Taking a bath is a timeless ritual that offers relaxation, comfort, and a sense of rejuvenation. However, nothing can spoil the experience more than bathwater that turns lukewarm or cold too quickly. Whether you’re soaking to soothe tired muscles, unwind after a long day, or simply enjoy some personal time, keeping your bath water warm is essential to maximise your enjoyment. In this guide, we’ll explore several practical tips and techniques to ensure that your bath stays warm, allowing you to bask in comfort for as long as you desire.
1. Preheat Your Bathtub
Before filling your bathtub, take a moment to warm it up. Run hot water over the surface of the tub for a couple of minutes to bring the material to a comfortable temperature. Cold tub surfaces can quickly draw heat from the water, leading to rapid cooling. By preheating, you minimise this heat loss and help maintain a warmer bath for a longer period.
2. Start with Extra Hot Water
When filling the tub, begin with water that’s slightly hotter than your ideal bath temperature. While it may feel too hot initially, the water will cool down to your preferred temperature as you adjust and settle in. This approach gives you a buffer against the inevitable cooling that occurs during your bath.
3. Use a Bath Cover
A bath cover is a simple yet effective tool to help keep your bath water warm. These covers, usually made of plastic or wood, can be placed over the portion of the tub you’re not occupying, such as the area near your feet. This reduces the exposed surface area of the water, limiting heat loss and allowing your bath to stay warmer for longer. Bath covers work similarly to hot tub covers, which are designed to retain heat when the tub is not in use.
4. Incorporate Bubble Bath or Bath Oils
Adding a bubble bath or bath oils to your water not only enhances the bathing experience with soothing scents and skin-nourishing ingredients but also helps to keep the water warm. The bubbles created by the bubble bath act as a thermal layer, trapping heat beneath the surface and slowing down the cooling process. Bath oils, on the other hand, create a thin insulating layer on the surface of the water, reducing evaporation and heat loss.
5. Utilise Hot Stones
For those who want to take their bath to the next level, hot stones are an excellent option. Made from basalt, a volcanic rock known for its heat retention properties, hot stones can be warmed in the oven and then placed in the bath. These stones release heat slowly, providing a continuous source of warmth throughout your soak. Adding a few stones at intervals can help maintain the water temperature and extend your bath time comfortably.
6. Keep the Bathroom Warm
The ambient temperature in your bathroom plays a significant role in how quickly your bathwater cools. If the room is chilly, the water will lose heat more rapidly. To combat this, consider using a space heater to warm up the bathroom before and during your bath. However, ensure that the heater is placed safely away from the tub to avoid any risk of electrical accidents. Additionally, lighting a few candles around the tub can not only create a relaxing ambiance but also add a small amount of heat to the room.
7. Close Doors and Windows
Drafts are the enemy of a warm bath. Even a small draft can cause your bathwater to cool down faster than expected. Make sure all doors and windows in your bathroom are closed to prevent cold air from entering. This also helps to trap the steam and warmth in the room, further insulating your bath and making the environment more conducive to a long, relaxing soak.
8. Top Up with Hot Water
If you’re planning on soaking for an extended period, the water will inevitably start to cool down. When this happens, simply top up your bath with more hot water. You can either drain some of the cooler water before adding the hot water or just add small amounts of hot water periodically to maintain the temperature. Swirling the water around with your hand will help evenly distribute the heat.
9. Improve Bathroom Insulation
Proper insulation in your bathroom can make a significant difference in maintaining bathwater temperature. If your bathroom feels cold or drafty, consider improving its insulation. This could include installing double-glazed windows, adding weather stripping around doors, or even laying down a plush bath mat to prevent cold floors from sucking heat out of the room. Underfloor heating, if feasible, is another excellent way to keep your bathroom warm and cozy.
10. Use a Shower Curtain or Tub Door
If your bathtub has a shower curtain or a glass door, make sure to close it during your bath. This helps trap steam and heat inside the bathing area, preventing the water from cooling down too quickly. If you’re using a shower curtain, pull it all the way around the tub to create a cocoon of warmth. For tubs with a glass door, keeping it shut will provide a similar effect by maintaining a warm micro-environment around the tub.
Conclusion
There’s nothing more luxurious than a long, warm bath, especially when you’ve taken the necessary steps to keep the water hot for as long as possible. By implementing these tips—ranging from preheating your tub and using hot stones, to keeping your bathroom warm and well-insulated—you can enhance your bathing experience and enjoy a truly relaxing soak. Remember, the key to a perfect bath is not just the right temperature but also the atmosphere and environment you create around it. So, take your time, prepare your space, and indulge in the ultimate comfort of a warm, soothing bath. Explore our wide range of walk-in baths and find the perfect fit for your needs today.