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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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:
✅ 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 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:
✅ 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 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:
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.
|
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.
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:
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.
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.