Near St. Petersburg, the Miracle Bath, a unique structure, a monumental product made of granite, which has no equal in the world, ekes out a miserable existence, vegetating in obscurity.
According to the official version, the Tsar Bath, a unique pool made of a monolith that can hold 8,000 buckets of water, was ordered by engineer Betancourt to the famous St. Petersburg stonemason Samson Sukhanov, who agreed to cut out the bath for 16,000 rubles. A block of red granite interspersed with labradorite in greenish tones, weighing more than 160 tons, was delivered from one of the Finnish islands and polished on site for ten years (1818-1828).
This megalith can only be called a bathtub only conditionally, since the purpose of the 48-ton granite bowl, made from a single piece of granite, almost 2 meters high, more than one and a half meters deep and more than 5 meters in diameter, still remains a mystery.
The technology for creating this multi-ton monolith remains no less a mystery: how was the stonemason Samson Sukhanov able to create such a perfect bowl from a granite block?
The historian I. Yakovkin considered this product “one of the first in the world,” and professor J. Zembitsky said that ... that nothing so colossal from granite has been known since the time of the Egyptians.”
There is a version that Alexander I, for whom this granite bath was made, was a big fan of cold bathing. And the granite bath was a kind of font with constantly cool or even cold water. Such a thickness of granite absorbs heat for a very long time; one might say, it is a kind of cold accumulator. The bathtub is in a niche underground and the room is most likely always cool in the summer. And the small lake heats up in the summer. Perhaps that is why the king designed a bathtub made of granite, so that in the summer one could bathe in cold water. In those days, a cast-iron staircase with railings, supported by cast-iron columns and equipped with viewing platforms led to the bath. 
During the Great Patriotic Germans they tried to take the Tsar Bath to Germany, but could not: the bowl was too heavy, not a single cable could support its weight.
Since then, it has stood, half-forgotten and completely defenseless against vandals, in the almost completely destroyed and littered Babolovsky Palace for many decades now...
People who are not indifferent to the history of their country are forced to take risks with our own lives to admire the grandiose granite bowl: rotten wooden beams hang from the ceiling, ready to fall off at any moment.
Why does a unique structure, a monumental product made of granite, which has no equal in the world, drag out such a miserable existence, vegetating in obscurity, while other creations of the master Sukhanov - the Alexandria Pillar, the colonnades of St. Isaac's and Kazan Cathedrals, the Rostral Columns - have become symbols of St. Petersburg since of your birth? Because it's not his job. The bath has more ancient origins. This is obvious.
Why did Babolovsky Park, the largest surviving park of the late 18th century, on whose territory the Tsar Bath is located, end up in private ownership, in the clutches of greedy foreign investors who wanted to build a golf club there? Golf club in the park. Where there are many, many trees. The fact that the trees will have to be cut down to make way for the golf course is clear to any fool. Where did the Committee for the Protection of Cultural and Architectural Monuments look when the construction project was being agreed upon? A project that violated all existing norms of Russian legislation...
It is still possible for mere mortals to get to Babolovsky Park and admire the eighth wonder of the world. If we fail to defend history, then we must at least preserve its memory...
Water procedures are a necessity for modern man, so everyone has a bath. But in ancient times, only wealthy people could afford to take a bath. Such an occupation was considered a sign of luxury and high social status.
The largest bathtub in the world- this is a real curiosity for people who lived in past centuries. The ordinary bathtub has a long history, dating back 5,000 years. This device was not always used for its intended purpose. For example, in ancient Rome there was a time when bathtubs were used as sarcophagi for the burial of members of the elite.
Tsar bath
The largest bathtub, made in antiquity and preserved to this day, is located in Russia. This product is made from a huge piece of granite stone delivered from Finland (red granite). The weight of the rare bathtub is 160 tons. It is known that it was created by Russian masters Sukhanov.
The colossal dimensions of the wonder are impressive: the diameter is 7 m, the depth is 1.5 m, and the height is 2 m. The giant bathtub holds approximately 800 buckets of water. Outwardly, it looks like an incredibly large bowl. She's no different exquisite design and amazes only with its dimensions. This masterpiece from the Russian stonemason was installed in the Babolovsky Palace (city of Pushkin, Leningrad region) in 1824. This palace was erected for Prince Grigory Potemkin in 1783. It was destroyed during the Great Patriotic War, but the bathtub remained standing without a single scratch.
The largest bathtub in the world once served as a decoration for a palace designed in the English Gothic style. The building itself is a one-story summer building, which consists of 7 rooms. The palace became the property of the emperor at the beginning of the 19th century. Then they decided to make it into a grandiose bathing pavilion with a steam room and a swimming pool. A granite bathtub was installed in the main hall. It was intended for bathing the imperial family in the hot summer.
First the bathtub was installed, and then the walls were built around it. A cast-iron staircase with railings and viewing platforms approached this tank. The Tsar Bath is a masterpiece that continued a number of unique and great, but useless objects from Russia. After all, no one ever fired from the Tsar Cannon, and the Tsar Bell never rang. Also, the Tsar Bath was never used for bathing.
Legends say that the bath is guarded by an unknown force. The Nazis tried to take her away by bringing in tanks. However, all their cables snapped. During the period of privatization, the newly minted millionaires wanted to take it out, but even special equipment could not lift and load the Tsar Bath. Therefore, the rarity remained standing in the palace, surrounded by ruins. The largest bathtub in the world is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. But so far no one has become interested in the condition of this object. The wonder is completely abandoned. The fate of the Tsar Bath and the Babolovsky Palace has still not been decided.
This bathtub is not considered the most expensive in the world, so it is not of much interest to people. The Rock crystal model from the manufacturer Baldi is recognized as the most luxurious bathroom in the world. This bathtub is considered a unique masterpiece as it is entirely made of crystal. The material was whole piece rock crystal extracted from the caves of the Amazon. The work by designer Luca Bojola costs 800 thousand dollars.
The largest modern bathtubs
If we take into account the size of the bathroom, then an unusual system was included in the Guinness Book of Records. This largest bathroom in the world, made today. It has a width of 3.6 m, a height of 7.6 m and a length of about 22 m. The cost of such a bathroom is 118 thousand dollars. However, for this money the manufacturer offers not only a place for swimming, but also a steam room, a jacuzzi, a super high-tech shower, an LCD TV, a small pool and a sauna. Thus, it offers a complete range of services for the functioning of the bathroom.
This system requires 24 thousand liters of water to operate. A sample of this new product is located in Mumbai (India). In such a huge bathroom you can throw noisy parties, because its size allows it.
If we consider the most regular baths, not taking into account the size of the rooms, the Atlant model from Triton is the leader here. This is the largest bathtub in the world, made of acrylic and equipped with hydromassage. Its dimensions: 2050 x 1200 mm. Along the side it has a height of 710 mm.
Happy owners of large bathrooms can afford a bath of any size, including a really large one.
Large bathtubs are presented in stores with a huge variety of models, materials and equipment additional functions.
The most popular are cast iron, steel and acrylic bathtubs. All of them are extremely reliable and durable, since a large volume necessarily means increased loads, so manufacturers pay special attention to the quality of materials and workmanship.
A large bathtub filled with water has huge weight, therefore, before choosing a model, you need to inquire whether the existing ceiling can withstand it. The calculation of the area should be carried out very carefully, since in addition to the bathroom itself, there should be something else in the room plumbing equipment, and the necessary furniture.
It should be noted that the choice additional options Especially large for large baths. If desired, you can choose a bath equipped with hydromassage, air massage and chromatography.
The wealth of shapes that manufacturers offer for large bathtubs is simply amazing: traditional rectangular, square, round, oval, practical corner, polygonal and, finally, bathtubs with a complex, almost sculptural shape.
If the room allows, then a large bathtub can be installed in the center of the bathroom on a small podium with steps. This interior solution looks especially interesting and luxurious. In addition, in this case the bathtub has free access from all sides, which is very convenient. It is best to place the bath in the center in square-shaped rooms.
When you decide to purchase a large bathtub, you need to take care of the appropriate accessories. For such a bathtub you need a special mixer that ensures quick filling with water (best of all is a cascade one, supplying water in the form of a wide stream), a mat that will reduce slipping along the bottom, headrests and handrails that will make the use of the bathtub truly comfortable and completely safe. If all these additional details are selected in uniform style, you will get a very noble set.
It would not be amiss to recall that the presence large bath implies the need to strictly adhere to safety rules, especially if there are small children and people with disabilities in the house disabilities. In this case, special seats, handrails, children's bathing chairs, and ladders for entering and exiting the bathroom are almost mandatory.
A properly equipped bathtub is sure to provide exceptional comfort and health benefits.
Who among us does not dream of a large and deep bathtub, and if previously it was too expensive, now manufacturers offer a wide variety of models in different price categories.
Advantages and Disadvantages
TO benefits A large bathtub can be attributed to the fact that if you like to lie in the foam after a hard day at work, doing so in it is many times more pleasant and comfortable than in a bathtub of standard dimensions.
In addition, thanks to the variety of bath options large size, you can choose any shape that will decorate the room. For example, it can be installed in the center of the room on a podium, thereby placing emphasis on it. In addition to beauty, it is also very convenient, since access to the bathtub will be open from any side.
Since some models are equipped with additional functions such as aromatherapy or hydromassage, you can take care of your body and improve your health without leaving home.
Spa baths are also called Jacuzzis. They are often installed outside the home. You can see the dimensions of a corner Jacuzzi and other shapes in our other article.
TO shortcomings You can include the cost of such a bathtub, since the price for it will be several times higher than for a standard small-sized option. In addition, in order to fill it every time, you will need large number water, which also costs money, so this option is not suitable for those who prefer to save money.
Types
First of all, when choosing suitable model bathtub, you should decide in which part of the room you plan to install it. Based on this, you should choose either corner option which is more suitable for the room limited size, separately standing bath, perfect for any interior, or choose an exclusive model with an unusual shape and parameters.
You can read more about corner models in our article about asymmetrical bathtubs.
If previously a large bathtub was a rarity and not everyone could afford it, now variety of models on the market large sizes simply amazing. You can also find rectangular or round bathtubs, oval, hexagonal, corner or classic options, and even polygonal - in general, almost all the options you can imagine.
For two
Among the wide variety of options for large-sized bathtubs, it is worth highlighting models designed for use by two people, which are perfect for couples in love, newlyweds or spouses who have been married for a long time.
Baths of this format take up a lot of space, and their installation is only possible in a large room or in a designated area next to the pool.
One of the most popular options for two is an acrylic corner bathtub, since this option will take much less space than the conventional model. In addition, baths for couples are in demand unusual shape, for example, in the form of a figure eight or even a heart.
There is a bath divided into two halves, each of which is intended for one person.
Size selection
When choosing a bathtub, one of the first parameters that people pay attention to is the size. But it is important to remember that, as a rule, the internal volume differs from external dimensions. Most often, baths are made oval, as this reduces the amount of water required to completely immerse the body.
Of course, you need to choose it based on the size of the room; you should not buy a large bath if the size of your room is a little more than 3 or 4 square meters. For large rooms the range of choice is very wide, the length can start from 150 and reach up to 300 centimeters in length, but in this case it already turns out to be a mini-pool.
For bathrooms standard size It is preferable to choose those models that allow an adult to stretch out to his full height. They will be larger than usual in their parameters, but will not take up much space.
But in private homes or cottages, where the bathroom can reach enormous sizes, you can use models with open type installations, which include free-standing large models made of cast iron or acrylic, as well as marble or even glass.
For reference: largest bathroom in the world is a solid granite model found in Russia. Its shape is a circle with a diameter of 7 m. The height is about 2 m, and the depth is 1.5 m.
If it is possible to select separate zone for a swimming pool, then it is most convenient to place a large bathtub for several people, which can be additionally equipped with a hydromassage function.
Some of the most popular models are bathtubs made of cast iron, steel or acrylic. Any selected material will be of high quality and reliable, since large sizes imply double loads, so the build quality is in this case special attention is paid.
When choosing, you should take into account the height of the people who will use it, since using a bathtub longer than 2 meters is convenient only for those whose height is above average.
In addition, when choosing, you need to compare the parameters with the area of your bathroom. For a large bathroom, almost any model is suitable, which can be installed either on the side or in the center of the bathroom. And if the room small sizes, then you can compensate for the not very large size of the bathtub with the help of a large internal volume, while making high sides.
It is believed that ideally the depth of the bath should be about fifty or sixty centimeters. It is this size that allows you to immerse yourself completely in the water, but there will be no problems when stepping over the edges.
Decide how many people plan to use the bathroom at the same time. Now on the market there are widely available models for two people and even for four or six.
Interior design options
Regarding harmonious combination with the interior, it’s quite difficult to advise anything here, since everyone has their own preferences, but in general there are several options that will help you choose the right bath:
If you are planning to create a semblance of a medieval boudoir in the room with luxurious design, then it is best to opt for cast iron model. It is at the sight of such baths that one immediately recalls pictures from history textbooks, where the houses of noble people were depicted;
To create modern interior or thematic project(for example, oriental style or marine and others) models made of acrylic, which can be installed separately or mounted into a podium, are ideal;
If you want to install a bath next to a window or balcony, overlooking beautiful landscape, in this case, a model made of marble or quarry, which are most often installed in country cottages, is perfect.
Installation features
Before installation, it is recommended to clarify what the weight of the bathtub is separately and together with the collected water; this is very important point, since not all floors can withstand such weight. Weight calculations must be carried out extremely accurately and do not forget that in addition to the bathtub, there will be other plumbing fixtures and furniture on the floor, the weight of which must also be taken into account.
In order for the water to drain faster, you will need to install a special drain, which, unlike standard version, will cope with its task faster.
When installing a large bathroom in a private house, you will even need to install a separate water supply with a specially installed supply pump and increase the size of the sewer well.
Conclusion
Thus, selection and installation of a large bathtub requires special attention and careful preparation. But, if all the conditions are met correctly, then it will bring you and your loved ones only positive emotions.
Who doesn’t dream of a large and spacious font in which you can comfortably perform water procedures. Modern manufacturers offer the largest bathtubs various models, configurations and colors. This type of plumbing fixture can become just about any item in your bathroom.
But before purchasing a product, you should decide in advance on the appropriate size, shape and design of the model. This is exactly what we will talk about.
Types of spacious plumbing
First, you need to decide where exactly the equipment will be located in the room. After all, a large bathtub should not take up too much usable space in the bathroom. If you have a spacious bathroom, but it already contains a lot of additional equipment, the corner version of the product is simply ideal in such a situation.
Previously, large-sized bathtubs were rare, but now the range of bathtubs simply cannot help but surprise. Now you can purchase models of impressive sizes in the following shapes:
- round;
- hexagonal;
- asymmetrical;
- oval;
- rectangular;
- square.
Hot tub for two
A large bathtub for two stands alone in the category of large-sized plumbing fixtures. It is intended for use by two people at once. Such products are perfect for couples in love, as well as newlyweds and people who have been married for a long time.
The photo shows different options performance of this type of equipment. Its advantages include:
- spaciousness;
- ease of use;
- sustainability;
- possibility of installing hydromassage systems.
But at the same time, there are some disadvantages of such devices:
- Plumbing fixtures of this format will take up a lot of space, so their installation is possible only in large bathrooms;
- The equipment costs significantly more than standard-sized hot tubs.
Note: Plumbing for two can be angular and/or divided into two halves. Heart-shaped or figure-eight fonts are in great demand. Such models look very unusual, so the font looks very attractive in the interior of the room.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Large plumbing fixtures have a number of advantages compared to more compact models:
- variety of shapes and sizes;
- the ability to comfortably perform water procedures in a horizontal position;
- a large font installed in the center of a spacious bathroom will become an original accent in the design of the room;
- access to the product from all sides.
Such equipment is not without a number of disadvantages:
- inability to install plumbing in small spaces;
- high cost of products;
- Very high consumption water;
- Due to the large internal volume of plumbing, water takes too long to collect.
How to choose the right size?
One of the main parameters of plumbing is its size. When assessing product parameters, you should always remember that the external and internal volumes are always very different from each other. At the same time, we should not forget about such a concept as the installation size. Using this parameter, you can evaluate the dimensions of the model and understand whether it will fit into the space intended for it in the bathroom or not.
For comparison, the size of a standard font is approximately 150x70 cm, while large fonts have approximately the following parameters: 200x90. But now there are models made of acrylic O larger dimensions. Maximum length bathtubs, known today, reach 3 m. Such products can safely be called pools, and not fonts.
This is interesting: The size of the largest bathtub made of solid granite is amazing. Its height is 2 m. It is also the deepest bathtub in the world - 1.5 m. This product has a round shape, the diameter of which is 7 m. Of course, such a model cannot be installed in an apartment, but on the street in the private sector it can be installed instead of a swimming pool.
Product selection principles
Before purchasing a hot tub, you need to clearly determine its size:
- The size of the font must exactly correspond to the area allocated for it in the room. If a font that is too long and deep does not fit into the bathroom, there is no need to talk about the ease of use;
- If you want the space in the bathroom to not seem cluttered, give preference to a corner model. If, on the contrary, you want to make the font the “center of attention”, stop at round and oval products;
- Those with small bathrooms can also afford a large bath. In this case, a very deep bathtub with high sides would be a good option;
- So that a person can sit comfortably in the font, it is desirable that its length corresponds to the height of the consumer, and its width corresponds to the volume of his body;
- The acceptable depth of plumbing is 60 cm. You can safely plunge headlong into such a font. In this case, there will be no special problems while stepping over the sides of the model.
Installation Features
- Before installing the product, you should accurately determine its weight, both with and without water. This point is very important because multi-storey buildings the weight of the equipment must be taken into account. After all, not every ceiling can withstand a serious load;
- When purchasing a model with high sides, think about the safety of using the hot tub. It may have to be equipped with additional steps or a podium;
- Since it takes a very long time for water to be filled into such a container, it is better to purchase a large faucet with the bathtub that can supply large volumes of water;
- You should also install a special drain, thanks to which the water after finishing water procedures, will go away faster.
Conclusion
Before choosing large plumbing fixtures, you always need to evaluate several parameters:
- the real need to install such equipment;
- ease of use of the font in the bathroom;
- inefficiency of large models;
- nuances of installing large devices.
If you nevertheless decide to acquire a huge font, the main thing is that it brings pleasure to you and your loved ones.