<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Updating the Bathtub to a Spa Tub</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Updating a bathtub can be an expensive and time consuming endeavor.<span>  </span>Besides the cost of the bathtub itself, installation, wall adjustments and tile replacement can lead to a costly project.<span>  </span>For homeowners who would like a variety of options for replacing their worn out tubs, consider the ideas below for updating the bathtub to a spa tub.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"></span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Total Replacement</strong></p><strong></strong>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If the old bathtub simply has to go, then professional tub installers must be called.<span>  </span>Only highly experienced do-it-yourself homeowners should even consider tackling a project of this magnitude, and even then, the convenience of having someone else figure out how to get the tub up the stairs is well worth the price.<span>  </span>There are a variety of replacement options available if the entire tub is being torn out.<span>  </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Spa tubs, or those that are typically more whirlpool than traditional bathtub, come in a variety of shapes and sizes.<span>  </span>Most of them are bigger than a normal bathtub, so take that into consideration when planning the bathtub remodel.<span>  </span>Having to enlarge the bathroom dimensions, rebuild walls and reroute plumbing will add significant expense to the tub replacement project.<span>  </span>Plan on spending upwards of $5,000 for a total tub replacement.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Bathtub Liners</strong></p><strong></strong>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If $5,000 is too steep for the budget, perhaps a bathtub liner is more appropriate.<span>  </span>Although it will not provide swirling jets and spa type headrests, a bathtub liner will cover cracks and peeling bathtub finishes.<span>  </span>Liners are custom made to fit the homeowner’s tub and can also come with matching tub surrounds.<span>  </span>Typically made of PVC, the liners and surrounds come in a variety of modern color choices to match any decor.<span>  </span>They clean up easily and last for many, many years.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Usually installed by professional tub liner installers, bathtub liners will typically cost from $1,000 to $3,000:<span>  </span>An expensive alternative, but not nearly as costly as a total tub replacement.<span>  </span>From the time that the installation company comes to measure the tub and surrounding space until installation, there is usually a two to three week time gap.<span>  </span>Once the liner has been manufactured it can be installed in about a day.<span>   </span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Bathtub Refinishing</strong></p><strong></strong>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If the harsh smell of chemical refinishing is not a concern, bathtub refinishing may be the best option.<span>  </span>It is usually less than $600 and completed by a professional bathtub refinisher.<span>  </span>The chemicals provide a new top coat to the tub to seal cracks and prevent further chipping or peeling.<span>  </span>The typical finish dries in about a day, but comes with a hefty chemical smell.<span>  </span>Homes with people who have allergies, small children, pets or the elderly, may want to explore one of the other options instead.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Bathtub updating is an expensive proposition.&lt;span>  </span>It requires a significant monetary investment, not to mention the inability to use the tub for anywhere from a day to a few weeks.<span>  </span>Consider all options when making the decision to update the bathtub to a spa tub and choose the one that not only fits the budget, but the family’s lifestyle as well.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">This article was written by Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com – your best online source for <span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><a href="http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/tropical-art-decor.html" target="_blank">tropical wall art</a> and <a href="http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/trees-flowers-art-decor.html" target="_blank">metal tree wall<span>  </span>sculpture</a>.</span></p></span>