Clawfoot bathtubs are free-standing classic and traditional bathroom fixtures that add a luxurious and graceful look to this place. They have four pegs or feet like a table with different feet styles, such as lion paw, ball-like, bear claw, and eagle claw.
How to Shower in a Clawfoot Tub? Clawfoot tubs are not ideal for having a shower, but you can add a shower kit if you do not have a separate shower area or want to wash your hair during a bath. However, the water splashes on the walls, floor, and curtains can cause mold and require regular cleaning. It also causes poor ventilation because of the shower curtains, and installing a shower kit can be expensive.
The unique feet design is one of the promising things in its manufacturing that makes it different from conventional bathtubs. For example, you can easily place them parallel or perpendicular to the wall where the plumbing system is installed.
How can you take a shower in a clawfoot tub?
It is not a good idea to have a shower in the clawfoot bathtub, but you can add a proper shower kit if the bathroom does not have a separate shower area.
I have a clawfoot bathtub but do not like to shower there because I think the fixture is meant to have a relaxing bath.
However, you can shower in this bathtub, as different designs come with handles and shower risers.
In addition, you can wash your hair while having a bath in the bathtub and set the water temperature and pressure using the faucets.
The shower handle is placed on the cradle near the faucets, and you can select different shower enclosure sizes depending on the size and the plumbing system.
You can use the shower riser instead of the handle, which comes with the kit you select for the bathtub.
However, the drains and supply lines are inside the floor; therefore, it is essential to consider the plumbing system before installing these tubs with these features.
What are the disadvantages of having a shower in a clawfoot tub?
They are not designed to take showers, but people still combine the showering feature with the bath. This can cause many problems, and some of the disadvantages are explained here.
Water splashes on the floor and walls
I find it annoying to have water splashes all over the floor after a bath or shower.
For example, having a shower kit in a clawfoot bathtub causes water splashes on the wall and floor, and you have to clean the floor every time you or the kids shower there.
The splashes can cause the finishers or outer primer coating to peel off if you do not clean and maintain it regularly.
Having a clawfoot tub with a shower kit can deteriorate the wooden floor and the wood panel on the wall near the fixture. Therefore, it is better to avoid having wooden floors or walls in the area around it.
Damage to the tub feet
It can cause damage to its feet if you stand and put weight on one side of the fixture.
The conventional bathtubs lay directly on the floor while they stand on four feet, and the chances of slipping and damage to the fixture are high.
Although the feet are manufactured using high-quality materials to bear the heavy body weights, taking frequent showers can affect different parts of the tub, including its feet.
The iron feet can get rust and corrosion because of the water drops on the floor and look unpleasant. You cannot replace its feet, and the worn-out feet affect the usage and performance of the fixture.
Mold and bacteria on the curtains
The shower exposure kit has curtain rods, and you can hang different types of curtains around the bathtub.
In addition, the chances of mold and bacteria growth on the curtain increase if you fold them immediately after a bath without letting them dry properly.
I have curtains around the bathtub, but the damp environment causes mildew and a wet smell on the curtains.
I prefer to let the curtains dry for 10-15 minutes and then fold them on the rods to avoid mold development and foul odor.
Poorly ventilated area
The curtains can make the environment suffocate when you are taking a shower.
You cannot enjoy the bath with the curtains hanging around, especially in a hot bath, because the steam can accumulate around you.
It causes the dried white patches on the walls because of the condensation on the walls and poor ventilation in this area.
I have installed an exhaust fan near the bathtub and shower area to get better ventilation in this place.
However, a bathroom without any source of ventilation can cause an annoying environment around the tub with curtains.
Expensive
Installing a shower kit with the clawfoot bathtub can be expensive, as it can cost between $1100 to $9000, depending on the style, material, and type of kit.
You may have to pay an additional $1000 to $1200 labor cost if you do not have the expertise to install the kit and hire a professional plumber to do this task.
The stainless steel shower kit is more expensive because it can resist moisture and rust.
How to safely get out of a clawfoot tub?
Clawfoot tub height differs for different styles and feet designs, and it becomes difficult for young kids and senior members to take a bath in this tub.
You can safely get out of this bathtub by installing side rods next to it so that an old-age person can hold this rod while getting into the tub.
The children can also use the rods or handles to get into the tub without getting hurt, as it stands at some distance from the floor.
Another trick to get in and out of the tub is to place the one or two-step stair, and kids and aged family members can also enjoy a bath.
It will help people with back or joint pain to safely take a bath there while using the stair or side rods installed near the fixture.
What are the different styles of clawfoot tubs?
There are different styles of clawfoot bathtubs with many designs and color options, and you can choose them depending on your budget and the bathroom space.
Classic clawfoot tub
It is one of the most common and traditional clawfoot tubs with flatter rim and round edges with drain and faucets on one side of the round ends.
You can easily install this tub near the wall because of the flat rim, and it usually has one end round and the other in square shape.
You can select different feet, faucets, and shower kit designs for this bathtub, and they are less expensive than other products, depending on their size and features.
Double ended clawfoot tub
Double-ended tubs look more luxurious and are more like classic bathtubs having the only difference in the round ends.
It has both ends in a round shape, and you can select the drain and faucets that are present in the center of the tub, depending on your preferences.
It provides more inner space because of the round edges and has a uniform height between the two opposite ends, which allows space for more than one person.
Slipper clawfoot tub
Single slipper bathtub has one elevated or raised end to provide a more comfortable experience for your back.
It is called a slipper tub because of its design to high at one end and flat from the other like a slipper.
They look traditional and provide support to the neck and backside of the body for a long and more relaxing bath.
Double slipper clawfoot tub
The double slipper is similar to the single slipper bathtub and has both ends elevated, which allows using either side to get back support.
It looks more stylish and attractive and acts as a focal point in the bathroom. In addition, it has a deep bottom and collects more water in the tub center.
The faucets and drain are in the middle, and two persons can enjoy a long and peaceful bath because of the larger space on both ends.
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