The bathtub is easy to get into but hard to get out of.
Drop in tub vs alcove tub.
The alcove bathtub allows you to protect the walls by installing wall surrounds.
Alcove vs skirted tubs.
You must fully stand then take a big step to get to the floor.
The alcove tub is popular for its ease of installation but the drop in tub offers unrivaled flexibility.
The rim is flair outwards providing a grip or edge for it to rest on top of allowing for easier install.
Drop in bathtubs are much more expensive than alcove tubs.
A tub shower requires an alcove tub with an integrated tiling flange.
Alcove bathtub benefits and drawbacks.
Generally alcove whirlpool tubs also accept standard shower surrounds.
Quite similar to alcove bathtubs skirted bathtubs are drop in bathtubs that have a skirt or rim that covers the entire bathtub itself.
Many baths can be drop in or undermount while others are specifically for freestanding or alcove some tubs are designed for drop in installation where the tub is dropped in or sits in a hole cut out of the tub deck or surrounding supporting area made of material such as granite marble tile or a product such as corian.
The drop in tub does have disadvantages though.
Most bathrooms can easily accommodate one of the smaller alcove whirlpool tubs with minimal changes in plumbing or layout required.
These tubs are available in many shapes such as heart square circular oval and diamond among others.
Drop in whirlpool tubs are bigger and some can accommodate multiple persons.
Make the right choice between these two common bathtubs types by comparing their features and requirements.