What is a walk-in bathtub and how does one work? Who and what are they for? What is the average cost of having one installed? How big are they and what are they made of? What are the pros and cons of having one?
A walk-in bathtub is one where you walk into it. There are three types of walk-in bathtubs: full-length or sit-up; front or side opening door and inward and outward door.
Seniors, people recovering from surgeries, people who have mobility impairments, those with balance issues, or overweight persons can enjoy a walk-in bathtub.
Let’s look at different types of walk-in bathtubs and what their therapeutic and safety features are. At the end of this post, you will find a list of some of the top brands available.
Aerotherapy/Hydrotherapy
Like our basic walk-in bathtub, the aerotherapy tub is one where air bubbles in the water gently massage key areas of the body. This helps relieve muscle aches, spasms, tightness, or pain therapeutically.
The hydrotherapy tub features water jets in strategic spots. These jets deliver a therapeutic massage to relieve sore muscle pain just as the aerotherapy tub does.
Wheelchair Accessibility
These tubs were created with wheelchairs in mind. They have wider doors, lower thresholds, and a wheelchair-height seat right next to the door to reduce fall risks during transfer.
Bariatric Tub
This tub has a total capacity of up to 600 pounds and is designed for persons up to 300 pounds. A wider door is provided as well as a larger seat designed to safely contain the additional weight.
Therapeutic Features of a Walk-in Bathtub
Water Jets
Powerful water jets offer a deep massage to help reduce joint pain and help relax muscles.
Air Jets
Like water jets these provide a massage, but softer than the water jets function the same way.
Aromatherapy
Utilizing the air system, essential oils released throughout the tub provide relaxing fragrances through aromatherapy to relax the body.
Chromatherapy
In this therapy, colors are used to help increase mood and create a peaceful environment using soft colored lights that are strategically placed in the tub.
Safety Features
- All are ADA-compliant.
- They are leak-roof; the doors are seals to prevent water leakage once filled.
- Auto drain systems that are quick to prevent drowning.
- Controls are ergonomic for persons with arthritic hands.
- Non-slip; stable, and easy to grip handrails.
- Neck and headrest pillows on some models.
- Cost of Installation
Walk-in bathtubs are very expensive to purchase because they are so large. Pricing for the tub itself can range from $1,000 to $5,000 with separate installation costs that can easily get as high as $10,000.
More Pros of a Walk-in Tub
- They can fill up in as few as six to eight minutes.
- Improved way to manage pain.
- A warm bath offers health benefits for aches, pains, headaches, ulcers, burns, etc.
- Walk-in tubs are also showers.
- Increase in home value.
Though ADA compliant these tubs are not risk-free. Here are some of the cons to consider.
- They can be chilling because you have to get in before turning the water on and then sit there until it fills up.
- Tubs with a door that swings out present flooding risks
- Anti-scald valve failure.
- The use of more water than normal might require an upgrade to your water supply system.
Popular Walk-in Tub Brands
Kohler offers easy-to-grip handrails, fast drain technology, no payments until 2025, and 50% off installation.
American Standard offers advanced hydrotherapy jets and more than 200 varieties of bathtubs. You’ll get a free estimate on your installation package and $1,800 in savings plus 50% off your installation.
Ella’s Bubbles has more than twenty-eight custom designs. They offer a lifetime warranty, a fast-fill faucet, and dual drain technology. This company also offers tubs for couples.
Walk-in Tub Prices offers a free quote from local providers.
Walk-in Tub for Seniors offers a free quote and is installed by local professionals. In addition, they are a BBB-accredited business.
Walk-in BathtubShop offers an obligation-free quote and multiple pricing options. They will also help you find deals and promotions.
There is a plethora of options in the way of walk-in tubs you can choose from and many things to consider. If possible, discuss your options with your loved one to come to the right decision on which tub to install together.
Good luck!
