Your Complete Guide to Enjoying a Deep Bath

Is there anything better than a long relaxing soak in a deep bath? Read our complete guide to getting it just right…

Your bath is an important feature of your home. So important, in fact, it has a whole room named after it! How many other household items, other than the bed (and, perhaps, the toilet!), can claim that? Yet, many of us take our humble tub for granted, opting for a conventional straight bath, rather than something more luxurious.

With the stresses and strains we place on our everyday lives, it’s important you have somewhere to unwind and relax. Your bathroom and, in particular, your bath, provide you with this very opportunity. So, it’s important you own or choose a bath that is deep enough for you to fully enjoy.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to get the most out of a deep bath, by explaining what we mean by this term, answering the question “what is a good bathtub soaking depth?” and inspiring you with some of our very own super deep baths.

So, let’s kick off (and kick back), by discovering just what a deep bath actually is.

What is a deep bath?

A deep bath is a type of bathtub constructed with a steep-sided and, sometimes, compact design. This type of bath offers optimum comfort for the bather, allowing them to soak fully while either sitting upright in a relaxed and enjoyable seating position or reclining.

Freestanding baths, which can sometimes be suspended above the floor on legs, usually offer a deeper bathing experience than conventional straight baths. Hence why you’ll often see them in more luxurious bathroom settings.

Some deep bath styles substitute the length and width of a traditional tub for depth. A deeper tub like this will allow you to save space without compromising on your bathing experience. It also reduces the amount of water you’ll need to run a bath, reducing water wastage. In turn, this provides a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly option than the traditional bathtub. They’re ideal for ensuite bathrooms and smaller homes.

Along with all these energy and space-saving advantages, a deep bath offers one other simple yet obvious advantage: It allows you to immerse yourself fully underwater (except your head, of course!) and enjoy a long and comfortable soak. To experience full immersion, look out for models that allow at least 30cm or 12” of water.

Even with a reduction in the length and width, it doesn't mean that your body will be any less submerged. Instead, the depth allows the water to cover most of your body, allowing you to submerge to at least the chest or above.

If you feel like swapping your existing tub for a deep bath, the great news is you shouldn’t need to make any significant changes to your plumbing. Most baths can be swapped in and out, like-for-like. A freestanding bath may require a slightly different tap mounting (freestanding and wall mounted taps are quite popular) but there shouldn’t be anything else that would drive bathroom installation costs up.

Now you know what to look out for when choosing a deep bath, what is a good bathtub soaking depth? Let’s find out…

What is a good bathtub soaking depth?

It's no secret that almost everyone deals with stress. It has long-lasting effects that can harm the mind and body. But while life's biggest stress-points are unavoidable, you can combat the added pressure with a soothing soak in your bathtub. However, if you want to get things just right, it pays to consider the depth of your tub, along with the usual length and width.

When deciding what is a good bathtub soaking depth, you should consider the factors below:

What kind of tub do you have?

A conventional bathtub and a soaking tub look slightly different. A soaking tub has steeper sides and is designed so that the bather can recline or even sit down upright with water reaching their upper body.

While standard tubs hold up to 30cm/12" of water, a good soaking bathtub will hold at least 35cm/14". For most adults, the ideal water depth will be between 43cm/17" and 50cm/20".

The tub itself should be around 50cm/20" to 60cm/24" deep. However, they are not intended to be filled right to the top—just enough to cover most of the bather.

If your current tub doesn’t meet these requirements, why not take a look at some of the super-deep baths at Victorian Plumbing (to help, we’ve picked out some of our bestsellers below).

Who is using your bathtub?

The soaking depth also depends on who wants to use the tub. For example, a good bathtub soaking depth for a young child will be completely different from that of an adult. It may sound obvious, but for safety reasons, you should always make sure that whoever is in the bath can hold their head above the water level.

How big is your tub?

If you have a very wide bathtub, you may find that you need a smaller amount of water to soak your whole body. Ultimately, the right bathtub soaking depths depends on what is most comfortable and enjoyable for you.

The bottom line

If you’ve been wondering what is a good bathtub soaking depth, it really all comes down to personal preference.

As you may have guessed, here at Victorian Plumbing, we’re big fans of the humble bath. Not only does it improve your mood, but it can help you sleep better, improve heart health and lower blood pressure. But how do you get your water temperature just right? It’s a topic we’re just about to turn to…

Getting your bath temperature just right

Water temperature completely depends on personal preference. We may know the benefits of a freezing cold bath but most people prefer something much warmer. Indeed, even stepping into a lukewarm or tepid bath can be incredibly frustrating, so many people choose to run a bath that is as hot as they can stand!

So, what is the perfect temperature for a bath? Well, according to expert sources, the optimum bath water temperature is somewhere between 40 to 45 degrees C—this is just a few degrees above body temperature. Any hotter and you risk burning yourself or, at the very least, doing a little damage to your skin. For babies and small children, you should always ensure water is warm but not hot. In a baby-safe bathroom, water temperature should be around 37 to 38 degrees C.

But how do you know if you’re running the correct water temperature for your deep bath? Well, aside from dipping a thermometer into the water every few minutes, you could invest in a thermostatic bath tap. Simply set it to your desired setting and it will maintain a consistent water temperature as your bath fills.

Deep bath inspiration

At Victorian Plumbing, you’ll find a wide variety of deep baths to suit your bathroom style. Whether you’re searching for a contemporary, designer model or a traditional tub, you’ll discover the perfect bath at some of the lowest prices around. To help you choose, we’ve picked out just some of our bestselling deep baths.

Slipper style

A Victorian style slipper bath is great for a deep soak. Originally designed to offer the bather a modicum of privacy in busy households, modern slipper baths are made from durable acrylic, which keeps your bath water hotter for longer.

You can choose from a range of sizes, including an incredibly compact 1500mm in length.

Contemporary comfort

Featuring a design inspired by chic Italian styling, this contemporary tub is ideal for bathrooms big and small. Manufactured from high quality acrylic, the ergonomic shape of the Verona freestanding bath allows for a deep and comfortable soak.

The bath can be freestanding or positioned against a wall, depending on the amount of space you have. Pair with a freestanding tap to complete your installation in style!

Metallic magic

For something just that little extra bit special, why not choose one of our stunning metallic baths? The Carron Shelley bath from Hurlingham is made to order, from luxury cast iron and hand-painted by expert craftspeople. The vitreous enamel interior is wonderfully deep and luxurious for an opulent experience.

Bath inspiration and ideas

If a deep bath has you feeling all warm and fuzzy, why not immerse yourself in further ideas and inspiration? At Victorian Plumbing, you’ll find everything you need to choose and then enjoy the perfect bath. First off, check out our bath buying guide, to understand which bath is right for you. Then, why not discover our latest bath ideas, with new trends and fresh designs. Once you’ve picked out your perfect bath, you can then lie back, unwind and let the cares of the world wash over you!