Soaking Tubs: Are They Worth It? Costs, Benefits, & Types

What Is a Soaking Tub?

A soaking tub is a deep bath designed for long, comfortable soaks. Here’s how to tell a soaking tub apart from other tub types:

1. They’re deeper than standard tubs, letting you immerse your entire body in water.
2. Most are oval, so you can recline comfortably. A few manufacturers make rectangular versions, and Japanese soaking tubs come in a circular shape.

Soaking tubs don’t typically have jets or bubbles like a whirlpool tub. Instead, they focus on exactly what the name promises: a good, long soak in deep water.

Here’s how soaking tub dimensions compare to a standard tub, plus the smaller and larger options available:

Tub Type	Length	Width	Depth
Standard tub	~60 inches	~30–32 inches	~14–16 inches
Average soaking tub	60–72 inches	30–40 inches	20–24 inches
Small soaking tub	48+ inches	28+ inches	20+ inches
Large/extra-deep soaking tub	72+ inches	Up to 40 inches	24–32 inches

Soaking tubs come in the same length and width as a standard tub, so they can fit within the same footprint in your bathroom. You can also size up if that’s what you want.

Are there small soaking tubs?

Yes, small soaking tubs are available if your bathroom is tight on space. Here’s what those dimensions look like:

• Length: Smaller soaking tubs might start at around 48 inches (4 feet). A round Japanese soaking tub can be even smaller.
• Width: Can be as narrow as 28 inches.
• Depth: Even small soaking tubs will have a depth of 20 inches or more.

What is the largest a soaking tub can be?

If you want an especially wide, long, or deep soaking tub (or maybe all three), here’s what you can expect to find.

• Length: Can exceed 72 inches (6 feet).
• Width: 40 inches is the widest available from most manufacturers, though some custom options run wider.
• Depth: Some can be deeper than 24 inches, for an even more immersive soak.

What’s the deepest soaking tub available?

The deepest soaking tubs available often come in depths of 27 to 32 inches. These extra-deep tubs are designed to allow almost complete immersion of the body.

Deeper tubs offer a more immersive soak, but they come with a few trade-offs:

1. They need more water to fill. Check your current water heater’s capacity, since you might need to upgrade it to keep enough hot water on hand.
2. They can be harder to enter and exit, especially for people with mobility issues.
3. A full tub is heavy, so make sure your floor can support the added weight.

If you’re considering one of the deepest soaking tubs available, talk to a professional to make sure it fits your space and needs.

Types of Soaking Tubs

Soaking tubs come in various styles to suit different preferences, spaces, and design aesthetics. Each type offers unique features that can enhance your bathing experience. Here are the most popular types of soaking tubs:

Freestanding soaking tubs

Freestanding tubs are a versatile, elegant choice, often serving as a statement piece in a bathroom. You can place them anywhere with adequate plumbing, and they come in modern and traditional designs with deep soaking depths built in. There’s a lot of overlap between soaking tubs and freestanding tubs; see our guide to types of freestanding tubs for more.

Clawfoot soaking tubs

A timeless classic, clawfoot tubs are freestanding tubs with distinctive “feet” that elevate them off the floor. They bring vintage charm to any bathroom while providing ample depth for full-body immersion.

Japanese soaking tubs

Designed for compact spaces, Japanese soaking tubs are deeper than standard tubs, letting you sit upright while soaking. These tubs focus on relaxation and are often made of wood, though acrylic and stone versions are popular too.

Alcove soaking tubs

Alcove tubs install between three walls, making them ideal for bathrooms with limited space. They’re typically associated with standard tubs, but soaking versions feature deeper basins for a more immersive bath.

Drop-in soaking tubs

Drop-in tubs install into a custom-built deck or platform for a seamless, integrated look. They’re a great option for bathrooms with unique layouts and allow for deep soaking.

Corner soaking tubs

Perfect for maximizing space, corner soaking tubs fit snugly into a bathroom corner. They’re typically larger, often with enough room for two people, making them a great option for shared relaxation.

Undermount soaking tubs

Similar to drop-in tubs, undermount tubs install beneath a solid surface like stone or tile for a sleek, streamlined look. These tubs work well in modern bathrooms with a minimalist aesthetic.

Walk-in soaking tubs

Designed with accessibility in mind, walk-in tubs feature a door for easy entry, making them a fit for people with mobility concerns. They often come with seating and deep soaking depths for a comfortable, safe bathing experience. Learn more in our guides to walk-in tubs.

Each type of soaking tub offers a different way to turn your bathroom into a personal spa. When choosing the right one, weigh your space, budget, and desired features.

Are There Soaking Tub/Shower Combos?

Yes, there are. But the depth in a tub/shower combo is usually less than a standalone soaking tub, for practical and safety reasons. Depth typically runs around 20 inches. Extremely deep combo units are less common since the tub still needs to accommodate standing and showering safely.

How Much Does a Soaking Tub Cost?

Soaking tubs can cost as little as $600 for a basic version to more than $3,500 for deeper styles and higher-end materials. That said, the median cost for both the tub and installation runs $2,000 to $2,500 for most homeowners. Your final price depends on the brand, size, and material you choose.

Use our bathtub cost calculator to get a better sense of your project cost.

How does brand impact cost?

Luxury and recognizable name brands, like Jacuzzi, cost more than other brands. These brands typically have their own networks of reputable installers, plus warranties covering both the installation and the tub itself.

Check out our picks for the best soaking tubs to learn more about which brands make the most popular models.

Bathtub material and cost

Some tub materials cost more than others. Acrylic tends to be the most affordable, while high-end materials like copper sit at the top of the price range. Our guide to best bathtub materials breaks down what you might want and what it costs.

Labor and installation cost for soaking tubs

Installation and labor add to the overall cost, so keep that in mind as you compare tub prices in stores or online.

• For a basic soaking tub that uses your existing plumbing and doesn’t need extra bracing underneath, expect to pay $300 to $400 for installation.
• For a soaking tub that requires a newly built surround, new foundation work, or unique plumbing, expect to pay $1,000 or more for installation and materials.

Water heater costs

The water heater that worked fine for your old, standard bathtub might not keep up with a soaking tub. Ask your contractor whether you’ll need to upgrade it to support the new tub.

Additional features

Your cost will also go up depending on which features you add, like hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and more.

Is a Soaking Tub Worth It?

Whether a soaking tub earns its price tag depends on how you’ll actually use your bathroom. Here’s the tradeoff in plain terms.

• What you gain: A deeper, longer soak than a standard tub allows, a bathroom that reads as more upscale, and (per the dimensions above) more styles and sizes than most homeowners expect.
• What it costs you: A higher price tag ($2,000–$2,500 installed, on average), more floor space, more hot water per bath, and more upkeep, especially with acrylic finishes that scratch or hard water that leaves mineral buildup in a larger basin.

If you bathe often and want a real retreat at the end of the day, a soaking tub is a reasonable investment; you’ll use it enough to justify the cost. If your bathroom is tight on space, or showers are your daily habit and baths are rare, that budget probably goes further elsewhere in the remodel.

Other Bathtub Options to Consider

If you decide a soaking tub isn’t for you, there are still numerous options for new bathtubs for your bathroom, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

While you explore your bathtub remodeling options, browse our contractor directory to see which pros are available in your area.

Modernize can also do the work for you. Click below to answer a few questions about your project, and we’ll match you to a bathroom remodeler who’s the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soaking Tubs

Do soaking tubs fit in small bathrooms?

Yes. This is especially true of the Japanese soaking tub, which often has a much shorter profile than other tubs but offers greater depth for soaking. Always talk to a professional contractor about your bathroom’s size to make sure your tub of choice will fit.

How deep are soaking tubs?

Soaking tubs have a typical standard depth of 24 inches, and some go deeper. That’s about 8 to 9 inches deeper than a standard bathtub. For the best experience, look for a soaking tub with a depth of 24 inches or more.

Do soaking tubs require special plumbing?

Soaking tubs might require changes to your existing plumbing, depending on where the faucets sit on the tub. You might also need a larger water heater. Ask your contractor what changes your bathroom will need and what they’ll cost.