Shower Vs. Bathtub – A Comprehensive Comparison

People have been debating about which is the better choice— a shower or a bathtub?

While some people prefer baths over showers, others think it’s for “gross people”. People with many roommates can’t afford to soak in a bath due to hygienic reasons, but for some, submerging in a nice bath is the best feeling ever.

Having to explain your preference between a shower and a bath is pretty much similar to explaining why you love dogs more than cats and vice versa. Your choice largely depends on your personal taste. Generally, though, there are pros and cons for both.

Shower:

Pros

Cons

Bathtub:

Pros

Cons

When you are contemplating on whether to get a shower or a bathtub in your home or personal space, you have to consider several factors. Below are some of the points you should consider when deciding what is best for you:

Installation

The installation’s difficulty depends on your choice as a homeowner. While there is a generous list of Top bathtubs available in the market, you have to know that installing a bathtub would be harder than installing a shower as this requires the replacement of the old fixture. This means you would need the skills of a plumber, carpenter, and tile craftsman.

Meantime, while showers are easier to install, it would still need plumbing and flooring under the fixture. This is why it is best to have your showers or bathtubs installed early in the construction process of your home.

Space

Obviously, bathtubs take up much more space. An average bathtub is 72-inches long and 30-inches wide while the standard bathroom size is just 5 ft. by 8 ft. This means space is a premium consideration if you are going for a bathtub.

Showers, on the other hand, range from 36 inches by 36 inches to 36 inches by 48 inches. Even high-end showers with the best shower enclosure will still maintain a smaller footprint as compared to a bathtub. Therefore, if you have space limitations, you can go for a shower instead.

Water Consumption

When it comes to water consumption, your preference plays a part. A bathtub accommodates 25 to 45 gallons of water on an average. However, a typical bath holds about 30 gallons, allowing your body’s removal of water.

A ten-minute shower, meanwhile, with a low-flow shower head will consume about 20 gallons of water. This means, your water and energy consumption with a shower is lesser as compared to an average bath.

However, dual shower heads and long, hot showers can double your water consumption, making your water and energy bills higher than the standard baths. This is why it is also important to keep your showers clean. Hence, have a shower cleaner to prevent you from wasting water further.

User

If you have small children, you may find having a bathtub necessary. This is because most parents prefer bathing their child in a bathtub instead of a shower. If this is the case, it is recommended to look for the best bathtubs for children.

On the other hand, elderly and those with limited mobility may find it difficult to step into a bathtub and get out of it. If mobility is an issue, it is best to have a non-slip surface, grab bars, and a seat within your shower area.

Health Benefits

When it comes to providing health benefits, it’s a tie. A hot bath helps relieve sore muscles. Mixing a variety of additives to your bath water such as green tea, gelatin, and Epsom salts can provide you a good detox, hydration, mood elevation, reduced inflammation, and relaxation.

Hot showers, on the other hand, can be beneficial for you, too. It can likewise soothe tired muscles, relieve stress, and open sinuses. Cold showers, meanwhile, may help relieve depression, reduce exhaustion, and hydrate your hair and skin.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision will depend on you. When choosing which one to purchase, consider the pros and cons of both, as well as what will be good for the majority of the household. Taking into consideration these factors may help lead you to the purchasing decision you’ve always been dreaming to have.