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The Sok Overflowing Bath from Kohler Co. allows bathers to float chin-high.
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By Rob Fanjoy
You've read it before: Today's homeowners want a peaceful respite from modern life, and a spa-like bathroom provides it. Recently that has meant multiple-head showers, jetted baths and maybe even a steam room. But there's a new movement in bathing style that many buyers are relishing--luxurious soaking tubs.
"The research we've conducted shows that a spa experience varies widely," says Bob Giese, staff human factors specialist at Kohler Co. "There are more 'physical' spas that emphasize active water experiences like whirlpools, steam baths and vigorous massages. And then there are relaxation-oriented spas where soaking baths and aromatherapy create a Zen 'peacefulness.'"
Far East influence, Western touches
The soaking tub trend within the bathroom spa trend is fueled by Far Eastern influences, specifically Japanese. In that country, soaking tubs are more vertical and deep, which provides a pleasing aesthetic for some Americans. But most soaking tubs in this country are a bit longer, wider and somewhat shallower for easier access.
Many Americans also want a little more from their soaking tubs than just the ability to hold 250 gallons of water or more. Ann Roever, senior product manager of Kohler's bathing products division, says these features include such things as effervescence; the ability to turn on only a few jets for a bit more water agitation; and full-blown massage features where all jets are turned on.
Many tubs also include aromatherapy (using scents as a relaxation aid) and chromatherapy (using color for relaxation). "Color and smell have a tangible effect on one's feeling of well-being," Bob says. "Warm colors are stimulating, cool colors are calming. In our tests, many bathers tell us they just feel better in a certain color."
Soaking by the numbers
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal stated that sales of Ultra Bath soaking tubs increased 200 percent from 2000 to 2005. Jacuzzi says that it sold 85,000 soaking tubs in 2004. "The trend began in the mid-1980s with the physical fitness and health craze, as well as the cocooning trend," says Ann. "In the '90s, we saw the trend surge and evolve into an interest in yoga and day spas. Now the trend is moving into the home."
Bringing the spa into the home isn't cheap, though. While most soaking tubs don't require the pumps and additional plumbing of a traditional whirlpool tub, they are usually larger in size and cost more to manufacture, so their prices generally fall in the same range. Ultra Baths can range from $1,400 to $5,000. Japanese-style soaking tubs in copper or stainless steel start at around $4,500. Kohler's flagship Sok tub costs nearly $6,000. As always, the more features a tub offers, the higher the price tag.
But buyers aren't letting that slow them down. "With a day at the spa costing $400 or more, homeowners are instead investing that money into their bathrooms and benefiting over the long haul," says Ann.
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