Bathtub-Shower Combos: What Are the Pros & Cons?

If you were to picture a typical household bathroom in your mind, there’s a good chance that it would feature a bathtub-shower combo. Tub-and-shower combinations are a bathroom setup that can be found in most homes—and for a good reason! Bathtub-shower units are an all-in-one package that includes a tub basin, shower surround, and all of the plumbing required for both systems. These combos are as traditional as they come and were originally designed to help save space in the bathroom—one of the most compact rooms in a home. All that said, though, these units aren’t necessarily for everyone, so you’ll want to know all about the benefits and the challenges they offer. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of these systems:

Pro: Combos Really Do Save Space

When it comes to saving space in the bathroom, tub-and-shower combinations are a wonderful option—especially for homeowners who want to enjoy the convenience that both a tub and shower offer. Because they use space so efficiently, these units are most commonly seen in guest bathrooms where space is more likely to be limited.

Con: They Can Be High-Maintenance

With double the use, comes double the cleaning responsibility. One of the downsides to combos is the high maintenance, as homeowners have the extra task of cleaning both a tub and shower. That said, this chore can be reduced with the right product. For example, the Jacuzzi® showers and tubs from Jacuzzi Bath Remodel are designed with low-maintenance materials that impede mold and mildew growth for an easier cleaning experience.

Pro: More Bathroom Privacy

Did someone say shower curtain? When installed on a bathtub shower unit, curtains can feel like canopies. This extra bit of privacy will transport you to a bath-time paradise. What’s more, shower curtains are a great accessory for small bathrooms—adding an extra flourish of color to what could otherwise be a neutral space.

Con: Difficult to Access

If you are someone with mobility constraints, or a homeowner who is planning to age in place, then a tub-and-shower combo could pose a safety risk. Why is access difficult with these units? Because every time you go to bathe or shower, you’ll be required to step over a tub wall. This task is not always an easy one, especially after the surface of your tub becomes wet and slippery. If you are concerned with safety and accessibility when it comes to your home, you might want to opt for either a walk-in shower or for additional safety features like grab bars or built-in seating.

Pro: Better for Households With Small Children

If you have small children at home, a bathtub-shower combo may be a smarter option than a walk-in shower. Bath time wouldn’t be anything without the bath after all, and it makes things more convenient for you when everything can be contained in the same unit. This is something to keep in mind if you live in a home with only one bathroom, or if you’re planning a bathtub shower remodel since you might want to include extra storage features to keep items safely in—or out of—reach.

Con: They Might Not Suit Your Style

While bathtub-shower combos are common, the traditional aesthetic may not be for everyone. Many people prefer the sleek, modern appeal of a walk-in shower, especially a top-of-the-line Jacuzzi® shower that can elevate the look of virtually any bathroom space. However, you can always customize your bathtub-shower combo with your choice of shower wall colors, patterns, and textures to create a look that still reflects your personal style preferences.

Alternative Solutions for Cramped Bathrooms

Bathtub-shower combos can be a great option for many homeowners, especially considering their overall versatility and customizability. When all is said and done, bathtub and shower units make the perfect addition to small guest bathrooms. But, if you have more than one of these units in your home and are ready for a change, consider upgrading your master bathroom with a tub-to-shower conversion. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel offers this service, helping customers redefine their traditional bathrooms with a low- or no-threshold Jacuzzi® shower system. However, whether you choose a bathtub-shower combination, a walk-in shower, or a traditional tub, all the products we offer come packed with a bevy of benefits. This includes:

Remarkable Durability

Crafted from premium materials like nonporous acrylic, the Jacuzzi® products we offer are built to last for the long run. Plus, they won’t chip, scratch, or stain easily like bath products made from traditional materials might.

An Improved Bathroom Appearance

Who says you need to remodel your bathroom to upgrade the look of the space? A new bathtub, shower, or combination can totally transform the appearance of your bathroom without all the hassles of a renovation.

Customizability

From safety and accessibility features to storage solutions and aesthetic details, you can personalize your new Jacuzzi® bathtub, shower, or bathtub-shower combo down to the last detail to ensure it meets your wants and needs.

Maintenance Freedom

Forget about having to constantly scrub your bathtub or shower with harsh chemical agents trying to keep it clean, as Jacuzzi® products are built with top-quality materials that resist mold and mildew growth and make cleaning easier than you ever thought possible.

Learn More About Bathtub-Shower Combos

No matter which bathroom upgrade you decide to go with, Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can help. Contact us today to learn more about our bathtub-shower combos, bathtubs, and Jacuzzi® walk-in shower systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathtub-Shower Combos

As a longstanding bathroom remodeling company, Jacuzzi Bath Remodel has seen and done it all over the years. So, when you have a question about a bathtub-shower combo for your bathroom, we’re sure to have an answer. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from homeowners just like you: 

Is a Bathtub-Shower Combo Suitable for Small Bathrooms?

Certainly! In fact, bathtub-shower combinations are often found in small bathrooms because of the space they save. The combo of having both a bathtub and a shower all in one makes for a space-efficient fixture and can be the perfect investment for a bathroom that has limited space to begin with.

How Does the Cost of a Bathtub-Shower Combo Compare to Separate Units?

Generally, a bathtub-shower combo is going to be a more affordable investment than purchasing a bathtub and shower separately. After all, it’s a two-in-one rather than two separate costs, right? However, the cost of your new bath-shower unit will ultimately depend on a variety of factors, including the customization choices you make for your new upgrade. So, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with Jacuzzi Bath Remodel so that we can hear about your wants and needs and give you an accurate quote for your project.

Can I Customize a Bathtub-Shower Combo?

Absolutely. One of the best parts about working with Jacuzzi Bath Remodel is the ability to choose from a wide array of exciting customization options. Between the different aesthetic choices you’ll have and the variety of functional features you can pick between, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to create the ideal bathing fixture to suit your tastes.