The Tub King Blog - Tub Talk: August 2015

AWESOME THINGS YOU CAN “REALLY” DO IN YOUR BATHROOM

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By Alan Knight

I suppose the internet is for everyone. By that I mean anyone with an idea, regardless of how weird, suddenly anyone can becomes a journalist. And then again, some things are just for fun, like the unknown person who gave a list of 100 awesome things you can do in the bathroom. Some are worth noting, if for no other reason than to make you laugh.

• BE NOSTALGIC. Ever notice how good looking people in dramatic films wallow in self-pity and think of the past while looking at their own watery reflection? You could be that person!

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

• TAKE THE HIT. Quell your thirst for anarchy by using your own bathroom wall for graffiti instead of the walls and cubicle doors found in public restrooms.

• SAVE THE PLANET. Cut down on the amount of hot water you use in the bathroom to help reduce carbon emissions and save the lovely ice caps.

• GET ROMANTIC. Woo your other half with a romantic bathroom setup: scented candles, champagne on ice, chocolate liqueurs and big Barry White on the boom box. You can't lose.

• HEALTHY HALLOWEEN FUN. Bobbing for apples is an old Halloween tradition: set up your bobbing station in the bath and award points to whoever fishes the most apples in 30 seconds.

• MAKE LIKE A MONK. Meditation might be a bit far for some people, but it can really help relieve stress and improve mental wellbeing. Take a dip and give it a try!

• FLOWER TUB. Give your old vintage tub lick of paint and fill with soil and flowers for funky, rustic addition to your garden. Guests will be amazed and slightly confused.

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

• GET A MASSAGE. Treat yourself to a soothing massage in one of the new Walk in Tubs. You can enjoy air jets, water jets or both together. We have these in stock, by the way.

• AHOY THERE. Make your own pirate movie with some floating galleons, a few dodgy accents and a waterproof camera.

• MATH IN THE BATH. There are plenty of great toys and kits for kids that can help them get super-smart while taking a bath. Secure your retirement and teach your youngster math in the bath.

• DO YOUR BUSINESS. All great minds do their business in the bathroom. Order new business cards and take those important calls while power scrubbing.

• GET SNUG. Need an extra bed for a guest? Is that guest open to sleeping in unconventional surroundings? Fill the bath with pillows and blankets and see how it works out.

• BATHROOM LABORATORY. Little ones love to play games in the bath or shower. With some plastic chemistry beakers they can mix shampoos and colored gels to make a range of foamy concoctions.

• BUDGET SNORKELING. Have your very own underwater adventure.

This requires a big bathtub (which we offer by the way). Fill your bath with sponges and treasures of the deep for an authentic snorkeling adventure. By the way, this sounds better if you're drunk.

Courtesy of pixabay.com

• MAKE A SHORT FILM. Just think of all those famous bathroom movie scenes. Tons of great famous horror scenes take place in the bathroom. Upload your very own clips to find reflections of ghost-type people in your bathroom mirror. You could be the next Wes Craven.

Okay, that's enough of the silly stuff. Let's look at some “real” awesome ideas for your bathroom. Let's focus for a moment with on the bathtub design. Staying up to date with interior design trends can be a tricky business. It's easy to get lost in color charts and worry too much about accessorizing. While it's great to keep these things in mind, it's important to remember that these features can be easily swapped out without too much work or hassle.

There are some features in the house, however, that have a tendency to become more permanent fixtures, and therefore can start to look a little dated after several years of service. It is for this reason that it's a great idea to replace tired old fixtures and fittings with updated models that are packed to the brim with contemporary style. Doing so will breathe new life into your home and keep it looking stylish for years to come. The very first on my list is a deep, relaxing and ultimately stylish old friend – the bathtub.

Check out this short video with examples of beautiful & affordable bathtubs.

There are so many different styles of bath tubs available today (and we carry about all of them) that it can be a little daunting to choose which is best for you. There are two main things to consider when it comes to choosing the design of your modern bath. First, you don't have to necessarily choose a cutting-edge style to ensure your bath is considered stylish and fashionable. For example, our most popular clawfoot design is the old traditional roll top-the same style that you saw in grandma's house. I guess for many it brings back fond memories. Plus, it's practical, with plumbing on one end and the relaxing porcelain slope on the other. It also comes in various sizes to fit every body type. Secondly, there are bathtubs in all shapes and sizes that have a sleek modern design. Be sure to look for a model that fits your bathroom perfectly, instead of rushing to buy the first contemporary model you see. If you have the room, try the dual ended, double slipper style that can reach lengths of over 6 feet.

And if soaking in a tub is not your thing, consider the new Walk in Showers with zero threshold. They look modern, elegant and stylish and offer plenty of room for two people. You can go crazy with accessories like the sunflower shower heads and adjustable grab bars, and ornamental dishes and holders.

If you really want to turn your bathroom into something awesome without going looney, start with the tub or shower. You will be glad you did.

Check out some of our customer testimonials.

Tub King has many great reviews and guarantees the lowest prices. Check out TubKing.com for current special closeout and scratch and dent models as well. Call today to arrange a consultation with a bathtub professional from Tub King.

This article discusses some fun remodeling ideas for your bathroom. It also provides information about the features bathtubs, available options, and considerations related to the installation, layout and usage of these bathtubs.

If you’ve found this article helpful in any way, please post a comment and pass the article along to friend’s family and co-workers.

Would you like to receive a free copy of our new ebook - Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers? Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for free! This book sell on Amazon, but its yours for signing up to receive our quarterly newsletter. You can see this book on Amazon.com by clicking on this link.

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.

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Walk-in Bathtub 101

Slips and falls in bathrooms are not uncommon. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, “An estimated 234,000 people ages 15 and older were treated in U.S. emergency departments in 2008 for injuries that occurred in bathrooms. Four out of five of these injuries were caused by falls—which can have especially serious consequences for older adults. Almost one-third of adults aged 65 and above who were injured in bathrooms were diagnosed with fractures. Among adults aged 85 and older, 38 percent were hospitalized as a result of their injuries.”

For some people, and especially the elderly, climbing into and out of a traditional tub can be quite challenging. Knee and hip problems can make it extremely difficult to get into and out of a traditional tub. The floor surfaces can be slippery and there may not be anything to grab onto to retain proper balance. With one wrong move, a person can end up on the floor with a broken hip or other injury.

With old fashioned tubs, you have to sit all the way down on the bottom to take a bath. When the shoulders and knees get creaky due to arthritis and other ailments, the simple act of sitting down in a bathtub can become difficult. With a walk-in tub, you don’t have to lower your whole body to the bottom of the tub. Instead, you just sit down on a built-in chair.

As the average lifespan has increased, there has been an increasing need to make homes safer for people as they age. Walk-in bathtubs have become very popular because they reduce the hazards associated with taking a bath. With a walk-in bathtub, there is no need for climbing. You just swing the little door open, step in, and shut the door.

Common features for walk-in bathtubs.

Built-in shower seats: Most seats are chair height and have a textured surface to prevent slippage. This enables the user to bath more safely. Getting up from the built-in seat is much easier than pushing oneself all the way up from a standard tub floor.

Textured floors: Most walk-in tubs have a textured floor to reduce the likelihood of slipping. Buyers should beware of any model that doesn’t feature a non-slip floor.

Grab bars: Walk-in tubs usually come with one or more grab bars. These help the bather to retain stability while bathing and while getting up, sitting down, and getting in and out of the tub. In some cases the grab bars can be configured based on whether the user is right-handed or left-handed.

Watertight door: Most walk-in tubs have doors that open inward. Some manufacturers offer a door that opens outward as an option. This can be helpful to people who need to move from a wheelchair to the shower seat.

Handheld shower system: Most walk-in bathtubs have a handheld shower-head located near the faucets.

Options

Depending on the manufacturer, a variety of options may be available. Hydrotherapy, which works with air jets, is available from some manufacturers. Whirlpool massage systems with water jets are also available. These options can provide a therapeutic spa experience to people with arthritis, leg cramps, or chronic pain.

In-line heaters are available to maintain a steady water temperature. Neck rests are optional from some manufacturers. Another option is a rapid drain system which can allow a tub to empty in less than two minutes. That way, the user doesn’t have to wait all that long to exit from the bath.

Sizes

Models vary in height from about 37 to 47 inches. The width is usually from 28 to 32 inches. The length is normally 60 inches, which is the standard bathtub length. Even though walk-in tubs are designed for walking into, there is a small threshold to step over. The height can vary from 2 inches to 7 inches.

Not all tubs fit properly into the space available in a standard bathroom. Walk-in Tubs can be customized to fit into the available space. Extensions are available so that there will be no gaps between the tub and the wall.

Installation

Professional installation of walk-in bathtubs is highly recommended. People use their bathrooms several times every day. The bathtub is normally one of the largest things in the bathroom. Also, bathrooms are configured in a variety of ways. If you’re considering having a walk-in tub installed in your home or in the home of a loved one, be sure to have it installed by a reputable company like Tub King. An experienced installer knows how to make your walk-in bathtub fit perfectly.

For anyone who has difficulty accessing their bathing area, a walk-in bathtub can provide a comfortable and safe bathing experience. Modern walk-in bathtubs have come a long way from the handicapped bathtubs of the past. If getting into and out of a traditional bathtub has become challenging to you, a walk-in tub could be the solution. With a walk-in bathtub, you'll be able to move around more safely. Walk-in bathtubs are great for active seniors, elderly people, disabled people, people with limited mobility or anyone looking for a safer and more comfortable way to take a bath.

With a walk-in bathtub, you’ll also experience the healing effects of water on joints & muscles. Tub King offers Soaker models, Hydrotherapy models, and Dual Hydrotherapy with Whirlpool models. They’re built with marine-grade fiberglass and have a gel-coat finish to last a lifetime. They drain quickly, have easy to use controls, and require little maintenance.

Tub King has many great reviews and guarantees the lowest prices. In commemoration of National Senior Citizens’ Day, August 21^st, Tub King is offering special pricing on walk-in bathtubs. Call today to arrange a consultation with a bathtub professional from Tub King.

This article discusses the benefits of walk-in bathtubs for anyone who has difficulty getting into and out of a traditional bathtub. This article also provides information about the features of modern walk-in bathtubs, available options, and considerations related to the installation of a walk-in bathtub. If you’ve found this article helpful in any way, please post a comment and pass the article along to others.

Would you like to receive a free copy of our new ebook - Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers? Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for free! It is also for sale and you can see/buy it on Amazon.com by clicking on this link.

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.

HOW TO LOSE MONEY OR MAKE MONEY - WITH YOUR HOME REMODEL

By Alan Knight

Courtesy of www.flickr.com

Is it really worthwhile to remodel your home? Well, that depends on whether you are planning to sell your home in the next few years or you plan to stay put indefinitely. There is not always a direct relationship between exactly how much you put into a specific renovation project and exactly how much you get out of it. If you consider home improvement item by item, you'll likely conclude that undertaking almost any individual home improvement prior to the sale of your home is a losing proposition. However, when you add small improvements together with vision and creativity, you create an overall house improvement and a big return on your investment. The whole package is far more valuable than the sum of its parts.

Now in the remodeling concept, there are both winners and losers. With some ideas you are bound to fail and will most likely lose everything you invested in it. Others will pay off for you, and maybe in a big way. Let's look at some of the losers first.

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

Back in 1979 my wife and I were enjoying our new home and decided that what was missing was an in-ground swimming pool. I took out a second mortgage and paid $12,000 (over $30,000 by today's standards) and had the pool and a privacy fence installed. We just knew we would be in this house for a very long time. Boy was I wrong. Within six months I received a job offer in Texas and we put our house up for sale. How much did the pool add to the sale price? Zero! I could have gotten just as much without it. So, effectively I lost $12,000. But, we did enjoy one summer with the pool. The point is swimming pools can be an iffy proposition. Yes, there are times when they help make the sale. In most cases, especially if there are small children in the family, it could hurt the sale. Most buyers are buying “the house” and if there is a pool that's just a little bonus for them. The way they look at it is we got the pool for free. They want to pay extra for it, believe me.

Some homeowners have considered taking a spare bedroom to make it into an executive office. This is a mistake. First, it can be expensive. You decide to have a carpenter in to build solid oak cabinets and shelves from floor to ceiling. You look at the floor and decide that only hardwood could possibly complement the cabinets so you rip out the carpet. Then you look at the small desk that you have used in the corner and decide that a heavy, mahogany executive desk is needed along with some leather chairs. A nice painting behind the desk makes it almost complete. Then you realize that you must have an upgrade in your digital and electronic devices. The entire project climbs to $30,000. You enjoy it for a year, and what happens? You lose your job or get transferred. Who pays for the new office? Not the buyer, they're busy trying to figure out how to turn it back into a bedroom.

Courtesy of www.flickr.com

The Sunroom addition is another popular mistake. Now I say that if we're talking strictly about resale. If you plan to stay in your house for the next 30 years, you can enjoy your addition immensely, but if you plan to sell in a couple of years you might get stuck. Anytime you have to add on to the foundation-and the footprint of your home-- the price climbs, says Michael Hydeck, owner of Hydeck Design Build Inc. near Philadelphia and past president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

With a 200 square-foot room with skylights, low E-windows, automatic shades and a tile floor, it's a major project. In certain parts of the country you may do just as well, adding a pergola over your patio.

Let's look at some better uses of your money. A sound investment is in targeted your kitchen. Let's say you have $10,000 to play with. No, it won't get you a complete makeover for that, but we can definitely put it to good use. Think about upgrading tired old appliances. Cabinet resurfacing and upgrading the countertops can be very affordable and you can make a big splash. Having the countertops, refinished in a multi-stone pattern is a great way to save70% over replacement.

Courtesy of TubKing.com

Another way to put your remodeling money toward positive results is in the Master Bath. For a few thousand dollars, you can have the old fiberglass bathtub removed and replaced with the new walk in shower with zero threshold. It is absolutely stunning with its openness and it makes the bath seem even bigger. You might also consider a deep porcelain soaking tub with a porcelain pedestal sink to replace the wall sink. Not only will you have the personal enjoyment of using this new path, but a resale will be much easier.

A real no-brainer is painting the house. Repaint the interior of your home and keep it neutral with soft earth tones. Then make sure you pick up some fantastic pillows and accessories to add punches of color.

No buyer wants to walk barefoot across your tired, old, stained, worn-out carpet. When you replace the existing carpet, go with a neutral shade.

Curb appeal is so important if you are investing for the future. Keep the hedges trimmed and healthy. Give your lawn some TLC, and plant flowers for color and beauty. Create a strong first impression by adding shiny new house numbers and maybe even a new mailbox. Finally, add some wonderful outdoor lighting.

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If you have an attractive backyard (and if you don't create one) show it off through the interior of the house. Suppose you have a room that looks out into the backyard. Replace those windows with French doors and build an attractive deck. You've just increased the size of that room-and added value to the house for very little money.

If selling isn't in the cards for you and your family, you can still consider all of the tips above. You'll enjoy living in an upgraded house, especially if you're staying put. Additionally, think about these projects for long term payback.

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This article discusses the how you can lose a lot of money by remodeling and upgrading the wrong part of your home. It also goes on to explain that targeting the kitchen and bathroom can enhance and make a big difference value and salability of your home. Upgrading a master bathroom by adding a zero threshold shower, a walk-in tub or a porcelain clawfoot not only add beauty, but can raise the value as well.

If you learned anything from this article, please make a comment or pass it along to your friend’s family and co-workers. If you would like to leave a comment related to this article, place it in the comment section below.

Would you like to receive a free copy of our new ebook - Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers? Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for free! It is also for sale and you can see/buy it on Amazon.com by clicking on this link.

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. His companies not only provide superior products, the company is also multiple time award winner, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. If you would like to contact him, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or email them at alan@tubking.com.

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DON'T SWEAT YOUR SWEAT

By Alan Knight

Courtesy of flickr.com

Let’s face it, sweat has always gotten a bad rap. Think about it. There are sweatshops, sweat stains, sweatboxes and Richard Simmons’ Sweating to the Oldies.’ Glance over the health and beauty aisles in your local grocery store and you’ll see dozen of antiperspirants and deodorants to either stop you from sweating or at minimum, to mask the odor that lingers after a long day of perspiring. Sweating definitely needs an image makeover (sorry Richard) because sweat is vital to your health.

Not only is sweat necessary, it is sexy. Think of the eye-catching images of athletes in top form, with beads of perspiration rolling down their bodies. This is the epitome of health where the benefits of sweating far outdo the negatives. Let’s discuss why these droplets of salt water are so good for you.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SWEATING

First of all, let’s look at the facts. Whether you are engaged in physical activity or simply lolling in the hot sun, your body knows when it needs to cool down. Our internal temperature is about 98.6 degrees, so your body gets a little temperamental when that temperature fluctuates even by a degree or so. It’s time for the 4 million or so of your sweat glands to get going. Essentially your body is responding to a change that it neither appreciates nor wants.

As the sweat starts to pour from your pores, the water begins to evaporate which cools the skin. It’s your body’s built-in HVAC system that you literally can’t live without. Anhidrosis is the inability to sweat normally in response to heat. When you don’t perspire your body does not have the ability to cool itself, which can lead to heat stroke, a potentially deadly condition.

ALAS, THE BENEFITS

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The benefits of sweating are numerous since it’s a natural bodily function and nature’s way of protecting your internal organs. But let’s not limit this process to an internal air conditioning system, because sweating also offers some surprising benefits for your health and beauty.

IT CLEARS YOUR SKIN

Your pores open up when you sweat which releases the grit and grime that has built up inside them. Essentially sweating purges the body of toxins that can clog pores that cause pimples and blemishes. All of the dirt and toxins from your pores is released onto the surface of your skin which makes it important to wash your face thoroughly to achieve a healthy glow.

IT REMOVES TOXINS FROM INSIDE THE BODY

Thought about going on a detox diet? A little juicing perhaps? The body releases toxins by using sweat as the body’s garbage disposal Have you ever imbibed a bit too much and noticed that your sweat may have the scent of alcohol? That’s not just your foggy imagination. Many experts agree that sweating can flush the body of substances such as alcohol, cholesterol and salt. That helps take care of a hangovers, clogged arteries and high blood pressure in one good perspiration session.

IT’S THE ENEMY OF KIDNEY STONES

Everyone knows that a bout of kidney stones can be an absolute nightmare and the sheer thought of that diagnosis will bring many men to their knees. Fear no more. Sweating can be an effective way of flushing out the salt and retaining calcium in your bones. As a result, this limits the accumulation of salt and calcium in the kidneys which is the direct cause of stone formation. In addition, those who exercise regularly (and sweat more) tend to hydrate themselves more often and flush their system more efficiently which helps to control the onset of kidney stones.

“A study presented at the 2013 American Urological Association conference in San Diego, Calif., found that walking for a couple of hours a week could substantially cut the risk for developing kidney stones. Mild to moderate activity changes the way the body handles nutrients and fluids that affect stone formation. Sweating helps flush out the system more efficiently because it demands more hydration from the body.” (http://www.medicaldaily.com/sweat-it-out-5-surprising-health-benefits-sweating-actually-dont-stink-309718)

Courtesy of freestockphotos.biz

IT BOOSTS ENDORPHINS, HELPS WITH PAIN, REDUCES STRESS AND MORE

Physical exercise and sweating go hand in hand. The more you exercise the more you sweat. Pretty simple, right? The release of endorphins (your happy chemicals) occurs when you exercise and sweat. Endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain to reduce the perception of pain. They are also released when your body is under undue stress to fight its negative effects. Endorphins literally act similarly to drugs like morphine and codeine but without the side effects.

WASH YOUR SWEAT AWAY

It’s awesome to work up a good sweat. You know all the good it does. Now it’s time for the best part; the perfect shower or bath. There is nothing like the feeling of jumping into a shower or bath after a good workout or just being drenched with perspiration from being outside on a hot, summer day. Think of that cool water running over your body cleansing you of the toxins and relaxing every tired muscle.

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Now that you’re convinced you need to work up a sweat for your health and well-being, wouldn’t you want to enhance the entire experience with a perfect shower or bath? Purchase mineral salts or essential oils to add to the warm (or cool) water in your soaking tub. They are deep water tubs meant for total relaxation and luxury. Do you want something more invigorating? Take a contrast shower, alternating between hot and cold water to get your blood circulating and feel the relaxation afterwards. All that hard work has its rewards. So don’t sweat your sweat.

This article discusses the many benefits of sweating. Whether it is through physical activity or not, the benefits are numerous as your body strives to cool itself naturally. Ridding yourself of the toxins that have been flushed from your body is the next step and this part is a necessary indulgence whether it is a bath in a soaking tub or a shower with all the accessories. The choice is yours.

If you learned anything from this article, please make a comment or pass it along.

Would you like to receive a free copy of our ebook - Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers? Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for free or you can buy it on Amazon.com by clicking on this link.

Visit Tubking.com for current specials

At Tubking.com

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. His companies not only provide superior products, the company is also multiple time award winner, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. If you would like to contact him, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or email them at alan@tubking.com.

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