Maybe you have purchased your new home and realized that there is no designated space for a bathtub. On the other hand, maybe you’ve just rented an apartment and would like to place your Japanese sitting tub inside of your shower area so you can enjoy a nice shower/tub combo.

This begs the question of whether it is possible to put a bathtub in the shower or not. Ideally, you can actually put your bathtub in the shower. However, this will depend on a number of factors such as the availability of sufficient space, whether your bathroom floor is strong enough to hold the weight of a tub installation, and the waterproofing properties specific to the type of shower you’re using.

In this article, we discuss the idea of incorporating a bathtub in the shower as well as the benefits and other related questions. Keep reading for deeper insight.

Why Would You Put a Tub in the Shower?

If your shower area does not have a bathtub, incorporating one may seem like an unexpected but practical idea considering the new bathroom design trends.

The end result will look great, but we also want to look at things from a practical standpoint. First, if you are using your bathtub to bathe your kids, they can splash as much water as they want without you having to worry about water damage to other areas in the bathroom vicinity such as the walls.

Secondly, not only will your kids (and even pets!) get to experience the benefits of a tub being installed in your shower, but you will too. You’ll get the perfect space to relax as you take a bath. Instead of hurriedly taking a shower while standing, you can actually sit down in your bathtub and take a slow, gentle bath that will help you relax both mentally and physically. With a tub, you will also have a comfortable place to sit whenever you need to shave as well.

In short, a tub inside of a shower offers versatility and the benefits of both a bath and shower at the same time.

Types of Bathtub Installations for a Shower

As you toy with the idea of placing a bathtub in the shower, bear in mind that you have quite a few options such as the below types of bathtubs that may be ideal for your shower.

• A built-in tub in the shower: A built-in tub is the easiest when it comes to installation, not to mention that it is quite easy to clean and maintain. You can build one of these in the farthest corner of your shower, away from the shower door or curtain. With this type of tub, you will not have unused space that is exposed where dirt and water can accumulate. Thus, it’s quite easy to clean.
• A freestanding bathtub in the shower: This one is somewhat difficult to install and maintain compared to the built-in tub. Dust and mildew can build up right around the legs as well as the spaces behind it, and these areas can hardly even be reached when it’s time to clean. The good thing about this option though is that all the materials used are waterproof and therefore ideal for your shower setup. Some freestanding tub options that you can place in the shower are clawfoot tubs and Japanese soaking tubs. Both are a luxury addition but come with their own pros and cons.

Factors to Consider When Installing a Bathtub in The Shower

Whether you choose a built-in tub or freestanding model for your shower, waterproofing remains paramount in the installation. The tub will need around 1 ½ to 2 inches of space for the drainage line passing through the shower’s waterproofing materials.

Other factors to consider include but are not limited to:

• If you have knee or hip problems, ensure that the tub you are installing will easily accommodate your needs.
• If you will be using the tub to bathe the kids, you may want to consider placing the shower fixtures right on the tub so that you make things easier when needing to stay close and rinse them off.
• Waterproofing a built-in tub is easier and more affordable compared to doing so for a standalone tub. If you are doing the installation on a fixed budget, you may want to opt for the built-in tub in the shower.
• Before installing your tub in the shower, be sure to waterproof the walls to a height of at least 6 feet or more in the primary wet zone of the shower and tub.
• If the shower has no showerhead, waterproof the walls up to 18 inches above the tub.
• Since you are installing the bathtub in the shower, you will not have much of a problem when it comes to floor drainage. This is already a shower: of course it must already have a good floor drainage system.
• Overall, be sure to talk to a professional on this matter so that you do not end up creating a hazard of any sort in your house.

Related Questions

What factors do you need to consider when putting a bathtub in the shower?

Before you install a bathtub in the shower, you must first ensure that the tub materials are waterproof. Second, it is paramount to consider space. Do you have enough space to install the tub, or will you need to expand the shower room to create more space?

Which choice is better between a shower and bathtub?

When it comes to choosing between these two bathroom options, it generally will depend on your personal needs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want a place to relax while taking a long slow bath, a tub will come in handy. For a quick clean up, all you need is just a quick shower.

See Also:
8 Best Toilets For Not Clogging
TOTO S550e Review – Read This First!
How To Replace A Two Handle Bathtub Faucet
Do You Wipe Before Using A Bidet