Shower Baths

What is a Shower Bath?

A shower bath is a dual-purpose bathtub and shower enclosure - a space-saving option for those with limited floor space in a smaller bathroom. A shower bath typically consists of a standard-depth bathing end (around 700-750mm) and a larger showering end, often projecting approx 850mm from the wall. Due to this noticeable difference in depth between the 2 ends, the baths often take the form of an L-shape or a P-shape, depending on whether the profile is square or curved.

The larger end of the bath should be positioned against a corner wall, allowing a shower to be mounted on - or built into - the wall. Shower baths usually come in left-handed or right-handed variations due to the necessity of installing the larger side against a corner wall. The majority of manufacturers refer to the showering end when naming the "handing" of the tub. For example: a left-handed model is configured so the showering end is on the left side when the bath is viewed from in front.

For the full shower bath experience, you'll need the bathtub itself, a bath shower screen (or shower curtain), and a front panel, which is usually specific to the bath model, due to subtle differences in the size of each module.

Shower Bath Pros & Cons

The main purpose of a shower bath - like the name suggests - is to provide a bathing and showering experience in the same place. This comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. If you're considering purchasing a new shower bath, you might benefit from these insights.

Reasons to choose a shower bath

• They take up 25% less floor space - a shower bath negates the need to install a separate shower enclosure. A standard shower bath takes up around 1.5sqm of floor space in total. A separate bath and shower enclosure take up closer to 2sqm of floor space, based on a typical 1700x700mm bath and 900x900 shower enclosure.
• They only require 1 corner wall - similar to the above point, a separate shower enclosure would take up an additional corner wall, whereas a shower bath only requires a single corner. Another win for tight and awkward spaces
• Lower upfront and maintenance costs - A full shower bath - including a bath screen and front panel - is often cheaper than a separate rectangular bathtub and shower enclosure. A shower bath generally has less maintenance costs over its average lifetime as well; less moving parts = less to go wrong
• Water-saving option vs a standard bath - if your bathroom only contains a standard bathtub, you are probably using 80-100 litres of water every time you bathe. A shower can use as little as 40-50 litres of water. A shower bath could therefore educe your water consumption if you opt to take a shower instead of using the bath every time
• Easy to upgrade from a standard bath - if your bathroom already has a standard single-ended rectangular bath, a shower bath should fit in a similar footprint. Most shower baths also contain the waste and overflow connection at one end, so there may be minimal plumbing needed to connect everything up
• Only 1 drainage connection required - a separate shower enclosure would need its own waste connection, which may involve taking up a finished bathroom floor, causing disruption and increasing the cost of installation. A shower bath could simply replace your existing bath or shower enclosure with minimal fuss 

When not to choose a shower bath

• Bespoke, high-spec interiors - shower baths are only available in a small number of styles. If you are trying to create a unique bathroom design, you may find that shower baths do not offer the same level of customisation as a separate shower enclosure or walk-in, which are available in hundreds of configurations
• Extremely tight spaces under 1.5m - due to their dual-purpose nature, even a small shower bath usually stretches 1500mm in length, whereas some shower enclosures only measure 800mm long. If you have a particularly tight space, you may only have room for a shower enclosure and not a bath
• Showering experience - shower baths are useful, but they are not the most desirable showering experience. You are showering in half of a bathtub, which is usually 25-30% smaller than the internal area of a separate shower enclosure. You're also not fully enclosed in a shower bath - a screen usually protects 1 side only, with the bath end completely open.
• If you never take baths - if your household only ever takes showers, an integrated bath might not be required at all. The trend in washing habits has shifted in the last 25 years; showers have become much more commonplace than baths. According to a recent poll, 20-40% of Brits never bathe!

Types of Shower Bath

Unlike a typical bathtub, shower baths only come in a few variations and styles. Whilst these designs offer obvious aesthetic differences, there is more than meets the eye. Check out our breakdown of different shower bath layouts if you're trying to decide between multiple options.

Square Shower Baths

Also known as an L-shaped shower bath, a square shower bath benefits from an angular transition between the bathing and showering end. This type of bath complements most bathroom furniture, and you may find square shower bath front panels in the same colour and finish as your bathroom vanity unit. Most square shower baths project 850mm on the showering end, and come in a variety of different lengths from 1500mm - 1700mm. On average, a square shower bath has more size options than any other style.

Curved Shower Baths

Curved shower baths come in several subtle variations; these differences usually relate to the depth of the showering end. Most traditional curved shower baths are referred to as "P-Shaped", with a larger, round internal showering end. Newer curved shower baths sometimes take on the moniker of "B-Shaped" - the showering portion is not as deep, and/or the bathing end is larger, making the footprint of the bath look more like the letter "B". Because curved shower bath designs are not as simple as their square counterparts, curved models aren't usually specified when trying to match against furniture or a wider interior design spec.

Straight Shower Baths

A straight shower bath - unlike square or curved models - takes on a typical rectangular form. Often measuring in at 750mm wide, a straight shower bath uses its internal area to define the showering space; larger, thicker sides on the bathing end vs thinner, smaller sides on the showering end. These baths sometimes take on the name of "keyhole" baths, as the larger showering area and smaller bathing end mimic the shape of a traditional door keyhole.

Space-Saver Shower Baths

Some shower baths take on non-standard forms - these models are often referred to as "space-saver" or "space-maker" baths by leading brands and manufacturers. The key concept remains the same - a larger showering end and a smaller bathing end - but this is where the similarity ends. A bespoke shower bath may appear in any shape or size; great for creating a unique aesthetic or finding a size to fit an awkward bathroom space. But these unique properties are also the main drawbacks - these baths often require very specific bath panels and shower screens to fit them, which increases the cost significantly. It also makes it harder to find replacement parts in the future. Despite these concerns, space-saver baths are an important and stylish addition to the shower bath market.

Whirlpool Shower Baths

A newer addition to our website and the UK market in general, a whirlpool shower bath provides an additional layer of comfort, luxury and exclusivity. Whirlpool shower baths include integrated jets built-in to the side of the bath. Depending on the specific system chosen, a whirlpool shower bath might also include lights and a hydrotherapy system, all designed to provide multiple health benefits. These systems make perfect sense for a shower bath - you now get the benefits of a bath, shower enclosure, and spa-like whirpool experience all in one unit!

Shower Bath Materials

Whereas standard rectangular baths are quite common in multiple materials, a shower bath is almost always constructed from acrylic. One of the premier qualities of acrylic is how easy it is to shape - and shower baths usually contain curves and angles that make other materials difficult to work with.

Acrylic Shower Baths

Many standard shower baths are manufactured from either 4mm or 5mm sanitary grade acrylic. Acrylic is a perfect material for modern baths - it is lightweight, durable and hygienic. It also benefits from heat-retaining properties and is slightly warm to the touch, unlike cast iron or steel. Because of its smooth and glossy surface, an acrylic shower bath is simple to clean, with minimal maintenance required over its lifetime. One of the main benefits of an acrylic shower bath is its cost-effectiveness - its a much cheaper material to produce, and therefore a lower price for the end user, making the thought of purchasing a new bath far less daunting than in the past.

Reinforced Acrylic Shower Baths

Despite the many benefits of acrylic as a construction material, the lightweight nature of it is in direct contrast to cast iron or steel - often perceived as superior because of their heavyweight, extra-strong properties. Many bath manufacturers have bridged the gap between acrylic and steel by introducing unique reinforcement systems. One of the most renowned brands in the industry, Carron, introduced their pioneering Carronite system to give users an added level of luxury and comfort. The Carronite process introduces an encapsulated baseboard, a unique frame and feet set, and a triple-layer reinforcement to give their acrylic baths the strength, heat retention and peace of mind associated with steel.

Many manufacturers and brands have since launched equivalent reinforcement systems. While each process differs slightly in nature and name, the general theme is the same - adding an encapsulated baseboard and multiple layers of protection inside the bath that lead to a stronger and more durable tub. Some of the other famous names in bath reinforcement include Trojancast, Eternalite, Supercast and Tungstenite.

Shower Bath Components & Differences

A shower bath requires more additional components and add-ons than a typical rectangular model. However, these parts can help determine what shape and style of tub best suits the needs of your bathroom. We have broken down some of the most common components and their unique considerations for getting the most of your new bath.

Left-Handed or Right-Handed - in most scenarios, the handing of a shower bath refers to the showering end when looking at the bath from the front. The showering end needs to be installed in a corner against 2 walls, to accommodate the shower itself. If you already have a shower in place, you may wish to choose a configuration that does not result in an expensive re-routing of your plumbing

Shower Bath Feet / Leg Set - a compatible leg set is included in the initial cost of the bathtub for every shower bath we sell, unless specifically excluded by the manufacturer. These feet are often adjustable, so you may be able to match the height of your old bath, or use the adjustment range to your advantage if the floor is not completely flat.

Shower Bath Front Panel - a front panel is designed for the longer side of the bath; it is required in almost every installation, unless you plan to create your own tiled panel or inset installation. Shower bath front panels are usually manufactured from acrylic, just like the bath, but MDF versions can provide extra strength and durability. The material of the front panel can be an important consideration during transportation and installation. We recommend opting for an MDF panel if you opt for a reinforced shower bath. Many of our shower baths come complete with a shower bath front panel included in the price.

Shower Bath End Panel - the end panel is designed for the shorter side of the bathing end. If you are installing the bath against 1 corner, this bathing end will be exposed, and a panel is required. If you are installing the bath in a recess - against 3 walls - then an end panel is not required. Similar considerations should be given to the material of this panel - acrylic is a cost-effective choice, whereas MDF may be a better option for stronger, reinforced models.

Shower Bath Screen - the bath screen is one of the most important components of a shower bath. Not only does it help with water deflection from the shower head, the screen is often the most visible part of the installation. Because of the unique curves and angles of shower baths, a straight bath screen is not compatible. You'll usually need to opt for a shower screen from the same manufacturer, specifically created for that shower bath. Despite these restrictions, many exciting screen designs exist - different profile finishes, accent colours, integrated towel bars, hinged or fixed... the choice is yours. Read more about these types of screens on our Bath Screens page.

Taps & Fillers - most shower baths arrive un-drilled for tap holes, leaving you to position them in a place of your choosing. In most circumstances, the bath taps would be positioned along the back wall, below the shower. However, some shower bath models specifically include a larger side rim to allow taps to be positioned on the longer side of the bath, much like a luxury double ended design. In recent years, wall mounted taps or integrated fillers (built into the overflow of the bath) have meant that tap holes are not always required. If your installation requires tap holes, drilling them into acrylic is a trivial task for a DIY installer or professional.

Showers & Columns - a shower bath is suitable for all types of showers - be it electric or mixer. A typical installation might see a built-in concealed valve and wall-mounted shower head, or an exposed bar valve and riser rail. For a more simplistic installation, bath shower mixer taps allow the best of both worlds - a diverter built-in to the tap can direct flow to a shower handset or the tap spout. Whatever installation method you choose, the main consideration should be that the shower screen is capable of catching and deflecting all water splashes. For this reason, extra large drencher shower heads are generally not a good idea for use within a shower bath.