Q: I'm about to move into a large junior one bedroom that is owned by friends in beautiful Silver Lake. It was such a good deal, I couldn't pass it up. The only problem is, there's no bath tub...just a shower stall (the kind you would see at a rustic lake house). I love my baths at the end of a long day. My question for you: do you know of any way I can cheaply upscale my shower situation, or even perhaps find a way to make it into a bath without a complete makeover?
Sent by Caroline
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A really large galvanized tub? I'm sort of kidding but maybe not... what's the size of the shower stall?Maybe with a hole drilled in the bottom of the tub and some sort of drainage tubing installed directly into the shower drain below (with the appropriate seal)?? We need more info.
Would a walk-in bathtub work in that space in your bathroom? http://premiercarebathing.com/
How about a soft tub brand hot tub? For under 1,500 (I think..may be less even) you get a hot tub to soak in at the end of the day-use the shower to get clean...The unit is portable to take to your next place...win, win :)
It might be possible for you to put an appropriately sized clawfoot or other freestanding tub in the shower, but you won't be able to fill it conveniently without a faucet, In addition, concentrating the half ton weight of a tub plus water, plus your body weight on four feet will inevitably crack or break any tile in the existing shower stall. The framing structure of your apartment may also not be capable of supporting the increased weight.
You can easily upgrade your shower experience by getting one of the sophisticated massaging single or multiple shower heads or shower head/body spray assemblies currently on the market.
Perhaps if you have a private garden you can put your tub outdoors.
Having just done major bathroom renovation, what you are dreaming about isn't possible from a plumbing standpoint. Structurally, there may also be issues because a bathtub full of water weighs a LOT. What's the floor support underneath? Do you even know? If you damage the floors or tiles etc., I'm sure those people who own the unit will demand that you pay for repairs. It will be very very expensive a repair. You don't own it, so don't mess with it. This isn't like painting a cabinet that you can "cheaply upscale". If you must have a soak, join a fancy gym that has a jacuzzi. Another option as someone has mentioned is a spa-style showerhead, to at least make showering more enjoyable.
what about a comfortable water-proof chair? If the shower is large enough for a seat or cushion with back support, you may find this to be just as relaxing as the bath itself. Add one of those handheld shower heads and you're set! :)
A shower can never replace a bath, as I've learned in my current place.
But a hot tub at a gym or friend's place helps. And I always choose hotels with nice tubs. My last trip I chose the room just for its deep soaking tub. I miss baths, but I'm saving enough in rent that someday I can afford my own place with a tub.
No.
you live in souther california that is prone to long periods of drought... don't waste water and take a shower.
I had to deal with this at my last apartment, and I'm usually a bath-a-day girl. I did two things:
1. Curl up in a ball on the floor of the shower and lay there for about 40 minutes. It doesn't remotely do the trick but it was the closest I could get.
2. Olympic spa. It saved my life. I'd go twice a week just to soak.
I agree with Danadane about a waterproof chair of some kind. You could look at inflatables that are make for pools - something like a kid's paddling pool. They're easy to store once deflated too. Or there are armchair-like inflatables, that would be relaxing - some even have a cup-holder for a glass of wine :)