The Benefits of Bathtubs

Nothing feels better than a relaxing soak in the bath after a long, hard day. It's where we can enjoy a good book, sip on some bubbly and indulge in some peace and quiet...

Baths are brilliant for setting the design scheme of your bathroom and never fail to bring a touch of elegance to any décor. Aside from the aesthetic benefits however, there is a lot more to bathing than what meets the eye. As well as helping us to relax, there are a number of health benefits associated with bathing in hot water. This makes bathing an ideal option for those who need to improve blood circulation or want to de-stress.

Take a look at the ways in which you can benefit from a shiny new bathtub.

They can transform your bathroom

Bathtub design has moved on in leaps and bounds over the last few years, and thankfully there are some fabulous solutions for you to choose from. A new bathtub can offer a fresh new look or completely transform your bathroom if chosen carefully, so here is a quick rundown of the baths available:

Free standing bathtubs

Free standing bathtubs are hot on trend and make a perfect space saving option for the bijou bathroom. Although they use as much space as a regular tub, these stunning showpieces allow space to flow around them for a visually lighter feel. Free standing bathtubs can be placed anywhere in the bathroom which offers greater flexibility for installation. However, you may have to consult a plumber to confirm where the plumbing would be accessible.

Clawfoot bathtubs

Clawfoot bathtubs are ideal for bathrooms with a contemporary or traditional theme. They usually feature a traditional style roll top and ooze elegance in any surrounding. They can be paired with wooden feet for a Scandinavian look, or pair well with ornate chrome feet for a traditional period style. In most cases, a cut out section provides the space for a deck mounted bath filler or bath shower mixer tap.

Standard & Shower Baths

Standard baths are perfect for family environments and are generally the cheapest. Made from acrylic and enclosed on the outside by bath panels, they are easy to clean and maintain. Shower baths are extremely similar to standard baths, but are more functional. Shaped like a normal bath but with extra room at one end for showering, shower-baths usually come with a shower screen and are ideal for family homes. They can be lined up against a wall and allow you to shower and bathe without the need to install two separate enclosures.

Increase property value

Having a bath makes your property more marketable and may even increase your house price. Without a bath, it may take longer than usual to sell your house and may affect how much buyers are prepared to offer. This is because young children tend to need a bath, and a lot of first-time buyers usually looking to create a family-orientated environment. If a young family is looking to buy a 3 bed semi-detached house, then having no bath is likely to put them off.

For the bijou bathroom, it can be tricky to squeeze in a separate shower enclosure and bath into such a small space. This is why shower-baths are perfect and compact solutions that offer the best of both worlds. Simply fix a screen to your existing straight bath, or purchase a specially-designed shower bath with one end larger than the other. By installing a shower unit above, you can both shower and bathe in the smallest of spaces. Alternatively, freestanding baths work well under the eaves of a slanted roof in an awkwardly shaped room.

Numerous Health Benefits

Bathing is not only relaxing, but healthy for you too! Hydrotherapy has been practised for centuries as both the use of hot and cold water can have beneficial effects on the body. Bathing is linked to a number of scientifically proven health benefits to ensure optimal health of the mind and body.

Improve heart health

Unless you have a pre-existing heart condition, a hot bath will make your heart beat faster and give it a healthy workout. Your blood becomes less viscous which allows the vessels to function better; improving circulation around the body. A warm bath can lower your blood pressure, improve cardiac function and can even aid digestion.

Boost your mood

A 2002 University of Wolverhampton study found that a daily bath, usually at the end of the day, significantly improved the 'psychological wellness' of the participants and promoted feelings of optimism.This was attributed to a combination of bodily comfort, warmth, isolation and body positioning.

Aid breathing

Being immersed in hot water up to your shoulders can improve your lung capacity and oxygen intake. When the water is hot, your heart beats faster, oxygen intake can be improved, and the steam created will clear your sinuses and chest.

Ease muscle pain

Applying moist heat to sore muscles, such as taking a hot bath, helps promote muscle recovery and helps relieve pain.

Reduce cold symptoms

A bath can act as a treatment for that dreaded winter cold! A bath can't make it vanish, but submerging yourself in hot water provides steam therapy. The inhalation of steam clears out the nasal passages while reducing inflammation and is an excellent remedy for congestion. A higher body temperature is also believed to boost certain elements of your immune system to function more efficiently.

Manage body weight

A recent independent study has shown that bathing in hot water can assist in lowering blood sugar levels. Preliminary evidence indicates that a 60 minute soak in a hot bath produced similar anti-inflammatory and blood sugar responses as 60 minutes of moderate physical activity. This early stage of research could be promising for those with diabetes or other metabolic-related health issues.

So...who would've thought that taking a bath would provide so many benefits? To turn your home into a spa-like sanctuary, simply click the link here to find your perfect bath today at PlumbNation.