Soaking Tub Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Tub for Your Bathroom Upgrade

When cold weather arrives, few bathroom features are more inviting than a deep soaking tub filled with warm water. Whether you're planning a complete primary bathroom renovation or replacing an outdated bathtub, the right soaking tub can transform an everyday bathroom into a relaxing retreat for fall evenings, cold winter mornings, and quiet weekends at home.

How to Choose the Best Soaking Tub for Your Bathroom Space

Today's soaking tubs come in a wide range of sizes, materials, and installation styles, from space-efficient alcove tubs and drop-in bathtubs, to sculptural freestanding tubs designed to become the centerpiece of the room, to stylish clawfoot tubs that bring pre-war styling to modern spaces, to high-tech whirlpools and tub systems, there's no shortage of options when it comes time to choose a tub.

Once you choose the style of tub, it's time to consider brands. Focal Point Hardware carries the full product lines from the top luxury tub manufacturers from the US, Europe, and around the world. In this post, we'll discuss the features and benefits of luxury bath manufacturers such as Victoria + Albert, BainUltra, Balux, Fleurco, Lacava, MTI Baths, and Neptune, and compare and contrast the specialized materials, ergonomic designs, and optional therapeutic features you can choose to create your own personalized bathing experience./p>

So how do you choose the best soaking tub for your bathroom? Start by answering a few basic questions.

1. How much space do you have in your bathroom?
2. How deeply do you want to soak?
3. What is your preferred bathtub material?
4. What design style do you prefer? (Modern, Traditional, or Transitional)
5. Do you want a traditional built-in design or a freestanding statement piece?

If you're not sure about your answers to one or more of these questions, don't worry! You're in the right place. In this post we'll help you learn more about soaking tubs and luxury bathroom renovations so you can choose the tub that works best for your needs, fits your budget, and help you design the bathroom of your dreams. 

What Is a Soaking Tub?

A oaking tub is a bathtub designed for deeper, more immersive bathing than a typical standard bathtub. Instead of prioritizing a tub-and-shower combination, soaking tubs focus on comfort, water depth, ergonomics, and relaxation.

The best soaking tub isn't necessarily the largest bathtub. Interior dimensions, usable water depth, backrest angle, and the position of the overflow all influence how comfortably you can actually soak.

A shorter but deeper bathtub, for example, may allow more complete immersion than a longer tub with a shallow bathing well. This is particularly important when you're looking for a bathtub that feels warm and relaxing during the colder months.

Luxury soaking tubs may also include optional features such as:

• Heated bathtub surfaces
• Air massage
• Hydrotherapy
• Microbubble systems
• Chromatherapy lighting
• Aromatherapy
• Ergonomic headrests and backrests

High Tech Features for Advanced Relaxation

Manufacturers such as MTI Baths and BainUltra specialize in tubs that can take the traditional soaking bath several steps further with spa and wellness-oriented features.

MTI Bath's customizable Hydrotherapy packages can be add a bevy of spa-inspired features to their luxury soaking tubs like the Andrea 12 Undermount Tub and many more, to include Stream Bath, Microbubbles, Air Massage, Air Massage Elite, Aromatherapy, Chromatherapy LED lighting, Stream Bath with Air Massage, Standard Whirlpool with 6 point-massage jets, or Ultra Whirlpool with 8 point-massage jets.

For tech enthusiasts, the Bain Ultra Miaplus Control or Butouch App allows you to control Bain Ultra's Geysair® warm air jets, Chromatherapy color settings, backrest temperature, and adjust the session duration, with saved settings for up to four users.

Freestanding vs. Alcove Soaking Tubs: What's the Difference?

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you want an alcove bathtub or a freestanding soaking tub. Both can provide an excellent soaking experience, but they serve different bathroom layouts and design goals.

Alcove Bathtubs: Efficient and Practical

An alcove bathtub is installed between three walls. It's one of the most familiar bathtub configurations, particularly in bathrooms where the tub needs to share space with a shower.

Modern luxury alcove tubs can provide significantly more comfort and soaking depth than the shallow builder-grade tubs many homeowners associate with this format.

An alcove bathtub may be the better choice when:

• You want to maximize available floor space.
• You're replacing an existing built-in bathtub.
• The bathtub will also be used as a shower.
• You prefer a streamlined built-in appearance.
• Existing plumbing is already located along the surrounding walls.

Because alcove tubs make efficient use of the perimeter of a bathroom, they can provide generous bathing space without requiring the open floor area needed around a freestanding tub.

One particular standout example of a luxury alcove bathtub is the Bain Ultra Pro-Meridian 60 Thermomasseur Alcove Tub.

A true luxury bath experience, the Pro-Meridian features clean, simple lines that fits perfectly in a variety of spaces thanks to its wide range of size options, while Bain Ultra's Thermomasseur hydrotherapy system delivers soothing jets and precise temperature control for personalized comfort.

Freestanding Soaking Tubs: A Bathroom Centerpiece

A freestanding bathtub sits independently rather than being enclosed within three walls. These tubs are especially popular in luxury primary bathrooms because they can serve as an architectural focal point.

Freestanding tubs are available in an enormous variety of styles, including contemporary ovals, double-ended baths, slipper tubs, minimalist solid-surface designs, and handcrafted concrete bathtubs.

Victoria + Albert's Barcelona Freestanding tub is an excellent example of the freestanding tub as an architectural focal point. Its symmetrical double-ended silhouette creates a clean contemporary appearance while providing generous space for soaking.

For bathrooms that need a slightly smaller freestanding tub, the Victoria + Albert Amiata 60" Soaking Tub combines a compact footprint with the sculptural appearance expected from a luxury freestanding bath.

How Deep Should a Soaking Tub Be?

A good soaking tub should be deep enough to comfortably immerse more of your body while seated. However, overall bathtub height and actual soaking depth are not the same measurement.

When comparing tubs, pay attention to the usable depth from the bottom of the bathing well to the overflow. The interior shape of the tub can be just as important.

Consider:

• Your height
• Interior tub length
• Usable soaking depth
• Backrest angle
• Water capacity
• Ease of entering and exiting
• Drain and overflow position
• Whether one or two people will use the tub

For taller bathers, interior length and legroom may be a priority. Someone who prefers a more upright Japanese-style soaking position may instead prefer a shorter but significantly deeper tub.

Couples should also look for tubs specifically designed for two bathers. The MTI Victoria 4 Freestanding Bathtub, for example, combines a traditional-inspired shape with a spacious two-person bathing area.

What Is the Best Bathtub Material for Retaining Heat?

For a long winter soak, heat retention can become an especially important consideration. And believe it or not, bathtub material affects more than just the appearance. Your tub's material construction can influence weight, durability, maintenance, how the surface feels against the body, and most importantly, how quickly the bathwater retains its heat.

Acrylic Soaking Tubs

Acrylic is one of the most versatile materials used for modern soaking tubs. It is relatively lightweight, available in a huge range of shapes, comfortable to the touch, and easier to install than many heavier bathtub materials.

Premium acrylic tubs can also incorporate insulated construction and therapeutic systems.

The MTI Westbrook Freestanding Bathtub offers a clean contemporary shape that works well in modern primary bathrooms while showcasing the versatility of premium acrylic construction. Explore more MTI Baths for freestanding, built-in, soaking, and therapeutic bathtub options.

Solid-Surface Soaking Tubs

Solid-surface tubs have a substantial feel and can be molded into exceptionally smooth, minimalist shapes. Their clean lines make them particularly well suited to modern, transitional, and spa-inspired bathrooms.

For bathrooms where space is at a premium, the Lacava Navi 59" Solid-Surface Soaking Bathtub provides a relatively compact solid-surface design without sacrificing the upscale appearance of a freestanding bath. Browse more bath fixtures from Lacava.

Volcanic-Limestone Composite Tubs

Victoria + Albert is known for freestanding tubs made from a volcanic-limestone composite material that allows the brand to create smooth, seamless sculptural forms.

Models such as the Victoria + Albert Amiata 65 x 32 Tub demonstrate why volcanic limestone material has become so popular in design-forward luxury bathrooms: the tubs have the substantial visual presence of stone while allowing for elegant curves, thin profiles, and distinctive freestanding silhouettes.

Concrete Soaking Tubs

Concrete is one of the most popular tub materials in recent years, and for good reason. Concrete tubs have a striking modern visual presence, but there's also an organic, natural aesthetic that stands out in spaces with clean lines, organic materials, and bespoke architectural details. 

Concrete soaking tubs pair especially well with organic-modern interiors featuring stone, warm woods, natural textures, matte metal finishes, and neutral color palettes. 

For a more architectural approach, Balux concrete bathtubs make the material itself part of the bathroom design. The Balux Tao Concrete Freestanding Bathtub offers a particularly interesting take on deep soaking. Its tall, compact shape draws inspiration from Japanese bathing, creating a more upright and immersive experience than a conventional elongated tub.

Q: Can You Put a Soaking Tub in a Small Bathroom?

A: Yes. A soaking tub can work in a small bathroom if you prioritize depth and usable interior space instead of simply looking for the longest bathtub available.

Consider a Drop-In Soaking Tub

The right installation style can also make a major difference. If you're remodeling a smaller bathroom space in a New York City apartment, brownstone, or secondary property like a cabin or beach house, you can make the most of tight bathroom spaces with a drop-in soaking tub.

A drop-in bathtub is installed inside a surrounding deck or platform rather than relying on the outside of the bathtub itself as the finished design surface. Drop-in tubs can be particularly useful in smaller or unusually shaped bathrooms because the surrounding deck can be designed around existing walls, cabinetry, tile, and plumbing.

One of our favorite examples of a space-saving drop-in soaking tub is the Bain Ultra Meridian 50 Thermomasseur Drop-in Soaking Tub. This 60 x 36 x 20 tub is sized for a tight alcove or drop-in installation, delivering a focused, soothing soak with Thermomasseur hydro-jets that give you all the benefits of a large freestanding tub in a more compact footprint.

Drop-in bathtubs also a great option when you want:

• A built-in soaking experience
• Space around the tub for bath accessories
• A custom tiled or stone surround
• More flexibility with unusual bathroom dimensions
• A cleaner transition between the bathtub and surrounding architecture

Look for Compact Freestanding Tubs

A small bathroom doesn't automatically rule out a freestanding tub. Instead of focusing on the common 66- to 72-inch sizes, look for freestanding soaking tubs in the 55- to 60-inch range.

The Neptune Alaro 55" Freestanding Bathtub is a good example of a compact tub that delivers the appearance of a freestanding bath within a smaller footprint. A 55" freestanding tub has a smaller footprint than its larger relatives, allowing designers to create a luxurious soaking area without dedicating an oversized portion of the bathroom to the tub.

How Do You Pair a Soaking Tub With the Right Tub Filler?

Choosing the bathtub is only part of the equation. A soaking tub also needs a tub filler or faucet with the right height, reach, flow rate, and installation style.

Depending on the tub and bathroom layout, you may choose:

• A floor-mounted tub filler
• A wall-mounted tub filler
• A deck-mounted tub faucet
• A tub filler with a hand shower

Freestanding soaking tubs are frequently paired with floor-mounted tub fillers because the faucet can be positioned independently of surrounding walls or cabinetry. Wall-mounted fillers can create an even cleaner appearance when the tub is positioned near a finished wall. For built-in and drop-in tubs, deck-mounted and wall-mounted configurations are both common.

High Tech Accessories to Turn Bath Time into a Full Spa-Day Experience

Complete your at-home spa experience with premium Soaking Tub Accessories designed to add comfort, convenience, and advanced wellness features to your bath. Explore high-tech controls for hydrotherapy jets, chromatherapy lighting, aromatherapy systems, and other integrated upgrades that let you customize each soak to suit your mood and relaxation needs.

For added comfort, the Soaking Tub Accessorie also includes heated backrests, ergonomic pillows, accessory trays, and other thoughtful bathtub add-ons. These finishing touches can transform a simple soaking tub into a more personalized luxury retreat, whether you're looking to extend a long winter soak, create a spa-like atmosphere, or make everyday bathing more comfortable.

Luxury Soaking Tub Brands to Know

Focal Point Hardware carries soaking tubs from many of the industry's leading luxury bath manufacturers. Each brand brings something different to the bathing experience.

BainUltra: Soaking Meets Wellness

BainUltra is an especially strong choice for homeowners who want to build a spa or wellness experience into the bathroom. In addition to traditional soaking configurations, select BainUltra tubs can incorporate therapeutic features such as heated air massage, heated surfaces, chromatherapy, and other wellness-focused options. The result is a bathtub that can function as both a centerpiece and a dedicated relaxation space.

MTI Baths: Customizable Soaking and Hydrotherapy

MTI Baths offers an extensive selection of freestanding and built-in baths ranging from straightforward soaking tubs to highly customized therapeutic systems.

Depending on the bathtub, available options may include air massage, heated surfaces, microbubbles, chromatherapy, and other enhancements. For a clean modern look, consider the MTI Westbrook Freestanding Bathtub.

For a larger shared bathing experience, the MTI Victoria 4 provides room for two.

Victoria + Albert: Sculptural Freestanding Soaking Tubs

Victoria + Albert is an excellent choice when the bathtub needs to be one of the defining visual elements in the bathroom.

The brand's freestanding tubs combine smooth sculptural forms with a wide range of sizes, making it possible to bring the look into both expansive primary suites and more space-conscious bathrooms. 

The Victoria + Albert Barcelona is ideal for a dramatic double-ended installation, while the Amiata 60" delivers a similar level of luxury in a more compact footprint.

Balux: Architectural Concrete Bathtubs

Balux offers something dramatically different from traditional white acrylic and composite bathtubs. Its concrete freestanding tubs are available in a range of sculptural shapes and colors, making them particularly appropriate for contemporary, organic-modern, and architect-designed bathrooms.

The Balux Tao Concrete Freestanding Bathtub is especially compelling for homeowners interested in deep, Japanese-inspired soaking.

Fleurco: Contemporary Freestanding Baths

Fleurco offers clean contemporary bathtubs that work especially well in modern bathroom renovations.

The brand is worth exploring if you want a streamlined freestanding profile that complements glass, stone, modern tile, and minimalist plumbing fixtures without overwhelming the rest of the room.

Lacava: Modern Design With Compact Options

Lacava offers contemporary bath fixtures with a strong architectural aesthetic.

The Lacava Navi 59" Freestanding Soaking Bathtub is particularly useful for smaller luxury bathrooms because its solid-surface construction and relatively compact footprint provide a high-end freestanding look without requiring a massive room.

Neptune: A Wide Range of Sizes and Shapes

Neptune offers freestanding and built-in tubs in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations. For homeowners trying to fit a freestanding tub into a smaller bathroom, the Neptune Alaro 55" Freestanding Bathtub is an especially practical place to start.

How to Choose the Best Soaking Tub for Your Bathroom

Choosing the best soaking tub comes down to finding the right balance between bathroom dimensions, soaking depth, comfort, material, installation style, and personal bathing preferences.

Before buying, ask these questions:

• How much floor space is available?
• Do I want an alcove, drop-in, or freestanding bathtub?
• How deep do I want the water to be?
• Is the interior comfortable for my height?
• Do I want to sit upright or recline?
• Will one or two people use the tub?
• Which bathtub material best fits the room?
• Do I want therapeutic features such as air massage or heated surfaces?
• Where will the drain and tub filler be installed?
• Can the bathroom floor and plumbing accommodate the selected tub?

Taking the time to answer these questions can help you avoid choosing a tub based on appearance alone.

Create a Warmer, More Relaxing Bathroom This Winter

The best soaking tub isn't necessarily the biggest or most expensive bathtub you can fit into your bathroom. It's the tub that fits your body, your space, and the way you want to use it.

Start by measuring your available space and deciding between an alcove bathtub, or a drop-in tub, and freestanding bathtub. Then compare interior dimensions, soaking depth, bathtub material, backrest angle, water capacity, and available therapeutic options.

With the right combination, a new soaking tub can become much more than another bathroom fixture. During the coldest months of the year, it can transform your bathroom into one of the warmest, most relaxing rooms in your home.