Mike Friedberger: Hi, I'm Mike Friedberger from American Standard. Today I'd like to talk to you about some other things you should consider if you're going to buy a bath-tub. The first thing to consider is how you're going to install your tub. Is you're going to be in an alcove if that's the case it needs to have a finished front on it down to the floor that's called the Apron. Subs come with that apron already installed, these are called enabled Apron tubs or the apron may be removable, but the tub could also be free standing, where it's finished on all four sides. It could drop into a piece of furniture or something that has a cut out for it, and finally there are tubs that have doors in the front that are walking tubs for the people who have a hard time, climbing in and out of the bath tab.

Next thing, you have to consider is where the drain is located on your installation. As you face the tub, if it's in the left-side it's a left-hand outlet, if it's on the ride side it's a right-hand outlet. If it's an existing installation the size is already existing. If it's a new bathroom that you're designing you can go with different sizes and there are many sizes available. However you need to make sure that the size that you pick will fit through the hallways and doorways of your home, so you don't have to tear your house down in order to get it into the bathroom. Traditionally, bath-tubs come with a cast iron shell which has a porcelain finish on the top. This is a very durable finish but these tubs are very heavy and the porcelain can chip. However there are tubs available now that have a light weight shell which is reinforced that also have a porcelain finish, and there are plastic acrylic tubs that are wider and they have a fiber glass packing on them which makes them very strong. There are tubs that are extra deep and there are drains that are available that give you one to two inches of extra depth, for the water goes out, the overflow. There are other ergonomic features such as armrests, and neck rest, and lumbar supports that can be built into the tub. Don't forget to consider a textured surface on the bottom of the tub and make it more resistant to slipping. And finally, you may want to consider enhancing your tub purchase into also getting a whirlpool or an air-bath which can be a part of the bath tub, you can use any of these as a tub, but these can give you a spa experience that be it be air or the water will massage your body and actually relax you or invigorate you whichever you want.

Consider all of these things, you're not going to be buying a bath tub everyday, it's a long term purchase, and if you think about all of these things, you'll make a choice that you'll be happy with for a long-long time.