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There is evidence that baths have existed for a very long time. Remaining copper water pipes found in the Indus Valley date back to at least 3300 BC. The Romans did a lot for sanitation and made bathing a common practice, but after the Renaissance, it fell out of favor when people thought they could get sick from the water that gets into the body through the skin. Bathing then disappeared from Western culture until its resurgence in the late 19th century when bathtubs were reintroduced. The idea of a separate bathroom in each house did not reach the First World War.
There are so many styles of tubs today, just like bathrooms. Bathtubs can be made from a variety of materials, and this allows designers to push the boundaries of what a “bathtub” is.
Various types of baths
There are many different types of baths. Some are for comfort, some for convenience and some for aesthetics. The most common types:
- Bathroom with legs and pedestal
- Recessed or alcove bathtubs
- bathroom drop
- Free standing bathtubs
- corner baths
- Hot tubs or whirlpools
- Built-in and enclosed bathtubs
Bathroom with legs and pedestal
As the name suggests, they are tubs that sit on four clawed legs. This style of bath became popular as an element of high society in the late 19th century. Since the tub was made of porcelain-lined cast iron and was extremely heavy, they needed to reinforce the floor underneath to keep it from falling through. New materials make them cheaper and easier to produce, and the originals are now collectibles.
There are several variations of clawfoot tubs, including slipper slippers, which have a high, sloping end for more comfort, and double tub ends, which are sloped at both ends (one end is traditionally "flat" in regular tubs). Another variation on the clawfoot tub is the pelvis, which sits on a pedestal instead of claws. Evidence of this style dates back to the island of Crete in the 11th century.
Recessed or alcove bathtubs
Recessed or alcove tubs are the tub that most of us are most familiar with. Usually wall-mounted on two or three sides, this type of tub is the most common type and is found in the vast majority of Australian households. Its design has not changed much over the years, although the materials it is made from have changed from enameled steel or cast iron to acrylic or fiberglass.
Bathroom drop
A drop tub is one that is designed to either fall into a cavity in the floor or onto a raised platform. These types of tubs can be quite aesthetically pleasing, but depending on how they are designed, they can also be difficult to get out of. Another type of drop-off tub is the "overflow tub", which is similar to an infinity pool in that it is completely filled to the brim. This type of tub is designed to overflow into a gutter system, which then channels the water back into the tub to create a dramatic visual effect.
Free baths
Freestanding tubs, in the simplest sense, are those that don't connect to walls for support. This is where some of the most innovative ideas in bath design have emerged in recent years, resulting in the use of a variety of unconventional shapes, materials and styles. Claw baths and pedestal baths are technically "freestanding baths", but the category itself also includes many other varieties.
Corner baths
Corner bathtubs are triangular in shape and designed for an angle similar to a wedge. These types of bathtubs can be a good solution when space is limited and a normal shaped bathtub is not practical. Corner baths are often enhanced with air jets, turning them into whirlpools.
Hot tubs / whirlpools
Hot tubs and whirlpool tubs are a relatively recent development in bathtubs, with the first official introduction occurring in 1968. Although it is now the accepted generic term for hot tubs, "whirlpool" is actually the brand name and last name of the person who invented it (Candido Jacuzzi, pronounced Candido Yakuzzi). The hot tub has holes in the tub walls that allow air bubbles and jets of water to flow around, creating a pleasant feeling for the bather. Hot or cold water can be enjoyed and are claimed to be beneficial to health, such improved circulation of water and air.
Built-in and enclosed bathtubs
Built-in and enclosed baths feature high walls and a tub seat with a door that opens on one side to allow the swimsuit to walk straight without stepping over the tub wall. These baths are commonly used to help the disabled and the elderly bathe freely with minimal assistance. The bath itself has high walls and a seat inside. The design usually allows the bather to enter, sit upright without having to lower himself, close the door, and fill the tub to the desired height.
