A soaking tub is designed to let you sit and be covered in water, while a standard bathtub is designed for everyday bathing and often doubles as a shower. The main practical difference is water depth, but that one difference affects size, cost, plumbing, and even your floor. This guide helps you compare the two and think about what you would need to change if you swap one for the other.
The short answer
- Standard bathtub: shallower, usually installed in an alcove, often with a shower above it.
- Soaking tub: deeper, built for immersion, often freestanding or drop-in, and rarely used as a shower combo.
Sources differ on exact numbers, so treat all dimensions here as typical ranges and check the product specifications you are considering.
What qualifies as a soaking tub?
There is no formal, universal definition. In general, a soaking tub is a tub with enough water depth to cover your body when seated, typically deeper than a standard tub. Sellers often cite an overall depth of around 20 inches or more for soaking tubs, compared with roughly 14 to 17 inches for a standard tub. The number that matters most to your experience is the usable water depth, which is measured up to the overflow drain. A tub with a low overflow will not hold deep water, no matter how tall its sides are, so check the water depth, not only the overall height.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Standard bathtub | Soaking tub |
|---|---|---|
| Typical overall depth | About 14 to 17 inches | About 20 inches or more |
| Typical water depth | Shallower, often waist level | Deeper, often shoulder level |
| Common length | Often about 60 inches | Varies, often longer |
| Typical installation | Alcove, shower combo | Freestanding, drop-in, or alcove |
| Shower use | Common | Uncommon unless designed for it |
| Water needed to fill | Less | Considerably more |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher, varies by material |
Verify dimensions with each manufacturer, since models vary.
Pros and cons of a soaking tub
Pros
- Deeper water for a more complete soak
- Wide range of styles, including freestanding designs that act as a focal point
- Some are made of materials that hold heat well
Cons
- Uses more water and more hot water per fill
- Usually costs more, and installation may be more complex
- Takes more space, and some models are heavy
- May be less practical for children, older adults, or anyone with mobility concerns because of the higher walls
- Often not suited to a shower combination
Can you shower in a soaking tub?
Sometimes, but it is not typical. Freestanding tubs generally do not have a wall for a shower, and curtains or screens can be awkward. Some alcove-style soaking tubs, or drop-in tubs with a surround, can be fitted with a shower. If you want one tub for both purposes, a standard alcove tub with a shower is usually simpler. If you do shower in a tub, remember how the plumbing works; see how shower plumbing works.
Can you replace a regular tub with a soaking tub?
Often yes, but it is more than a swap. Things to check:
- Space and fit. Measure the alcove or room. Freestanding tubs need clearance for access and cleaning.
- Plumbing. Drain location, supply lines, and the tub filler type can all change. A freestanding tub filler may need new rough-in plumbing, possibly in the floor.
- Floor support. A full soaking tub holds a large amount of water and the tub itself may be heavy, especially cast iron or stone. Water weighs roughly 8 pounds per gallon, so the combined load can be substantial. If you are unsure whether your floor framing can handle it, have a structural engineer or experienced contractor assess it. Do not guess on this, particularly in upper floors or older homes.
- Hot water supply. See below.
- Surround and finishes. Removing an old tub may require tile or wall repair. Older tile, backing, or adhesive in some homes may contain asbestos. If your home is older and you plan demolition, have materials tested before disturbing them.
- Codes and permits. Many places require permits for plumbing changes. Check locally.
Tub and drain work interacts with your drain system, so see our guide to common shower problems if you have existing drainage trouble first.
Hot water and floor support
A deep tub can use far more water than your water heater can supply hot in one go. Check the tub’s capacity and compare it with your water heater’s size and recovery rate. If you plan to upgrade the heater, gas and electric work should be done by licensed professionals.
For floors, a basic rule is to have the structure checked before installing any heavy, large-capacity tub. This is a safety issue, not an optional extra.
Which one fits your situation?
- Choose a standard bathtub if you want a combined tub and shower, have a small bathroom, bathe children, or want the easiest and most economical install.
- Choose a soaking tub if you value long soaks, have the space, water heater capacity, and floor support, and have another shower elsewhere.
- Consider mobility needs. High walls can be hard to step over. Walk-in options exist for accessibility.
If you are weighing a remodel, also see what type of tile to use on shower walls for the surrounding finishes.