?
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5
Geneticsbunny · 12/01/2023 12:32

I don't think a freestanding bath with a shower will work. You will end up with water all over the floor if you use the shower.

Geneticsbunny · 12/01/2023 12:32

I would go for Japanese style bath and seperate shower

smooththecat · 12/01/2023 12:35

How does a bathtub get worn out?

Whiskeypowers · 12/01/2023 12:45

I’d just replace your bath tub as it is, it looks ok to me though!

Persipan · 12/01/2023 12:54

If you need the shower to remain over the bath then I agree it would be tricky to keep shower water contained.

BucketofTeaMassiveCake · 12/01/2023 13:02

FWIW, I grew up with an old freestanding bath. It was cold, the water cooled down very quickly, took ages to fill and it caught dust bunnies underneath, so it wan't even labour saving. It's one of those styles which looks great in the glossy magazines but isn't quite so wonderful IRL.

ChristmasCakeAndStilton · 12/01/2023 13:10

I think a freestanding bath with a shower isn't great.
I think a freestanding bath with minimal space around it will look strange.

I would go for a similar arrangement as you have currently, but change the walls and the sharp angles of the suite to soften it.

greenacrylicpaint · 12/01/2023 13:13

what do you mean with worn out?

is it dented? chipped?

freestanding ones are a pain to clean behind.
unless you have walking space all around or tanked & tiled the whole bathroom to be able to use a hose.

BorgQueen · 12/01/2023 13:24

I’m considering a deep japanese soaker bath, you would be able to put a swing door style shower screen up as long as the standing / taps part of the bath is in a corner, as long as it’s not too tall. I could move my screen at least a foot up the wall.

Tessasanderson · 12/01/2023 13:28

I have heard they can be a bit of a nightmare with not being stable. It can cause floor issues (Weight) plus the plumbing needs to be quite flexible to take the slight movement.

Might just be poor fitment but i think it may be one of those things that looks nicer than the experience.

Doliveira · 12/01/2023 13:30

what yOu already have is the optimal arrangement, outside of Pinterest.
just re enamel the bath and get new taps and paint the bath panel a colour that you love!

EmmaC78 · 12/01/2023 13:33

I used to have a freestanding bath and loved it. I would never have a shower above it though, the water would go everywhere. I had a separate shower cubicle.

CleopatrasBeautifulNose · 12/01/2023 13:33

Free-standing bath in a small space used for showering sounds like a recipe for disaster!
Only do it if you have a cleaner and suspect they were mean in a former life and need to be punished in this life for their sins.

Free standing baths only look good in spacious settings imo and then only if there is a stunning lady neck deep in bubbles eating a flake sensually with a hottie in the corner playing the saxophone

ShandaLear · 12/01/2023 13:34

I’d take it all out and put in a really great shower.

SilliusSoddus · 12/01/2023 13:43

ShandaLear · 12/01/2023 13:34

I’d take it all out and put in a really great shower.

Me too.

I love an occasional bath but a really good shower is something to enjoy every day. Much better than stepping over the bathtup each time - imo.

Original poster
CohenTree · 12/01/2023 14:26

Thanks all! You've put me right off the idea of a freestanding bath. We did have one at home back in the day and had the shower over and I don't remember it being a problem(?) – it just had a round shower curtain rail that went all the way round it. Admittedly I was a kid so any messes were cleaned up by my Mum.

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Original poster
CohenTree · 12/01/2023 14:26

ShandaLear · 12/01/2023 13:34

I’d take it all out and put in a really great shower.

I love baths way too much to do that. I rarely use the shower myself.

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Original poster
CohenTree · 12/01/2023 14:28

BorgQueen · 12/01/2023 13:24

I’m considering a deep japanese soaker bath, you would be able to put a swing door style shower screen up as long as the standing / taps part of the bath is in a corner, as long as it’s not too tall. I could move my screen at least a foot up the wall.

Do you mean you will have a shower over the Japanese bath? How would that work with the seat being in the way?

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Original poster
CohenTree · 12/01/2023 14:29

It's rusted through and has a hole in it. Temporarily covered with waterproof tape.

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Original poster
CohenTree · 12/01/2023 14:29

Doliveira · 12/01/2023 13:30

what yOu already have is the optimal arrangement, outside of Pinterest.
just re enamel the bath and get new taps and paint the bath panel a colour that you love!

Unfortunately the panel is plastic!

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RidingMyBike · 12/01/2023 14:30

A friend had one with a shower over and it was a right pain. You had to sort of surround yourself with shower curtain to be able to have a shower, which I'd then catch with my arm, hard to reach the shampoo etc.

Original poster
CohenTree · 12/01/2023 14:53

RidingMyBike · 12/01/2023 14:30

A friend had one with a shower over and it was a right pain. You had to sort of surround yourself with shower curtain to be able to have a shower, which I'd then catch with my arm, hard to reach the shampoo etc.

Yes that's what ours was like. The shower curtain rail was a hoop that went all the way round the bath.

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RidingMyBike · 12/01/2023 15:20

Yes, it was like that! As an adult standing in the shower, it was almost impossible to avoid touching if not getting tangled in clammy shower curtain!

It also meant less room than with a shower screen as the curtain was inside the bath, rather than a screen set on the sides of it. Made it seem very small.

MyGrandmaLizzie · 12/01/2023 15:49

It might be difficult cleaning and mopping the floor around a free standing bath in such a small space. Maybe just replace the bath with similar.
Our bath has cracked so we need to replace it - they do 'wear out'.

StarInTheHeavens · 12/01/2023 16:46

I have two free-standing baths & I'd definitely say yes. There is no issue with stability as mentioned upthread, unless it's been fitted incorrectly. They both fix to the floor in different ways. Also modern freestanding baths are made of composite, so you don't get the cold feeling someone else mentioned either. What is needed when choosing this set-up is good planning. So you could have one of those chrome or teak wood bath racks to put your shower gel in for ease of access. And yes, you'd need a pull-around curtain but there are some very nice chrome oval shaped rails that would give you 360 degree coverage. When not in use, the shower curtain could be pulled to one side & looped out of the way. I think this could look quite attractive if you did it Anthropologie style. Have a look on Pintrest, there's loads of ideas.

Bathtub regrets?
Bathtub regrets?