Shower-baths, steam shower/bath cubicle or standard bath?

Jamp

Hi All

I'm looking to redo my bathroom, preferably mostly DIY, and wonder what your experiences are of various types of bath. Sorry it's a long post! To summarise, I'm hoping to hear people's experience of P-shaped shower baths or steam shower & whirlpool bath cubicles.

I have a small (1675x1950mm) bathroom which currently has a standard acrylic bath with over-shower, sink and wc in a not-too-unpleasant grey-green colour. Part of me would like to keep this for MSE and environmental reasons plus I think every new bathroom in the land being white is a bit dull. If my suite was a nicer light grey colour I would definitely do this, but as it's not and the bath is very narrow, I'm tempted to change it.

I have the problem of not having enough space for a full length 1700mm bath, but there are some 1675mm ones available which will be fine, but it limits my choice. If I get a standard bath I'd like steel as I think acrylic ones feel cheap but I know the pros and cons of each.

Mostly I shower so I wonder if a P-shaped shower bath would be beneficial. They also potentially look better for sharing without someone getting the taps jabbed in their back! It would certainly add a feature to the bathroom, but these are much more expensive than a standard bath plus screen so is it worth it? Does anyone who has/has used one have comment? The only 1675mm one I know of is from Trojan but this has the benefit of being available with 'Trojancast' which supposedly emmulates the properties of a steel bath - anyone have experience of this?

My last option is an all-singing steam shower whirlpool bath cubical with built in mp3 functionality :rolleyes: These sound like they would be fantastic but I wonder if it'd actually just be a novelty for a while and actually a disappointment in the end - I have felt this previously with a normal whirlpool bath. I also can't decide whether they look terrific or ridiculous. Here's an example: http://www.browneshealth.co.uk/steam-shower-BH95.htm I would have to get 1600mm or less so that I could still access my window at one end, and 1700 is too long for my room anyway. I guess this would need pro fitting as well as someone part-p for the electrics. Perhaps it would be a good selling point when I come to sell or let the property (2 bed flat) though. Anyone have any experience of these sorts of things?

Cheers,

Jamp

brownbake

If you think acrylic baths look cheap then I think that whirlpool baths look even cheaper and the all in one things are the ultimate in tack!!
They have much more things to go wrong so I would avoid that personally.

Shower baths are more expensive if just bought alone but as part of a package with wc, sink, taps and screen are £500 from Band Q and Wickes.

How about getting a Carronitte bath? These are the supposed Rolls Royce of Baths. All the benefits of both plastic, heat retention etc but even MORE strength than steel or cast Iron!!!
You could get a bath of your size but a bit wider for more room to share and have the taps at the side of the bath so no taps on back?

wallbash

whirlpool baths , have had one for over 6 years , never gone wrong :j

But are the first month I have never used it. Even the teenage girls dont bother.
If I was updating the bathroom( not likely as it was full of the wow factor when we bought house) I would go for the P-shaped shower baths ( enough room for two :rolleyes:)
I installed a p-shaped for a friend, must admit was worried about the glass shower screen, it was large and heavy.Looked good.

brownbake

wallbash wrote: »

whirlpool baths , have had one for over 6 years , never gone wrong :j

But are the first month I have never used it. Even the teenage girls dont bother.
If I was updating the bathroom( not likely as it was full of the wow factor when we bought house) I would go for the P-shaped shower baths ( enough room for two :rolleyes:)
I installed a p-shaped for a friend, must admit was worried about the glass shower screen, it was large and heavy.Looked good.

I was more about those all in one steam, sauna, jacuzzi, mp3, tv, massage and thai girl fandangled gizmos!!

I am sure Whirlpool baths are good and reliable and good for a laugh but used rarely and quite noisy aren't they? Personally I don't like the look of all the holes - kinda takes away from the aesthetics IMO. Look at decent hotel bathrooms for inspiration.

Phirefly

Our dimensions are just under 1700 too, but our 1700 bath is being slightly recessed into the walls either end. I found that the choices of 1675 baths were just too restrictive. I've opted for an acryllic rectangular double ended model, the taps and waste will be central. Unless you're doing a top-spec top budget refurb in a house that warrants such an investment, I don't necessarily think its worth paying any more for a more durable material.

guypb

Jamp wrote: »

I also can't decide whether they look terrific or ridiculous. Here's an example: http://www.browneshealth.co.uk/steam-shower-BH95.htm

Wife just come home with a leaflet - it's like James Bond's shower after Q hit the vodka redbulls.

Having said that - the "all in" approach may well save on DIY - anyone know anyone who's got one - how hard are they to put in, and do they a) work b) leak c) double up as a dishwasher?

PasturesNew

I'd be scared I'd be electrocuted if I stepped into it ... or transmitted live across the internet ...

lisal0u

Hi,

We've just renovated our bathroom and gone for a p-shaped bath as our bathroom is small too! The bath we chose was this one: http://www.bathstore.com/_application/bathstore/products/baths/liberty-baths/.
They also do it in 1500 but not sure if it would be too small!

Haven't tried it yet as we are renovating the whole house but its looks like this part- fitted to give you an idea: http://stuartandlisashouse.blogspot.com/2009/01/bathroom-fitted-19th-december-2008.html

Lisa