Don’t buy a tub from a picture and a spec sheet. Take your shoes off and try it out. Bring your plans or measurements and we’ll help you find the right tub for your space. Choose whirlpools or soakers, one person or two. We have a good selection of nicer styles in basic sizes. Deep but narrow is popular to save water. SODECO has been Albuquerque’s leading bathtub supplier since 1979.
Correct Information the First Time
At SODECO, we are specialists and know the details to help you do the job right. Our experience allows us to explain the best way to choose a tub that will work for your space. Information on space use, water use, drain and faucet location is offered. You need to see the big picture instead of just buying a tub.
We Help Make the Job Go Smoothly
Timing is important to us as tubs frequently need to be ordered in. It’s best to get it in early! We’ll hold it at our facility until you’re ready. We have templates for drop-in styles and can custom-fit jets and pumps for whirlpool applications. Contractors use SODECO because we know what they need. In many cases, delivery is available.
Feel free to come to our showroom at 3411 Girard NE or contact us today to start asking questions about our available bathtubs, water treatment systems and the support services we can offer you.
HELPFUL ADVICE
Here are some of the basic issues to consider when choosing and installing whirlpool bath:
1. COLOR
White is still the most popular color, followed by biscuit. Almond or bone, once the main alternatives to white, have been replaced by the lighter, fresher, biscuit. Problems with darker or specialty colors are:
- More difficult to match with toilet and sink
- Extra cost
- Gets out of style and looks dated
- Shows water spots
2. DRAIN LOCATION
Tubs have either an end drain or center drain. For tubs that are on a concrete slab, the drain location is set at rough plumbing and is difficult to relocate later on. Decide what tub you want before rough-in or you’ll lose choices. On remodels, a competent plumber can tell you what options you have to move drains.
3. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
You need dedicated, 110 Volt, 20 Amp circuits with GFCI protection. Always adhere to the codes and use a licensed electrician.
4. WATER USE AND HOT WATER SUPPLY
Important issue! If you get a big tub, you will need more than a 50 gallon water heater. Only a small tub will get by with a 40 gallon. 50’s are OK for most medium size tubs.
Big Tubs take longer to fill and might not get used as often. The trend is toward medium-sized tubs, especially, if they’re deep but not too wide. Nobody wants to waste water, so choose a tub that fits you right rather than oversize.
5. SHAPES
Oval tubs are beautiful and “drop-in” to a deck. The tub is nested in the surrounding deck. This type of installation takes more space than a rectangular or “self-deck” or a corner tub. Self-deck rectangulars can still have some deck around them for a custom built-in look, but in general they will fit into a tighter spot than an oval.
Corner tubs are a very efficient use of space and give you a full length bathing well because of the geometry of the shape. Also corner tubs have a center drain, which is the 2-person format.
6. STEPS
This is a safety issue. Steps, especially tile can be slippery and have sharp edges. Seniors may especially have a problem with steps. Designers frequently add steps to make the tub setting special, but consider the safety issues.
Grab bars can be attractive and very helpful for safety. Advance planning on grab bar location is needed to put solid bracing behind the tile.
7. FRAMING AND STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
There is more to installing a tub than the plumbing hookups. Modern acrylic tubs need to have their full weight supported on the bottom but also be supported all around the top without “hanging”. A mortar bed under the tub is needed.
8. TIMING
Choose your tub early for reasons described in “Drain Location”. Get the correct spec sheet for your tub and make sure the plumber has it before rough-in. In general, do the final install late to avoid damage during construction. If you take the tub early, protect it well after it’s installed.
9. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Air switches are simpler than electronic controls. Mood lights, water level sensors, air bubble systems, and moving jets are not recommended. Avoid fancy-looking but low quality faucets. Make sure you have good access to the pump.
10. SHOP SMART
Shop where they know about tubs. No home center or appliance dealer will specialize in or have sufficient experience with whirlpool baths.
Have questions? Get answers! Call 505.883.5061 today!
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