The bath vs shower debate has taken place for years. Whilst some people prefer a relaxing soak in the tub, others enjoy the rejuvenation that only a hot shower can provide. But what do people prefer, a bath or shower? Read on to find out.
Bathing was once a daily ritual for many people, especially after the Industrial Revolution and the development of gas water heaters. Taking a bath was considered a luxury and a way to get clean whilst relaxing. However, when the electric shower was launched onto the market in the 1960s, many people’s cleansing rituals started to change.
Showering started to become very popular during the ‘80’s and ‘90s when a range of features became available, including different showerheads, coloured lights, and even body jets. As showers began to offer a more enjoyable, luxurious experience, many people started to switch to showering from bathing. Keep reading to learn more about what do people prefer, a bath or a shower.
Baths offer a range of benefits. Not only are they great for relaxing at the end of a long day but they can also improve our health. Tense and tight muscles can benefit significantly, with the water easing any aches and pains. Soaking in a hot bath before exercising can also help to reduce the risk of injury occurring. There’s also less chance of slips and falls for the elderly or those with poor mobility.
Heart health can be improved by taking warm baths regularly. This is because a warm bath can make your heart beat faster, giving it a good workout. Although, it’s a good idea to avoid bathing in very hot water since it can place unnecessary stress on your heart, particularly if you have a pre-existing heart condition.
Bathing can also help you to breathe more easily. Immersing yourself in water past your chest can improve your lung capacity and your oxygen intake. This is due not just to the temperature of the water but also the pressure that the water places on the chest and the lungs. When you’re bathing in warm water and your heart beats faster, you take in more oxygen. The steam from the water can also clear your chest and sinuses.
Showers have become incredibly popular in recent years. In fact, a study carried out by Victorian Plumbing in 2019 revealed that of 2000 adults, 57% prefer showering. 32% prefer taking a bath. For many people, one of the biggest benefits of showering is speed. Three quarters said that they like taking a shower because they don’t have to wait for the bath to fill up. Showers provide a quicker way to wash and get ready when you’re in a rush in the morning.
Another benefit of showers is that they get you cleaner than baths. The water combines with the soap or gel on your body, breaking apart dirt, oils, and sweat on your skin. Showers then whisk the dirty water directly down the plughole, out of sight. Therefore if your main priority is thoroughly cleansing your whole body, showering may be the best option. Many people feel far clean after taking a shower than a bath.
Many people enjoy showers because they wake them up in the morning, revitalising them and making them feel more energised. This is ideal if you have a busy day and need to be at your most alert. There’s also evidence to suggest that showering at night can help you to relax, improving your sleep. A night-time shower can help you to drift off and enjoy quality shut-eye.
Although showers are marginally more popular than baths in this increasingly fast-paced world, most people agree that they prefer to enjoy the best of both worlds. Since there are many bathtubs on the market that can easily accommodate a shower above them, you don’t necessarily have to choose between them. A shower can be fitted over almost any standard bath, although an L-shaped or P-shaped bath tend to be best. When you have a bath and a shower installed in your bathroom, you can choose to quickly shower in the morning before work or enjoy a relaxing soak in the evening or at the weekend. You can adapt your cleansing ritual to your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for a new bath, shower, or both, look no further than Quality Bathrooms. As well as the leading bathroom companies in the area, you can rest assured that we can assist you. We supply and install a wide range of baths and showers from many of the world’s top brands. We can cater to all different needs and budgets, with styles and prices to suit everyone.
If you’re planning the design of your new bathroom and you can’t decide between a bath or shower, talk to our friendly team. Although asking the question “What do people prefer, a bath or a shower?” is important, which you choose will ultimately depend on your own personal requirements. Which best suits your lifestyle? How much space do you have available? We can help you to make an informed decision when choosing between a shower and a bath.
At Quality Bathrooms, we specialise in bathroom installation in Scunthorpe and Gainsborough, So, whether you’re a bath or a shower person, you can rest assured that we can assist. Call us on 01724 375 019 to discuss your requirements with one of our specialists. You can also send us a message via our website if you prefer and we’ll get back to you right away.