You Deserve a Custom Bathroom

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information, Thoughts on Buying by on October 19, 2011 at 10:31 am {no comments}

What makes a bathroom a custom bathroom? The word “custom” gets used a lot but does it conjure up the same image for everyone? It is actually a word with many meanings, two of which seem to contradict each other. According to Wikipedia, custom may mean “a rule that is socially enforced” or “anything made or modified to personal taste”.

Custom Bathroom with Kaldewei Bassinio Tub

I have seen both definitions applied to bathroom design. For example, I have had people tell me things like “I don’t really want a tub but I have to have one for resale” or “we don’t need two sinks but it’s the Master bath so we need to have two”.  Both statements reflect the feeling that one must include certain fixtures in the bathroom because others expect it.

Of course as a kitchen & bath design showroom we deal with the second definition, modifying to personal taste. When it comes to bathrooms it probably isn’t possible for most of us to have things exactly as we might like but there are so many products available today that you might be surprised how close you can get.

Custom Storage for a Small Bath - Ronbow Concealed Drawer

Over the years we have worked with thousands of people and solved thousands of problems that arise when remodeling a bathroom. Some solutions are easy to come up with while others take some creativity. For example, showers are an area of diverse needs. How do you design a shower that can serve a variety of users without installing multiple valves and heads? Easy, a hand shower on a bar. These originated in Europe and let you raise and lower the position of the hand shower on the bar so that children or adults can have a properly placed shower head. Use a bar designed to double as a grab bar and you have a shower that can conform to the needs of a multi-generational family (please note most shower bars are NOT designed to function as grab bars. If you need that function be sure to get the right thing). Plus a hand shower makes it easier to clean the stall. One change and we have designed a shower that can be called custom.

Rohl 36 Grab Bar Handshower Set

Another issue we sometimes run into is the couple who wants a hydrotherapy bath but is very different in height. A tall person wants the 6’ tub because it is comfortable but the shorter person finds that they slide too far down and cannot sit comfortably. There are actually two solutions to this problem. Several manufacturers have designed long tubs with an addition foot rest at the end. This allows the shorter user to rest their feet mid-way and prevent them from sliding too far. Kaldewei has also created a set on cushions that can attach to the tub bottom to function as a foot rest.

BainUltra Essencia Tub Interior - Customized to Fit

What about questions of taste? Remodeling can be very stressful and sometimes we solve problems by ignoring them. Here’s what I mean. Very often people will come in with some very set ideas about what they want. Sometimes these ideas do not mix with the budget or space available. Sometimes it is a couple who each want something very different from what the other wants. Rather than argue about why an idea won’t work or why one is better than the other we work to find out why our clients want a certain thing and then suggest alternatives for consideration. This can work to both confirm the original idea is right or to discover that there is a better way. It isn’t so much a matter of finding a product to match their wish as it is to help identify the ways to get the best result.

This is probably the most important way that a showroom works to create custom bathrooms. It isn’t about the products. It is about using our experience, product knowledge and communication skills to get our customers to the result they want. Because really, that’s what a custom bathroom is all about.

R. A. Magnus – Amazing Stone and Copper for Bath and Kitchen

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on July 18, 2011 at 11:29 am {no comments}

We would like to welcome R.A. Magnus to the American Canyon showroom. R.A. Magnus is a family run business based in Austin, Texas that specializes in stone and copper for the kitchen and bath.  Unlike many stone and copper vendors that import products from overseas, R.A. Magnus operates its own factory in Queretaro, Mexico. Here artisans craft original designs and there is no mass production. Every piece is hand-made with attention to detail and the natural beauty of materials.

R. A. Magnus Custom Tub for La Casa de la Marquesa

R. A. Magnus works in five categories; Stone Bath, Copper Bath, Kitchen, Pedestals and Vanities and Custom work.

Stone Bath is focused primarily on vessel sinks which they make in round, oval or rectangular shapes. Exterior surfaces may be smooth or shaped or patterned to add interest. Their rectangular vessel sinks include softened interior corners and crisp exterior lines. Vessels are available in seven shades of Travertine (Beige, Belayo, Chocolate, Durango, Gold, Orange and Red) as well as Black or White Marble and Honey or White Onyx.  Lavatory sinks are also available as drop-in style.

Red Travertine drop in lavatory by R. A. Magnus

Stone Bath also includes bathtubs. These include two standard models, an oval and a rectangle and are available in a variety of colors. They will also make customer designs in bathtubs.

Classic Roman Rectangular Stone tub by R. A. Magnus

Copper Bath, like the stone offerings, includes lavatory sinks in vessel and drop-in models and bathtubs.  To be honest there is a lot of copper available today. What makes R. A. Magnus products different is unique design coupled with distinct finish. Their copper sinks are heavy gauge material for long lasting performance. The weathered copper finish has a rich almost golden hue unique to these sinks. Copper products are also available in Oil Rubbed Bronze and Satin Nickel.

Copper Vessel by R. A. Magnus

For the Kitchen R. A. Magnus makes copper drop in models and farm sinks in both stone and copper. Bar/Prep sinks are also available. Copper is a great product for the kitchen as it is naturally anti-microbial. A stone farm sink can be a unique addition to a kitchen and R. A. Magnus makes these in a variety of colors with options for a plain or decorative apron.

Stone Farm sink with Carved Face - R. A. Magnus

I think one place R. A. Magnus really shines is with their collection of pedestals and vanities, especially the Designer series.  Some are variations on classic themes while others are really unique. For a designer looking for that certain piece R. A. Magnus is a great resource. Here in the Napa area these rustic designs are a perfect choice.

Iron Mariner Console with stone sink by RA Magnus

Probably the greatest thing that makes R. A. Magnus such a great source is that they offer custom work. Because they operate their own factory and work on a smaller scale that can craft most designs you can think of. It may be something simple like adding a different exterior texture to a vessel sink all the way to creating a new and unique design for a stone and wood vanity.

RA Magnus Boat Vessel On Wood base with Drawer

We are currently displaying five sink designs in our American Canyon showroom and we are a major source for R. A. Magnus here in the Napa Valley. We invite you to come in and see our displays and to learn more about R. A. Magnus.

Choices for Bath Tub Faucets

Filed under Bathrooms by on May 23, 2011 at 7:18 am {no comments}

Most of us probably have a tub/shower in at least one bathroom in the house. The typical set up where there is a bathtub that is filled with a wall mount tub spout and valve (there is probably a shower head and a diverter somewhere as well). For many of us this is our only experience with a bathtub and we probably don’t think much about it.

American Standard Ceramix Tub Shower

But what if you want a different sort of tub? What if you want something bigger? Maybe free standing? Maybe you’d like a special spout or perhaps no spout at all? What do you do then? I’m glad to say there are lots of choices.

There are three things to consider when selecting a tub filler faucet; how fast will it fill the tub, where is it mounted and what does it look like? Of course cost is a factor as well. Of the three the first point is probably the most easily overlooked, which may be a big problem in the long run.

Jason Casarsa 72" - Round Be Sure to Have a High Flow Filler!

If you do not work with faucets on a regular basis you may not realize that faucets can have different flow rates. For example, a bathroom sink faucet flows about 2.2 gallons per minutes (gpm); fine for washing your hands but imagine how long it would take to fill an 80 gallon bathtub? If you are installing a larger than standard tub (something over 60x30x14) you will want to think about how long the faucet will take to fill that tub with water. Most tub manufacturers provide specifications including how many gallon of water are needed to fill and operate that tub and it is wise to check those specs out before you buy a faucet.

Sigma 500 Series Wall Mount Tub Spout with Pressure Balanced Valve

 

The next consideration is where the faucet is to be mounted. It may be wall mounted, deck mounted, tub mounted (for freestanding models) or floor mounted. Let’s look at wall mounted first as this is the common form.

As I mentioned above a typical wall mount tub filler usually includes a shower head as well. Under current code

 such a valve is required to be scald guard; either pressure balanced or thermostatic. A pressure balance valve, which is the common choice, rarely flows more than 5-6 gpm and so may not be a good choice for a large tub. In addition, most pressure balance valves are “cycling” meaning they control temperature but not volume (just on or off). If you are someone who likes to soak in a tub for a long time you’ll probably want to be able to control the water between a trickle and full on.

Rohl Wave Wall Mount Tub Filler - Not for a Shower

If you have a wall mount situation you can also consider using a thermostatic valve or, if you do not have a shower, a two handle wall mount faucet. Either of these can fill a large bathtub quickly.

Larger bathtubs are commonly installed “deck mounted” that is, there is a flat deck around the bathtub rather than walls. Not surprisingly, this kind of installation calls for a deck mount tub filler. These are sometimes set on the rim of the tub as well. Either way you will want to make sure that the spout is of a size that will clear the tub rim and reach into the tub effectively. Most such fillers have two handles but many faucet makers have started offering thermostatic tub fillers that offer a great flow rate and better temperature control.

Grohe Atrio Thermostatic Deck Mount Tub Filler with Handshower

Freestanding tubs, especially old fashioned claw foot type, may have the faucet mounted directly on the tub although this is not common. As freestanding tubs have become more popular floor mount fillers have followed suit. These are mounted directly on the floor with the water supply coming up from below. We are seeing many new contemporary styles, both single and two handles. A word of caution though; many of these models do not have high flow rates so may not be suitable for some tubs.

Axor Massaud Floor Mount Tub Filler - For the Freestanding Bath

 

Altmans Double Ribbon Spout - Working in Showroom

Altmans Crystal Tub Filler

There are some amazing tub fillers available today. Altmans has long had a reputation for making some of the most beautiful Waterfillers (as Altmans calls them) available today. Their crystal spout has a wide sheet of rippled glass over which the water flows. Their double cascade spout produces twin ribbons of water (we have a working model in our showroom). The Altmans Dolphin is a classic design; playful and beautiful.

Altmans Dolphin Deck Tub Spout

 

Hansgrohe has a collection called “Massaud” (see above) which features a flat sheet flow spout design. Graff has produced an unique wall mount tub filler.  “Luna” is a stunning piece with a tub spout that is like a piece of art, gently curving off the wall in a long graceful arc.

Graff Wall Mount Tub Filler with Handshower

 

On the other hand, perhaps you prefer a really contemporary look and would like to eliminate a tub filler from view. If so then the Geberit “Cascade” may be the solution for you. This is essentially a tub spout that is incorporate into the tub drain leaving the deck spout free (be aware that in most area you will be required to install a vacuum breaker).

Geberit Cascade Tub Filler - Not a Typical Spout

This is a tiny sample of what is available for tub fillers. The majority of manufacturers making quality faucets will make a deck tub filler to match their lavatory sets. In several of these photos you will see a Hand Shower included. This is a great accessory in a large tub; both for rinsing off and for cleaning the tub.

We display many of these fillers in our showroom and are happy to provide additional information.

KITCHEN BATH INDUSTRY SHOW 2011 (KBIS)

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on May 2, 2011 at 4:53 pm {no comments}

This year KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, was held at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. While this year’s show was lightly attended compared to recent years there where still many interesting things to see. Here are some highlights.

 AMERICAN STANDARD

This was a chance to see many of their new bathing products first hand. The new seated

AMS Seated Shower

 shower is, I think, a great alternative to a standard pan or tub. It is an easy retrofit and offers security and flexibility for anyone looking for a safer shower.

 Door tubs also offer a secure bathing option but are limited by slow draining which may require the bather to sit for 10 minutes or more while the tub drains so the door can be opened. To solve this AMS has introduced their “quick drain” system which clears the water in 3-5 minutes. We were able to see this demonstrated and it does work as described.

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AMS FunBath Fire Engine

Also this year AMS introduced what they are calling the “Fun Bath”. The Fun Time Bath fits over a standard bathtub and transforms it into a safe and fun bathing experience for parents and children. It raises the bathing well allowing parents to bath children without bending over plus, the designs of fire engines, castles and cartoon characters are fun for kids.

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 JASON INTERNATIONAL

Jason introduced two products this year. Their zero threshold shower base features a linear drain and seat and can retrofit into an existing shower space.

 The really exciting introduction was of Microsilk. Microsilk is a totally new creation for hydrotherapy. To quote Jason, Microsilk is “all about the bubbles”, a cloud of oxygen rich bubbles enters you pores and lifts out dirt and impurities. We will be bringing Microsilk to the American Canyon showroom in the coming weeks.

MicroSilk by Jason

 ROHL

Rohl introduced several new products. Although they are not known primarily for bath

Perrin & Rowe Victorian and Deco Toilets

 fixtures Rohl does offer several fine bath pieces. To this collection they have added two new toilets, “Victorian” and “Deco” by Perrin & Rowe. There are handcrafted in Stoke-on-Trent, Englan, a place well known for fine china.

 Farmhouse kitchen sinks have been a specialty of Rohl for a long time. This year they have introduced two new models. One features a thinner edge which may be preferred for a more transitional design. The second is a Shaws double bowl model with a casement face.

Rohl Viaggio in Old Iron

 “Old Iron” is a new finish loosely based on a pewter but with a deeper charcoal look.

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TOTO

This year Toto has expanded the collection of toilets using the “Double Cyclone” technology. The “Legato” and “Aimes” 1 piece toilets are actually very similar, differing only the style of trip lever.

Toto Legato 1pc Dbl Cyclone Toilet

Toto Aimes 1pc Dbl Cyclone Toilet

 Toto is also introducing two new dual flush models; one uses a side-mount trip lever rather than the typical top mounted dual push button system. The second is more basic price-point product.

 The Toto Aquia dual flush wall hung toilet has been very popular but difficult to get. We are told that Toto is currently in the process of moving  production of this product to one of their Atlanta, GA plants. Toto currently produces all of its one piece toilets in the United States and will continue to move production to the Americas.

Aquia Wall Hung Toilet

 AMEREC STEAM

They are the first steam company to come out with a water proof music system that operates independently of the steam system. The system allows one to mount the docking station inside the shower (or outside) and is operated with a remote. The system supports up to 8 speakers. Amerec plans to release this product in June 2011.

 NATIVE TRAILS

NT has always been a company focused on sustainability. This year they are bringing out their “Vintners Collection”. These vanities are made from wine stain oak staves which have been colored by the Chardonnay or Cabernet wines in which they have been soaked for years. There is also a wall-hung “Bordeaux” vanity made from reclaimed barrels which have been disassembled and sealed. Finished with a copper or stone countertop these are unique pieces.

Cabernet Vanity by Native Trails

Bordeaux Wall Vanity by Native Trails

Many of these products will be appearing in our showroom over the next few months. For information please feel free to call or email. We are happy to tell you more.

Clawfoot (Freestanding) Tubs – a Perennial Favorite

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information by on April 23, 2011 at 6:49 pm {no comments}

Clawfoot tubs have been around for years and remain a favorite choice for many remodeling projects. But why are these tubs so popular and is a clawfoot tub the right choice for you?

Clawfoot Slipper Bath by Sunrise

Sunrise Specialty Slipper Tub

 At one time the clawfoot tub was about a very traditional look. When I started in the plumbing industry in San Francisco in the early 90’s a dream bathroom often included a clawfoot tub with polished brass faucets and big porcelain handles. That style has evolved; brass has been replaced with brushed nickel and the classic clawfoot has been joined by more contemporary versions of freestanding tubs.

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Sunrise Specialty Tub Set

 In fact today it may be more accurate to talk about “freestanding” rather than “clawfoot” tubs as the classic clawfeet have been replaced with pedestal bases, wood frames, metalwork supports and even designed to sit directly on the floor.

 There are a few points to consider if you are thinking about having a freestanding bathtub. Some obvious things, like will it fit in the space and do you like the way it looks, are fairly easy to decide. Other factors like what it is made of (cast iron, acrylic, cast product) and water delivery requirements may require some additional thought.

 Traditional clawfoot tubs were made of cast iron and cast iron continues to be a common choice. A cast iron clawfoot tub will require the outside to be finished, usually by painting, as it will be rough iron (often you will have a choice of ordering painted or unpainted for finishing onsite). The shape of the feet may vary, ball and claw and Imperial are two common styles, and come in various finishes (white, chrome, brass, etc).

Bainultra Essencia Bath

 Originally it was common to have a shower setup over a clawfoot tub. This usually requires a ring and shower curtain to prevent water from ending up on the floor. These days I find most freestanding tubs do not have showers overhead and require just a tub filler. Traditional clawfoot bathtubs might have the faucet attached to the tub wall, tub deck or floor mounted with an “over-the-rim” spout. Most of the modern freestanding tubs do not have space for a deck or tub wall mount and so the tub filler is floor mounted. There have been some very beautiful floor mount tub fillers created in recent years.

Lacava Arch Tub Spout

Axor Urquiola Tub Filler

A couple of tub companies have created a faucet pedestal that is designed to fit against the bathtub to provide a horizontal deck that can accommodate a standard deck mount tub filler. This may provide you with more choices of faucets.

 The majority of freestanding bathtubs are “soakers”; there is no jetting system available. There are a few exceptions to this. Bain Ultra offers the “Thermomassuer” system on all of their freestanding models (including a footed tub). Jason and MTI also offer freestanding bathtubs with an air system. There are few (if any) manufacturers offering whirlpool systems on freestanding tubs (as there is no way to hide the pipes).

Jason Carrera CR553P

 Most of the freestanding baths that offer air systems are made of double wall acrylic (Jason and BainUltra and others). Now we are seeing many of the contemporary styled model being made of a “cast stone” or resin product.

Wetstyle InImage Motif

 Here are some of the latest in freestanding tubs…

Wetstyle Be Collection Tub

Wetstyle bathtubs are at the top of the design ladder.

Wetstyle Be detail

 The “Be” collection takes its form from a walnut shell which creates a tub interior that cradles the bather. Wetstyle “Image-in” is a beautiful option that adds a textural design to the tub exterior (see above).

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 Lacava is another design-centric manufacturer. The “Suave” freestanding model uses cast resin and wood to create this unique bathtub. The “Ovale” is an egg form designed to envelop the bather.

Suave Bathtub by Lacava

 BainUltra has several Thermomassuer freestanding models including the footed model “Cella” bathtub. This month BainUltra is introducing their “Essencia” tub; a unique look that we are looking forward to seeing.

Bainultra Cella Clawfoot Thermomassuer

Victoria and Albert created the Lido and Lido Grande decorative faucet stand. This clever product allows one to install a standard deck mount tun faucet with a freestanding tub. Victoris and Albert offers a large selection of traditional and contemporary bathtubs.

Victoria & Albert Lido Support

WetStyle Comes to the American Canyon Showroom

Filed under Bathrooms by on January 31, 2011 at 3:05 pm {no comments}

We are pleased to welcome WetStyle to the Showroom at American Canyon.

WetStyle M Collection

 WetStyle is a Canadian company which manufactures bathtubs, sinks and furniture that are based in a minimalist aesthetic. WetStyle has been doing their work for 25 years and their tub collection is focused on three design families; “Be”, “Cube” and “Ove”.

Wetstyle Cube Collection

 WetStyle is able to create their clean and elegant tubs because of the material they use. Trademarked under the name “Wetmar” this material is a fusion of natural stone and plastic and allows itself to be formed into a variety of tub and sink shapes. Wetmar is good for heat insulation and has a smooth sealed surface that is naturally hygienic. The surface is also non-slip and minimizes the built-up of grime or calcium deposits.

Wetstyle Be Collection Tub

 Our Wetstyle display features the “Cube” tub five foot model with a glossy surface. The surface really is amazingly smooth with an attractive gloss to the finish. We have also added some accessories that we think make the tub a bit more luxurious. These include the padded backrest and the “Cube Round Platter” which is a plate size disc that fits onto the tub rim.

Round Platter by Wetstyle

 Our WetStyle display also includes furniture from the M Collection. The M Collection is a modular collection of pieces including vanity, mirrored cabinet, linen cabinet and wheeled storage. All follow a clean line styling which shows the beauty of the wood. The M Collection is available in Oak (natural, wenge, white, white-washed or grey washed) or Walnut (natural or chocolate). Our display features a 36” vanity with linen storage and mirrored cabinet. We have also included the vanity top sink in a glossy finish.

Wetstyle M Collection in Natural Walnut

 Collection  C (for Clinic) is based on a combination of stainless steel and white. The console of stainless steel is available in polished or brushed and paired with a molded one piece countertop sink. Collection C also offers mirrors with a stainless steel frame in a 28” x 19” or 48” x 19” configuration. Collection C is displayed in our Walnut Creek showroom.

Wetstyle Collection C Console

 We are currently displaying WetStyle in our front window area. Please come in and see it for yourself.

Kaldewei Bathtubs and Shower Pans

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on October 30, 2010 at 1:35 pm {no comments}

Kaldewei Bassinio Tub

Kaldewei European baths are like no other tubs. Made of 3.5mm steel and finished with a unique enamel finish so hard that it is not scratched by common bath substances, including metal rubbing against it. Using Californian Borax, Scandinavian quartz, feldspar, soda and the world’s biggest enameling furnaces, Kaldewei produces a surface that is guaranteed to remain durable for at least 30 years.

Conoflat Shower Pan by Kaldewei

This glossy surface looks beautiful but is also super sanitary and easy to care for. Because it is so smooth bacteria don’t have a chance to settle and cleaning is a breeze. This surface combined with 3.5mm steel construction produces a unique tub offering many of the benefits of cast iron (glossy surface and solid heat conducting material) without the great weight.  All Kaldewei baths and shower trays come with a 30-year guarantee.

Founded in 1918 by Franz Kaldewei the company began as a manufacturer of enamel for industrial uses. Kaldewei made its first freestanding bath in 1934. In 2009 Kaldewei introduced the “Conoflat”, the first enameled flush fit shower pan. Today the company continues to offer both freestanding and built-in tubs and shower pans.

Kaldewei Centre of Competence

The Kaldewei Competence Centre in Ahlen, Germany is a modern training and exhibition centre and international meeting place for Kaldewei customers, and especially for architects, planners, the wholesale trade and fitters. As well as changing themed exhibitions – the current one is Kaldewei innovations at the ISH 2009 – there is also a permanent presentation of baths and shower trays that gives an overview of Kaldewei’s entire product range.

 Kaldewei also believes in sustainably manufacturing. Thanks to the environmentally compatible procedures used in manufacture, packaging, transportation and disposal, Kaldewei was the first bathroom fitter to be certified sustainable to ISO 14025 by the Institute Bauen und Umwelt e.V., the Institute of Building and the Environment.

Conoduo Freestanding by Kaldewei

We invite you to visit our showroom and see Kaldewei for yourself. We are currently displaying the Conoduo freestanding 74” tub. Please come try it for yourself – we look forward to seeing you.

 

Hydrotherapy Tubs – What are they made of?

Filed under Bathrooms by on September 28, 2010 at 6:31 am {no comments}

There are many things to consider when selecting a hydrotherapy tub. In a previous post I briefly described three types of system tubs; whirlpool, jetted and air baths. Deciding what type system is right for you is the first step. Once you know what kind of hydrotherapy you are looking for you can begin to consider materials, controls and features.

What are the Best Whirlpools made of?

 Generally speaking tubs are made from one of four materials; cast iron, acrylic, cast resin or fiberglass. If you are looking for a system tub you can probably eliminate a cast resin tub from the start. Most manufacturers of these tubs do not offer system tubs, only soakers. There is one company, Six Eleven, which is the exception to this rule. Six Eleven offers tubs that can be customized by shape, system and many other features. I will cover resin tubs in more detail in a future post.

Cubix by Six Eleven Architectural Bath

 A well made, glossy cast iron tub can be a thing of luxury and beauty. In appearance cast iron offers a beautiful glossy surface that can support vivid colors. The density of the cast iron material also holds heat well (once it warms up!). If you want a cast iron hydrotherapy tub then you will probably be looking at Kohler. Kohler is by far the leading maker of cast iron tubs and also one of the only companies still offering cast iron hydrotherapy models. I think this is mostly due to the fact that very few companies still make cast iron at all and I think the reasons for this have more to do with the difficulties of working with cast iron than with the quality of the final product. Cast iron is harder to produce, it’s very heavy and so more difficult to transport. This tends to be more expensive. Finally, there is a characteristic to cast iron called “orange peel” which is a sort of bumpy surface that sometimes happens. It is not a defect but if you are after a smooth surface you may find this to be unacceptable (I recently ran into this with a client who rejected three cast iron tubs before finally switching to acrylic).

Kohler Kathryn 5.5 Whirlpool

 Today the great majority of hydrotherapy tubs we sell are made of acrylic. Acrylic should not be confused with fiberglass. While both types get the structural integrity from the fiberglass material there is a big difference in the finish. Acrylic tubs are made by molding a sheet of acrylic into a tub shape and then reinforced with fiberglass structure. With a fiberglass tub the fiberglass is molded into a shell and then sprayed with a “gel coat” to create a glossy surface.

Etrne bath by Maax Pearl

 An acrylic surface is more durable than a gel coat. It is much more resistant to scratches and will retain its shine better over time. Because it is non-porous it is easy to clean and can be buffed up occasionally with an application of car wax. You can find acrylic tubs in a great variety of shapes and sizes, from many manufacturers and with a big range of price points.

Jason International

 Acrylic tubs are lighter weight than cast iron but it would be a mistake to equate that with flimsiness. Well made acrylic tubs feel every bit as solid as cast iron and yet can be hundreds of pounds lighter, especially important in a raised floor application. However it is true that there is a wider range of quality with acrylic than with cast iron so be sure to buy from a well regarded manufacturer. There are many of them: MTI, Jason, Maax, Bain Ultra, Oceania, Neptune, Hydrosystems, Americh and many more. These companies make solid products and may incorporate details like self-leveling bases and pre-framed units for stability.

Hydrosystems Fuji 6040 Fiberglass Tub

 Fiberglass is the last material on the list and can be a good choice for certain situations. It can be more porous and softer than acrylic or cast iron so proper care is important to maintaining fiberglass successfully. I have fiberglass walls in the shower of the house I am renting and I do notice that a watermark appears if I leave a bottle of shampoo sitting on the surface. This does dry out and disappear but it a reminder not to let anything that might stain to sit on the surface.

 Once you settle on a material the next thing to consider is the features and options available. I will talk more about those in my next post.

Whirlpool, Jetted and Air Baths

Filed under Bathrooms by on April 19, 2010 at 4:50 pm {no comments}

The first whirlpool bath was invented by Roy Jacuzzi in 1968 and Jacuzzi has become a common word to use when referring to a jetted tub. The industry has grown tremendously since then and instead of whirlpools today we discuss “hydrotherapy” tubs. This makes sense because not all hydrotherapy tubs are whirlpools (nor are they all made by Jacuzzi).

Generally speaking the are three categories of hydrotherapy tubs: whirlpools, jetted tubs and air baths. These refer to different types of systems that will yield different results so it is important to understand what each of these types of tubs can offer before you make a selection.

A distinction can be made between whirlpools and jetted tubs based on the different action produced by the jets. Instead of directing jets straight at the body a true whirlpool moves that whole body of water in a circular motion which creates a relaxing, soothing massage style of overall therapy. Pearl Baths is a company known for their “true whirlpool” systems.

Jetted tubs use more jets and typically place those all around the tub so that the bather will experience the action of the jets directly in several places. These systems are good for someone looking for a more forceful and direct kind of massage therapy. Jacuzzi is the inventor of this type; others like Maax and Jason continue to offer quality options.

Air baths do not use jets in the manner of a jetted or whirlpool tub. Instead small jets inject heated air only into the tub through air holes located either around the perimeter of the tub or across the bottom of the tub. Air baths are typically more invigorating that a true whirlpool but less forceful that a jetted tub. BainUltra invented the airbath in 1977 and continues to be the leader.

Once you decide which type of system is right for you you’re about halfway down the road to selecting the right tub. You’ll still need to consider what kind of material you want (cast iron, acrylic, fiberglass), what type of control, type and location of jets and some other questions. I’ll start to cover more about those in my next post.

Walk in Bathtubs

Filed under Accessible Product by on April 15, 2010 at 1:50 pm {no comments}

Walk in bathtubs are designed to allow people with limited mobility to once again enjoy taking a bath. One can enter through the door and sit down to bathe safely. For some, these tubs are the perfect solution but they are not for everyone. Before buying you’ll want to consider the following:

  •  Tub features like door swing and seat
  • Bathroom layout and installation of fixtures
  • Functionality
  • Certifications and warranty

 These tubs are usually designed to fit into the same space as a standard bath which is 60” x 30”. In most cases the door opens into the bathtub which may require the bather to maneuver around the door to close it. It’s a tight space so make sure this will work for you.  The door will have a locking mechanism that may require some strength to close. The seat should be high enough to allow a person to rise easily, about 17”. Be sure the height of the step into the tub allows safe entry and exit.

The faucet and drain must be located where the bather can reach these from a seated position. Reaching too far is at best inconvenient and can be the cause of serious accidents.

Walk-in tubs require the bather to sit and wait while the tub fills and drains. A high flow faucet that will fill the tub quickly is recommended. In addition, many manufacturers are starting to develop systems which will speed up drain time. American Standard offers a “Quick Drain” option that includes a user operated pump. Aquatic Industries has a system on their “Ava” tub that will drain the water in 30 seconds. Without such a system the bather will have to wait until the water drains below the door.

A tub like this is a major investment so buying from an established and reputable manufacturer is a good idea. One way to assure quality is to look for certifications from IAPMO (UPC), ASME and CSA. To get these certifications a manufacturer must build to a certain standard and pass inspection by the issuing organization. You may also want to review the warranty and understand what is covered. Manufacturers rarely cover labor costs if repairs are needed so we also strongly recommend that you use a professional installer who will warranty the work. That can save a lot of headache in the long run.

At General Plumbing American Canyon we carry tubs by American Standard, Jacuzzi and Oceania.

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