Bath Tubs: Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes to Avoid

The final in a Four Part Bath Tub Series

1. Location of faucets and faucet handles.

In the photos one, two, three, six, and ten below, the faucet locations makes entering and exiting the bath tub an ordeal. It is best to locate the faucet at the head or foot of the bath tub, on a corner, or on the opposite side from where you would enter or exit.                   

2. Accessibility to window treatment; shades, shutters, or curtains that are not motorized.

In photos three, four, eight, and ten, you will have to climb into the bath tub in order to open or close the window treatment.  

3.  Accessibility to a jetted/whirlpool tub motor.

If the bath tubs in photos three, five, and eight have a jetted/whirlpool tub, there does not appear to be access to the motor.  Usually access is obtained through the apron or skirt of the bath tub. Other options are to access through the water closet, clothing closet, linen closet if large enough, or through the ceiling from the room below.        

4. Privacy is compromised.

Locating a bath tub in front of a window with a wonderful view sends a message that you can relax in this bath tub and enjoy this glorious view. However, care needs to be taken so that your privacy is protected. Sometimes window treatments are installed on the lower half of the window yet the neighbor has a two-story home and the second floor window has a view into your bathroom. 

5. No hand held faucet.

Hand held sprayer makes so much sense for all bath tubs. They allow you to rinse off after a bubble bath, give you the option to wash you hair in the bath tub and rinse it with the hand held sprayer, they are extremely helpful when bathing children, and they make rinsing the bath tub after a bath and when cleaning it so much easier.

6. Towel bar or towel warmer is not within reach.

A towel bar, towel warming bar, or a towel warming drawer should be able to easily be reached while standing in the bath tub.

7. Small children and a sliding shower door are not the best option.

If you have small children, a swinging shower door or shower curtains are more functional than a sliding shower door. The reason is because the sliding shower door opening is only half the size of the tub. Also, the rails that the door slides within dig into your abdomen when you lean over the side of the tub.

8. Tub deck is too narrow.

If you plan to sit on your bath tub deck make sure it is wide enough to be comfortable.  Also, if you have decorative vases, plants, apothecary jars, etc. which you want to use to decorate around your bath tub, make sure the deck of the bath tub is wide enough for these to fit.

9. The placement of a free standing tub should fit symmetrically and in sync with the tile or stone pattern on the floor.

If you have twelve inch square tiles on the floor, make sure the free standing bath tub is an equal distance on each side of the tile. If you have a mosaic or other design, make sure the free standing bath tub is placed symmetrically so that it is in sync with the design.

10. The sides of your bath tub are too high for your taste.

Be sure to try getting in and out of several bath tubs to determine which height works best for you. Add grab bars to the bath tub wall if necessary.                                     

Photo One^

Photo Two^

In photo two above, the location of the faucet, faucet handles, and hand held sprayer handle make for a dangerous situation when entering and exiting the bath tub. Imagine if you had a leg injury trying to get into the bath tub and had to straddle those objects!

Photo Three^

If you have small children or grandchildren visiting and wanted to give them a bath, you would be dodging this faucet trying to reach the children.

Photo Four^

Photo four above shows a faucet and handles located at one of the corners of the bath tub allowing easier access to enter and exit the bath tub as well as bathing children.

Photo Five^

Unless you have young children and want to be able to rinse their hair directly under the faucet, the set up in photo five is a very attractive.  The beautiful brass faucet is centered with the handles on the corner and easy to reach when drawing the bath.

Photo Six^

Aesthetically, this set up in photo six is atrocious. Why wasn’t the plumbing hooked up on the opposite side of the tub?

Photo Seven^

Photo seven shows a functional set up for faucet and faucet handle location.

Photo Eight^

Reaching the shades to open and close will most likely require you to step into the bath tub. Does that work for you?  If a jetted/whirlpool tub, how do you reach the motor for repair?

        

Photo Nine^

The faucet and handles in photo nine above come out from the wall which is a functional yet aesthetically pleasing location.

Photo Ten^

The location of the floor mounted faucet makes entering and exiting the bath tub more of a challenge.