Baths
Quick Links: Styles Material Design Bath Links
Styles
 |
Drop-in baths are designed with a finished rim and dropped into a deck made of water resistant material. A deck is constructed to hold the bath and finished with a material of your choosing. They are not designed to have a stand up shower but a handshower may be added. |
 |
Freestanding baths may be installed anywhere including the middle of the room. They may have legs or a base to hold them. Plumbing is roughed-in under the floor usually with a freestanding faucet. |
 |
Alcove baths are installed within a 3-wall recess. This bath usually has an apron front that comes molded in or can be attached. This bath is used when tiling or using other wall material that can also have a shower faucet. |
 |
Corner baths are installed in a corner of the bathroom and may be a drop in style or have molded apron and tile-in flange usually in a neo-angle shape. This type of bath often allows for 2-person bathing. |
 |
Undermount baths are very like drop in baths that are mounted under the water resistant material that is placed on the deck. This gives a smooth and interesting look to the bathing area. |
 |
Walk-In Baths are used when there is a need to have a lower threshold but still have the capability for a bath. Each bath has a door that seals after you enter and then begin to fill the bath. |
Material
Cast Iron is a heavy material that has an enamel coating with a glossy glaze. It has a timeless look and feel.
Acrylic is a ¼” sheet of high gloss material that is modeled in the shape of the bath. It can be buffed over and over again to repair scratches, or simply to restore it's beautiful shine.
Fiberglass is a material that is woven together and sprayed with a gelcoat finish to achieve the shiny, smooth surface.
Vikrell is a very strong solid piece of composite material that is reinforced with fiberglass and molded into a bath.
Acrastone is thick, strong, and warm to the touch. The color is chip and wear resistant with a porcelain-like surface inside and out. It is exclusive to the American Bath Factory.
Design
Whirlpool baths are made in all styles and material. Most baths can be ordered as a whirlpool. When ordering a whirlpool there are many things to consider as listed:
Whirlpool Jets - size, amount and placement of the jets, Placement of the pump, Back Massage option, In-line Heater option, chromatherapy (colorful mood lights), aromatherapy (scents that are added and released as you bath), Combination whirlpool and air, standard air switch or multi-functional switch, pillows.
Air baths are made in many styles and materials also. They do not have a water pump but when called for they pump air through tiny holes around the bath that produce a bubble massage. Some advantages to this bath are that you do not have to clean the whirlpool piping system. There are tiny air valves that only open to allow air through and then close when shut off not allowing any water to flow back through the holes. The Air pump may be located at a remote location if a closet or area is not close to the tub.
Whirlpool & Air Bath Combination is offered by some manufacturers which allows you to have a complete spa experience.