Skip The Large Whirlpool Tub For A More Practical Bathroom Upgrade Alternative

Whirlpool tubs evoke images of hours spent in your spa-like bathroom, soaking away the day's tensions, surrounded by aromatic candles as you unwind to the sounds of smooth jazz. Not only do you wash away your cares in a vat of warm, soapy water, but your muscles also relax as they're massaged by jets of water strategically placed around the tub walls. But are they practical? If you're upgrading your bathroom, a high-end shower is a more practical alternative to a large whirlpool tub. 

There are pros and cons to the tub/shower decision, with those on the side of showers largely citing practicality. A large tub may be impractical in a small bathroom, where the space could be better used for cabinetry or a larger vanity. Drawing a bath takes more time than hopping in the shower, and it uses significantly more water. Jetted tubs frequently have more mechanical parts that require maintenance, and bathtubs with jets need more frequent cleaning, especially if they're heavily used, to keep them working properly. They're difficult for people with mobility issues to get into and out of, and they can be noisy. Of course, there are plenty of reasons to have a bathtub — kids and pets, for example. If you've got you're doing an en-suite bathroom renovation, though, and you're choosing between a whirlpool and a high-end walk-in shower, the shower is probably your best bet.

Step-in showers are freestanding, unlike tub/shower combinations, where you have to climb into the tub to take a shower. Walk-in showers are similar, but they don't have the small threshold between the bathroom floor and the shower floor. Both types have evolved considerably from their roots, in which a single showerhead with hot and cold knobs provided water for bathing. They frequently don't require a door or shower curtain, which makes a bathroom look larger and less crowded, but can also mean that water splashes outside the enclosure. 

You can fit a shower into a small bathroom that may not have room for a large whirlpool tub, though. Luxury shower accessories like multiple showerheads, pulsating jets, integrated lighting and sound, and steam features set high-end showers apart and make them good alternatives to whirlpools. Some are even connected to apps that turn the water on, adjust the temperature, and can be preset, so each user can save their preferences and save a little time on busy mornings.

Because of the trend toward wellness and self-care in bathroom design, spa-like tubs remain popular, elevating health and luxury above practicality for some. At the same time, the desire for accessibility has increased as homeowners consider aging in place. Practical considerations like non-slip flooring, grab bars, and low-curb showers have gained in appeal. These elements can be easily incorporated into a walk-in shower. Some of these practical considerations may make it reasonable for you to cover the cost of converting a tub to a shower — even if you're not doing a full bathroom renovation.