Any suggestions for soaking tub mfg’s? We’re looking for a tub that’s 32″ deep (Japanese soaking tub) that’s rectangular, ideally around 48″ long. I’ve found a round 40X40″ tub (http://www.arpbathtubs.com/soaktub.html); but would prefer to track down a rectangular one. Been having a tough time trying to find something that works (there was a picture of one in an FHB issue from a couple of years back).
Thanks,
JB
Replies
There is a reason hot tubs and traditional Japanese soaking tubs are round or oval.
Look at a coopered wine barrel, redwood hot tub, or a old wooden water tank (still being installed on NYC rooftops!) Smooth curves, simple steel bands around it. Some last for 100 years.
Now look at the formwork for a concrete pour of a 8-foot foundation or freeway embarkment - not a thing of beauty.
In a round tank, there is only force in one direction - trying to tear the sides. The thin steel bands address that easily.
In a rectangular tank that force exists, but each flat side is also being forced to bulge out, especially in it's center. That's why the concrete forms have so many thick horinzontal members. Like a bridge turned sideways.
So whatever material is being used, more must be used. Fiberglass, wood, etc. A lot more even if horizontal ribs are used. Incredibly more if the side are flat (uniform thickness).
No doubt someone makes a rectangular one. But it will cost and weigh more.
To build your own (it will be ugly) refer to any late 1970's solar heating book. They'll have diagrams of 200 to 1000-gallon water tanks made of plywood and 2x6's lined with plastic sheeting. Or cast any shape you want in reinforced concrete.
Following your comments and my favorite stuff, he could build a thin-shell concrete round one, plaster the inside, and make it a pretty as he had the skills for. Less material, permanent structure. We did that for a hot tub.
"Following your comments and my favorite stuff, he could build a thin-shell concrete round one"
Using MY favorite material (I paddle around small ice bergs in Prince William Sound in a 38 pound boat), I'd use 1/8" mahogeny plywood and 2-part epoxy. Butt-joint the seams with 3" doubler layer and/or use 6-oz FG cloth. Fillet and double 6-oz any corners.
A compact Japanese-style oval tub for two would come in about 30-40 pounds.
Sort of like my backpacking hot tubs, but it would not have to fold up for transport.David Thomas Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
I am in the same boat, looking for a tub. Take a look at the Americh Beverly 6040
http://www.americh.com/single_product.php?item=tubs&id=16
I have not see one, but I like the specs better than anything else I have found short of $custom$ stainless steel.
I remember seeing one in FHB a few years ago, but it was cast-in-place concrete.
Have you tried Googling for furo?
I used to have a good link, but it is broken now. Try googling "ofuro."
Rectangular is a traditional Japanese shape for home saoking tubs. White cedar is the preferred material. For very traditional, drop the floor a bit, and use a floor drain, and cover the dropped floor with dark, water-washed stone.