The ‘bath or walk-in shower’ debate is one debate that doesn’t seem to be coming to an end any time soon. People usually have varying opinions and preferences, and because of this, making a decision on which of the two options will have a lasting impact on you can be somewhat confusing. Hygiene experts also have their say, with some of them alluding to showers being better than baths, mainly if you are sweaty or extremely dirty. Nevertheless, despite the different debates surrounding the topic, we think that the decision about which of the two options you should settle for should be made based on several factors such as:

• Who will be using the bathroom: This is a significant factor in deciding between a bath or a walk-in shower. Suppose you, for example, have a large household with people who are busy and constantly on the move or people dealing with a disability. In that case, it is only sensible to have a walk-in shower so that people can get in and out as quickly as possible. However, if you live by yourself, a bath can be considered an option.
• The amount of space available: Space plays a significant role when considering which of the two options you should install in your house. A bath would work well with ample room, while a walk-in shower would be best suited for small spaces.
• Your budget: When remodelling or installing a bathroom, everyone usually has a budget in mind that they would want to stick to. According to several different platforms, the average cost of installing a walk-in shower is about six thousand dollars compared to three thousand dollars for a bath. Which of the two-bathroom options you should consider depends on if you must stay within your budget or have wiggle room to spend more than you had previously allocated.
• Energy consumption: The efficacy of energy in a bathroom is of great significance for many individuals today. Technology has allowed for the creation of efficient showerheads and can save an individual a lot of money on both the power and water bill. In comparison to the shower, baths consume more energy and use more water than the average shower.

To help you with the Bath or Walk-in shower decision we have conducted in-depth research of the pros and cons of each of the two options that we hope by the end of this article will have helped you make up your mind.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Baths

 

Advantages

• Baths are calming and have aid medical issues such as arthritic pain and muscle pains. This is because baths typically have properties that facilitate and enable them to retain heat, thus keeping the water warmer for longer. The warm water soothes the previously mentioned conditions and helps relieve the pain.
• Experts have linked hot baths with better/ improved sleep. As previously mentioned, baths usually retain their heat. It is this heat that warms the body up. As soon as one gets out of the tub, their body temperature drops and enables individuals to fall asleep quicker and get well-rested.
• Baths are available in numerous designs that can transform your home/space to the point of giving your property an excellent resell value.

 

Disadvantages

• Baths typically require large spaces to install in comparison to a walk-in shower.
• Bathtubs are less than ideal for large households, the elderly and people with disability. This is because of several reasons. For example, going in, taking a bath and coming out of the tub can be time-consuming.
• Baths require more cleaning work as the dirt from the body is retained on the surface of the tub even after draining the water.
• Baths consume a lot more water and power in comparison to walk-in showers.

   

Advantages and Disadvantages of Walk-In Showers

 

 

Advantages

• It is possible to install walk-in showers anywhere in multiple setups as they require much less space to install than baths would.
• Walk-in showers consume less energy and water, resulting in excellent financial savings.
• The accessibility of walk-in showers for disabled and elderly individuals is top-notch. It is also possible to customize them accordingly using handles that the disabled can use for additional support. Additionally, the fact that walk-in showers lack a level difference on the floors means far safer.
• Theoretically, the walk-in showers are much easier to clean, thanks to the flatter surfaces and the glass components of the showers. This is because, unlike baths with nooks and crannies that may be difficult to reach, walk-in showers are easier to maintain, and we can clean a shower in one go.

Disadvantages

• Doors to the shower need regular clean-up, and the curtains occasionally require to be replaced.
• Walk-in showers pose a slipping hazard if not constructed appropriately. The floor surface of the walk-in shower needs to be tilted at the right angle to ensure that the water drains properly to avoid any hazards.
• Depending on the walk-in shower that you have, it is impossible to contain the hot air and humidity. According to some people, it affects their bathing experience. They complain that they are cold despite using hot water.
• Walk-in showers are expensive in comparison to installing a bath.

 

And the Winner Is...

As much as we tried to end this debate, we could not pick a side as we believe that a bath or walk-in shower decision is one you should make on your own based on what makes you happy. But, as mentioned, each option has its pros and cons. It should be up to you to decide which one you feel would carry the day for you, of course, keeping in mind all the previously mentioned factors that could affect your decision.