# Why are bathtubs so short and uncomfortable? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 15, 2007, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088 "2007-03-15T21:19:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/21 "2007-03-16T12:42:03Z")
This was our complaint, too. We’ve just completely redone our bathroom. we bought a wide and deep tub. It’s still not long enough to lie down in with your feet out (the walls restrict us), but at least we can now get a good soak. ---
**Author:** ![Sal\_Ammoniac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Sal\_Ammoniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sal_Ammoniac)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/22 "2007-03-16T13:17:29Z")
The other factor is weight. Fill an abnormally large bathtub with water, and unless the framing underneath is pretty robust, you could end up downstairs when you meant to be upstairs. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/23 "2007-03-16T13:31:15Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] They’re too short for an adult to stretch out his/her legs, and there are never any headrests. [/QUOTE] I have a big ol’ clawfoot and I’m only 5’ 1" so it accomodates me in full lounge position. I suppose we could all get custom-made tubs, but they’re damned expensive. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/24 "2007-03-16T16:56:04Z")
[QUOTE=Q.E.D.] If I had to guess, in part it’s so you don’t get _too_ comfortable, fall asleep, and drown because you now have enough leg room to lie completely submerged. I dunno if that’s real likely, but I suppose it could happen. [/QUOTE] A tub could easlily be designed in the shape of a recliner chair, i.e., head end elevated. Then you could nap safely. ---
**Author:** ![Jake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/25 "2007-03-16T17:21:55Z")
I wonder if the environmental Nazis are about, trying to prevent us from using too much hot water in our tubs? They did this with low-flush toilets. (Which aren’t worth a crap) ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/26 "2007-03-16T17:25:15Z")
[QUOTE=Mikemike2] I have built three homes to my specs, and purchased one used. The most important difference is **not** the length of the tub, but whether it is cast iron or fiberglass. I like hot steamy tubs and the only type that holds heat is cast iron. The next consideration is length. 4’ is (IMHO) criminal - 5’ is comfortable - 6’ is luxurious (unless you play for the NBA). The interesting thing is that if you build a place to your specs the total cost for a bigger tub (including moving walls) is about $500. [/QUOTE] I think we have the answer right there - bigger tub = $500 reduction in the builder’s profits. I’m surprised that a cast iron tub should hold the heat better; I’d have thought it would radiate it all away, while fibreglass would be a good insulator. Is it because most of the heat is lost out of the top anyway, so the cast iron tub absorbs heat to begin with but then acts a little like a (weak) heating element? ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/27 "2007-03-16T18:15:18Z")
[QUOTE=Dead Cat] I think we have the answer right there - bigger tub = $500 reduction in the builder’s profits. I’m surprised that a cast iron tub should hold the heat better; I’d have thought it would radiate it all away, while fibreglass would be a good insulator. Is it because most of the heat is lost out of the top anyway, so the cast iron tub absorbs heat to begin with but then acts a little like a (weak) heating element? [/QUOTE] I think it’s because there is air between the outside of the tub and the inside, making it sort of insulating. That’s not to say that heat doesn’t escape…but it does hold it for a long time. Heh-heh…the cats all huddle around the tub after I fill it. They love it! ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/28 "2007-03-16T18:18:13Z")
[QUOTE=essell] I used to love it when I was young and small and could lie down flat in the bath, completly submerged. If I ever get a big enough house I’m soo gonna have a massive bath so I can do that again. Preferably big enough that there’s room to not do it alone. [/QUOTE] Ditto. And I’m only 5’5", that’s average for women. ---
**Author:** ![flex727](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/258eb7/32.png) [@flex727](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flex727)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/29 "2007-03-16T18:45:11Z")
[QUOTE=Jake] They did this with low-flush toilets. (Which aren’t worth a crap) [/QUOTE] 😃😃😃 ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/30 "2007-03-16T18:46:11Z")
[QUOTE=BrainGlutton] A tub could easlily be designed in the shape of a recliner chair, i.e., head end elevated. Then you could nap safely. [/QUOTE] Not only “could be” - some are. We had one of these installed for my disabled wife: [http://www.remainactive.com/products.html](http://www.remainactive.com/products.html) -Steven- ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/31 "2007-03-16T19:22:36Z")
[QUOTE=Jake] ? They did this with low-flush toilets. (Which aren’t worth a crap) [/QUOTE] Ha! ---
**Author:** ![essell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/34f0e0/32.png) [@essell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/essell)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/32 "2007-03-16T19:33:34Z")
[QUOTE=It’s Not Rocket Surgery!] Not only “could be” - some are. We had one of these installed for my disabled wife: [http://www.remainactive.com/products.html](http://www.remainactive.com/products.html) -Steven- [/QUOTE] Who can seriously tell me, that with one of those full up, you wouldn’t be really really tempted to open door just to watch the water go everywhere? Oh. It’s just me. NM. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/33 "2007-03-16T19:43:34Z")
[QUOTE=essell] Who can seriously tell me, that with one of those full up, you wouldn’t be really really tempted to open door just to watch the water go everywhere? Oh. It’s just me. NM. ☹ [/QUOTE] I’ll bet the pressure keeps it closed. But I think **INRS** should go fill it up and try opening it…just to see. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/34 "2007-03-16T20:25:22Z")
[QUOTE=It’s Not Rocket Surgery!] Not only “could be” - some are. We had one of these installed for my disabled wife: [http://www.remainactive.com/products.html](http://www.remainactive.com/products.html) -Steven- [/QUOTE] Went there, very nice, spoke with Rusty at the company that makes them and you are looking at about $3400 with varying delivery charge [by where you live] and the dimensions are 32" wide, 51" long and 36" high - just a bit shorter than a typical bath tub _but_ it is about 2x deep as a mingy little bath tub and you can sit and soak in it in comfort … and it comes equipped with the faucet and hand held shower … _sigh_ now if I only had the cash to put one in! ---
**Author:** ![ouryL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ouryl/32/6067_2.png) [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2007, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/35 "2007-03-16T21:12:19Z")
Used mostly by kids… ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Mood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@Blue\_Mood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Mood)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2007, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/36 "2007-03-17T17:28:16Z")
In Europe (or at least Germany, Norway, and the UK) tubs tend to be longer and narrower. I’m almost glad we don’t have a tub at the moment because I wasted so much time soaking in the bath (“Calgon take me away”) when we were in Norway with a magnificent tub. ---
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/37 "2007-03-20T13:36:49Z")
[QUOTE=Joey P] I’ll bet the pressure keeps it closed. But I think **INRS** should go fill it up and try opening it…just to see. [/QUOTE] The door opens inward, so I think it would be very difficult. Almost as difficult as paying the bills for the water damage. :rolleyes: There ARE some with a door that open outward, though. ---
**Author:** ![R.P.McMurphy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7993a0/32.png) [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/38 "2007-03-20T17:09:36Z")
It all goes back to Prohibition. The standard became the optimum size and shape to make moonshine. How’s that for a guess? ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/39 "2007-03-20T18:52:36Z")
I’m annoyed that I don’t have a bath at all. The house that I rent has two big shower stalls in two bathrooms. Each one is as large as a standard bathtub would be, but there’s no tub, just the stall. Each stall has two shower heads, one at each end, which would make it awesome for showering with a companion, except that the water heater is too anemic to keep the water hot for more than about five minutes with two shower heads running. It just occurred to me that maybe they didn’t put bathtubs in because the water heater would have given out when the tub was only half full. Grr. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2007, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088/40 "2007-03-20T19:30:07Z")
[QUOTE=iamthewalrus(:3=] It just occurred to me that maybe they didn’t put bathtubs in because the water heater would have given out when the tub was only half full. [/QUOTE] Probably a mutually supporting thing. Smaller tubs require less water so smaller, cheaper water heaters. The smaller water heaters mean that you can’t really have a large tub. I had an old apartment during an intership that had a huge old water heater and a classic claw-footed tub. I could fill that thing with scalding water, drain it and then fill it again with scalding water before the heater gave up. I loved bathing in it. This was reinforced by the fact that the shower was a circular shower curtain suspended above the tub. Taking a shower made me feel like a boil-in-the-bag meal. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathtubs-so-short-and-uncomfortable/396088.md?page=3)