The primary difference between a soaking tub and a standard bathtub is water depth. While a standard tub is designed for utility and quick rinsing, a soaking tub is engineered for full-body immersion, typically offering 5 to 7 inches of additional water depth.
Quick Comparison: Depth, Size & Weight
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Deep Soaking Tubs: Best for hydrotherapy and relaxation. They offer a 15"–20" water depth to the overflow and usually hold 55–80 gallons of water.
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Standard Bathtubs: Best for quick baths and bathing children. They offer a shallower 10"–12" water depth and hold approximately 35–50 gallons.
1. The Depth Gap: Why It Matters
A standard bathtub is usually 14 inches tall on the exterior, but once you account for the drain and overflow placement, you only get about 10–12 inches of actual water. This often leaves your upper torso exposed and cold.
A soaking tub is designed with a higher overflow and a deeper basin. This allows for 15+ inches of water, ensuring your shoulders and chest stay fully submerged for a true spa-like experience.
2. Materials and Heat Retention
Standard tubs are often made of thin fiberglass or enameled steel, which loses heat rapidly. In 2026, premium soaking tubs like those from Woodbridge and Empava use double-walled Lucite Acrylic. This acts like a thermos, keeping your water hot for 30–45 minutes without needing to constantly add more warm water.
3. Floor Reinforcement & Weight Requirements
Because soaking tubs hold significantly more water, they are much heavier than standard models.
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Standard Tub: Approximately 400–500 lbs when full.
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Soaking Tub: Can exceed 800–1,100 lbs when full.
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Expert Tip: If you are installing a deep soaker on a second floor, consult your contractor to ensure your floor joists can handle the extra weight.
2026 Top Recommendations
If you are looking for the ultimate relaxation, the Woodbridge BJ400 is the gold standard for deep soaking. It fits a standard 72-inch footprint but provides a massive 14.5-inch soaking depth.
For smaller bathrooms, the Woodbridge BJ100 offers a deeper-than-standard basin in a space-saving 59-inch frame, proving you don't need a massive bathroom to enjoy a luxury soak.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soaking Tubs
Can I replace my standard bathtub with a soaking tub?
Yes, most soaking tubs are designed to fit the standard 60-inch alcove footprint. However, because soaking tubs are deeper and often freestanding, you may need to adjust your plumbing drain location and ensure your floor joists can support the extra water weight (approx. 800+ lbs).
Do soaking tubs require a special water heater?
While they don't require a new water heater, soaking tubs hold significantly more water (55–80 gallons). If you have a small, standard water tank, you might run out of hot water before the tub is full. We recommend a tankless water heater or a tub with an integrated inline heater to maintain temperature.
Are soaking tubs harder to clean than standard tubs?
Actually, many homeowners find them easier to clean. Because premium soaking tubs are made from high-gloss Lucite Acrylic, they are non-porous and resist stains and soap scum better than the porous fiberglass found in cheaper standard tubs.
