What Is a Shower Tub Combination and Is It Right for Your Bathroom in Farmington, NM?

If you’re wondering what is a shower tub combination or how it would benefit your home in Farmington, NM, you’re in the right place. This guide explains how a shower-tub combo works, whether it fits your space, and how to choose the right layout for your bathroom. A shower and tub combination is a popular choice among Farmington homeowners who want flexibility, practicality, and the ability to maximize comfort without needing a large remodel. Whether you're planning an upgrade or a complete renovation, you can Contact Prime Baths of New Mexico to schedule a free consultation and explore layout and material options tailored to your needs.

Understanding What a Shower Tub Combo Is and How It Works

A shower tub combination is a single unit that allows you to either take a bath or a shower in the same space. It’s a popular choice for homes that have limited bathroom space, but require both bathing and showering functions.

In most setups, the combo typically features a standard bathtub with a showerhead installed above. Users can choose to fill the tub for a bath or turn on the shower for a quick rinse. These units typically include a faucet, diverter valve, and a waterproof enclosure to contain water. Modern designs use clean, solid-surface surrounds that make cleaning easier and resist mold and mildew.

At Prime Baths, we offer custom installations of tub-shower combinations to fit both traditional and modern layouts. Our durable, easy-to-maintain materials make this an ideal upgrade for Farmington homeowners who want a practical solution without compromising design. We also provide shower and tub combos in Albuquerque, NM bringing the same high-quality standards to your home.

What Is a Shower and Bath Combo Called in Modern Remodels?

In modern bathroom remodels, a shower and bath combo is often referred to as a "tub-shower unit," "combo bath and shower," or simply "shower over tub." All these terms refer to a combined fixture designed to support both bathing and showering.

The exact name can vary slightly based on the style of the fixture and how it's installed. For example, a built-in acrylic tub with a tile surround may be labeled differently than a one-piece fiberglass unit, but both serve the same function.

At Prime Baths, we use custom-fit surrounds and professional plumbing fittings to ensure these combos are both stylish and functional. We tailor each design to your needs, including grab bars or built-in seating for added accessibility and convenience.

Honest Look at Shower Tub Combo Pros and Cons for Homes in Farmington

Shower and tub combos offer versatility, but they come with tradeoffs. Understanding these pros and cons can help Farmington homeowners make informed decisions based on daily routines, budget, and long-term goals.

First, consider your household needs. Families with young children benefit from the ability to bathe kids in a tub. If you’re planning to age in place or help a parent with mobility issues, you'll need to think through the step-in height and grab bar placements. For rental properties or homes you’re planning to sell, a combo often appeals to the widest range of buyers.

Combo units provide flexibility for households that value quick morning showers but want the option to enjoy a long, relaxing soak. If your home only has one full bathroom, combining the functions into one fixture is often a smart use of square footage. Additionally, shower-tub combos can be enhanced with modern fixtures to improve water pressure, reduce splash, and add functionality—like handheld wands or rain-style shower heads.

Maintenance is an important consideration when choosing a shower-tub combo. A combo unit with seamless acrylic walls is generally easier to clean than an older tub with tile surrounds and grout lines, which can trap dirt and grime. However, if you have a tight alcove installation, cleaning around the tub edge and under fixtures can still be a bit tricky.

Design flexibility is a plus. Shower-tub combos can match traditional, transitional, or modern bathroom aesthetics. Farmington homeowners can choose wall panels that mimic tile, stone, or smooth matte finishes. This allows your combo to look like a high-end install, even in a small space.

For energy and water usage, having a shower option helps reduce water waste compared to taking daily baths. Newer low-flow showerheads and single-lever faucets also help control temperature and reduce energy consumption.

However, no fixture is perfect. Here are more detailed pros and cons based on Farmington homeowners' experience:

Is a Shower Tub Combo a Good Idea for Everyday Use?

For most households, especially those with one main bathroom, a combo unit makes practical sense. It provides flexibility and saves space. Below are expanded pros and cons for deeper insight.

Pros:

• Space-saving: Combines two fixtures into one footprint, freeing up space for storage or open movement. This is especially important in smaller bathrooms, common in older Farmington homes.

• Cost-effective: One fixture costs less than building a separate tub and standalone shower. Labor, plumbing, and tile work are more efficient.

• Versatile: Supports both quick showers and long baths. Ideal for families with different bathing preferences.

• Simplified plumbing: Uses a single drain and shared water lines, reducing plumbing labor and maintenance complexity.

• Good for resale: Most buyers expect at least one tub in the home. If you’re remodeling with a future sale in mind, keeping a tub with a shower option checks that box.

• Time-tested format: This layout has worked for decades. It’s a familiar format that feels intuitive to guests and homeowners alike.

Cons:

• Step-over height: For seniors or people with joint pain, stepping into a tub can be a challenge. Without grab bars, this could become unsafe.

• Limited mobility support: Walk-in showers are often safer for those with limited balance or range of motion. A tub-shower combo may not meet accessibility goals.

• Cleaning challenges: Fixtures are more compact. Corners around the tub spout or under the shower valve can collect grime without regular cleaning.

• Design tradeoffs: While attractive, the combo lacks the open feel and customization of a walk-in shower. You can add shelves or niches, but options are more limited.

• Height and reach: Shower heads may need to be mounted lower than in a standalone shower due to ceiling height or wall constraints.

Situational Considerations for Farmington Homes:

• For households with young kids, a tub is often essential, and a shower-tub combo gives you that flexibility without sacrificing the convenience of a daily shower.

• If you or a family member has mobility concerns, consider a combo with low-threshold entry, built-in seating, and grab bars. These are all available through Prime Baths.

• If your bathroom is the only one in the house, this layout keeps the space adaptable for guests, tenants, or buyers.

• If your bathroom is being remodeled for resale, the combo offers wide appeal while staying within most renovation budgets.

Pro Tip: At Prime Baths, we install slip-resistant tub floors and offer optional upgrades like curved curtain rods for extra space or glass doors for a cleaner look. We also use solid wall panels instead of grout-heavy tile, making cleaning easier and reducing mildew risk.

What Is the Best Tub and Shower Combo Option for Your Home?

The best combo for your home depends on your layout, style preferences, and who uses the space. At Prime Baths, we install custom acrylic tub-shower units that are easy to clean, safe to use, and available in a range of finishes.

A good unit should offer:

• Non-slip surfaces

• Durable acrylic or composite material

• Quality shower valve and faucet

• Optional grab bars and seating

Our team helps you select the right shape and size, whether you're remodeling a small guest bath or the main family bathroom. We also offer ADA-compliant options for seniors or those needing safer bathing.

Who Makes the Best Tub Shower Combo for Quality and Design?

At Prime Baths of New Mexico, we only install trusted brands known for durability and easy upkeep. Rather than sourcing from big box stores, we rely on factory-direct products that are made to fit and built to last.

Our tub-shower combos feature:

• High-wall surrounds to prevent leaks

• Stylish hardware options

• Low-maintenance surfaces

• Professional installation backed by warranty

This means your remodel in Farmington gets both function and appearance, without the hassle of managing different contractors or vendors.

What Size Bathroom for Tub and Shower Combos Works Best?

Combo units are versatile, but you need the right space to make them comfortable. The good news is that most standard bathrooms in Farmington homes can fit one. If you want to explore options in other areas, we also offer bathroom remodeling services throughout New Mexico.

What Is the Average Size of a Tub Shower Combo?

The typical combo measures 60 inches long by 30 to 32 inches wide. This size fits into most bathroom layouts and offers enough room for average use. It’s the most common choice for hall bathrooms and family-use spaces.

What Is the Smallest Tub Shower Combo Available?

If you’re tight on space, smaller units are available starting around 48 inches in length. These are often used in guest bathrooms or older homes where bathroom dimensions are limited. Prime Baths offers compact options with full shower features and easy-clean walls.

What Is the Largest Tub Shower Combo You Can Install?

Larger combos can run up to 72 inches in length and over 36 inches wide. These are ideal for master bathrooms or when you have the square footage to allow extra comfort. Larger tubs also accommodate features like dual shower heads or extra shelving.

Does an Extra Large Tub and Shower Combo Exist for Residential Bathrooms?

Yes. Prime Baths offers extra-large units with deep soaking depth and extended width. These can be custom-fit to your space. They work well in remodels where homeowners want a more spa-like experience while still retaining a shower option.

Modern Tub and Shower Combo Fixtures Used in Many Farmington Remodels

Fixtures play a big role in both function and style. When remodeling with Prime Baths, you can choose from a wide range of options that suit your taste and support everyday ease of use.

Bath and Shower Combo Faucet Styles for Functionality

Faucets and shower heads come in a range of styles:

• Single-lever faucets: Easy to control temperature and flow.

• Diverter valves: Switch between tub fill and shower head.

• Handheld showers: Helpful for families and older adults.

• Rain-style heads: Add comfort without extra plumbing work.

Our team helps you select faucet finishes that match your decor—brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black. We also ensure ADA-compliant height and reach for those needing accessible design.

For local, professional service, contact Prime Baths of New Mexico. We offer full bathroom remodeling in Farmington, NM and beyond. Visit our homepage to explore Bathroom Remodeling Services within New Mexico. Learn more about what Prime Baths does and see how we can help transform your space.