Best Drop-In Bathtubs in 2022

Last update: December 19, 2022

Can I install a bathtub myself?

You can absolutely install a bathtub yourself! However, depending on the type of bathtub you have, the installation process may vary slightly. For example, if you have a cast iron bathtub, you will need to adhere to special installation instructions in order to avoid damaging the tub. That said, as long as you are familiar with basic plumbing and have all the necessary tools, you should be able to install your bathtub with little trouble.

Can you use spray foam under tub?

Spray foam insulation is a great way to insulate your home and save on energy costs. However, you need to be careful when using spray foam around electrical wiring or outlets. If you're not careful, you could create a fire hazard. When using spray foam insulation around a tub, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Do plumbers install bathtubs?

Plumbers typically install bathtubs during new construction or when a home is being remodeled. The process usually involves attaching the tub to the studs in the wall, then attaching the plumbing and drains.

Do you need to build a frame for a bath?

If you're planning on installing a bath, you'll need to build a frame to support it. This is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. You'll need some basic carpentry tools and materials, including lumber, screws, and nails. The most important thing to remember is to make sure the frame is level and square. Once the frame is built, you can then install the bath.


KOHLER K-1130-0 Underscore Rectangle Bathtub, White Review:


For the renovation of our bathroom, we bought this tub. I selected the 5-foot-30 "broad tub with a basin (a heating element under the back of the tub). The bathtub is spacious and cozy. Such comfort! The lumbar support is incorporated into the tub, and the back angle is ideal. While "relaxing" in the tub, my neck is no longer strained. A tub pillow is an option, but I don't think you need one. I am 5'4 "Moreover, the length is ideal. Additionally, the width is excessive. I'm glad I avoided choosing a wider tub. I believe it would have been too wide.The bath is quite deep. These tubs appeared deep when I saw them in a showroom, but I didn't consider how they would be fitted in a real bathroom. The installation adds an additional two inches to the height requirement, and then there is the tub rim. This makes it a little challenging to enter and exit. At this time (at age 45), it's not a problem, but it will be in the future. I do regret not spending more money to have rounded edge tiles installed around the tub platform. Getting in and out would have been more comfortable. I may eventually need to have a step erected in front of the tub (or a short step stool) and some grab bars placed (if I become more challenged as I age). I'm sure a taller person would not experience this problem, though.It is excellent for soaking, at least. It's a magnificent bath, yet it's just halfway filled. I adore it, and I'll never need to fill it all the way.So far, Bask technology is adequate. I've only used it to test it out because I live in the south and it's hot right now. It will probably be nicer in the winter. There is no need for you to enter a chilly tub. Additionally, it might (to a limited amount) aid in preserving water temperatures. I don't believe this, though, reaches a therapeutic temperature. I was expecting it would be able to relieve muscle tension and work as a heating pad. I doubt it will accomplish this. But testing continues. In hindsight, I probably didn't need this luxury, so if you're looking for it for therapeutic purposes, you might want to pass.But overall, a fantastic purchase. I'm not a fan of Kohler, but this is a fantastic product.



American Standard 2973202.011 STUDIO ACRYLIC TUB 60X30 LH ARC WHT, Arctic Review:


Okay, today I was able to finally unload my brand-new American Standard acrylic alcove tub. I must admit, I'm genuinely impressed!This new one is lovely, perhaps because I've spent the last 40 years staring at my old behemoth. The bottom of the arctic white acrylic is textured to aid prevent slipping, and it has a wonderful "subdued" sheen. In terms of dimensions, it is an exact replacement for my previous tub, however this tub has more "bath" space. Although it seems like the walls are a little larger, the space is actually deeper. This is clear from the needed stringer position and is supported by the front skirt's height. The new tube is 17 inches tall compared to the old tube's 15 inches. taller by 2 whole inches!According to the description, it weighs roughly 90 pounds, which seems about accurate. If necessary, one person could move it into position, but it's heavy enough that two people are still preferred. The back and both ends have a one-inch-tall flange. This is where the screws will go to hold the tub to the studs. The overflow drain will need to be adjusted upward, maybe by 2 inches, but the drain itself appears to exactly line up with the existing drain, which should make installation easier. (A minor cost for an additional two inches of water depth.)According to the installation manual, support is required for the entire bottom. They suggest a mortar bed, and I believe that is the best course of action. I want to make sure the installation is done exactly as advised because there is every indication that this tub will last a lifetime.I'm very happy with this new tub in general. It's the first stage of a full bathroom remodeling, and it seems like everything will go well!



American Standard 2425VC-LHO.020 Evolution 5-Feet by 32-Inch Left-Hand Outlet Whirlpool Bath Tub with EverClean, Hydro Massage System I and Integral Apron, White Review:


My affection for this bathtub is unending. It is quite deep and perfect for soaking in, yet it fits in my tiny bathroom. I like every minute in this tub, however it can be an issue if you're older and have trouble getting in and out. I enjoy taking long baths and relaxing while reading. The jets struck me precisely in the perfect spot. They don't sway me in any way. The strength can also be adjusted. It maintains an excellent temperature thanks to the heater I purchased to place inside. It seems to maintain the warmth far longer than my old cast iron tub did, in my opinion. If I'm seated and reading, I really appreciate the side arm rests. I can't emphasize it enough.One thing, especially if you utilize the jets, is that it tends to acquire ring-around-the-tub quite rapidly. It isn't a major concern because it can be cleaned up rather easily, and it might have more to do with the local water quality than anything else.In summary, I adore this tub. I looked for the ideal bathtub for a LONG time, and I have no regrets. The installer claimed that installing the heater was quite simple.



American Standard 2422V002.020 Evolution Deep Soaking Tub with Reversible Drain, 5 ft x 32 in, White Review:


Prior to making this purchase, I did a lot of comparison shopping and this tub stood out as the most comfortable, one of the deepest for a 5' length without being too big for our little bathroom (5' x 10'), and having a better warranty than alternatives from other manufacturers. Additionally, ordering through Amazon was more affordable than doing it locally.My disabled son, who is a young adult, loves taking baths, but our old tub was too tiny, shallow, uncomfortable, and rusted around the drain. This tub is ideal for giving my son a spa-like experience in the small space we had after remodeling the bathroom. My son, who is 5'10 1/2" and weighs around 220 pounds, fits comfortably in this 5' tub. In fact, he finds it so comfy that he occasionally finds himself nodding off in it. (I also put a small wall-mount TV in the bathroom so he can watch his favorite shows while soaking in the tub; it is far enough away that it cannot be reached from inside the tub.) I've found the tub to be incredibly cozy throughout the few baths I've had. My kid has left side paralysis and numbness, so I was worried about the high step into the tub, but he really wanted a deep tub. He had no trouble stepping in and out while grasping the vertical grab bar I built on the wall immediately outside the tub. My cancer-stricken kid finds relief from his severe pain and headaches by taking a bath. He takes so many baths every day because he loves this tub so much. (Since he is ill and doesn't have many other activities he finds to be really enjoyable, I'm okay with the additional water use.)In order to prepare the walls for tiling, I hired a contractor to install the tub for me. We utilized the Universal Tile Bead Kit for the top lip of the tub on the wall sides and the Deep Soak Drain designed for this tub (also purchased on amazon). We were installing the tub in a 5' space (the full width of the bathroom), and the contractor had advised me to get the tub option without the front apron because it would be simpler to fit the tub between the walls without it. I had shown him the specifications of the tubs I was considering (found on manufacturer websites). Since I was doing all the tile work by myself, this added to my workload, but tiling the front of the tub turned out beautifully and looks far better (spa-like) than an apron would have. I covered the tub and stood on its sides while tiling the tub surround's walls from floor to ceiling. The tub is sturdy, and it held up well when I stood on its upper edges. In order for the tub to seem solid while occupied, I also made sure the contractor placed cement beneath it. (With the tub, installation instructions are provided.)For usage with this tub, I also bought the Danze 8" tub spout because a larger spout was required to extend over the edge of the tub. For this tub, the Danze 8" spout is the ideal length.Even after eight months of use, the tub's finish still appears brand new. To keep it clean and looking brand new so that it is always ready for my son's next bath, I don't use harsh cleansers in it; instead, I wipe it out with a microfiber towel after my shower.We weren't ready to install the tub when it arrived, so the delivery team put it in my backyard upon request. They also volunteered to remove the pallet it was delivered on, which I greatly appreciated given that it was a free delivery.Edited on March 5, 2014: I'm happy that my review was helpful to others, and I'm especially appreciative of the good remarks about my son, who passed away since I wrote the post. He had routinely used the tub for a few years until he passed away last year. A bathtub may seem insignificant, yet items that improve quality of life are extremely significant. For us, this was one of those things. The bathtub is still in excellent condition. After showers, I simply rapidly dry it with a microfiber towel to keep it clean without using any harsh cleansers.



American Standard 2973102.011 STUDIO ACRYLIC TUB 60X30 RH ARC WHT, Arctic Review:


After installing it, I can now begin the review. As part of the remodeling I am doing, I purchased a few tubs, and as far as I know, the installation went without a hitch. When I got home yesterday, it was already waiting for me to get in.It now has a really lovely faucet, knobs, and stopper that I ordered as matching accessories. When I initially saw how this one was set up, I thought my previous one was excellent, but, wow. You might easily fall into it and feel small inside since it is so deep. It's a beautiful tub that is big and deep. This one is a sure thing.Don't be scared to order anything of this size because it will arrive to you just fine. I was a little hesitant about ordering a large, giant bath tub online, but it arrived just as easily as the fixtures did and it arrived without a single damage on the box.I give this item 5 out of 5 stars. The installer joked that it would outlive him.



KOHLER K-1946-0 Drop-In Bath with Reversible Drain, 60" x 30", White Review:


Beautiful bathtub. I love it. It has a highly modern appearance. Due to its modest weight, installation was a breeze. You must purchase the drain separately because it is the only component it is missing. Due to the wide borders, the main drawback is that it is rather small, yet it fits wonderfully in a small bathroom. My favorite. My package arrived in wonderful condition and was well-protected.



KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122R 60-Inch Contemporary Alcove Acrylic Bathtub with Right Hand Drain and Overflow Holes , White Review:


Given that I haven't even installed it yet, I'm going to give this a very cautious thumbs up. To begin with, the packing was excellent and far superior to any bathtub I have ever purchased. The entire box was constructed from over 1/2 inch thick corrugated cardboard, and plastic corner protectors were added at key locations. The skirt was additionally protected by a lovely plastic film. It appears perfect inside.It's good to see that this firm gets packaging well because practically every tub I got from the neighborhood box stores arrived in flimsy cardboard and was already broken. This is why I'm focusing on the packaging.The tub is unique because it's actually a "Installation can be greatly facilitated by the drain's "above the floor" design, which is about 3 1/2" off the ground. However, as another reviewer pointed out, this may mean that the drain is not as deep within as you had anticipated. It's a little over 30 "which implies that you will need to slightly offset the plumbing.You don't need to brace it to the walls or anything; it is also free standing. The outside of mine is supported by the apron and has two movable interior feet. In essence, you simply glide into the nook and finish.I think I looked for a 30 for a week straight "I was pleased to discover this and the free Amazon shipping made the purchase official. Additionally, the shipping was flawless, and the truck delivery was prompt.Updated: I completed the rough-in and used the tub to test it out by filling it with water. For a 30 "It's actually very cozy in the alcove tub. Keep in mind that it feels a little bit narrower than usual if you're a larger person. This tube was quite simple to set up because to the movable rear feet.Moen faucet and common drain kits fit as expected.



American Standard 2771V002.011 Evolution Deep Soak Bathing Pool, 5-Feet by 36-Inch, Arctic White Review:


The tub is wonderful. Huge, cozy, and neither the length nor the depth bother me. I'm 5'5. On the advice of a plumber, we used Structo-lite for the tub's base because of its robustness and low weight. The Structo-lite base holds the tub firmly in place, preventing any bottom give or breaking. It has been operating without any issues for more than six months. However, be aware that this tub requires a LOT of water to fill it—more hot water than you may have. Until you purchase a larger or an auxiliary water heater to boost your hot water supply, those long, steamy soaker baths could always be a pipe dream. Don't forget to purchase the related drain system. Also take note that the tub lacks a tiling flange. You can install it in an alcove with a tile or other type of surround using a kit.


Do you tile under alcove tub?

If you are tiling around an alcove tub, you will need to tile under the lip of the tub. This is important in order to create a watertight seal. You will also need to use a waterproof sealant around the perimeter of the tub.

Does a drop in tub sit on the floor?

A drop in tub is a type of bathtub that sits on the floor, rather than being installed in a recessed alcove. Drop in tubs come in a variety of materials, including acrylic, cast iron, and steel.

How do you install a drop in tub?

Installing a drop in tub is a relatively easy process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the tub is the correct size for the space you have. Second, you need to make sure that the tub is level and secure. Third, you need to connect the tub to the plumbing. Fourth, you need to install the drain and overflow. Fifth, you need to install the faucet. Sixth, you need to test the tub to make sure it is working properly.

How long does it take to install a bath tub?

Installing a bath tub is a job that is typically done by a professional. It usually takes them a few hours to do the job.

How long is a drop in bathtub?

A drop-in bathtub is a type of bathtub that is installed by being dropped into a pre-cut hole in a platform or decking. Drop-in tubs are usually installed in new construction homes as part of the rough-in plumbing. The finished decking or platform is then built around the tub.

How much does it cost to put in a drop in tub?

There is no definitive answer to this question as the cost will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size and shape of the tub, the materials used, the installation process, and so on. However, as a general guide, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for a basic drop-in tub.