For many of us, cast iron soaking tubs are a holdover to Victorian Era luxury.
The first enameled cast iron tubs were developed in 1883.
Developing the process that allowed enamel to adhere to the cast iron was a big step toward the tubs acceptance.
Prior to that, tubs were mainly made from wood or sheet metal.
Cast iron tubs are made in several different configurations.
Probably most familiar, especially to those of a certain age, are claw foot tubs.
This is a tub that has a leg at each corner.
The part of the leg that contacts the floor looks like a clawed foot clutching a ball.
It's fairly common for this type of tub to have a rolled rim.
Some of them will also have what's referred to as a slipper back.
This makes it easier to slightly recline in the tub.
The most contemporary models still tend to be a rectangular type of shape.
Even though cast iron is molded, much like an acrylic or fiberglass tub, you rarely see any other type of shape.
These tubs are only available as soakers.
That means that you can't find them in with air or water jets or with a whirlpool.
This is probably due to how hard it would be to mold the holes for the jets or how hard it would be to cut them after the tub is molded.
The enamel that covers cast iron tubs has been one of the things that has made them popular.
The enameling process creates a surface that is very low maintenance.
It's also a material that doesn't scratch, dent, or crack easily.
If it does become scratched or damaged, it's relatively easy to repair.
Another attractive quality to cast iron is that it retains heat well.
This helps keep the bath water hot.
Their low maintenance is also a real plus.
The most basic way to clean the tub is a little soap on a rag.
Cast iron tubs do have some disadvantages when compared to other types of tub materials.
The first and foremost is that they're extremely heavy.
They typically weigh 350-400lbs.
In comparison, an acrylic tub of similar size will weigh 80-100 lbs.
Because of their weight, it's important to know how much weight the floor where you're going to place the tub can handle.
The size of your water heater may be a factor as well.
A typical 30 or 40 gallon water heater may not be big enough for a large tub.
After weighing the pros and cons of cast iron soaking tubs, you may find that one of them is your best choice.