When it comes to choosing a new bath tub or replacing an old one, there are many options available for you . There are several variety of shapes, sizes, color, style and function of bath tubs. It’s always a good idea therefore to look around for one that’s best for you. If you would like to try a new kind of bath fixture with innovative functional features, consider investing in a walk in bath tub.

The difference between your ordinary bath tub from the walk in bath tub is that it has an easy-accesses opening that can be opened or shut. When used, it is conveniently sealed and secure. There are two types of opening: inward opening and outward opening doors. There are advantages in both. While the walking in bath tub is being used, the pressure of the water inside automatically seals and secures the inward opening door. Outward opening doors can be opened outwards from the inside of the tub, thus making it useful in emergencies.

Because it comes in various designs there is almost always one that best fits your personality, your needs, your comfort and taste. Walk in bath tubs can either have built-in seats or not. Furthermore, it may already be built with grab bars, anti-slip flooring, hoses, mounted showerheads, quick filling and drainage systems, thermostatic control and even a whirlpool or hydrotherapy function.

The good thing about a walk in bath tub is that it is designed to address our common bath tub problems. Many of us probably know what it’s like to have to hover over bath tub rims. It can be a huge inconvenience for some as well as a hazard. You may easily miss a step, slip or fall just trying to get in or out of the bath tub.

Moreover, walk in bath tubs can be extremely useful for the elderly or those who are physically challenged. The highly innovative features of the walk in bath tub allow for super easy access without the usual step-in action, which could be both uncomfortable and unsafe.

Most walk in tubs offer the features mentioned above for better relaxation, circulation and over-all convenience.

Here are the questions you might want to ask before purchasing your desired walk in bath tub:

- How long will installation take? – Is the installation going to cause major disturbance in the house? – Will I be charged if I’m going to ask for my old bath tub to be replaced? – How long will the walk in bath tub last? – How big should the tub size be?

The installation can take only one or two days. In addition to that, disturbance around the house is minimal. A good supplier will be able to replace your old tub, free of charge, for a good-quality walk in bath tub that can last 10 years without leaking. Your supplier can also give you advice on how large your bath tub should be.

Probably one of your most precious memories were times spent in the bath. You’d want your child to experience happy moments at bath time, too, without him/her being traumatized from slipping on floors or falling into the water. During a child bath, you should always consider safety first.

Children may either dread or love bathtime. If your child is already used to baths, it’s still a must to have safety products or features in hand (even if he or she is behaving during baths). You can never really foretell when accidents are going to happen. You may be picking your child after finishing a bath, but the child may slip over the floor once you put him/her down. You must take even greater precautions for kids who are particularly dreadful of water, as they can move a lot and may even prevent you from holding them. Thus, some safety child bath products would be useful.

Below are preventive measures and child bath products you might want to utilize to keep your child safe while bathing:

Prevent burning and scalding.

There are digital thermometers now available in the market, which can assess the temperature of the tub’s water using a sensor. Always fill the tub before placing your child in. To test the heat, run water over your hand-you should be comfortable enough that your hand doesn’t twitch. When your child is done bathing, turn the hot water off first before the cold one.

Prevent water from overflowing.

Overflowing water does not only create a mess, it also poses great danger to you and your child. You may be keeping electrical devices such as blow dryers and the radio away from the tub, but water that has spilled over can reach plugged devices. Many of us are busy doing two things at once at home and usually leave the water running until we think the tub’s ready. In this case it might be a good idea for you to purchase a child bath alarm. This will alarm you when the tub is almost full.

Prevent head injuries.

The waterspout can actually hurt your child’s head, especially when your child is moving a lot. Child bath spout covers can protect this from happening, and they come in many colorful designs, too.

Prevent slipping in the tub.

Your child may be playing around and moving a lot during bath time. Prevent slippage by providing rubber mats at the bottom of the tub. There are also now seats with suction cups to keep your child seated and secure.

Prevent slipping outside the tub.

As mentioned earlier, your child may slip even after a child bath, while you are attempting to put him/her on the floor. It’s always best to place a mattress or rug right beside the tub.

Your child isn’t safe unless he has you supervising his bath the whole time. Even with safety products it’s not too impossible for your child to slip or have the risk of drowning. Make child bath time a fun and safe routine.

The clawfoot bath tub originated in the Greek island of Crete some 4,000 years ago. Now, the modern world has seen its come back in homes across the world.

Cast iron with porcelain is the typical make of a clawfoot bath tub. Today, though, a variety of designs have been created and there are now clawfoot bath tubs that are made of acrylic and fiberglass for lighter weight and easier installation. During the earlier years of the clawfoot bath tub’s comeback, the clawfoot bath tub used to be popular only among collectors. Now it is made so much more affordable for all home owners who wish to have a beautiful antique-style bath tub.

When selecting, remember that clawfoot bath tubs come in various designs and styles. There are those with the classic roll rim, where the rims of the tub elegantly slope outwards. Similarly, slipper tubs have that slightly raised end that delicately curves backwards where you are able to rest your back comfortably. Double slipper tubs are those that have two ends that are raised and curved. A tub that is double ended has two sides that are rounded instead of flat. Whether you are looking for that feminine touch, clean modern lines, vintage feel or playful design, the clawfoot bath tub offers you many styles to choose from.

The next thing to consider is the feet of the tub. Clawfoot bath tubs usually have iron feet with the shape of a lion’s claws. Antique clawfoot bath tubs often have cast iron feet that is coated with porcelain enamel. Some are gilt and bear a resemblance of other animal feet. Clawfoot bath tub feet now come in different colors such as iridescent and two-tone.

Now, let’s get more into the technical aspect of buying a new clawfoot bath tub. An important feature to consider is the placement of faucet holes. Wall holes are made so that your faucet and shower is situated from inside the tub. On the other hand, you can have faucet holes on top of the rim if you want more space and water in the bath tub. Another alternative is the absence of faucet holes, where water lines are attached to the bathroom wall instead.

Next step is to select your water supply line, once you’ve decided on the placement of the faucet holes. Water supply lines come in many designs, too. They can either be silver or have that gold tint. Here are the types of water supply lines you might want to inquire about from your supplier:

- Single offset supply lines. – Double offset supply lines – Pressure balance supply system – Deck mount supply lines – Freestanding water supply – Tub deck mount water supply – Tube wall mount water supply

Choosing a clawfoot bath tub that best suits your taste is all in the matter of getting to know basic styles and designs. You can begin your search with local suppliers or online.