Bath vs shower: water usage, cleanliness and other FAQs

There are lots of questions that come up when comparing the merits of showers and baths, some of which are more contentious than others. While there is no right or wrong answer in the overall scheme of things, there are some specific facts that can be highlighted which can give you a better idea of what the key differences are as well as the strengths and benefits of both.

Before anything else, it's best to first establish how a bath and shower differ from one another at a fundamental level.

A shower is an apparatus that allows you to stand under a stream of clean water. A bathtub is a large basin that can hold a large amount of clean water that you can soak your body into. This is, in a nutshell, the essential difference between a shower and a bath but as you’ll see, there’s a little more to unpack as we dive deeper into it.

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Whether a bath or shower uses more water can depend on several factors (like how much you fill the tub or how long you take to shower). However, baths almost always use more water.

A full bath will use about 150 litres of water compared to an average shower that dispenses 9.5 litres of water per minute. That means you’d have to have at least a 15-minute shower to exceed the amount of water used in a full bath.

However, there are ways to reduce this on both accounts. For baths, you don’t need to always fill the water all the way up and you can get slower-flow showerheads that reduce the amount of water used per minute below the standard quoted here. This can lead to significant water savings meaning a lower water bill too.

Related article: Bath sizes in New Zealand - making the right choice

Yes, baths tend to be more expensive to install than showers on average but there are a few variables that can influence this.

Installing a shower will typically cost around $1,000 on average while installing a bathtub often costs upwards of at least $1,500.

As mentioned, many variables can drastically change this, like the type of shower or bath. A walk-in shower, for instance, typically requires full tiling around the floors and walls which can significantly increase its cost above and beyond that of a simple drop-in bath. Likewise, a luxurious, cast iron freestanding bath may need additional structural support in the flooring for its installation, which would increase the cost for that type of bath.

In any situation, it’s always best to get a number of quotes from different professionals before deciding which is the best option for you.

Related article: Bathroom renovation costs in New Zealand — a full breakdown

Generally speaking, showers are considered to be a cleaner way of washing your body than baths but it’s something that is somewhat down to your method and even then, still debated by some.

The argument for showers is that when you take a shower, clean hot water is rinsing off your body from head to toe, eliminating any dirt or soap almost immediately. The shower's water pressure also helps mix with your shampoo and body wash to break down the oils and sweat.

In a bathtub, you're sitting in the same water the entire time, meaning you're also sitting in the dirt, oil, and bacteria that came off of your body. However, some people do give themselves a light scrub and rinse first before using the bath to mitigate this.

If you've ever taken a dip in a pool or sat in a hot tub, you know the soothing effect that submerging your body in water can have.

A warm bath helps relax your muscles and loosen up any tension you have in your body. It can also calm down your nervous system so you feel more at ease.

Baths have many benefits, from helping to relieve inflammation to exfoliating your skin. They've also been said to help reduce stress and anxiety while boosting your general mood.

Plus, if you're feeling sick or congested, sitting in warm water can help loosen up your chest to improve your breathing. You can also add things to the bath depending on your needs, like pouring Epsom salt into a bath to treat aches and pains or adding oatmeal or whole milk to a bath for irritated skin.

Showers are quick and efficient, and they are also effective at getting your body clean. But did you know they can improve your immune system too?

Switching from a hot shower to a cold shower for the last minute or so can work to boost your immune system and keep you healthier.

Additionally, showers take up less space in your bathroom, freeing up floor space for yourself and other bathroom features.

While people tend to take a shower for anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes, it's recommended that you keep it under 10 minutes. Surprisingly enough, showering for longer than 15 minutes can dehydrate your skin. This is because your pores stay open for so long that the moisture in your skin evaporates, and the water washes away necessary natural oils.

It's recommended that you only soak in the bathtub for 5-10 minutes. This may seem short, but if you soak much longer, it can have negative effects on your skin, for much the same reasons as a shower.

A long bath can dry out your skin. Not only that, but it can cause further damage by stripping the skin of needed oils and bacteria. This makes it easier for unhealthy bacteria to find their way into your body.

It's not required, but rinsing off in the shower after you've taken a bath is something that you can consider.

Rinsing off will ensure you don't have any old soap or dirt on your body anymore. It makes even more sense if you use special oils or bath bubbles that you don't want to stick to you afterwards.

When it comes to a shower vs bath, the choice, ultimately, is up to you. Our modern, busy lives often mean showers will be the usual choice for most on a daily basis. They can be fast, efficient and good for low water consumption if you’re quick and disciplined about it. However, when your muscles are sore and your body is tense, few things beat the remedy of a full body soak to leave you feeling calm and relaxed.

Related article: Bathroom renovation costs in New Zealand: A full breakdown