Soaking tub too tall

I guess I didn’t look at my bathroom renovation plans closely enough, because somehow my architect picked out a soaking tub that is 23″ above the floor. My jaw dropped when the contractor put the tub in place. I’m 5’3″ and getting in and out of this tub is going to be a problem. The architect says I can pick out a new, shorter tub and put the other one on eBay (!?!). Is there any other way around it? Would putting in a step help, or am I going to hate this tub forever?

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Thanks, everyone. We came up with a solution. While the manufacturer’s specs recommend a 24″ apron, mortar, etc., the contractor will now install the tub with a low tiled wall instead of an apron. That will make the tub about 19 or so inches high, which is do-able. It’s gonna cost another thousand bucks or so to make the changes (the tub was halfway installed), but it will be worth it.

BKALLDAY | 6 years and 6 months ago

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If your contractor was responsible for the sizing, purchase and installation can he not eat the cost of replacing the existing tub and getting a refund for the bad purchase? While it may seem easier to keep it, from a safety perspective, it would be better to get something sized to your height. If you plan on staying put for awhile, the slip and fall consequences may be a consideration if you will age while in the space. Good luck.

Northie | 6 years and 6 months ago

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We had the exact same issue! As we are in our forever house, we replaced it with a less deep tub that is more easily accessible. We donated the soaker tub and got a tax write off so the expensive mistake was somewhat mitigated.

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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FWIW — the tub itself is only 18-1/2″ tall and I like it a lot. It’s just the 6″ below it that came as a shock.

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Yeah, I don’t really like the teak tub steps. Gives me the “there, I fixed it” vibe.

mozeeatupu | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Teak tub steps like these would probably be more suitable.
https://www.signaturehardware.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/680x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/1/7/17960_l.jpg

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Thank you — these are good ideas. The tub won’t be in the main bathroom; that will have a walk-in shower. I’ve looked at steps you can buy but all seem more suited to hot tubs or nursing homes.

jjnoonan | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Comes down to intended use and personal preference — if you plan on showering every day and using it as a tub once every couple months, that could annoy you for a long time and it’s easier to rectify while you’re under construction. If you take a bath every week, maybe it’s worth the daily annoyance.

daveinbedstuy | 6 years and 6 months ago

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A step or a bar of some sort to help you in and out. There are floor mount ones like this and ones that mount on the tub edge. A little googling will find a lot of options. [1000006732](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s1/:brownstoner:whG9:1000006732.jpg.jpg)

resident2 | 6 years and 6 months ago

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The deeper the tub, the better as far as I am concerned.
Look into getting a step for it. But also take this as an example of the importance of going to see, feel & touch all finishing, fixtures & fitting items. Looking at things on a screen and living with it are two very different things.
Also for re-sale the larger tub will be better.