The Tub King Blog

BATHTUBS ARE HERE TO STAY

By Alan Knight

Despite the intrusion of the shower in modern times, the bathtub is here to stay. There will always be those who prefer to soak rather than spray. I suppose it is because bathing should be a relaxing time, not just a time to get a quick cleanup. There have been many notable bathtubs in history that set the tone.

The ancient Greek inventor Archimedes discovered the physics of displacement while sitting in a bathtub. The water rose when he got into the tub, and he figured you could measure the volume of all kinds of objects that way. As the story goes, he jumped up from the bath, shouted “Eureka!” and ran around naked telling people of his discovery. The Emperor had asked whether the royal crown was pure gold. Archimedes measured the volume of the crown by water displacement and compared that to the volume of an equal weight of pure gold. The volumes were different, indicating that the crown had lighter material underneath the gold.

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

In December 1842, Adam Thompson installed in his Cincinnati house a bathtub like the one he had seen in England. By defying the current taboo against bathing in the winter, he was severely scolded by doctors, politicians and the general public. In 1926 the story was retracted as being a hoax. Believe it or not, bathing was then considered a health menace. Some say Millard Fillmore installed the first bathtub in the White House, but the actual “first” bathtub in the White House is hard to pin down. Early presidents bathed in tubs that were brought in and filled with water heated on stoves, at least as far back as James Madison.

Another bathtub of note was designed for a Navy ship. Battleships are designed to carry as much equipment and as many men as needed without wasting an inch of space. But an exception was made when a ship was to take President Franklin Roosevelt to the Cairo Conference and the Tehran Conference in 1943. Roosevelt had been crippled by Guillain-Barr syndrome since 1921, and would have a hard time taking a shower. A bathtub was needed for the president. Today, the USS Iowa is looking for a home as a museum ship.

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

William Howard Taft was the heaviest US president at 332 pounds. Early in his administration (1909-1913) he bathed in the white house bathtub, and had a larger one installed later. In 1912, he took his own oversized tub onto a ship for a trip from Key West to Colon. It was not permanently installed.

There has also been notable deaths in a bathtub. Orville Redenbacher, founder of the popcorn company that bears his name. In 1995 he was found dead in a whirlpool bath after falling victim to a heart attack.

Jim Morrison, the lead singer for The Doors, was found dead in a bathtub in Paris in 1971. He had an ongoing love affair with alcohol and drugs. Others, whose dead bodies were recovered from a bathtub would include Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.

Courtesy of TubKing.com

Bathtubs have forever been a point of interest, both in life and death. They have been associated with glamour and famous celebrities, and just pure relaxation and enjoyment to everyday folks. Today the bathtub has taken on new looks and designs. The huge porcelain tubs have replaced interest in the old whirlpool fiberglass or acrylic ones. People from all walks of life are going back to just plain relaxing in a soaking tub. Take a bath, yes, but also just lean back and relax. Put on some soft music and stay until the water begins to cool.

Courtesy of TubKing.com

Don't be fooled. I don't care how many shower designs, whether you sit or stand, that can be produced or reproduced in the future, they will never eliminate the need and the fond attachment to the bathtub. Today the most popular bathtub designs are unique in shape. Unlike the old standard roll top look, the new designs include slipper tubs that offer a shape similar to a banana bowl where you can recline on either end, satisfying one or even two people. They come in a variety of sizes, up to 75 inches in length, and stand on beautifully ornate legs made of chrome, brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze. Add to that the famous dual ended tub, or the spectacular pedestal or skirted tub, and you have choices that attract the most ardent decorator. There are even ultra-modern solid surface designer bathtubs that will fit right in where the interior designer has taken a futuristic tack. Yes, tubs are here to stay. If you don't have one of these newly crafted beauties you might want to check it out.

In this article, I have discussed several famous and infamous bathtubs in history. I provide details on several types of modern bathtubs and further show how showers will never replace the relaxation and enjoyment that bathtubs have brought to bathing.

Would you like to receive a FREE COPY of our new e-book? 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.

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HOW TO IMPROVE ON POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION

Simplified diagram of the human Circulatory system
in anterior view. Français : Diagramme simplifié
du système circulatoire humain en vue
antérieure (en Anglais). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Alan Knight

Your body’s circulatory system is responsible for sending blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. When blood flow to a specific area of the body is reduced, you may experience the symptoms of poor circulation. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arms. Poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself, but a result of other health issues.

Several conditions can lead to poor circulation. The most common causes include obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues. Let’s look at this further.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can lead to poor circulation in your legs. PAD is a circulatory condition that causes narrowing of the blood vessels and arteries. In an associated condition call atherosclerosis, arteries stiffen due to plaque buildup in the arteries and blood vessels. Both conditions decrease blood flow to your extremities and can result in pain.

Over time, reduced blood flow in your extremities can cause numbness, tingling, nerve damage, and eventually tissue damage. Eventually, if left untreated, reduced blood flow and plaque in your carotid arteries may result in a stroke. If plaque buildup takes place in the arteries in your heart, you run the risk of having a heart attack.

English: The illustration shows how a varicose vein forms in a leg. Figure A shows a normal vein with a working valve and normal blood flow. Figure B shows a varicose vein with a deformed valve, abnormal blood flow, and thin, stretched walls. The middle image shows where varicose veins might appear in a leg. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

PAD is most common in adults over age 50, but it can also occur in younger people. Smokers are at a higher risk than non-smokers for acquiring PAD develop early in life.

Blood clots partially or entirely block the flow of blood. They can develop almost anywhere in your body, but a blood clot that develops in your arms or legs can lead to circulation problems.

Blood clots can develop for a variety of reasons, and they can be dangerous. If a blood clot in your leg breaks away, it can pass through other parts of your body including your heart and lungs. When this happens, the results may be serious, even deadly.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins caused by incompetent venous valves. The veins appear gnarled and engorged, and they are most often found on the back of the legs. The damaged veins cannot move blood as efficiently as other blood vessels, so poor circulation may become a problem. Although rare, varicose veins can also cause blood clots.

Your genes largely determine whether or not you’ll develop varicose veins. If a relative has varicose veins, your risk is higher.

Diabetes can cause problems in many areas of your body. Poor circulation caused by diabetes can cause leg cramping, and more specifically cramping in your calves. This cramping may be especially bad when you’re physically active. People with advanced diabetes may have a difficult time detecting the signs of poor circulation because diabetic neuropathy can cause reduced sensation in your extremities.

English: Overview of the most significant possible symptoms of diabetes. See Wikipedia:Diabetes#Signs_and_symptoms for references. Model: Mikael Häggström. To discuss image, please see Template talk:Häggström diagrams (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Diabetes can cause heart and blood vessel problems, and people with diabetes are at an increased risk for atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Obesity puts a burden on your body. Plus, if you’re overweight, sitting or standing for hours may lead to additional circulation problems. Obesity also puts you at an increased risk for many of the other causes of poor circulation, including varicose veins and blood vessel problems.

People who experience chronically cold hands and feet may have a condition called Raynaud’s disease. This disease causes the small arteries in your hands and toes to narrow. Narrowed arteries are less capable of moving blood through your body, so you may begin experiencing symptoms of poor circulation. The symptoms of Raynaud’s disease are particularly prevalent when you’re in cold temperatures or experiencing an unusual level of stress.

Let’s look at some commonsense home remedies that can help deal with poor circulation. Make sure, first and foremost, that if you are suffering from circulatory disorders you consult your doctor.

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

Exercise is the best way to promote good blood circulation. Believe it or not, just performing mild aerobic exercises is enough to improve blood flow. One trainer suggested:

Walk for a minimum of 30 minutes, at least 5 times a week.

Enjoy swimming, jogging, biking, trekking and similar activities, a few times a week.

Do simple foot and hand exercises for 15 minutes daily in the morning

You don’t have to over-exert yourself with exercise. You shouldn’t overly stress your body if your circulation is poor.

Regular massage can help move blood through the congested areas. A relaxing massage of the whole body helps dilate the blood vessels, which in turn facilitates blood flow.

Testimonial on the therapeutic benefits of a TubKing Walk in tub.

Hydrotherapy is another simple and effective way to improve blood circulation. It helps dilate the blood vessels and thus promotes blood flow. The newly introduced Walk In Tub offers a convenient and compact device with multiple hydrotherapy features. It allows the person to walk into the tub by way of a watertight door. They can then sit on the ADA compliant seat and fill the tub with warm water. Most Walk in Tubs stand about 40 inches high with a seat that is 17 inches from the floor. The person can simply recline and enjoy the benefits of soaking in warm water to help relax the body.

Courtesy of TubKing.com

But there is more. These tubs typically come with two systems. Air jets send warm air into the water to create thousands of therapeutic bubbles. This stimulates the skins and helps with circulation. There is also a control for introducing water jets. This feature will more vigorously massage the body and stimulate circulation. The jets are adjustable and can direct the water to any part of the body. Directing the jets toward the feet can work wonders. These tubs also come safety features, such as the low entry threshold, to guard against falling, and the slip resistant floor and seat. A convenient interior grab bar and easy-reach controls makes it a perfect safety tub.

Poor circulation is no laughing matter. Talk to your medical professional and try the simple suggestions above for a happier and healthier life.

In this article, I have discussed how to improve poor blood circulation through various methods including exercise, various therapies’ and the use of a Walk in Tub. I detail how these various methods can improve your quality of life, so that living with poor blood circulation can become easier.

Would you like to receive a FREE COPY of our new e-book? 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.

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HOW TO CREATE A SPECTACULAR... YET FUNCTIONAL BATHROOM DESIGN

By Alan Knight

Courtesy of TubKing.com

We all know that the bathroom is most likely the smallest room of significance in your home, yet it is also the room that calls out for more attention to the need for decoration. You may have the luxury of a spacious master bath or you may be looking at furnishing a rather small space. Regardless, you can, with a little forethought and planning combine both beauty and practicality. Let's look at the options for you.

Courtesy of TubKing.com

Why not have both a shower and a soaking tub. Some like taking showers, while others prefer the long, warm bath experience in a deep soaker. If you and your spouse have a different approach to bathing, why not solve the problem by offering both choices. If the bathroom is large enough, go for one of the new shower suites, where you can walk in at a zero threshold or a shallow one into a shower surround that can be as large as you want it. With all the prized accessories, such as a corner seat, sunflower shower heads (maybe double) and features such as convenient and elegant grab bars, soap receptacles and slip resistant floors. These can be custom designed and can really show off a bathroom.

If the bathroom is tiny, try to hide the shower in a corner for convenience. A four foot by five foot shower stall can be very functional for almost any sized person. Now for the bathtub. I have not seen a more beautiful and elegant soaking tub that even comes close to the Dual Ended Pedestal Tub. Let me describe it for you. First, it should be made of cast iron, overlaid with rich porcelain glass. The pedestal base which some call a “skirt” is also made of cast iron. Yes, the tub is heavy. Don't try to lift it. Leave that to the installers (plural). Based on the size, the tub can reach over 500 pounds.

Courtesy of TubKing.com

Also, be sure to have your contractor check the floor to make sure it can handle the weight (most can). The dual-ended design simply means there are two identical ends to the tub and it is perfectly symmetrical. The drain is in the center of the tub instead of the end and the faucet is also aligned in the middle on the roll top as well. What makes this tub so special in my opinion is the elegant and timeless look. It could just as easily be resting in a French palace of the nineteenth century. It is not only beautiful but comfortable. Each end is sloped and seems to fit the back perfectly. Add a brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze faucet with the British telephone spray wane, along with matching drain and accessories. Some like the tub caddy that drapes across the tub and offers a tray for a wine glass or book. Lighted candles around the tub offers a touch of romance. Now this tub, unlike the earlier mentioned shower, is the focal point of the entire bathroom.

Check out this short video showing several types of tubs.

If you're looking at a working-functional design for the sink, I would recommend two basins, both mounted on a granite countertop with cabinets below. Why? Men have a tendency to have less care in the bath than the ladies. He will also tend to spread out his day-to-day toiletries, such as shaving cream, deodorant, cologne, etc. The women would rather keep their personal items put away. They often bring in baskets to use both for decorating and to house their bath items. If you can afford to be a little more extravagant you might consider repurposing existing furniture. It's good for the environment and good for the budget. A rustic, vintage look with a dark finish on the dresser, wood framed oval mirror and vintage designed faucet with exposed piping and a European reproduction sink with added décor will speak volumes. Add your own personality and finishing touches to this simple bathroom design with color in the accessories, maybe a corner cabinet that is an antique (or reproduction), possibly a vintage rug or two, and you've created a unique and beautiful bathroom.

Courtesy of pixabay.com

Another create personal touch is color. Don't forget to decorate the bath with color because it can add so much for so little. As a matter of fact, I would not even begin to undertake a remodeling of a bathroom without first deciding on colors. Use wall color to add memorable drama, with finishes being relatively simple. If your bathroom is small, go ahead and use any color you want to create interest and just plain have fun with bathroom decoration ideas. Keep the ceiling white, but otherwise be as creative and funky as you wish. Browse home design magazines and websites for ideas. You can also visit a local paint store to check out color swatches, which may help inspire a color scheme for your bathroom space. Create a focal point in your bathroom by applying wallpaper, painted stripes or tile on “one” wall. This is less expensive than applying a design to each wall while still introducing a design element. Shop at local discount retailers, but don't forget about yard sales, estate sales, community arts and crafts fairs, antique shops and thrift stores to find items for your bathroom. These locations not only offer unique pieces that will make your bathroom beautiful, but they are also budget-friendly and give you an opportunity to truly define you and your spouse's style. You can find shelves, decorative vases, rugs, shower curtain hooks, candles, candle holders, mirrors and faucet fixtures.

Think about purchasing wood pieces and brackets at the hardware store to

Courtesy of pixabay.com

create shelves for your bathroom. Have them cut down to size to fit your bathroom walls, decorate them with paint or fabric, rather than paying for expensive shelving options that may be too large for your space or limit the level of depersonalization to your bathroom space. Shelving can create spaces in smaller bathrooms. Add accents to your bathroom by using fresh flowers. Not only will they provide a pop of color, but they'll give a natural scent to your space. If you have laminate counter tops don't be afraid to “paint” them. I have seen this done and it looks pretty darn good if the painting is done right. I recommend you use a high volume, low pressure spray gun to apply an acrylic enamel finish to the counter top. You can even use a multi-stone additive to the paint to create an impressive finish. Some companies offer a weekend training school to teach the art of refinishing counter tops, as well as bathtubs, sinks, cabinets and appliances. Our company, Tub King, Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a good one.

Window treatments for the bathroom should reflect your decorating style and complete the room, just as any other space in your home. Again search through some home magazines for helpful tips, pictures and other information.

Follow your interior décor style in the bathroom, as in other rooms of your home. If your home is traditional décor, trim the windows and doors with decorative molding, and use crown molding at the ceiling and across the tops of the windows.

Gorgeous bathrooms don't just happen...they are created. Do your research properly and you can create a bathroom that is not only functional but beautiful as well.

In this article I have discussed several ways you can combine functionality and beauty to create and elegant bathroom that makes taking baths or showers something you look forward to, without breaking the bank. I cover ideas for any size bathroom along with a wide variety of budgets, decorating option and bathtub or shower styles.

Thanks for visiting, please share this article with friends, neighbors and associates. If you have a comment about this article, please leave 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, Fla. 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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Bathtubs: The Big, The Bold, and The Beautiful

Courtesy Wikimedia

by Alan Knight

Bathtubs have been symbolic of the so-called “good life” since the days of antiquity. Nero, the infamous Roman emperor who initiated centuries of Christian persecution, probably had one of the nicest bathtubs of them all. It’s on display at the Vatican Museum. Ricky J. McRoskey, who sometimes writes for the Catholic Business Journal, saw it during a visit to Rome.

“This was no ordinary tub. Crafted at the emperor's behest from some of the heaviest and most expensive marble in the world, the circular sculpture has a roughly 25-foot radius and weighs thousands of pounds. Perched on curvaceous stone legs, it's smooth, purple, and gorgeous, and essentially looks like a colossal birdbath,” McRoskey wrote.

“When I looked at Nero's tub, I couldn't help but marvel at its intoxicating magnificence, its size, its opulence, and begin to imagine servants filling the basin with warm water for Nero to bathe in a sea of suds. How amazing, I thought, would it be to clean off in a bathtub half the size of a bedroom? How cool would that be? It was so polished, so deft, so clean, so sleek... So... That's when the word finally came to me: seductive.”

Luxurious bathtubs from Tub King.

Nero wasn’t trying to keep up with the Joneses. He was the guy other Romans wanted to keep up with but probably couldn’t. According to McRoskey, “One could not take sight of this tub and not want to bathe in it, or at the very least show it off to his neighbors. It was indeed beautiful.”

The tub was made of purple marble. Purple was the color of royalty, and this type of marble was very desirable for its regal appearance. Purple marble was the hardest available in ancient Rome, and it was prized for monuments and building projects. The dimensions of Nero’s bathtub are not available, but from the pictures it appears to be at least four feet in height. Nero must have had a small ladder to climb in and out of it.

Extravagant bathtubs have symbolic value and people recognize that. Any man or woman who can spend money on something as frivolous as a fancy and expensive bathtub would have to be successful and prosperous. Because of their symbolic value, bathtubs have been used as props in movies for a long time. There are numerous memorable movie scenes which portray characters living large as they bathe in their beautiful tubs.

Courtesy Wikimedia

In 1954, iconic sex symbol Marilyn Monroe was filmed taking a luxurious bubble bath in The Seven Year Itch. Somehow, she had gotten her big toe stuck in the spout. Happens all the time, right? The plumber who came to her rescue, a blue collar hero if ever there was one, nervously dropped his wrench in the tub. He was apologetic as he reached around in the water to retrieve it. “That’s alright,” Monroe told him. That scandalous bathtub scene was removed from the film by censors.

In 1964, Cleopatra featured the incomparable Elizabeth Taylor looking her best in a circular bath made of marble. Although the marble was probably not as rare and expensive as the purple marble in Nero’s tub, Cleopatra’s bathtub looked very nice. It appeared to be large enough to fit eight people or more. There was ample room for Cleopatra’s boat and her other floating toys. In one decade, the times, and the standards for censorship of bathtub scenes had changed. Unlike Marilyn’s scene, Liz Taylor’s bathtub scene was not deleted from the final cut of the movie.

Nearly twenty years later, Al Pacino was featured in a memorable bathtub scene as the violent drug lord Scarface. The tub looked very similar to the one in Cleopatra. Scarface was smoking a cigar and seemed to have it all, including a beautiful wife and a beautiful home with a big beautiful tub. Unfortunately, he didn’t seem to be happy with all that he had. While he bathed, he chastised his wife for sitting around all day and told her to get a job as a nurse or something.

A master bathroom in a typical home could never fit a bathtub like Nero’s, or Cleopatra’s, or Scarface’s. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a movie star or a despotic tyrant to take a luxurious bath in a glamorous tub. You don’t have to spend a fortune to install a beautiful and functional bathtub, which could be the centerpiece of your bathroom. A tub like the one Marilyn Monroe appeared in could fit in many bathrooms. You can live large in your own tub in your own home. Tub King can help.

For example, a traditional rolled top tub can make a statement without breaking the bank. It brings back the look and feel of the early to mid-twentieth century. Tubs with cast iron exteriors and porcelain interiors are available in a wide range of colors from Tub King. Legs can be finished in chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or in colors to fit any décor. The rolled rim version comes in lengths of 48 inches, 54 inches, 60 inches or 66 inches. These tubs are affordably priced with models available for under a thousand dollars.

Another popular tub that can add a touch of elegance to many bathrooms is the Dual Ended tub. It has a gentle slope on each end of the tub with a center drain and center faucet holes. It provides perfect balance and comes with a pedestal base or legs in whatever finish the customer prefers. Finally, the Double Slipper tub is a sight to behold. With a high back on each end of the tub, the Double Slipper hearkens back to a more glamorous era, perhaps the Roaring Twenties. At over 72 inches in length, it can easily accommodate two consenting adults.

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In this article, I discussed Nero’s bathtub, which is on display at the Vatican. I also discussed several other beautiful bathtubs that have been used in movies. Those movies include Seven Year Itch, Cleopatra, and Scarface. I’ve mentioned that a nice bathtub can be an affordable luxury for homeowners. A beautiful new bathtub can be very affordable with prices starting under $1,000.

Would you like to receive a FREE COPY of Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers, our new e-book? 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.