What Is a Soaking Tub? Everything You Should Know

Bathtime is making a comeback, and the timing is no great surprise. With comfort-focused home renovations skyrocketing, the idea of a long luxurious bubble bath became pretty appealing. But what, exactly, is a soaker tub and how does it compare to the traditional model?

What Is a Soaker Tub?

A soaker tub—also known as a soaking tub—is exactly as it sounds: a luxuriously deep bathtub that allows you to fully submerge in the water. In other words, you don't have to awkwardly swivel your chilly knees to keep them warm. You'll find both freestanding soaker tub models as well those set within a traditional shower/tub combo. 

While deep tubs have been around for over a century, soaking tubs—particularly freestanding ones—have made a comeback in the past several years. Since you need a larger bathroom to make room for the standalone design, it's not only a comfort item, but a symbol of luxury and style. For this reason, you may see these spa-like additions popping up in more real estate posts.

Here are a few more details to give you the full picture.

Regular Tub vs. Soaker Tub

Let's put the two main types of tubs side-by-side. Sure, the size is the major difference, but factors like price, use, and bathroom requirements also play a role.

• Soaker tubs are deeper, longer, and wider than most regular tubs

• Soaker tubs hold up to 250 gallons, while regular ones hold up to 42

• Soaker tubs are more expensive than traditional tubs

• Soaker tubs do not typically have jets, but do on occasion

• You are more likely to find freestanding soaker tubs, unlike the traditional shower-and-tub traditional combination

• Soaker tubs are more ideal for adults due to their depth

• Soaker tubs are more often associated with relaxation and lounging than simple bathing

All this being said, both types of tubs are highly customizable. They come in a range of materials, feature a variety of fixture styles, and insulate water just as well.

What Are Soaker Tubs Made Of? 

There are different bathtub materials, each with its pros and cons. Check out your options and figure out which one would work best for you.

Acrylic 

Acrylic soaker tubs are the most commonly available. It’s a great option because acrylic is lightweight, retains heat well, and is easy to maintain. This tub type is also the most budget-friendly with plenty of sizing and shape options for you to choose from. You can expect your acrylic soaker tub to last 10 to 15 years.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is extremely durable and retains heat very well, making it a great choice for your soaker tub. However, it’s also incredibly heavy, which you can imagine knowing how heavy a cast iron pan can be.

Make sure that your flooring is durable enough to handle the weight of the tub and water once it’s filled up, and you’ll definitely want to hire bathroom installers near you to handle the installation. But once it’s installed, it’ll last a lifetime.

Wood 

Wood soaker tubs have a unique appearance and can smell good when you use them, depending on the wood type. They also retain heat well, and last about 20 years or longer. If you choose this type, prepare for a strict maintenance schedule. This includes filling up the wood tub weekly, cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners, and shielding it from direct sunlight.

Types of Soaker Tubs

Once you decide on the material for your tub, you’ll need to think about the type of soaking tub that’ll work best for your home. For bathroom remodels you’ll want to consider the space of your existing tub. That’ll help you decide if an alcove, freestanding, corner, drop-in, or undermount tub is the best bet.

If you’re building your bathroom from scratch, then you’re only limited by your imagination.

Here are the main types of bathtubs available for you to choose from:

• Alcove

• Freestanding

• Corner

• Drop-In

• Undermount

• Jetted

• Walk-in

• One- or Two-Piece

What Is the Average Size of a Soaker Tub? 

Soaker tubs are usually 60” to 72” long although they can be as small as 54” or as big as 90”. The width ranges between 19” to 76”. The extra space allows you total comfort during a nice, long bath.

How Deep Is a Soaker Tub? 

Soaker tub depths average 23”, compared to standard bathtub sizes that are 15” to 19” deep. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can find tubs that are as deep as 36”.

The depth of the tub is what really allows you to sink into the water for that relaxing bath you’re looking for. A soaker tub holds 200 to 250 gallons of water, while regular tubs hold around 100 gallons.

Are Japanese Soaker Tubs the Same as Standard Soaker Tubs? 

There are some key differences between Japanese soaker tubs and standard ones. The Japanese soakers are taller and can be as much as 36” deep. This depth allows you to sit down while bathing (and yes, there’s a seat inside the tub). Also, there are steps for the taller tubs for easy entry and exit.

The water reaches your chest or shoulders, and depending on your preferences, you may find that this is more comfortable than laying on your back.

Japanese soakers are also usually oval or square and take up less space than standard ones.

How Much Does a Soaker Tub Cost?

Photo: peshkov / Adobe Stock

Soaking tubs cost an average of $1,000, but the range is quite wide. You'll find simple acrylic soaking tubs for as low as $600 while unique materials like wood, glass, or stone could cost over $10,000. For comparison, traditional tubs can cost as low as $400.

The total bathtub replacement costs—which include removing your old tub, waterproofing the surrounding area, and installing the new design—can range anywhere from $750 to $20,000. The final price will also come down to whether your soaker tub falls within a larger bathroom remodel, such as upgrading your tiles, fixtures, or shower doors. To get started, you'll want to find an excellent remodeling contractor with experience in bathroom design.

Is a Soaker Tub Right for Your Home?

Choosing the best bathtub for your home is not just about fulfilling your bubble-bath-and-room-full-of-candles daydream, though that is a huge part of it. A bathtub is one of the largest items in your bathroom renovation, both when it comes to physical size and price. It should go without saying that the investment is best for someone who enjoys a long soak in the tub after a long day.

Here are some tips to choose the best bathtub. For one, consider if a soaker tub is worth the extra investment when creating a budget for bathroom remodel costs. It seems that freestanding tubs in general are here to stay when it comes to bathroom trends. And spa-like features are a major focus on the National Kitchen and Bath Association's trend report for 2021. Soaker tubs fall into both of these categories, making them a great addition to your current home or a home you're about to sell.

We will say that the biggest deterrent of a soaker tub is space. You will need more room for a longer, wider, and deeper tub, especially if you buy a freestanding model. A tub should streamline the layout of your bathroom, so be sure you have space to get in and out of the tub safely. 

Also keep in mind that soaker tubs require more hot water—so expect a higher water and heating bill if you plan to take a nightly dip.

If a soaker tub is calling your name, consider all the great bathroom remodel ideas and then work with a bathtub replacement team near you. Replacing a traditional tub with a soaking or freestanding model requires an experienced eye and a designer that can transform your bubble-bath vision into a reality.