Should I Get Rid Of My Bath Or Shower?
Ah, the age-old debate of which is better, bath or shower? This one is up there with some of the best debates including, jam or cream first on a scone and what you call a bread roll!
The truth is, most of the time, the shower vs. bath debate will purely come down to personal preference. However, there are some pros and cons for each bathing option that you may have overlooked when previously debating this one across the office or dinner table!
Bath Vs. Shower Cleanliness: Is One More Hygienic Than The Other?
One thing you may not have considered previously is the hygiene benefits involved with baths and showers . Typically you would think that each option provides equal amounts of hygiene and cleanliness, but this isn’t always the case.
In truth, the most hygienic way to clean yourself is through showering! That’s because showers spread water equally over your body, rinsing the then unclean water, which has been mixed with shower gel or soap down the drain.
When bathing in a bath, the water mixed with shower gel or soap may be rinsed from one part of your body, but because it has nowhere to drain, you are essentially sitting in a bath full of dirt and oils. Not the nicest thought!
Therefore, in the bath vs. shower cleanliness debate, the shower is definitely winning so far!
Is Cleanliness The Only Health Benefit Involved When Taking A Bath Or Shower?
The simple answer on this one is no! Whilst cleanliness is hopefully top priority for most people when bathing, there are other health benefits in the bath vs. shower debate.
Baths are great as they offer considerable benefits in regards to muscle relaxation. Had a stressful day and feeling a bit sore and achy? Warm bathing will invigorate your nervous system causing your muscles to relax and in turn, pain to be reduced.
Hot baths with ingredients such as ground oats and aromatherapy natural oils can calm inflammation, which relaxes the mind and body, and promotes skin health too.
Freestanding baths provide the utmost luxury when it comes to bathing so definitely an option to consider if this takes your fancy.However, showers also come with their own range of benefits. Hot showers are renowned for being immunity boosting which can lead to increased endorphins, in turn potentially reducing depression, and increasing the skin and hair’s natural glow.
So, if you’re looking for some self-care time to relax your body and mind, baths might be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for more efficient daily bathing with a cheeky boost to your immune system, then showers definitely can’t be overlooked.
Can Your House Value Be Affected By Having A Bath Or Shower?
So house value in itself comes with a whole range of varying elements and as we all know, can’t be decided just on one room itself. However, there may be things you haven’t considered when deciding to include a bath or shower in your bathroom with respect to your house value.
One of the main factors is the type of home you are in and when you come to sell, who would you be looking to sell to? For families with young children, a bath may be a crucial element to the home as typically young children bathe instead of shower.
On the other hand, if you are selling to the older generation, a bath could be a hindrance where a walk-in shower enclosure would be much more beneficial. Similarly, if selling to the younger generation, a very modern wet room screams luxury and elegance, and may be particularly appealing to this buying profile too.
Arguably, you’re never going to please everyone when it comes to selling your home, but the best estate agents will tell you typically your house value may be decreased with just a shower as the bath still has a treasured place in most British bathrooms.
Does A Bath Or Shower Use More Water?
With the cost of living on most of the population’s minds, the cost-effectiveness of baths vs. showers may be a deciding factor in selecting one over the other if you’re limited on space.
Cost-effectiveness of bath vs. showers depends on how they are utilised within your home and your water consumption. Typically, a standard bath a straight 1700mm single-ended bath, or a straight 1700mm double-ended bath holds approximately 180 litres of water. You can knock approximately 80 litres of water off that, however, as no one will fill the tub right to the top. Plus once submerged, the body will absorb some of that water.
When considering how baths weigh up against showers, it is estimated that the average showerhead disperses approximately 2.63 gallons of water per minute. The amount of water dispersed can also be up to 3.29 gallons of water, if using a power shower. Find out what type of shower head saves the most water, to see how to reduce your energy.
So… Bath Vs Shower?
Sorry to be that person, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and it really comes down to personal preference. Some people can’t think of anything worse than going a day without a shower, whereas others wouldn’t be without their luxurious bubble bath after a long day!
The ultimate goal is to have both a bath and shower, and there are many options where showers can be incorporated over baths to achieve this! If you have the space for a bath, typically you will have space for an over-bath shower. However, you might have to rethink the wetroom or shower enclosure situation.
Our guide to making the most of your small bathroom will really help with space-saving tips for your bathroom too
