Is A Sunday Bath The Best Bath Of The Week?

Summary

The article discusses the considerations for choosing the right bathtub based on size, intended use, and material, with a particular fondness for the roll-top bath.

Abstract

The author reflects on the importance of selecting a bathtub that fits one's physical dimensions and lifestyle, emphasizing that size and purpose are crucial factors. Acrylic tubs are noted for their popularity due to their versatility, durability, and affordability. Porcelain-enamel steel tubs are also mentioned as a common and cost-effective option. The author expresses a preference for the roll-top bath, describing it as the pinnacle of bathing luxury, especially a Victorian cast iron and vitreous enamelled single-ended one that they own. The article advises potential buyers to consider the thickness of the material for durability and the dimensions of the tub relative to the tallest user in the household, with lengths ranging from 1499 mm to 1799 mm and widths from 650 mm to over 850 mm.

Opinions

The author suggests that a Sunday bath may be the best of the week if it's the only one taken, implying regular bathing is beneficial.
The author's personal physical description is humorously included to illustrate the relevance of tub size to body size.
A preference for the roll-top bath is clearly stated, with the author owning and praising its qualities.
The article implies that the material of the bathtub affects its quality and price, with a recommendation for thicker acrylic for increased robustness.
The author seems to value the historical and aesthetic aspects of bathtubs, particularly the Victorian roll-top bath.
There is an underlying assumption that readers value both functionality and aesthetics in their choice of bathtubs.

If it’s your only bath, then yes, and I imagine people around will be pleased you bothered.

I’m not the tallest, so you won’t be seeing me soon, leaping up to smash out a basketball power slam dunk. Therefore, it will come as no surprise when I’m laid down; I guess by my horizontal measure, I’m not the longest either.

As for build or physique, there was a time when I was as skinny as a rake; you could see my ribs. Regarding that aspect of my physical description, there have been a few updates. I still have ribs, which you can feel; they’re working hard, holding everything in place. You’re just not going to see them. In summary, what I’m describing is a slightly more than developed average build. Some might even call it comfy.

Please don’t panic; the bodily physique description stops here. I haven’t inadvertently cut and pasted a dating profile on to the page. If I had, I might have at least mentioned a bit of stuff about being tall, dark and handsome, someone who is witty and kind to animals. The animal part is accurate, and I find myself funny, amusingly. But as I mentioned, I’m built more for comfort, and if you’re one cat, I’m a warm comfy landmass to sleep on.

Why does any of this matter?

It matters when you’re tasked with selecting a bathtub, as size matters. Weirdly enough, so too does what you intend to do in the bathtub. It may seem obvious, but the question still needs to be asked. Is the tub going to be used more than a showering unit and occasional Sunday bath? Or is the plan to wallow in warm water with bubbles up to your neck most days? Or is the only occupant going to be the muddy dog after a long country walk?

You need to consider the various shapes and sizes on offer and the materials they’re made from. I guess the most popular for multiple reasons; reasons; the price being one of them will be tubs made from acrylic. Acrylic tubs are a popular option because of their versatility, durability, a wide range of options, and low cost.

Porcelain-enamel steel is a very common and often an inexpensive option. It is constructed of steel sheeting that is coated with porcelain enamel. This type of tub is heavier than acrylic or fibreglass, but much lighter in weight than the old-fashioned enamelled cast iron.

As bathtubs go, if you have space and budget, a roll-top bath, as the name suggests, a roll-top bath has a beautiful rolled edge all around the tub and is freestanding, is for me, the king of baths.

We’re fortunate enough to have a single-ended one. It’s long, deep and a Victorian party bath made of cast iron and vitreous enamelled. It came with the house, and when it was made, such baths could range from anything between five and eight feet. The larger ones could have a shower attachment known as a Plunger or Canopy.

Take Away

When selecting the bath, remember to ask yourself the obvious question. How you intend to use it?

Is the intention to shower more and bath less? If this is the case, ensure the makeup of the tub is sturdy. I mean, the material thickness, most likely acrylic, is not too thin, obviously thicker the millimetres (mm) more robust the acrylic, and possibly the price.

Consider the length of the bathtub compared to the tallest person in the house. How much time will bathtub users spend soaking in the warm bubbles while enjoying a good book?

Lengths start around 1499 mm up to 1799 mm, widen anything from 650 mm to 850 mm plus. Depth is best measured not by the bathtub’s height but by the wastewater overflow.

The only thing missing is your rubber duck!