The 18 Advantages of Owning a Bathtub & Why You Should Consider One

Today, we’ll look at the many advantages of owning a bathtub and how it can benefit your health, your wallet, and the overall feel of your home. A quality tub creates a dedicated space to unwind, helping reduce stress, improve sleep, and ease muscle tension while adding comfort and style to your bathroom. It can also boost your home’s value, especially with options like freestanding tubs that double as a design feature, while alternative styles still offer similar benefits in smaller spaces.

Now, let’s break down the key advantages of owning a bathtub and why it’s such a worthwhile addition to your home.

1. There are many different types of bathtubs

Bathtubs are available in many types, giving you a large degree of flexibility depending on the needs of your household.

  • Freestanding bathtubs: Ideal for most users, typically made with high-quality materials and able to be placed almost anywhere in your bathroom
  • Drop-in bathtubs: A versatile option that can be designed to fit both small and large spaces
  • Clawfoot tubs: A traditional freestanding style that tends to be larger, making them ideal for bigger bathrooms
  • Japanese soaking tubs: Offer the benefits of a freestanding bath, with a compact circular design that fits well in smaller spaces
  • Jet tubs: Larger drop-in bathtubs with powered water jets, similar to a whirlpool or jacuzzi, for added comfort while bathing

With so many different types available, you can choose a bathtub that best fits your space, style, and overall bathing experience.

2. A wide range of bathtub sizes to fit any bathroom

As with types, bathtubs are available in a large variety of sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your bathroom layout. Even within each type, there are size variations to consider depending on how much space you’re working with.

  • Small bathrooms: Compact tubs around 48 to 60 inches work well here, including Japanese soaking tubs or smaller alcove designs that save space while still offering a comfortable soak
  • Medium bathrooms: Standard tubs in the 60 to 66 inch range are the most common, giving you a balance of comfort and space efficiency
  • Large bathrooms: Bigger options like freestanding or drop-in tubs can range from 67 to 72+ inches, making them ideal for open layouts with more room to work with

Freestanding bathtubs, for example, are often considered larger statement pieces designed for more spacious bathrooms, but they also come in small, medium, and large sizes to suit different layouts. Their shapes and dimensions can often be customized as well, allowing you to save space or create a more open feel depending on your design.

With so many size options and new designs constantly being introduced, it’s easier than ever to find a bathtub that fits just about any bathroom.

Modern stylish bathroom interior with mock up place on concrete wall and window with city view, daylight. Design and hotel style concept. 3D Rendering.

3. Bathtubs come in many different materials

Different materials can drastically change the quality, feel, and performance of your bathtub, with each option offering its own set of benefits.

  • Copper: Highly durable with excellent heat retention, making it great for long, warm soaks
  • Stone resin: Known for strong heat retention and easy maintenance, with a more modern, premium feel
  • Acrylic: Lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for everyday use
  • Cast iron: One of the best materials for heat retention, though much heavier and more difficult to install

Each material comes with its own pros and cons, but higher-quality materials tend to offer better durability, comfort, and long-term performance.

4. They come in many different colors

Bathtubs allow for a great deal of customization in terms of color, helping you create contrast and bring new life into your bathroom. Popular options include classic white for a clean, timeless look, matte black for a bold and modern statement, soft gray for a subtle and versatile feel, and beige or cream for a warmer, spa-like aesthetic.

A different colored bathtub can completely change the look and feel of your space, whether you’re highlighting existing features or building a new design from the ground up. If you’re unsure which to choose, white is the most versatile, while darker tones like matte black or charcoal work best in modern bathrooms with light walls and metallic fixtures to create contrast. Warmer tones like beige, cream, or sand pair especially well with natural materials like wood and stone, helping create a softer, more calming, spa-inspired environment.

However, please keep in mind that you will be limited somewhat by your bathtub’s material, but most material is available in a wide diversity of colors that can easily make your bathroom appear more modern, classic or something new to your tastes. 

5. Bathtubs give more placement options in your bathroom

When it comes to installation, some bathtubs are much easier to work with than others depending on their design and how they fit into your space.

Freestanding bathtubs are generally among the easiest to install, as they don’t require surrounding walls or built-in structures. In many cases, the most difficult part is simply moving and positioning the tub, after which you only need to connect the plumbing to get it up and running. Their open design also gives you more flexibility in where you place them within the bathroom.

In contrast, drop-in bathtubs require more planning and setup. You’ll need a built-in recess or platform to house the tub, along with proper sealing and bonding to surrounding surfaces to prevent leaks or long-term damage.

6. Bathtubs are way easier for bathing young children

Families with young children will benefit the most from having a bathtub as it is great for kids and the parents. Children cannot use showers or anything tall, so bathtubs are great for parents to assist their children while they bathe. Bathtubs tend to be quite large so they can easily accommodate an adult and a few children at a time.

Additionally, elderly individuals who require assistance bathing will also benefit from having a bathtub as it is much easier to bathe individuals than using a shower. 

7. They can act as a centerpiece for your bathroom

A bathtub provides a grand spectacle and focal point for your bathroom. If you want a piece of furniture to style your bathroom around, your bathtub is an ideal place to start. Classic clawfoot tubs pair well with bright aesthetics such as white, gold and copper.

Whereas many modern freestanding bathtubs pair well with darker colors such as black, grey, white and other colors that help contrast with the bathtub. Your bathtub is a useful piece of functional decor so make sure to pair it with the right colors to highlight and make it the centerpiece of your bathroom. 

8. Bathtubs can provide health and wellness benefits

Soaking in a bathtub offers a range of health and wellness benefits, especially when it becomes part of your regular routine. In fact, according to Sleep Foundation, taking a warm bath before bed can significantly improve sleep quality by supporting your body’s natural relaxation process.

The combination of warm water over time helps reduce stress while relaxing your muscles, which can ease tension built up from daily activity. Since high stress can contribute to issues like muscle tightness and even weight gain, a simple soaking routine can support a healthier lifestyle. You can also enhance the experience by adding scented oils or aromatherapy to create a more calming, spa-like environment.

9. Bathtubs can help control the amount of water used

The water bill at the end of the month can be quite large depending on your shower use. Bathtubs allow you to greatly control the amount of water you use which can help you save a great deal of money over time. Bathtubs may use more water than a shower, but you can easily control how much water you use whereas a shower will usually result in excess water more easily.  

10. A Bathtub can Increase the resale value of your home 

Your bathtub can have a significant impact on the resale value of your home. Generally, the more expensive and difficult to install a bathtub is, the more valuable it is to a potential buyer. And although freestanding bathtubs are easy to install, they are considerably more valuable to homeowners than drop-in bathtubs due to their attractive aesthetic.

Bathtubs are also important to potential families as young children and the elderly will need a bathtub, which further increases their value. In general, it is fairly common for most homeowners to get around 85-100% of their bathtub’s value back when selling their home, which makes it a valuable addition. 

11. Soaking can improve heart health

Bathing can also support heart health when done at safe, moderate temperatures. For example, a large study published in the British Medical Journal found that people who took daily warm baths had about a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who bathed less frequently.

Although very hot water can put strain on your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing condition, a warm bath can gently raise your heart rate and improve circulation. Over time, this can support overall cardiovascular health when paired with other healthy habits.

12. Taking a bath may help you to breathe easier

Taking a bath can also support easier breathing, especially when warm water and steam are involved. Research cited by the Cleveland Clinic notes that steam therapy can help improve airflow and reduce nasal congestion, with some studies showing up to a 30% improvement in nasal airflow in people with congestion.

Being immersed in water up to your chest can also gently increase pressure on your lungs, encouraging deeper, more controlled breathing. Combined with the effects of warm water increasing circulation, this can improve oxygen intake while helping clear your sinuses and chest.

13. Your brain and nervous system can benefit from bathing

Submerging in water can help reduce pain and inflammation while calming the nervous system, which may lower stress and improve overall mood. In fact, research referenced by the National Institutes of Health suggests that warm water immersion can significantly reduce cortisol levels and improve feelings of relaxation, with some studies showing mood improvements of up to 20 to 30% after bathing.

Hydrotherapy can be especially helpful for those with conditions like multiple sclerosis, as the temperature and gentle pressure of the water can relieve spinal discomfort and promote a greater sense of ease throughout the body.

14. Long soaks in a bath can benefit your muscles, joints and bones

Stretching and moving in water has been shown to be low impact on the joints, muscles and bones, but very effective in providing an adequate workout through resistance. There is also less chance of injury for people who are at risk of falls, which makes aquatic exercise ideal for the elderly.

Woman relaxing in bathtub

15. Take care of your blood and immunity with a bath

Not only does a warm bath make the blood flow easier, it also makes it more oxygenated by allowing you to breathe deeper and slower, particularly when taking in steam. Taking a hot bath or spa can kill bacteria and improve immunity. It can relieve the symptoms of cold and flu.

16. Balance your hormones by bathing

Conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and some fertility issues can be assisted by bathing in colder temperatures. Hormones released by the pituitary gland such as adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH and other hormones such as beta endorphinand cortisol can become more balanced. Alternatively, warm water bathing can increase levels of serotonin, which is the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness and well being.

Woman during spa procedure in bath indoor

17. Bathing cleanses and moisturizes your skin, hair and eyes

Exposure to fluid through bathing and steaming is a great way to ensure hydration of the body in all aspects. The human body is made mostly of water and that is why we are encouraged to drink plenty of it. But soaking in it is also extremely beneficial. We can enhance this by adding certain oils or salts to a bath or bathing in a natural body of water or pool, rich in naturally occurring minerals.

18. Your core body temperature will be optimal through bathing

There is no quicker and more pleasant way to regulate your body temperature than through bathing. On a cold day, taking a hot bath or spa is sure to warm you up. Going for a cold ocean swim in the height of summer is undeniably the best way to cool off.

Evidence has shown that bathing, whether in cold or hot water; at home in a vessel or out in a natural body of water can have many health benefits without adverse effects. However, it is advised that a health professional is consulted if pre-existing health conditions or diseases are present before embarking on any form of hydrotherapy.

Bathtubs bring a host of different advantages to any home. From comfort, aesthetic to monetary value, bathtubs are a key component to any home and make a welcome addition for any family. 

Badeloft is dedicated to helping homeowners make informed decisions about their bathrooms. We adhere to strict editorial guidelines to ensure our content is accurate, trustworthy, and useful.

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