Bathtub Biography #4: Everything you Should Know About Alcove Tubs

As a child, bath time means pouring too many of your favorite suds into the stream of water as the tub gradually fills and playing with your toys in a make-believe water wonderland consumed by pirates, sharks, and adventures.

On the other hand, as a parent, your main priority for the daily wash routine is to scrub the dirt and sweat from the day off your little monster. However, the singular commonality for this day-to-day custom is to have some fun.

Yet, subconsciously, routines become habitual. Often times reminiscing is the only time when one notices the particular details that tend to be overlooked every day. You may not be able to describe the precise detailing of your home as of right now, but in the future when looking back, the memories of your childhood will come flooding back and you will remember the small, intimate memories and feelings that you had as a child that used to be so ordinary.

A minor detail that one may have forgotten about as time has so mercilessly flown by is the tub in which so many hours splashing, playing, bathing, relaxing, and washing were spent in. Most likely, the type of bathtub that which you made all of those memories in is the classic alcove tub. As the predominant style of tub most homeowners incorporate into their homes, the alcove bathtub is enclosed by three walls, typically with one being exposed and decorative. Does this ring any bells yet?

What is it made out of and how is it made?

The alcove tub is generally constructed out of acrylic material. Acclaimed for its convenient light weight, it is made by joining a fiberglass shell with a thick layer of acrylic sheet. The acrylic is molded into a fiberglass shell via a heat and vacuum system, and once cooled off, it is transformed into a single integral unit, reinforced by fiberglass and resin. The fiberglass encasement provides structural integrity, while the acrylic makes for a smooth, non-porous exterior that is both durable and easy to clean.

What are some benefits of the alcove tub?

In addition to its unrelenting reliability, effortless maintenance, and light weight, the illustrious alcove tub is also easily transportable and repairable all due to its acrylic composition. It is additionally extremely cost-efficient in comparison to all other types.

How does it compare to other kinds of tubs?

Compared to the standard freestanding or clawfoot bathtub, the alcove tub is a brilliantly-designed tub that makes for the perfect shower and bath duo. Freestanding and clawfoot tubs are admired for their detachment from any walls, allowing for creativity in bathroom configuration. These types of tubs are able to accommodate whatever size or shape of the bathroom because of their free-range of placement. However, because of this element, these tubs generally do not make the best shower environment. To be able to shower comfortably in a freestanding or clawfoot tub, one must also additionally install a shower enclosure and shower curtain. However, even with these extra accessories, showers in these tubs are still prone to allow water spillage, which may ultimately cause accidental slippage or damage. Yet, with the alcove tub, because of its cove enclosure, water is more easily contained, especially with a glass sliding door that which most alcove tubs feature.

Click on the pictures featured above to learn more about each particular tub and check out Kingston Brass’ acclaimed Aqua Eden Bathtub Collection, featuring several variations in bathtubs including the beautiful alcove tub.