Tubs- Most tubs hold 75–110 gallons - Water heater capacity–80 Gallon size is optimum - Water line size to the area-¾” is best - Inline heater needed if jetted tub - Integrated air heater needed if bubble tub - Jetted tubs require routine maintenance to prevent pipe slime. - Bubble tubs can have a remote mounted blower - Cost differences between free-standing and deck-mounted tubs are minor Deck Mounted Tubs - More sizes available-larger sizes - Whirlpool capability - Bubble tub capability - More difficult to get in if not designed well - Many newer models have low profile edges available - Low profile rims accommodate under-mounting & flush-mounting Free Standing Tubs - Bubble tub capability - Most have bather in a seated position, rather than prone - Different look than deck mounted tubs - Can present cleaning challenges around them. - Free-standing tubs becoming more popular - Average tub is deeper-better for soaking - Easier to climb in & out-smaller rim - Smaller foot print can leave room for a larger shower. Walk-in Bathtubs - Expensive–Quality models are $5-10K installed - Must sit & wait for to 75 gallons to flow. - 20 minutes with a ½”water line at 60PSI - Upgrade to 80 Gal water heater - Upgrade to a ¾” fill valve & water line. |
Showers- Combine showering with bathing only as a last resort - Climbing into tubs to shower is inconvenient - Unsafe for older adults - A shower with a seat and an adjustable hand shower is a much safer option. Glass Shower Walls - Requires daily maintenance to look nice-must squeegee - 3/8” clear glass walls cost slightly less than tile walls. - Shower has more room inside–3” per side - Clear glass makes rooms feel larger - Spaces benefit from shared visual space Walk-in Showers - Walk-in showers-no door - Low or no curb - Spacious & airy feeling - Users report being cold - Extra heat source needed - Often requires a baffle to prevent splash-out. - Requires a minimum of 2 feet more in length Curb-less Showers - Curb-less or very low curb is easy to do - Works with either glass doors or walk-in - Wonderful to use–at any age. - Glass door or shower curtain must fit very close to floor–within ¼” is best. - Slope should start outside of door - If using with a glass door–best if shower has room for door to open in as well as out. Wet Rooms - Large size–glass will likely stay dry - Realistic distance from the tub - Multiple showerhead options - Niches for soap & shampoo - Glass enclosure will retain heat - Bench with nearby hand shower for sitting, leg-shaving, or foot washing - High window will stay dry - No grab bars Best Features - Thermostatic valves - Rain heads - Adjustable hand showers - Grab Bars - Corner shelves - Shampoo niches - Seats - Lights - Exhaust fan grilles |
Toilets- Standard height 14-1/2" to 15"-preferred if under 5'-3" tall - Comfort or universal height 16' to 17"- measured to rim w/out seat - Low Flush 1.6 GPF -Ultra Low Flush 1.28 GPF -Dual Flush .8 or 1.28 GPF Skirted Toilets - One piece or two piece–a matter of style, clean-ability, & price - Skirted toilets are much nicer to clean and more modern looking-adds about $100 - Most brands offer models Wall-Hung Toilets - Tank is concealed in the wall - Toilet does not touch the floor - Easiest cleaning - Requires remodeling - $3,000 & up-installed Luxury Toilets - Skirted & dual flush - Touch Screen Remote - Warm water washBlow dryer - Deodorizer - Heated seat - Foot warmer - Mood lighting - Motion sense, hands-free auto lid - Bluetooth stereo - $6,338.00 List Price Bidet Seats - More popular in USA than bidets - Bolts to your existing toilet - Uses heated water for better cleaning - Heated toilet seat–MMMMM! - Requires a standard outlet at the toilet - $250 to $1500 depending on brand & model-Toto is the leader |