The Tub King Blog - Tub Talk: 2013

Walk-in Tubs ... the Gift of Love

By Kerry Knight

It is an amazing fact that the older we get the faster time seems to move forward, and our reflections backward. I'm 64 years old now, and it seems so impossible. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was lifting my children in the air? Now, I strain to lift my grandkids. The mercurial pace of time doesn't seem fair. Why did things reach this point so quickly. The answer lies in a simple fact. When you live your life in the future, with all your planning, you miss out on enjoying and cherishing the present. Then all you have left are the memories and reflections of days missed.

My mother is now 82 years old. She never mentions the future, only the past. She feels that nothing good can possibly lie ahead. How sad. I want to tell her what I have learned. Embrace the present. Enjoy the moment. Of course that might be easier for me to say. I'm healthy for my age. She has more ailments than she can count. She does still have some great memories though.

But what about the present? What could a child do to make the present more enjoyable for a mom or dad who are advanced in years. With all the physical problems that come with aging, shouldn't children be more interested in providing some physical comfort for their parents.

With aging, our seniors face many debilitating illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, vertigo, high blood pressure, pure circulation, heart disease, just to mention a few. In addition there are many discomforts such as back pain, aching joints, immobility, and much more. It's hard to enjoy the present when fighting all these invasions.

Warm water therapy goes back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who believed in the healing and rejuvenating powers of warm water therapy. Today, that science has been reborn in the form of a walk in tub.

Walk in Tubs have been shown to offer relief from the aches, pains and discomforts associated with:

Arthritis
High Blood Pressure
Migraines
Muscle cramps
Rheumatism
Sprains
Tension and Stress

English: Blood pressure measurement. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Diabetes
Lumbago
Multiple Sclerosis
Poor Blood Circulation
Sciatica Stiffness
Hemorrhoids
Insomnia
Balance Disorders
Asthma
Varicose Veins
Colds
Stomach Problems
Chest congestion
Headaches
Bronchitis
Shingles
Fibromyalgia

Muscle and nerve pain

If you could offer your parents just a few moments of relief from present pain, wouldn't that be a great gift to repay all they've done for you. Let's make their life a little easier to bear. The walk in tub can be your gift of love.

In this article, I have talked about how walk-in tubs can provide the gift of relief from a wide variety of ailments for the elderly. Because walk-in tubs are so easy to use they also offer the elderly more freedom and independence than standard tubs. Today a walk in tub is gods send to the elderly or those who are sick, or disable. I hope you found this article useful. If so, pass it along to your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment, enter it below. I am glad I had the chance to share this information with you.

Until next time, stay stress free.

Alan & Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc and Senior Bathtub.com in Jacksonville Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products they are also award winners, winning the best of Jacksonville Chamber Award three years running. If you would like to contact them call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231 or email them at alan@tubking.com.

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What do Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz & Albert Finney Have in Common?

Back in the year 2003 I received a phone call from Hollywood, California. A young lady who introduced herself as an AD or assistant director, made an unusual request.

English: The Hollywood Sign as it appears from a trail in the Hollywood Hills in Hollywood, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It seemed a large production company , Columbia Pictures, and a young director named Tim Burton were making a movie, to be filmed in my home town of Wetumpka, Alabama. But why would they call me, I was in the bathtub business. After a brief conversation, it all began to make sense.

One of the scenes for the movie required Albert Finney and Jessica Lange to be together in a clawfoot bathtub. They wanted a BIG tub and one that could accommodate two. That we had. The dual ended tub, with a slight slope on each end with a center drain and faucet was ideal. It comes in 68 inch and even a 75 inch version. There is plenty of room for two people, each reclining on opposite ends of the tub. There is also a Double Slipper version. It is 72 inches long with a more dramatic slope on each end.

By the way, the movie went on to win an academy award for Best Score.

Again, in 2004 another call rang in. Another studio in L.A. was making a movie that required , not one cast iron clawfoot tub, but twelve. The movie would star Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz and Shia LaBeouf, with Reeves playing an irreverent, supernatural detective. They asked that the tubs be as long as possible (I suppose to make it more obvious in the shot.) The traditional roll top design was their first choice. In the movie, the tub was to be destroyed in a violent scene, and so many extra ones were needed.

Then again, in 2005 a call came from Hollywood. Sony pictures was making a movie

Cameron Diaz receiving her star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black. It was a romantic comedy bouncing between New York and the rather snowy English countryside. They were in need of the smallest cast iron tub we had. Cameron Diaz would be taking a bath in it. Well that made no sense because Cameron Diaz is a tall 5 foot 9 inches. That was the whole point. It was a comedy, and they wanted her to look uncomfortable in the tub. The smaller tubs we had were 48- and 54-inch roll tops. It did make for a great laugh to see her leggy frame in such a small tub.

Since the beginning of film making, free standing, cast iron and porcelain, claw footed tubs have been a constant prop for movie making. They are glamorous, sexy and perfect for staging almost any scene. Because of their attraction, many everyday people, young or old, still love them today, and you can find them in everything from log cabins to the most expensive estates.

One of the greatest draws to these tubs is the fact that they have become so affordable. The prices begin as low as $795.00. They come with beautiful chrome, brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze legs. The faucet and accessories also come in many gorgeous designs and finishes, and these too are very affordable. The English Telephone faucet has always been a favorite.

So, today you can live like a movie star, bathing in elegance and enjoying the good life, as you lean back in your tub dreaming of your own Hollywood story.

In this article, I have talked about how several movie company’s have contacted Tub King to use our clawfoot tubs in their movies. Because clawfoot tubs are so elegant, they are often featured in movies, including dramas, science fiction and comedies. Today anyone can afford these beautiful tubs. Come to think of it, that’s why they are selling so well. I hope you found this article useful. If so, pass it along to your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment, enter it below. I am glad I had the chance to share this information with you.

Until next time, stay stress free.

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The Right Walk-in Tub Option Can Create the Best Bathing Experience

By Kerry Knight

Have you ever wondered if a bathtub could make a difference in your health? What would happen if your age was starting to challenge your mobility or if we're injured and lived alone or wanted more independence? Most people take baths for granted until there is a health related problem that interferes with breathing. More than that, most of us live stressful lives and a soothing bath can relieve stress in a wonderful way. The right bathtub and options can make all the difference.

Consider these Options

The Walk In Tub provides many bath options. The tub comes equipped with a seat, normally 17 inches high for ease in getting up and down. This means you can sit while taking a soaking bath. Most walk in tubs allows water to cover the body almost to the shoulders. A warm, relaxing soaking bath can be enjoyed with the faucet controls within easy reach.

The hand held shower sprayer comes with a four-foot metal braided hose that can be pulled out of the deck mount on the tub and used for spraying and rinsing the body while seated. It can also be hung on the shower wall for a stand up shower. After use, it retracts back into the tub for convenience.

Another option on the walk in tub is the air-jetted system. An air pump blows warm air into the water creating thousands of therapeutic bubbles. This hydrotherapy is not only great for relaxing and soothing the body; it also is good for treating many medical conditions.

Another option is the whirlpool water jets. Larger ports allow water to circulate and pulse against the back, the hips, and legs. This is called the massage system. Anyone with muscle stress, tension or injury will find enormous comfort from this.

Lose the Fear of Falling

Being able to take a bath without the fear of falling makes

all of these options a pleasure to own. The easy access of stepping up only 6 inches instead of 12 or more inches to enter the tub makes bathing enjoyable again. Being able to sit while bathing takes away the stress from long periods of standing. With the watertight door, all of the worries of bathing disappear. Now just sit back and relax.

When finished, just release the drain and reach for the towel. In moments, you're stepping out of the tub, with no assistance from anyone. Bathing with independence makes, you feel young again.

In this article, I have discussed how the right tub, (a walk-in tub) and the right options can determine how useful and or therapeutic a bath can be. By adding the right entry, sitting, soaking, and jetting opting, a person can create a tub that’s functional, enjoyable and therapeutic at the same time. I hope you found this article useful. If so, pass it along to your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment, enter it below. I am glad I had the chance to share this information with you.

Until next time, stay stress free.

Alan & Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc and Senior Bathtub.com in Jacksonville Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products they are also award winners, winning the best of Jacksonville Chamber Award 3 years running. If you would like to contact them call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231 or email them at alan@tubking.com.

Don't Replace Your Tub, Refinish It

By Kerry Knight

One of the primary concerns of home owners today is the cost of remodeling their bathrooms and kitchens. Finding the right style, size that fits and is the right color is often an obstacle. Buying new tubs, and sinks can set you back quite a bit.

Are you aware of a process for beautifying your bathtub, colors such as harvest gold, avocado green, brown, black, yellow, blue, red, and represent a generation long since passed.
without having to replace it. Many bathtubs today are old, discolored, dull, and damaged. Many have outdated

The expense of having the tub ripped out and replaced with a new one can easily reach $2000 to $3000. Many old tubs won't even fit through the door, so major demolition has to be done. Then there is the cost of replacing tile, flooring, sheetrock, doors and much more.

A pleasant alternative to all this is to simply have the tub refinished.
The advantages are many: First, nothing needs to be removed. The refinished tub stays in place. Second, the process can be completed in less than a day. Third, the savings are significant. A tub can be refinished for as little as $250.00.

The process involves cleaning the tub and etching it to make the surface porous. Then an aerospace primer is applied using an HVLP system. With the surface properly prepared, a high gloss porcelain topcoat is applied, giving the tub a like new appearance.

The HVLP Spray System stands for high volume, low pressure. Simply put, this means the coating that is sprayed stays on the surface instead of accumulating into the air. There is very little overspray. This eliminates any odor problems.

You will be able to change colors to any new color you choose.color scheme is easier than ever. This is the most inexpensive remodeling you will ever do. Many have saved up to 80% of the cost of tear out and replacement. And it's not just bathtubs. You can have your ceramic tile, bath sinks and counters refinished, as well. Now matching colors or fitting a

When money is tight, like it is today, this is a great way to give your

bathroom a nice facelift. And don't forget the kitchen. You can have your kitchen countertops, sinks, cabinets and even appliances refinished.

In this article, I have explained a revolutionary process that can save lots of money when remodeling a bathroom, or kitchen. I have explained a process (the HVLP system) that allows you to have a bathtub or sink totally refinished at a very low cost. This system allows a wide variety of color choices making it easy to match color schemes when designing and remodeling your bathroom or kitchen. When money is tight but you still want to beautify your bathroom or kitchen, look into refinishing. Remember, you don't have to buy new....you can redo.

Until next time!

The Cinderella Slippper Tub

By Kerry Knight

Everyone remembers the Disney classic, "Cinderella." As she rushes from the Ball, as midnight approaches, she loses her slipper. The Prince will eventually find her, but only after he puts that slipper onto her foot for the perfect fit.

There is a deep soaking bathtub that has been appropriately named, the Slipper Tub. One end of the tub has a very tall, and pronounced slope, thus resembling a slipper. The sloped end is 29 inches from the floor to the top of the rim. The opposite end is 21 inches tall. The faucet is located on the side of the rolled top, so that one can conveniently control the water flow.

The slipper tubs are made of cast iron with bright, white,

porcelain glass covering the interior.

The Slipper comes in several sizes. All tubs are measured from outside rim to outside rim. The width is a consistent 30 inches.

The 57 inch slipper would be appropriate for the petite body. The 61 inch Slipper is for the average frame. The 67 inch would be more for the taller person.

The Slipper comes with majestic metal legs, ornately designed. They are available in chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, or a color of choice.

The Slipper can be accented with a color on the outside the tub, other than white. Popular colors have been candy apple red, midnight black, and buttery cream.

The Slipper tub often comes with a tub caddy, which is a metal tray that reaches across the width of the tub. This is the ideal place for the glass of wine or your favorite book.

The Slipper tub has appeared in more movies than any other style of tub. It will forever be known as the sexy tub or the glamour tub.

Another variation of the Slipper is the "Double Slipper."

This one has the tall slope on each end of the tub. It reaches 72 inches in length and can be the tub of choice for a couple wishing to bathe together. It is a monster in size and a real beauty to behold. The dual symmetry of the tub makes it a perfect choice to be centered at a large decorative window in the bath. The ornate legs that support it are even larger than normal, and also can be purchased in chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze or a color of choice.

The Slight Slipper also has the high back on each end without such a pronounced slope. Some find this one to be even more comfortable. It is 71 inches long by comparison for the back.

And we all know, it's not just the beauty of these tubs that attract us. It's also the comfort and relaxation that it offers, when you fill these deep tubs with warm water, place the towel at the nap of your neck, close your eyes, and forget about the day's drudgery.

In this article, I have discussed the Slipper tubs and its other variants, the Slight Slipper and the Double Slipper. I discussed all the benefits, the dimension and the varieties for this glamorous tub. Because this tub has been featured in so many movies, it is always remembers as a sexy and glamorous tub to bath in. This tub is so beautiful that people sometimes forget how relaxing and comfortable this tub is in use. If you found this article to be useful please pass it on to your friends. Leave a comment or tell us your slipper tub story in the comment section (PG only) below. It has been my pleasure sharing this information with you. Thanks again for sharing this journey together.

Until next time keep smiling.

Alan & Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc and Senior Bathtub.com in Jacksonville Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products they are also award winners, winning the best of Jacksonville Chamber Award 3 years running. If you would like to contact them call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231 or email them at alan@tubking.com.

an elderly woman exiting or entering a bath tub while grasping the back support of the in-tub seat as she was simultaneously using a walking cane for added stability (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Kerry Knight

Falling is the second leading cause of accidental death, worldwide, but it is the number one cause of death and injury among our senior population. With the elderly, even falling from a standing position to the ground may cause serious injury.

Chances of Falling are High

New findings, just out, suggest that the very fear of falling increases the probability of
future falls among seniors. Most medical and gerontology professionals now believe that a constant fear of falling can damage one's peace of mind just as much as falling itself.

With decreased mobility and the likelihood of using multiple prescription medications, it's no wonder that seniors live in fear of falling.

One of the common areas in the home that is a likely spot for falls is the bathroom. There are several reasons why:

Event Medical Sevices R240YMD . Wembley . 29th-May-2010 (Photo credit: AndrewHA's)

Many tile floors are slippery, especially if wet
Most baths are small and crowded with furnishings
Getting up and down on the toilet can be a challenge
Entering the bathtub by stepping over the rim (many time a 12 inch step)
Falls inside the tub due to slippery floors , walls and shower curtains.
Possibility of losing balance because of standing.

What makes matters worse is that if there is a fall, there is the danger of a more serious injury with the hard, rigid fixtures such as the sink and tub, not to mention the hard floor, should it be ceramic tile.

The elderly also fear that once they fall they may not be able to get up and call for help, especially if the fall renders them unconscious.

One Solution is a Walk In Tub

Fortunately, there are some solutions. One is the Walk In Tub. Walk In Tubs are designed to help prevent falling in the bathtub. It offers an easy access door, a low threshold of entry, and a built in seat. Once inside you can close the door and lock it with a sealing mechanism that makes it water tight. The tub is then filled with warm water to your comfort level. The tub also comes with an interior grab bar to help in getting up and down. The hand held shower sprayer is right at your finger tips for washing your hair or simply rinsing off.

You can also add hydrotherapy and whirlpool jets to the tub as an option for water therapy. An inline heater with the whirlpool keeps the water warm, so it doesn't cool as quickly.

The tub empties quickly and easily and you exit at the door as you entered.

No more fear of falling. Just a nice, relaxing bath.

Falling will always be a problem for the elderly, but at least some things are being done to create a safer environment in the bath.

In this article, I have discussed the risks and probability of being injured or worse from a fall as an elder. Falls account for a large number of injuries and death in the elder population. One way Baby Boomers are reducing the chances of falls is by installing and using Walk In bathtubs. Walk in tubs provide many benefits including increased safety, convenience, hydrotherapy and especially the feeling of restored dignity and peace of mind. If you found this article to be useful please pass it on to your friends. If you have a comment leave it in the box below. It has been my pleasure shareing this information with you. Thanks again for sharing this journey together. Until next time keep smiling.

Alan & Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc and Senior Bathtub.com in Jacksonville Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products they are also award winners, winning the best of Jacksonville Chamber Award 3 years running. If you would like to contact them call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231 or email them at alan@tubking.com.

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