Table of Content
- What’s the difference between a deep soaking tub and a regular bathtub?
- The setup: Is this tub really worth it?
- Falling in love in Week 2
- When real life hits: Does it still work?
- How a tub shifted more than just my routine
- What no one tells you (but should)
- So, is it actually worth it?
- Thinking about getting one yourself?
- FAQ: What else do you need to know?
- More reads you might love
Given that curated skincare routines, slow mornings and Pinterest-ready bathrooms are now par for the course on social media, it's no wonder the humble bathtub is having a moment. And not just some old bathtub either, a deep soaking tub. The kind that envelops into your arms, shuns the remembrance to-do list in your head, and perhaps (just perhaps) shifts your perception of domicile.
Here at Ace Decor, we focus on the functionality of design, and wellness of the space you use, and just as importantly, the time you take within the four walls of your home to define what wellness means to you. Which is why I took it upon myself to run an experiment.
Does a deep soaking tub actually translate into a better life (or at the very least better nights?
Let's dive in, shall we?
So What Is a Deep Soaking Tub vs a Bathtub, Anyway?
Now, before I dive into those steamy details, allow me to clarify.
A deep soaking tub bath is certainly not your typical shallow bath. This is the tub version of a weighted blanket, a meditation app, and a design-forward spa all in one.
Here's how it stacks up:
| Feature | Standard Bathtub | Bathtub Deep Soaking Tub |
|---|---|---|
| Water Depth | ~12–14 inches | 18–22+ inches |
| Ergonomic Back Support | Minimal | Contoured for full-body soak |
| Material | Acrylic or fiberglass | Often stone resin or solid surface |
| Space Requirement | Standard alcove | Alcove or freestanding |
| Use Case | Quick rinse | Intentional relaxation |
More than mere tubs, bathtub deep soaking tubs are about immersion—literally and figuratively—where traditional bathtubs are practical by design.
Week 1: The Setup (and the Second-Guessing)
Putting in a new installs bathtub deep soaking tub was a bit of a thrilling, a little terrifying, adventure.
Is it going to fit in my small bathroom? Would it look ridiculous beside my sink, which is no bigger than it? Was this effort going to be another Pinterest failure?
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
I chose Ace Decor modern oval soaking tub in matte white. It's chic and sculptural and somehow lifts up the whole space—without the full remodel. It only took an afternoon to install, and then I swear I stared at it for some time like it was a sculpture.
At this point I had given up on the getting soaked part. I became obsessed with the feeling that it gave my bathroom — calming, spa-like, and generously, a little adult.
Week 2: The Honeymoon Phase
Listen, the first time that bathtub deep soaking tub was full, I spent 90 minutes in there staying in it.
No lie.
Titles of all time user of a 6 minute shower. Now? So I started creating this whole routine around bathing. Burning candles, literally steam from eucalyptus, bath salts labelled in French—it was a bit excessive and a whole lot amazing.
But more than that, I was shocked by how my body responded. Lower back pain from sitting all day? Gone. Tight hips from running? Melted. Mental spiral from my inbox? Silenced. There's something about being submerged that forces your nervous system to let go.
I started sleeping better. Drinking more water. Declining opportunities that just didn't feel right. Was it the tub? Maybe. But it all started there.
Week 3: The Real Life Test
It was during the third week when things went… real.
Deadlines were flying. My partner was traveling. Laundry was piling up. The bathroom was a mess. Translation: this was not a spa retreat: it was life.
And you know what?
That bathtub deep soaking tub still delivered.
I learned to be more purposeful with it—not using it as a treat, but as an instrument. I took 20 minutes in the tub when it all felt too, too much — silence and warm water. If I was peeved, I allowed myself to boil away (in a good way and a bad way) in bubbles and bath oils.
The tub transformed from a novelty into a necessity. A way to recalibrate. But this one stuck, unlike my gym membership or that meal prep routine I tried to establish.
Week 4: The Shift
Week four, after all, felt different.
I was no longer processing the bathtub deep soaking tub as a a thing I put in my house. It had integrated itself into my way of being in that place. How I cared for myself. How I slowed down.
She was a reminder that all rest does not need to be performative. It does not have to be a productive. And sometimes the rest is simply warm water and a breath. That's it.
And the kicker: I started to see home in a different light. If this tub could transform how I feel every night — what else could I upgrade with that intention?
Spoiler: I'm eyeing a new vanity from Ace Decor next.
What No One Tells You
Now, let's get real—this is the stuff that people don't tell you about when they post pretty bathroom photos.
1. You'll Use It More Than You Think
I thought to use it once a week, maybe. I used it 4–5 times a week. The deepest, most comfy lay is unable to be resisted, especially when your body longs for just immobility.
2. It Changes Your Night Routine
And then I began prepping for my soak like other people prep for their bed. It helped me to be more conscious of my end of day routine.
3. Everything else will make you want to upgrade
It becomes a domino effect. You'll definitely want to carry this over into the rest of your home as soon as you see the difference intentional design can make in one room.
4. Not Exclusive to "High-End Properties"
It doesn't require a huge bathroom or expensive renovation. A quality deep soaking tub is a perfect fit the real life—your life.
Final Thoughts
Never thought a tub would ground me. But here we are.
The bathtub deep soaking tub was more than a purchase—it was a shift. In how I unwind, how I use my home, and even how I see self-care.
That is why at Ace Decor, we feel that design should not only need an outer look to complete. It should feel good. And after spending 30 days in my soaking sanctuary, I can say you—it definitely does.
Thinking About Getting One?
A short decision table to help you decide:
| Question | If Yes... |
|---|---|
| Do you crave deeper rest at the end of your day? | A bathtub deep soaking tub can anchor your routine. |
| Do you want a spa-like vibe at home? | You don’t need a full reno—just one thoughtful piece. |
| Are you tired of showers that leave you cold? | Immersion is everything. This is your warm hug. |
So, is it worth it?
For me, 100%.
For you? Only one way to find out.
P.S. For those who want to add a little bit of luxury to their space, check out our complete Ace Decor bathtub line. Your future self will thank you for it.
FAQ Time
1. Do deep soaking tubs use significantly more water than a regular tub?
Yes—and no. Well, a bathtub deep soaking tub does have more water in it (very clearly, it is deep! However, herein lies the nuance: as it is designed for full body immersion, you actually need less water relative to your experience. You are not pouring it on top endlessly or splashing cold water to your knees while your shoulders are freezing. I filled it once, soaked for a long time, and did not have the urge to take a shower afterward. So, more volume and at the same time less, but more deliberate volume. Worth it? Still yes.
2. Deep soaking tub for bathtub in rental or small apartment?
Good question — and actually, yes! Though not every freestanding model is suitable for cozy quarters, a compact deep soaking tub can be a great freestanding bathtub option for a small-space bathroom, as well as alcove-style bathtubs. We even have models designed (by Ace Decor) for condo living. Get on the phone with your landlord, scope out plumbing access, and think vertical. Just because something is deeply soaking doesn't mean it is going to be widely soaking.;)
3. What about cleaning—are bathtub deep soaking tubs harder to maintain?
While some assume so, rest assured that pondering their care need not cause disquiet. So configured for ease and crafted with care, seamless surfaces simply require occasional gentle wiping to remain fresh. Groutless geometries eliminate awkward areas where soils could settle, while certain finishes naturally obscure transient water marks. Should practical concerns linger however, matte-faced varieties virtually wave away such worries with their soft obscuring of spots. Yet for those seeking solace in the unfettered luxury of a soak, these elegant elements allow relaxing retreats while respecting our duty of care for surroundings we all share.
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