Why an outdoor BATH has become a summer must-have: Homeowners are ‘reconnecting’ with nature and ‘making the most of of their living space’ by installing tubs in their gardens, expert reveals
- Britons have been adding outdoor bathtubs to their gardens to soak in the sun
- Experts said it has become trendy as people ‘reconnect with the outdoors’
- Another said many are keen to treat their garden as an extension of living space
- Social media users have been going wild over the trend, sharing snaps online
People are opting to have a bubbly soak in a rather untraditional part of their home by installing bathtubs in their garden, experts have revealed.
Social media users from across the country have been sharing snaps as they indulge in a bathe in the great outdoors.
Experts have revealed the practice has become trendy over the past few months as people ‘reconnect with the outdoors’ and seek to make their garden an extension of their living space in the wake of Covid.
Speaking to FEMAIL, James Smith, director of innovation at Victoria + Albert Baths, explained: ‘The nationwide lockdowns we experienced as a result of the pandemic have accelerated this trend as people began to reconnect with the great outdoors and are seeking to make the most of their outside spaces.
Many Brits are opting to take a long, bubbly soak in a rather untraditional part of their home by erecting bathtubs in their garden, experts have revealed
Experts have revealed the practice has become trendy over the past few months as people ‘reconnect with the outdoors’ and seek to make their garden an extension of their living space
Speaking to FEMAIL , James Smith, director of innovation at Victoria + Albert Baths said there had been a ‘real move towards creating calm and restful areas in the outdoors’
‘A noticeable example of this was the rise of “sanctuary gardens” at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. From outdoor showers, baths and calming water features, we are seeing a real move towards creating calm and restful areas in our outdoor spaces in which to relax and practice mindfulness.
‘The trend for sanctuary gardens illustrates the positive impact our outdoor spaces can have on our physical and mental wellbeing.
‘From helping to reduce blood pressure, relieving muscle pain, improving immunity and helping you get a better night’s sleep, there are multiple health benefits of bathing and what better way to enjoy one than in the comfort of your very own outdoor space.
‘Best of all with a range of compact and large baths now available, installing an outdoor bath is within reach whether you have a small patch of grass, city based balcony or a sprawling lawn.’
Many social media users have taken to Instagram to share snaps as they soak up the sun from garden tubs (pictured)
And it’s not just for adults! One woman shared a snap as her two children hopped into an outdoor tub in her garden
However James admitted there were a number of factors to consider before jumping into buying an outdoor tub.
Consider your neighbours and test it out: James reveals how to buy a bath for your garden
Speaking to FEMAIL, James Smith, revealed how to buy the best bath for your garden.
- Choose a material which will manage being exposed to the elements year long.
- Opt for a ‘secluded and sheltered location’ where the bather has ‘privacy’…
- …However you should also try to place the tub near the main property to ‘minimise plumbing complications’
- Select a comfortable bath – make sure to test it out before you buy it
He said: ‘There are some essential considerations to be made in planning an outdoor bathroom. Choice of material is critical. Anything residing outside will be exposed to the elements year round.’
He added: ‘Placement will need careful planning. A secluded and sheltered location, where the bather has some privacy, is ideal.
‘It should also be close enough to the main property to minimise plumbing complications.’
Meanwhile he concluded: ‘Finally, choose a comfortable bath. An outside bath is likely to be a regular treat rather than a daily event, so you’ll want to indulge in a long soak when you do use it.’
James advised the user test out the bath as best they can before investing in a tub, adding: ‘Sit (and lie) in the bath before you buy it. Different people find different shapes comfortable.’
Social media users have been quick to share snaps as they soaked in the sunshine this summer.
Instagram user Lucy, who runs the account @The Fables of Forge Cottage, shared a number of snaps as she posed in a bubble bath outside her home.
She commented: ‘Tell me you have a husband who is a plumber, without telling me… I’ll go first.’
Meanwhile Danni, from Sheffield, who has over 42k followers on her account @Plot.81, shared the news she was placing a tub on her allotment earlier this year.
She wrote: ‘Phase 1 of the allotment bath dream is underway, I have a tub!
While experts suggested many Britons were keen to ‘connect with nature’ by bathing outside, some took to Instagram to post photos as they indulged in a wash in the garden
Others were equally enthusiastic about their garden bath-tubs, with Instagram user @thehutathopscotch, from New Forest, sharing a snap of their toes as they lounged in the tub (right). Meanwhile Instagram user @The.tin.shed.glamping, from Wiltshire, posted a snap from their bathtub, writing: ‘Whether it’s hot or cold out our outdoor tub is the answer!’ (left)
Another Instagram user shared a snap as they child enjoyed a bath amid the UK-wide heatwave earlier today
‘This cast iron beauty was a £50 gumtree find, and came complete with its original claw feet.
‘It was ridiculously heavy but surprisingly not that difficult and now it’s sat pride of place at the top of the plot, positioned where the sun hits during the daytime, but also where I can watch the sunset of an evening too.
‘It will take a bit of imagination to see the vision, and it might look a bit gross right now, but I’m just stoked at the real prospect of a warm bath at the end of a long day of gardening, or a cold dip in the summer.’
Others were equally enthusiastic about their garden bath-tubs, with Instagram user @thehutathopscotch, from New Forest, sharing a snap of their toes as they lounged in the tub.
Looking for tranquility! Another Instagram user shared a snap of a tin tub placed in a field, filled with shallow water and surrounded by flowers
Another, from Suffolk, took a moment to relax in their bathtub with a stunning view, a book and a cup of tea
They commented: ‘Bathtub bliss…gorgeous cool down on the hottest of days.’
Meanwhile Instagram user @The.tin.shed.glamping, from Wiltshire, posted a snap from their bathtub, writing: ‘Whether it’s hot or cold out our outdoor tub is the answer!
‘Sit back and relax with views across the meadow with a log fire to heat the water on cold days or simply lay back without lighting it to cool off in the heat.
‘Made better by a glass of local wine or freshly picked rose petals.’
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