The Hottest New Innovations in the Bathroom

By Kerry Knight

Photo Credit: houzz.com

There is a host of new innovations in the bathroom that are catching the watchful eye. As new technology affects the way we live, it has also found its way into the home. Here are just a few:

Communication technology would include telephones for the bathtub and the toilet
Flat screen TV on the wall
Sophisticated sound systems
Infrared lighting spas for removing toxins from the body
Steam rooms
Japanese Soaking Tubs
Radiant heating for towels, the floor, and the tub area, with a less utilitarian look and more of a sculptured appeal

Introducing Safety Suite Showers

Photo Credit: tubking.com

While these new ideas are catchy, there are a couple of new concepts that are far more practical. The most popular, in addition to bathtub technology, is the new walk-in shower with low or zero thresholds. It eliminates “enclosures” all together and the shower becomes an integral part of the bathroom. A good example is Tub King’s Safety Suite Showers.

Alan Knight, president of the company, remarks, “Our Safety Suite Showers accomplishes something where others fail. It can come with a zero threshold configuration, which means those who are wheelchair-dependent can become totally independent in taking a shower by themselves. The wheelchair can roll right into the edge outer edge of the shower, then allow the person to stand up using the many safety bars that are installed on the walls makes it easy to maneuver around the shower opening. The drop-down or built-in shower seat is also a great advantage in design. No longer do those who consider themselves physically challenged need to feel they cannot take a shower safely. Plus the independence is a great morale booster.”

The great thing about the USA-made Safety Suite Shower is that it comes with so many options to choose from.

Photo Credit: tubking.com

Size. Regardless of your bathroom size, there is a Safety Suite Shower configuration that will fit your space and personal needs. If you are removing an existing, standard-size bathtub (routinely 60 x 30 inches) then the best choice for your Safety Suite Shower is the 54 x 30 x 78-inch model or the 48 x 36 x 78-inch model. If greater width is desired, there is also a 60 x 33-inch model. If you are into doing new construction, you can go a little larger with the 61 x 31 x 78-inch version.

Options. The options are endless. For example, the plumbing fixtures can come in different finishes to match your bathroom’s décor. That would include the popular chrome or beautiful brushed nickel. There is also a very unique faucet available that has a circular safety bar that encircles the faucet. “This is an extremely fine addition that adds so much more to the safety aspect of the shower ... to be able to have something to hold to while adjusting the water volume and temperature,” says Alan Knight. Each Safety Suite Shower comes either with a built-in, custom-molded seat or even better, a drop-down seat. There are many other wall mount options that can be offered for both convenience and safety. And by the way, there is also another version of the Safety Suite that offers a low, four-inch threshold for those who are not wheelchair bound.

Ease of installation. The safety bath suites come in either three- or five-piece variations, and installation is simple. Furthermore, the Safety Suite Showers are packaged in moduled components in either three or five pieces, so in most cases, having to expand a doorway to get the shower components into the bathroom isn’t necessary, as it sometimes in with a new bathtub. A modest goal for installation time would be two days. Many homeowners find that they can actually install the units themselves with a little help from family, friends or neighbors. If more professional help is needed, most local handymen or plumbers can do the work. The complete units are priced modestly and can save the homeowner considerably more than doing a complete build-out offered by many remodelers. The savings can go as high as 50%.

Photo Credit: tubking.com

There is one thing that I have not mentioned about the new Safety Suite Showers, and that is just how attractive they are. You can choose from a wide variety of colors and tile configurations such the now-popular neutral colors of Beige, Bone or Biscuit. Or, if having something more colorful is your fancy, there are configurations such as Almond Granite, Coco, Dune, Mink, Ashley, Violet and others. Furthermore, you can have the seat top and back be configured in a veneer of handsome, waterproof Brazilian Walnut.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention you can also order matching safety-designed toilet paper roll, towel rack and shelves, all of which come with a built-in, sturdy grab bar.

More and more people are looking to the future. Couples and individuals are considering what their lifestyle will be in 10 or 20 years. Hopefully they will be just as active and robust as ever. But what if there are some medical challenges or mobility issues? These pre-retirement folks are considering designing their homes for the future. And yet, at the same time, they don't want to design a home that looks like a hospital room. To avoid a totally utilitarian look, the Safety Suite Showers provide tremendous options. The beautiful walls and openness give it not only an inviting look, but provide additional spaciousness to the bathroom, actually integrating the shower with the bathroom room itself.

The Wonders of the Walk-in Tub

Photo Credit: tubking.com

While I am discussing new innovations in bath technology, I would be remiss without referring to the Walk-in Tub.Outside of the Safety Suite Showers, this is the best thing to come along. For those who prefer to take a soaking bath, this option offers additional benefits. First, these tubs come as independent units, free-standing, and providing a water-tight door for easy access. There is a seat inside and the height of the tub (normally 40 inches) means the user can submerge most of their body for a nice, warm, soaking experience. The real treat is the options of air jet and water jet hydrotherapy, along with the inline heater. With the touch of two controls, the user can bask in bubbles and whirling, massaging water to treat a number of personal and medical needs. The inline heater keeps the water warm for longer periods of use. There is a hand-held shower wane with a long metal-braided hose to rinse and shower while sitting. The Walk-in Tub comes with all the safety features of grab bars, slip-resistant seat and floors and a low threshold entry way. This tub also fits easily into an existing bathroom. It comes in a 48 x 28-inch version or 54 x 30-inch version. Installation can also be accomplished easily in two days.

Technology can be a wonderful thing, especially when it makes our lives safer, more enjoyable, healthier, and versatile. Tub King’s Safety Suite Showers and Walk-in Tubs fit that bill admirably.

In this article, I talked about some of the newer technologies that are being integrated in bathrooms today. I highlighted the numerous innovative designs and features of the Safety Suite Showers, explaining their various configurations and advantages. It also reviewed the benefits of the Walk-in Tub.

Learn more about Tub King's Walk-in Tubs

If you’d like to receive a FREE Walk-In Tub Buyers’ Guide, click here. Or, if you’d like to receive a FREE Clawfoot Tub Buyers’ Guide, click here.

If you have a comment, please type it in the Comment section below. Of course, I encourage you to share this article with your family, friends, and colleagues.

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed below and I’ll personally get back to you. Thanks for reading; it’s been my pleasure to share this information with you.

Check out Tub King's Safety Suite Showers. Click here.

Kerry Knight (now retired) is the former co-owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He had many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. These companies not only provide superior products, they are also multi-award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. To contact Tub King directly, call (800)843-4231 or email alan@tubking.com.