Give Your Shower and Tub Their Own Spaces

By: Leslie Plummer Clagett (Page 4 of 4)

shower and tub divided by a curved glass wall

Photo by : David Livingston

A curving wall of glass block and a corner jetted-tub installation are the keys to the layout of this 12 X 9-ft. bath. The tub surround is cleverly extended into the shower, where it forms a triangular seat. A couple of space-saving tricks make the most of the area: The entry to the room is through a pocket door rather than through a standard hinged model; similarly, the doorless shower (sometimes called a "walk-behind" design) frees up valuable floor space in the middle of the room. (Showplace Kitchens & Baths, Delores Hyden CKD, Box 955, Dept. TH399, Redmond, WA 98073; 425/885-1595)

Image by : Trevor Johnston

The design of this bath is both spacious and accessible. A window sheds light not only on the shower and tub areas but also into the sauna (through the door to the left of the shower). (Cedar 9 Design, John Fortney, 1010 Cedar St., Dept. TH399, Berkeley, CA 94710; 510/526-8050)

Image by : Trevor Johnston

separate tub and shower bathroom arrangement

Photo by : David Livingston

One of the primary benefits of a separate tub and shower arrangement is that its lets two people wash up simultaneously, alleviating the bathroom bottleneck that often characterizes the morning rush hour. Installing a storage unit between the two fixtures is a practical move. The open shelving can hold fresh towels or collectibles, while the enclosed base cabinet—properly secured to prevent curious kids from accessing it—is better suited to holding cleaning supplies. (Neil Kelly Designers/Remodelers, 804 N. Alberta, Dept. TH399, Portland, OR 97217; www.neilkelly.com; 503/288-7461)

A glass shower enclosure lines up with the tub in this 8 1/2 X 8-ft. bath. Tub fittings are mounted on a half-wall, which is topped by a frosted-glass panel that provides privacy without sacrificing light. The pattern of the glass continues that of the wall and floor tile. The use of glass and mirrors in this compact space helps to make it seem larger and more open. (Acorn Kitchens & Baths, 4640 Telegraph Ave., Dept. TH399, Oakland, CA 94609; 510/547-6581)

Image by : Trevor Johnston

Browse Images

Browse Bathrooms Galleries:

View All

On Newsstands Now

In the Magazine

Reinvent your rooms with color

Luxury does have its price. In the case of quality whirlpool tubs, prices begin at $700 and increase depending on the size of the tub, what it's made of and any extras. But there's nothing like a whirl-pool for soaking away stress or soothing aching muscles. Most homeowners are willing to make that investment. A jetted tub was rated a desirable or essential bathroom fixture by 67 percent of respondents in a National Association of Home Builders survey.

The most popular tubs for residential use range from 5 to 7 ft. or more in length and can accommodate one or two people. The number of jets varies from 4 to 12. They should be strategically placed and adjustable for flow; some can be programmed into sequences with different pulse rates and force. The jets are powered by a single-speed 3/4-hp pump or a 3-hp variable-flow unit, or something in between. Other extras include lumbar supports, neck rests and grip bars. Controls should be within reach when you're reclining. Finally, make sure the tub you want "fits" you well—if that great-looking curving style has you sliding down, you're missing the point. Some whirlpools can be used by people with limited mobility; the Kohler Precedence, for instance, offers a side entry and secure door seal.

Whirlpools do pose some design and construction challenges beyond those of a standard tub. Among the issues of which you should be aware:

Mechanics. Site the tub where the access panel is, well, accessible. Whirlpools come in corner, drop-in and alcove configurations; pick the one that fits your space.
Weight. A jetted tub might require extra underfloor bracing. If the total load exceeds 30 lbs. per square foot when its in use, you'll probably need to strengthen the framing. Look on the spec sheet for weights.
Movement and noise. Many pros set whirlpools in plaster of Paris because it helps keep the tub level and steady against pump vibrations. It also muffles motor noise (a rubber motor mount will also help).
Hot-water supply. The recommended fill level of a two-person jetted tub is 50 to 70 gal., with some models going up to 90 gal. Unless you're partial to bathing in cold water, consider pumping up the capacity of your water heater or opt for a tub that features an inline heating element.