After a long, stressful day, there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a warm, bubbly bath. The soothing water washes your cares away as hydrotherapy jets massage away tension. Candlelight flickers around you as soft music plays. You have your own personal spa experience without leaving your home.
While it may seem like a luxurious dream, you can in fact experience blissful soaking baths paired with the convenience of a shower all in your own master bathroom. By cleverly combining a soaking tub and shower enclosure, you get the best of both bathing experiences in one efficient, indulgent space.
Soaking Tub Shower Combinations
What is a Soaking Tub Shower Combo?
A soaking tub shower combo incorporates a small soaking or Japanese-style bathtub within a shower enclosure, creating an all-in-one bathing space. The tub allows you to enjoy leisurely soaks, while the surrounding shower area offers the convenience of rinsing off.
This layout provides more versatility than a normal tub or shower alone. You can choose to soak one day and simply shower the next. The tub and shower use the same plumbing, occupying a smaller footprint than separate installations.
Benefits of a Soaking Tub Shower
There are many advantages to combining a soaking bathtub with a shower enclosure:
- Versatility – Enjoy a relaxing bath or efficient shower in one space.
- Ease of cleaning – Waterproof shower materials prevent leaks and damage.
- Efficiency – Soaker tubs are smaller than typical tubs, maximizing space.
- Accessibility – Curbless showers accommodate users with mobility needs.
By designing your shower area around a soaking tub, you create a spa-like retreat right in your own home. The convenience of showering paired with the luxury of candlelit soaks provides the best of both worlds.
Considerations for a Soaking Tub Shower
While combining a soaker tub and shower can be a dream layout, there are some important considerations during planning and installation:
- Waterproofing – Proper seals and membranes prevent leaks and moisture damage.
- Ventilation – Good airflow prevents mold and mildew buildup.
- Slip resistance – Textured tub and shower floors are vital for safety.
- Codes – Residential bathroom designs must meet plumbing and building codes.
- Accessibility – Doorways and fixtures must accommodate wheelchairs if needed.
Consulting a professional designer well-versed in bathrooms is important to ensure your soaking tub shower meets necessary requirements. Careful planning creates a safe, functional space you can enjoy for years.
Soaking Tub Options for Showers
Japanese Soaking Tubs
For a soaking tub inside a shower enclosure, a Japanese soaking tub (sometimes called a Japanese soaking bath or ofuro tub) is ideal. These tubs are small, deep basins designed for sitting immersed up to your shoulders.
Traditionally made of wood, modern Japanese soaking tubs are acrylic, stainless steel, or other waterproof materials. They range from around 42 – 48 inches long but are much deeper than regular bathtubs. Many include hydrotherapy jets for massaging away aches and pains.
The compact size is well-suited for placement within a shower. Sitting in hot water helps soothe sore muscles, boost circulation, and relax the mind.
Customizing Your Tub
One benefit of Japanese soaking tubs is the amount of customization possible. You can select:
- Size – from compact one-person to larger models.
- Depth – choose your ideal immersion level.
- Shape – rectangular, oval, or curved.
- Jets – add hydrotherapy jets to massage away tension.
- Finishes – from basic white to wood, copper, or glossy black.
You can also upgrade your soaking tub with chromotherapy mood lighting, tub fillers, heated surfaces, and more. The right soaker turns your shower into a relaxing spa.
Accessible Soaking Tubs
For homeowners with mobility needs, an accessible soaking tub inside a curbless, walk-in shower creates a safe, user-friendly space. Consider features like:
- Grab bars – provide stability and support.
- Handheld showerhead – makes washing easier.
- Adjustable bench – bathing while seated increases comfort.
- Open floorplan – eases wheelchair maneuvering.
An occupational therapist can recommend ideal accessible designs tailored to your needs and ability levels. Your dream soothing soak is possible with good planning.
Design Ideas
Layout Options
Creative layouts allow you to incorporate a soaking tub seamlessly into your shower area. Consider these possibilities:
- Tub and shower separate – the tub situated in its own niche or corner.
- Open shower area with tub – no glass between the showering and soaking zones.
- Tub enclosed – a glass partition separates the tub from the rest of the shower.
Ensure good ventilation and easy entry no matter the layout. An occupational therapist can help with ideal accessibility.
Special Features
Including special features elevates your soaking tub shower from basic to spectacular:
- Rainfall showerhead – feels heavenly and sets the spa mood.
- Heated floors – warm feet while prepping for your soak.
- Bluetooth sound system – curate your perfect playlist to unwind.
- Niches – store bathing essentials within arm’s reach.
Make your space truly one-of-a-kind by customizing it with features that enhance your ideal bathing ritual.
Material Finishes
Sophisticated material finishes add luxury to your soaking tub shower:
- Stone tile – natural surfaces like marble, travertine, or slate.
- Glass tile – iridescent, metallic, or solid colors.
- Wood-look tile – warm, organic patterned tiles.
- Heated tile floors – warm feet before and after your soak.
- Textured walls – add visual interest.
- Glass dividers – airy yet private separation between spaces.
- Matte black fixtures – modern, sophisticated styling.
Meet with interior designers to browse tile, finish, and fixture options. Your material choices set the overall mood and style of your spa-like retreat.
After a hectic day, walking into your bathroom feels like entering a relaxing sanctuary. The soothing sound of falling water beckons you to your awaiting soaking tub set inside the steamy shower enclosure. Lowering into the enveloping warmth of the tub, tensions dissolve as sore muscles unwind. Tranquility washes over you in the flicker of candlelight. Your Japanese soaking tub and customized shower provide a rejuvenating escape unmatched.
You can have a spa experience in your master bathroom. Combine the best of bathing and showering through an indulgent soaking tub shower combo. Bring luxury, versatility, and accessibility together in one efficient space. Let go of stress and refresh both body and mind with your own personal at-home spa.