Japanese soaking tubs: A new/old tradition in relaxation

What is different about a Japanese soaking tub than a regular hot tub

The purpose of all Japanese soaking tubs are what they say they are for, soaking. So what would make them different than an inflatable hot tub or a hot tub gazebo for example? It’s true that regular  hot tubs and Jacuzzis are also for soaking. The main difference, however is the size of them, the shape of them and how much water can fit into them. If you are in a hot tub or a jacuzzi, you need to lie down in order for the water to completely cover your whole body. Not everyone likes this particular position. The feature of the Japanese soaking tub that people like most is that you use it sitting up and this way it covers you up to your neck. It is truly for soaking and soaking only.

As a matter of fact, it is advised that you take a shower before you use it as it will stay cleaner longer as you are only using it for relaxation and not for cleaning.The benefit of the size is that you can get many Japanese soaking tubs for small bathrooms as they are small and can fit easily into most bathrooms. They are also freestanding and don’t need to be hooked up to plumbing the same way as the hot tubs do.

If they don’t need plumbing what do they need

These tubs contain a whole lot of water, much more than a regular bathtub so you need to make sure that your floor joists can handle the extra weight. If you have a concrete slab underneath it that would be even better. Your hot water heater can heat up the water for the tub and you do need to be make sure that it is put near a faucet. You will also need to arrange for a way for the water to be redirected away from the floor of your bathroom if you don’t want to flood your bathroom.

Do all the japanese soaking tubs for sale have the same features

There are many different types of tubs. You have the traditional ones made out of wood like the hinoki wood hot tub and the wooden ofuros. Even though they were traditionally wooden they are made out of many different materials nowadays.ceramic, stainless steel and fiberglass are just some of the materials that these tubs come in. Even though the depth of the tubs can range form about 22 inches to about 35, there is one thing you need to watch out for. If there is a seat in the tub then you will be taking away soaking room as the seat will elevate you above the water level.

There are alaso people that like to add jets to their tubs but as it is a much smaller confined space, the jets don’t work so well and you are better off going without the jets and just using oils or bubble bath. It would also be a good idea to add a bar to the side to help you get in and out easily.

Disadvantages of  japanese soaking tubs

The main disadvantage of these tubs is that most of them are too small for more than one person. Another disadvantage is that it doesn’t naturally come with a drain to let the water out and you have to create your own. The third disadvantage is that they are very high prices, but if none of these concerns bother you and you are looking for a good soak than the Japanese soaking tub may be just what you are looking for.

Tagged with: • •

Filed under: hot tubs

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!