Rethinking Bathtub Size

By Trish Holder

My best ideas come to me in the bathtub. If I get one good idea per soak, that’s roughly one idea per 75 gallons of water. I don’t think even my best ideas are worth that much.

I have a very non-green confession to make. I picked the wrong tub (whirlpool tub to be exact.) It’s not that it’s not pretty or comfortable; it’s just too darn big.

What was I thinking? I’m a petite 5’2” woman and the only one in my family that takes baths! I guess I was swept away with the thought of my husband and I soaking our sore, aging muscles, champagne flutes in hand. But we don’t do that! For one thing, we run out of hot water before the water line gets above the jets. (Yes, someone might have anticipated that during the construction phase….) Second, we don’t have time for long, luxurious tandem bathing! We’ve got two kids and about 40 jobs between us, so who was I kidding?

Now that I’ve experienced the pros and mostly cons of my great big tub, I truly wish I’d opted for a smaller, more water efficient model – one that I could fill to the top with hot water and not feel so guilty when all that water drains out. Not only would I be saving water, I’d be saving BTUs. Let’s not forget that when you deplete that water heater (assuming you have a tank-type heater) you’re paying to heat another 80 gallons or so of water.

With a smaller tub, I’d also have freed up some extra space in my bathroom for towel storage—something I could use. Plus, I’d get better GPI – that’s Gallons Per Idea.

In Search of the Best Li'l Tub In America
I did get one decent idea the other day as I sat in my lukewarm, oversized tub: a contest for the Best Li'l Tub In America.  Send me your pictures or internet links and we'll create a gallery on the Greenspiration Home website and let readers vote on their favorite (60 gallon or less) tub.  We'll feature the winner in an upcoming blog and show homeowners that small tubs can be beautiful AND luxurious!

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