Once upon a time (okay, like… five years ago), walk-in showers were the darlings of bathroom remodels. Sleek. Streamlined. Straight from your favorite HGTV show. But as we settle into 2025, a new vibe is bubbling up: soaking tubs are making a splash again. Think deep, luxurious basins. Sculptural silhouettes. More ritual, less rush.
And they’re not alone. Therapeutic tubs—equipped with jets, lights, and wellness tech—are also on the rise, as more homeowners prioritize self-care and innovative design that supports long-term health.
This shift isn’t just about pretty Pinterest pictures, though let’s be honest, they’re everywhere. It’s about wellness, slowing down, and turning your bathroom into a space that gives back—mentally, physically, and aesthetically.
In this article, we’ll explore both soaking and therapeutic tubs: why they’re making a comeback, what sets them apart, the unique benefits of each, and how to choose the right fit for your space, lifestyle, and needs.
Why Soaking Tubs Are Trending Again
1. The Wellness Revolution Has Reached Your Bathroom
The pandemic turned homes into sanctuaries. And bathrooms? They became our quiet rebellion against chaos. Census Bureau data tells us that 67% of bathroom renovations now include a new, relaxation-forward bathtub. And chromotherapy tubs—the ones that light your bath with mood-enhancing colors—are up 43% in sales since 2023.
A bath is no longer just a bath. It’s a ritual. A mood reset. A self-care statement.
2. Spa-Like Experiences Without Leaving Home
Deep soaking tubs are today’s self-care power move. As Inspire Homes shares, freestanding tubs create “a spa-like ambience” while becoming a focal point in the room. Pour the bath. Dim the lights. Queue the playlist. Add wine (or tea or matcha or whatever your thing is). These tubs—especially freestanding styles—aren’t just functional. They’re ceremonial.
Design-wise, they’re stealing the spotlight. Clean curves. Matte finishes. Center-of-the-room placement. They add harmony to the ceremony to create a true work of art.
3. Social Media Made You Do It
Instagram and Pinterest didn’t invent soaking tubs, but they sure helped us fall back in love. In 2025, images of minimalist bathrooms featuring stone, wood, and gently steaming oval tubs are among the most saved and reshared.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, freestanding tubs are now the number one style in upgraded wet room bathrooms. They’re less a trend and more a lifestyle at this point.
4. Smart, Sustainable, and Stylish
Modern soaking tubs have had their sustainability glow-up. Think recycled acrylics, biodegradable composites, and innovative designs that cut water use by up to 30% (Robert Kurek, 2024). In Colorado, especially, where sustainability is practically a love language, this shift matters.
And yes, these eco-friendly tubs are still luxurious—because you shouldn’t have to choose between “green” and “gorgeous.”
Soaking Tubs vs. Therapeutic Tubs: What’s the Real Difference?
When picking out a new bathtub, it helps to know what you're really getting. Soaking tubs and therapeutic tubs may look similar at first glance, but they serve very different purposes—and cater to different needs.
Soaking Tubs
If your goal is relaxation and visual impact, soaking tubs are hard to beat. These deep tubs are built for full-body immersion, with higher sides and extra depth that let you sink in, unwind, and escape into a spa-like experience.
Popular Styles:
- Japanese Soaking Tubs (Ofuro): Compact and ultra-deep, these tubs are designed for upright sitting rather than lounging. Commonly made of wood or acrylic, they're a staple of Japanese bathing culture—perfect for small spaces and quiet reflection.
- Freestanding Soaking Tubs: Eye-catching and elegant, these standalone tubs (often oval, round, or slipper-shaped) turn your bath into a design statement.
- Clawfoot Soaking Tubs: A nod to vintage style with modern comfort, clawfoot tubs blend timeless charm with deep soaking appeal.
✅ Best for: Homeowners looking for a serene, stylish bath experience that’s more about mindfulness than medical benefits. Popular brands include Kohler, Victoria + Albert, Bain Ultra, and TOTO.
Therapeutic Tubs
Therapeutic tubs are all about function with a focus on wellness. Built with advanced features like hydrotherapy jets, air systems, chromotherapy, and even aromatherapy, these tubs are designed to help ease pain, support recovery, and improve accessibility.
Popular Options:
- Walk-In Therapeutic Tubs: With built-in seating, a watertight door, grab bars, and jets for hydrotherapy, these tubs are a go-to for people with mobility issues or those who want added safety and comfort.
- Whirlpool Tubs: Known for their powerful jets, these tubs provide a deep-tissue water massage that helps relieve muscle soreness and improve circulation.
- Air Bath Tubs: These deliver a gentler experience, using streams of warm air bubbles to soothe sensitive skin and offer a light, bubbly massage.
✅ Best for: Anyone managing chronic pain, recovering from injury, or wanting added safety features without sacrificing comfort. Trusted brands in this category include Jacuzzi, Kohler, BainUltra, and Woodbridge.
Walk-In Tubs: From Functional to Fabulous
Walk-in tubs have long been typecast as the “safe” choice—essential for aging in place, sure, but not exactly Instagram-worthy.
Not anymore.
Today’s walk-in tubs have gone full glow-up. Brands like Kohler, American Standard, Safe Step, and Ella’s Bubbles are leading the way, blending therapeutic benefits with sleek, modern design. We’re talking:
- Hydrotherapy jets for muscle recovery
- VibrAcoustic technology with sound vibrations for hydrotherapy
- Chromotherapy lighting to match your mood
- Aromatherapy integration for next-level relaxation
- Ergonomic seating and low-threshold entry for comfort and safety
For Colorado homeowners with an active lifestyle—think skiing, hiking, or CrossFitting into your 50s—walk-in tubs are now the unsung heroes of home recovery. They're no longer just about accessibility; they're about recovery meets ritual.
Soaking Tub vs. Therapeutic Tub: Which Soaks You Better?
|
Feature |
Luxury Soaking Tub |
Therapeutic Tub |
|
Purpose |
Aesthetic escape, full-body relaxation |
Muscle recovery, health & mobility support |
|
Design |
Freestanding, sculptural |
Walk-in, ergonomic, safety-first |
|
Features |
Deep soak, spa mood, sleek appeal |
Jets, lighting, aroma, comfort seating |
|
Best For |
Wellness lovers, design devotees |
Seniors, athletes, chronic pain relief |
|
Installation |
May require space/reinforced flooring |
Often requires pro installation |
|
Cost |
Moderate to high |
High (but high-value wellness investment) |
Not sure which type fits your home or lifestyle best?
Let’s talk it through. At HomePride, we help Colorado homeowners find the perfect balance of comfort, style, and function—without the guesswork.
Schedule your free consultation today and get expert advice tailored to your space.
What Colorado Homeowners Want in 2025
Living in Colorado changes how you look at bathroom remodels. From Boulder to Colorado Springs to the front range, here’s what’s trending locally, based on industry data:
- Deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers for post-ski or trail-day recovery
- Sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled glass, and antimicrobial tile
- Smart features like app-controlled lighting and heated flooring
- Remodeling ROI: Luxurious bathrooms aren’t just nice to have—they add serious resale value in Colorado’s competitive housing market
- Water conservation remains a top priority in Colorado due to the state’s semi-arid climate and population growth:
What’s at Stake If You Pick the Wrong Option?
Choosing the wrong bathing solution now could cost you more later. For example, a standard tub might seem like a good deal—until you realize it’s no longer safe or comfortable just a few years down the road. Retrofitting for accessibility after the fact often costs significantly more than choosing the right solution upfront. Worse, it can leave you without a usable bathroom during the renovation process.
Real Story: Why One Colorado Couple Switched to a Walk-In Tub
After her knee replacement, Linda from Colorado Springs found stepping over her old bathtub wall nearly impossible. She and her husband had to renovate again—just six years after their original remodel—to install a walk-in tub. “We thought we were planning ahead the first time,” she said. “Turns out, we weren’t planning far enough.” That second remodel cost them nearly twice as much as choosing a walk-in tub would have the first time.
How to Choose the Right Tub for You
1. Start with Your Why
- Want to unwind in style? A freestanding soaking tub is your vibe.
- Need therapeutic support or future-proofing? A walk-in tub like Kohler’s is your friend.
2. Measure Twice, Soak Once
- Freestanding tubs love open floor plans.
- Alcove or compact soakers work well in tighter spaces.
- Walk-in tubs are ideal for those who want accessibility without sacrificing elegance.
3. Get Smart About Materials
- Acrylic: Lightweight, warm to the touch, and budget-friendly.
- Stone or composite: Durable and heat-retentive, but heavy.
- Recycled/eco-materials: Eco-conscious and increasingly stylish.
4. Think Beyond the Tub
- Do you need floor reinforcement?
- Is your plumbing tub-ready?
- Will this tub make future-you grateful?
5. Balance Budget with Benefits
- Soaking tubs range from $1,000 to $8,000+, depending on material and design.
- Walk-in tubs (like those from Kohler) can run $6,000–$15,000+ but deliver accessibility, safety, and spa perks in one.
No matter where you are in life, or what your unique needs are, the right tub can elevate every day. Not only does it add real value back into your home, it’s an investment that gives back to you—mentally, physically, and aesthetically.
Thinking About a Soaking or Therapeutic Tub? We’ve Got You Covered.
At HomePride, we’ve installed thousands of bathrooms across Colorado—and we’ve seen firsthand how the right tub can completely transform not just a space, but your daily routine. Whether you're drawn to the quiet luxury of a soaking tub or the health benefits of a therapeutic model, our licensed, experienced installers know exactly how to bring your vision to life—safely, beautifully, and up to code.
Not sure what’s right for your home? Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through your options, explain the pros and cons, and help you make a decision that fits your space, your budget, and your goals.
Schedule your free consultation today.
About Us - HomePride Bath has remodeled over 2,000 bathrooms in Colorado since 2019. We’re a KOHLER-certified partner and maintain a 4.6-star average across Google and Houzz reviews.
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