Malibu Home Bathtub Buying FAQ (2026 Edition)

Real answers to the questions you're actually asking about your bathroom remodel.

Buying a bathtub online can feel overwhelming. You aren't just buying a product; you're coordinating plumbing, shipping, and design all at once. To help you research your purchase for 2026, we’ve compiled the top 10 questions we receive from homeowners—and the honest answers you need to make the right choice.

1. Will a big soaking tub drain my hot water heater?

Standard residential water heaters (typically 40-50 gallons) can struggle with extra-large soaking tubs, leaving you with a lukewarm bath if the tub capacity exceeds your heater's output. The Malibu Difference: We design most of our standard 60” Length soaking models (like the Malibu Coronado, Venice, Sanibel, or Redondo) with optimized footprints. This gives you the immersive depth you want without requiring 80+ gallons of water, so your current water heater stays happy and your bath stays hot. However, because we realize our customers value deep soaking depth - as our extensive selection of tub sizes increases up to 66” and 72” lengths our soaking models typically can hold 60-90 gallons – thus newer water heaters and tankless heaters should always be a serious consideration.

2. Do I need to reinforce my floor for a freestanding tub?

Many homeowners worry about weight, especially in older homes – or on the second floor. Traditional cast iron tubs can weigh 350+ lbs empty, and IF you’re installing a new cast iron tub (which is unlikely due to weight), it very well could require expensive structural reinforcement of your floor joists. Water weight – water weighs about 8.3 lbs/gallon. The Malibu Difference: Malibu Home tubs are crafted from high-grade, reinforced acrylic. Our tubs are significantly lighter (often under 100 lbs empty) while maintaining structural rigidity. This makes them safe for second-floor installation in most standard homes without the need for costly contractor work.

3. How do I clean behind a freestanding tub?

A common regret in bathroom design is placing a freestanding tub too close to the wall, creating a "dead zone" that is impossible to clean. We generally recommend leaving at least 4 inches of clearance for mops and brooms. The Malibu Difference: For tighter spaces, check out our Back-to-Wall freestanding model – the Malibu Boulders. This gives you the elegant look of a freestanding tub but sits flush against the wall, eliminating that dust-trap gap entirely.

4. What happens if my bathtub arrives damaged?

Freight damage is an unfortunate reality of shipping large items. Many online retailers do not spend the extra money reinforcing their cartons, and force you to file the claim with the trucking company, which can take weeks. The Malibu Difference: Not only do we provide free shipping in the continental U.S.A. - we insure our own shipments to protect you, and we have spent years designing the optimal cartons resulting is less than 1% freight damage rate. If you inspect your carton/crate upon arrival and note damage on the delivery receipt and take clear photographs (within a 48 hour window), we handle the claim process and work to fast-track your no-cost replacement so your contractor isn't left waiting.

5. Does "Curbside Delivery" mean I have to carry it inside?

Yes, standard freight rules mean the truck driver will drop the pallet at the curb or the end of your driveway; they will not bring it into your bathroom. The Malibu Difference: Because Malibu Home acrylic tubs are lightweight, two adults can usually move the carton or bathtub easily. We also provide the exact dimensions on our product pages so you can measure your doorways and hallways before the truck arrives to ensure a smooth path. Our national freight companies always call our customers to schedule a delivery date so you have time to schedule and plan for help in advance.

6. Is acrylic or cast iron better for keeping water hot?

There is a myth that iron holds heat better. In reality, iron is a conductor—it initially pulls heat away from your water to warm up the cold metal, cooling your bath down faster. The Malibu Difference: Malibu Home uses sanitary-grade acrylic, which acts as an insulator. The surface stays near room temperature, meaning your hot water stays hot for your soak rather than being wasted heating up the tub itself. Malibu Home also offers upgrades such as high density insulation and recirculating heaters to deal with true cold environment installations.

7. Can I install a deck-mounted faucet on a Freestanding or a Drop In tub?

Many freestanding tubs feature thin rims that force you to buy expensive floor-mounted tub fillers, which require complex plumbing through the floor. The Malibu Difference: We specifically design select freestanding models like the (Malibu Boulders) with wide, reinforced rims. Also, our Drop In tubs like the Malibu Pismo, Fairfield and many others allow you to mount standard faucets directly to the tub, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on plumbing hardware and installation labor.

8. Does it matter if I choose a Center Drain or End Drain?

For new construction, you have flexibility. But for a bathroom remodel, matching your existing drain location is critical to keeping costs down. Moving a drain line in a slab foundation can be incredibly expensive. The Malibu Difference: We list the drain placement clearly on our specification sheets with diagrams and measurements. We offer both Center, Center-Front, and End-Drain options for most of our skirted and drop-in models, allowing you to find a modern upgrade that drops right into your existing plumbing footprint without major demolition.

9. How do I know if the bathtub is big enough for me to stretch out?

Never judge legroom by the exterior length alone. Wide deck rims and slanted ends can eat up internal space, making a 60-inch tub feel much smaller on the inside. The Malibu Difference: We provide specific "Bathing Well" dimensions on our spec sheets. Look for the "Floor Length" measurement—this tells you exactly how much room you have for your legs. All our ergonomic "sloped back" designs (some with lumbar support) are engineered to maximize reclining comfort without requiring a massive footprint.

10. Will a white acrylic bathtub turn yellow over time?

Buyers are often haunted by memories of cheap fiberglass tubs from the 90s that yellowed due to UV exposure and porous materials absorbing dyes. The Malibu Difference: Malibu Home tubs are made from 100% non-porous, sanitary-grade acrylic. This material is UV-stable and highly resistant to staining. With simple regular cleaning a with neutral style cleaner (avoiding abrasive chemicals or strong toilet cleaners), our white finish stays crisp and bright for years.