Could you incorporate some sort of slatted timber the slides to one side, as opposed to having to be taken apart?

The difficulty here is that the slats must be sturdy enough to walk or fall on. I wonder if the sliding option would mean the top slider would likely be higher than the floor and so would be a potential tripping problem or perhaps my thinking is flawed in this area.

Perhaps contact some companies that install these baths and see what options there are for covering?

Could anything be attached to wall on left side of photo? I am thinking a custom made timber cover that rests on the bath perimeter but attached with hinges on that wall. So it can be lifted and anchored to wall when bath is used. Not sure if this would compromise the waterproofing though..

ETA: This photo is as close as I can find to what I was trying to describe.

Interesting - I'll certainly look into it.

Please let us know what you choose, this is a dilemma we don't see often!

I'm not entirely sure I understand the problem. Is your mother going to be using the bath/shower? If so, at the very least, you need a handrail for her when she's going down the steps. If not, and she's just going to be using the bathroom, I'd be inclined to go for the pool-fence idea with a gate where the steps are.

For now, an internal garden full of vibrant healthy plants.

What about filling in the 'hole' and installing a modern stand alone bath in the same place? The plumbing is in place so the only cost would be the fill / concrete + the bath. You could even install a square timber style bath if you wanted to keep the Japanese aesthetic.

The sunken bath is great as, as I get older, walking up and down steps is so much more appealing than climbing over the side of a bath. It is also very non slip. Unfortunately, just filling in with plants as suggested by dashavaugh would still not help the falling problem of my mother who won' t actually be using the bath.

I have now investigated the frameless glass pool fencing with a gate as suggested by Marc and this appears to be a great option.

I like dohraime's idea but I'd get the timber treated with a non-slip surface, OR replace the timber with something non slip without the slats for toes to get caught in, but keep the timber for the future when the problem may no longer exist (sorry! but it comes to us all!)

Sorry I meant to comment on Dohraime's idea which is a very good one. In this case though the side is too narrow on our bath to rest the timber cover on.

Can't you swing it from the end so that it lifets up back to the end where the photo was taken from? Is that a possibility?

Hello,

If you are considering the pool fence style, a base rail would produce a nice clean finish.

Similar to this balcony.

You could try looking at using the same frameless glass with spigots. This would allow the water to flow away under the glass.

Yes this is what I have discussed with the manufacturer - will be quoted this week. I think this will do the trick nicely.

It seems high to me, could you ask for a supply materials only price and see whether you can work out the installation cost?

Yes we are now looking at a metal frame and timber slatted top. With the price for the pool fence idea I can only wonder at the cost to fence a complete pool.

Lesley that is a stunning bath! Have you considered a DIY glass fencing option? We have sets at Bunnings you can purchase for installation that come in various styles. You are also able to add in a handrail, too, for added safety.

Our products are made for pools, spas and balustrades so this may be an option to look into that could also save you some money.

Good luck, and hope this helps!

Thanks johouse. I am very up on access issues and she never showers without a shower chair with arms. You make a very good point.

Finally finished. Gerard (Gerard Murphy Furniture, Dunkeld Victoria) was a real craftsman and kept the industrial look although it was our idea to use galvanized steel rather than chrome. I am glad we took the time and thank you all for the comments. You were right with the timber. Now I will be ordering a back rest as the concrete absorbs the warm water well but not at the back and shoulder level. https://www.facebook.com/Gerard-Murphy-Furniture-Dunkeld-1483521541912391/

Timber bath cover over concrete bath · More Info

Timber bath cover over concrete bath · More Info

Timber bath cover over concrete bath · More Info

Timber bath cover over concrete bath · More Info

Looks good - well done!

Hi LeslyH, sorry I was a bit flippant with my comment, didn't know about mother, it appears you have found a suitable solution. I still love sunken baths and yours is a great example.

sounds like a good use of space, you could install a pull out hotel clothes line, you know the one with the round fitting on one wall with a single pull out line which clips into a fitting on the other side. Attaching some photos the first is a bathroom that I would love to use to replace our existing ensuite (without replacing the window) which is as you enter the WC is behind the door to the left, right side is a nearly sunken bath with shower plus a large sliding window beside the bath, we think the architect hadn't allowed enough showering space so by adding the window gave extra width. Then we have a full width vanity and mirror on the third wall.