Shower baths are on-demand home improvements that can help you increase the total value of your house. This combination gives your bathtub superior versatility, functionality, and overall safety.
However, adding a shower to your walk-in bathtub is not an easy process. It can also be quite expensive, depending on the final result you want.
We’ll help you update your old walk-in bathtub by adding a shower. We’ll also give you some excellent tips on doing it without spending too much.
How to Add a Shower to a Bathtub
You already have a walk-in tub in your home. It is useful and safe, especially for kids and the elderly. However, your bathtub can be improved, and installing a shower in it is an excellent way to do it.
Use a Rain Shower Trim Kit for Walk-In Bathtubs
At Bath Planet, our rain shower trim kits can add shower functionality. They feature slide bar hand showers you can fully adjust for optimal height and an overall better experience. Additionally, all shower kits are made with high-quality stainless steel for superior durability.
These are the benefits of using one of these shower kits:
- The rain shower trim kit is easy to install and use.
- It provides durability without compromising style and looks.
- This kit has excellent compatibility with walk-in bathtubs.
- Its shower head provides excellent water pressure for a soothing shower experience.
- It was designed to fit most existing tub spouts and tub faucets.
Note: Adding a shower trim kit to your walk-in tub is a small and affordable bathroom remodel that can bring many benefits. However, if you don’t think you can install the kit by yourself, you should contact a specialist to do it for you.
Add Privacy with a Walk-In Tub Shower Curtain Kit
When adding shower functionality to your walk-in tub, you need to consider where the water will go during the shower. For instance, most showers have enclosures made of fiberglass or other materials to keep the bathroom floor from flooding.
If adding an enclosure to your walk-in bathtub is not an option, you can consider a shower curtain kit. This kit was designed to fit walk-in tubs while preventing water from flooding your bathroom floors. It comes in different colors and shapes to match any bathroom style and feel.
Here are the benefits of using a walk-in tub shower curtain kit:
- Each shower curtain has the ideal height to fit walk-in bathtubs.
- The curtain rod is made of brushed nickel, stainless steel, and oil-rubbed bronze for superior durability.
- The curtain is made of high-quality and resistant materials for a longer lifespan.
- This shower curtain kit is easy to install and maintain.
Note: Regular shower curtains won’t fit your walk-in bathtub. They are longer and wider than what you need.
Consider the Shower Wall Style Options
Before using your new bathtub shower combo, you need to ensure your walls are protected from moisture. Walls made for bathtubs don’t need moisture protection because bathtubs don’t generate a lot of steam. However, showers are steamy, and they can damage your bathtub walls.
At Bath Planet, we provide a wide selection of shower walls in all shapes and colors. That way, you can ensure your new walls will fit your bathroom’s style. We also offer advice for interior design if you are not sure about which option to choose.
Add a Shower to Your Walk-In Bathtub with Bath Planet in Southwest Florida
If you are looking to update your walk-in bathtub with a shower, Bath Planet by Clear Choice USA of SWFL is here to help. We have a wide selection of rain shower trim kits and shower curtains designed to fit your walk-in bathtub. Check out our website for more information about our products and services!
Choosing a shower curtain may seem like an easy task until you start shopping and discover that there are several sizes, fabrics, prints, and features available. The good news is that, if there’s a new shower curtain in your near future, you’ll find everything you need to know with our guide.
Shower Curtain Sizes
The first thing to know about shower curtain sizes is that there is a primary standard size, which is 72 x 72 inches. This size covers a “standard” tub and shower combination and means the curtain will reach the floor. When pulled across, it’ll cover the tub. There are also two other standard shower curtain sizes:
- 70 x 72 inches
- 70 x 70 inches
What if you don’t have a standard tub and shower? Then you’ll have to look for non-standard shower curtain heights and widths, such as those for:
- Shower stalls – 54 x 78 inches
- Extra-wide showers – 144 x 72 inches
- Very wide tubs – 84 x 74 inches
- Floor-to-ceiling showers – 72 x 96 inches
- Very tall showers – 70 x 84 inches
To ensure the correct size, you’ll first have to measure the width of your shower from wall to wall. Add 12 inches so that the curtain will fold when you pull it closed. Once you have your shower curtain width, stretch your measuring tape from curtain rod to the bathroom floor to determine the height of the shower. You may also have to hang a shower curtain rod if you’re replacing it.
For the correct length, you’ll want to consider curtain rings or hooks (if you’ll be using them), which will take up between 8 and 10 inches. Therefore, subtract this amount from your shower curtain rod height measurement. This will ensure your curtain doesn’t pool on the floor.
Shower Curtain Fabrics
Now that you know what size of shower curtain you need, it’s time to think about fabrics. You can typically find shower curtains made of cotton, vinyl, microfiber, and polyester, each with its own look and feel. So which fabric should you choose?
It really depends on how you want your bathroom to look. For example, soft cotton can be the perfect way to add a little flair, versatility, and ease of maintenance. Cotton is a great choice if you’re planning to also purchase a shower liner.
Maybe you need something easier to maintain and lower cost than cotton. Where this is the case, vinyl checks both boxes. Today’s vinyl shower curtains are also resistant to mold and mildew, which will be important for you if you’re hanging your shower curtain in an always-busy bathroom.
Microfiber is a unique fabric for a shower curtain, which may be just what you’re looking for if you want something different for a guest bathroom. The same is true of polyester, which can be made to look like many fancier fabrics, including satin.
Pattern or Solid?
After you’ve chosen your desired fabric, your next job will be finding the solid color or pattern that suits your bathroom best. Here again, what you choose will depend on the look you’re going for with your bathroom.
Patterns can work very well in bathrooms with solid-colored walls, and busy walls are best with a solid shower curtain. If you really want to show off your shower or a freestanding tub, a bold color or pattern is the way to go; just make sure it goes well with your bathroom’s existing color and decor.
Shower curtains are available in a vast range of prints, giving you plenty of options for matching your shower curtain to your unique style and personality.
Top Types
The top of your shower curtain will be another consideration. A shower curtain with grommets at the top will slide onto the shower rod without the need for hooks. Button hole tops are also very common and will require hooks or rings, which are also available in many colors and styles.
Southwest Florida’s Choice for Bathroom and Shower Renovations
A new shower curtain can instantly transform the look and feel of any bathroom. When your bathroom is ready for remodeling, conversion, renovation, or installation, look no further than Bath Planet by Clear Choice USA of SWFL.
During our free, in-home consultation, we’ll listen to your ideas and goals before assessing which design options will suit you best. You are involved in every step of the process, working with our outstanding and responsive team of professionals to ensure that every desired detail is included. Start your partnership with the Bath Planet team today. Call 239-337-2287.