Alcove Bath

• 1). Look at the area where the bath will sit and see whether it's enclosed by three of the bathroom walls; this will indicate that the space is ideal for an alcove bath.
  
  
• 2). Stand at the accessible side of the bath, where the side unscrews to give access to faucet and drain fittings. Look at the other three sides; they should have flanges at the upper lips where the bath attaches to the wall. See at which end of the bath the drain is; if on the right, it's a right-hand drain, if on the left, it's a left-hand drain.
  
  
• 3). Check where the drain opening is in the bathtub area of the floor and be sure that it matches with the bathtub you're considering.
  
  

Other Types of Tubs

• 1). Measure the space in the bathroom to determine whether a freestanding tub will fit comfortably in the area. Move the bathtub so that the drain in the tub sits over the drain in the floor. Check how easy it would be to run the water lines to the faucets on the tub. Fit the tub in the best way to reach the drain and the water lines; be aware that, unlike an alcove tub, theirs is no set way it has to sit. Seat the tub so that it's easily accessible; freestanding tubs are often called claw-foot, even when the feet are shaped differently.
  
  
• 2). Check the area in the bathroom when selecting a safety tub; this will let you know whether you need to select a left-hand or a right-hand tub (they generally come with both options). Check, too, when looking at corner tubs, as they will fit into a space in the same manner as an alcove tub and will be either left or right handed.
  
  
• 3). Check the accessible side of the platform bath (this can also apply to Jacuzzis and spas) and stand by the tub and determine which end has the drain; this will tell you whether it's a left-hand or right-hand drain, as with an alcove bath. Check where the tub will sit in the bathroom and see if it matches up.