Walk In Bathtubs

Walk-in bathtubs are designed for individuals with limited mobility and on a broader scale for those who want a spa-like experience but have limited space. Recently manufacturers and retailers have identified senior citizens as a good candidate and have focused much of their marketing on them.

Walk-in bathtubs are generally taller than the average bath tub (containing about 2½ feet of water on average), have a slip-resistant floor, a built-in seat, grab bars, a hand-held shower head and a watertight door than can open on either the front or side, depending upon the chosen model.  Many models offer the option of having the door open inward or outward, but the predominant offering is inward. The individual can then step into the tub rather than stepping over the side. The step-up ranges in height from 2½ inches to 7 inches. They are available in a wide range of sizes, styles and materials (a good one has a steel frame covered by marine-grade acrylic or fiberglass).

The standard soaking tub does not include aero or jet therapy.

These bathtubs can range in price from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the features chosen and the installation costs.

• Safety features of walk in bahtubs

  It’s important to note the different types of safety features available on the walk-in bathtubs. Almost all companies offer the following safety features.

  • Wall height: Models vary from approximately 37 to 47 inches. This is helpful to the person with limited mobility or to one who has become unsteady as it decreases the possibility of them falling out of the bath tub or worse yet, through the glass of a shower door. Sometimes the lever on the door is difficult for seniors and those with mobility issues to operate.
  • Built-in shower seat: Most are chair height and include a textured surface in order to prevent slipping off the seat, which allows for safer bathing. Rising from a chair-height seat is much easier than from a standard tub floor.
  • Textured floor: All models listed here include a textured floor surface in order to prevent slipping. Do not buy a walk-in tub without this feature.
  • Grab bars: There should be at least two grab bars. Consider whether the bather is left-handed or right-handed when determining where these grab bars should be located. In some cases, the grab bars are an optional item and should be chosen if the tub is to be used for a senior or a person with limited mobility. In some cases, just one grab bar is included.
  • In-line heater: The in-line heater helps to keep the water at a constant warm temperature as the hydrotherapy jets are being used. They are not available on the soaker tub or air jet models.

• Basic walk in bathtub features

  The basic tub features can vary widely so be sure to know what is included in your purchase.

  • Step-up: The step height into the tub is generally 4 to 7 inches but one company offers an upgrade option of a 2-inch step-up.
  • Watertight door: Most tubs are offered with an inward opening door but an outward opening door is sometimes an option that is great for those who need to transfer from a wheelchair or shower chair. Keep in mind whether the individual using the tub is right- or left-handed. Also some seniors and others with limited mobility may have trouble operating the door handle. There is usually a lifetime warranty on the seal of both types of doors but it may only be offered to the original owner. Bear in mind that the outward-opening door may have more pressure placed upon it by the water it contains and be considerate of the space that an outward-opening door needs.
  • Size: Models vary in height from approximately 37 to 47 inches; Width and length (which is the length of the unit, not the tub itself) vary widely from providers, but generally width is 26 to 32 inches with a length that generally caps off at 60 inches but can be as small as 48. There are optional trim kits available to ensure that the tub fits in the space correctly.
  • Hand-held shower head: This shower head is usually located at the front of the tub along with the faucets but some companies offer the option of adding a raised shower head with an adjustable rod.

• Cleaning functions on walk in bathtubs

  Unlike hot tubs and outdoor Jacuzzis, the walk-in bathtub is not maintained with chlorine or other chemicals so it’s important to have a system to keep bacteria and mold from forming in the hydrotherapy jets.

  • Rapid drain or double drain option: This allows the tub to empty in as little as 80 seconds depending upon the weight of the individual, the amount of water and the plumbing that is connected to the bathtub drainage system (when connected with a T or Y fitting to an existing 1.5” wastewater pipe.) Sometimes it is necessary to change the plumbing because of where the drains are located. Also, those companies who offer the quick draining option generally need a T or Y fitting to connect to an existing 1.5” wastewater pipe. Because the tub is large and holds lots of water, check to be sure that the water heater is large enough to accommodate it. If the water heater needs to be upgraded, count this as an additional expense. Keep in mind that the individual who is bathing must remain in the tub while the bath tub fills and until the water drains completely. With most walk-in bathtubs, draining can take between 2 and 3 minutes which can be a chilling experience.
  • Ozone cleaning system: The ozone cleaning system was developed in order to prevent molds from growing in the aerotherapy and hydrotherapy jets.
  • Surface area: There is a larger amount of surface area to clean than with an average bathtub.

• Jet therapy

  Warm water jet therapy is great for those who have arthritis, leg cramps, or chronic pain and also allows for a therapeutic spa experience in a limited amount of available space. Combinations of the following therapies are also available.

  • Aerobath therapy: This type of bath therapy consists of air jets.
  • Hydrotherapy: This type of bath therapy consists of water jets.
  • Chromatherapy: Chromatherapy is lighting that is used to evoke peaceful moods.
  • Aromatherapy: Essential oils can be added to a special diffuser in order to create a spa-like experience.

• Ordering process

  You won’t get much information by phone. Most providers offer a complimentary home visit to help you assess your needs. Unlike the hot tub and spa industry, there are very few brick-and-mortar shops that allow you to bring your aging parent or loved one with a disability for a test run. Salesmen may be quite persistent to make a sale and do not always provide the most correct answers. Don’t believe anything the salesman tells you unless it is in writing.

  • Shipping: Some shipping charges are built in to the price; some are not.
  • Installation: Installation can be a big expense. Although many of the tub manufacturers provide installation as an option, some state that installation can easily be performed by any plumber and that’s not necessarily true.
  • Return policy: Once shipped, there is generally a restocking fee and some companies do not allow returns at all so if you are measuring the space where the tub will go, be very careful.

• Warranties

  It’s important to know what warranties are offered and on which features.

  • Water-tight seal: Most offer a lifetime warranty but be sure to ask if the lifetime warranty only applies to the original owner or is extended to other owners, as well.
  • Tub and faucets: Most offer a Limited Lifetime warranty on these. Be sure to check if this only applies to the original owner or is extended to other owners, as well.
  • Water pumps, heaters and blowers: Most offer a 3-year limited warranty.
  • Hydrotherapy: The warranty on the hydrotherapy jets is usually for 1 year parts.

• Customization and accessories

  There are many wonderful additional features available but they can also be very expensive. Know what is included in the model you choose before it is delivered.

  • Raised hand-held shower system: Most tubs have the hand-held shower head located in a slot along with the faucets but an ADA compliant slidebar with handshower holder is available. Because the hand-held shower and faucets need to be accessed while the person is seated, the space is limited and can feel claustrophobic to many people. If an adjustable shower head is chosen, shower curtains tend not to contain the water well and puddles can occur outside the tub, thus creating a fall hazard.
  • Lower-entry step up: Most tubs feature a 4-to-7-inch step-up but some companies offer a 2-inch step-up.
  • Tub extender: Many tubs do not correctly fit into the space allotted for them in the standard bathroom; therefore extensions are available so that there will be no gaps between the tub and the wall. These extensions can be used as shelves but are difficult to access because the built-in seat is usually in front of them. Also, the extenders may necessitate that the shower curtain be placed inside the tub at the back of the shower seat, thus causing a claustrophobic feeling. If the shower curtain is left on the outside and the hand-held shower wand is used, water can escape over the shelf and onto the floor.
  • Neck rest: Most neck rests are optional.
  • Wall surround: An acrylic wall surround can be added.
  • Tile flange for acrylic models: This allows for an aesthetic seal between the tub and the floor.

What kind of walk in bathtubs are there?

• Soaker tub

  The soaker tub is a basic model and does not have any air or water jets. It includes a leak-proof door and a low-entry step-up. Grab bars are sometimes included but may be an optional feature. A seat is molded into the tub. Most soaker tubs also include a hand-held shower head that fits into its place at the front of the tub. All soaker tubs listed in this comparison have anti-slip floor and seat finishes.

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  Aerotherapy tub

  This includes everything that the soaker tub includes plus allows for water circulation therapy via air jets. For a person who goes more than one week between soaks, air jets are recommended because once you are done bathing, you can turn the jets back on for a moment or two in order to dry out the pipes and prevent bacteria. You cannot do that with the hydrotherapy jets (but the ozone cleaning system can help with that).

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  Hydrotherapy tub

  This includes everything that the soaker tub includes plus it allows for water circulation therapy with water jets. If the hydrotherapy option is chosen, it usually includes some air jets, as well.

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  Bariatric tub

  This is a tub specifically made with the larger individual in mind and includes everything that the soaker tub includes. It may be available in the soaker tub, aerotherapy and hydrotherapy models.

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  Wheelchair-accessible tub

  The wheelchair-accessible tub has an outward facing door and allows for the transfer of an individual from the wheelchair into the bath tub. The tub seat is generally lower in height than the other tubs.

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  Combination walk-in bathtub

  This tub has both air and water jets (aerotherapy and hydrotherapy), includes everything that the soaker tub includes plus may also may include chromatherapy (color lighting) and aromatherapy (essential oil infusions).

   

  Whose the tub for?

  • Individuals with limited mobility

    These are people who may have been born with or developed a mobility problem and have difficulty using a standard bathtub.

  • Senior Citizens

    As we age, our mobility may decrease, our eyesight may lessen and we may develop instabilities that make using a standard bathtub more difficult.

  • Individuals considering aging-in-place features

    These are individuals who wish to remain in their own homes as they age and are preparing for their golden years.

  • Individuals who are obese and have difficulty bathing in standard tubs

    Many people who are above average height or weight may find using a standard bathtub difficult

  • Individuals with arthritis, restless leg syndrome, cramping or other chronic pain

    Individuals with these conditions would find the aerotherapy and hydrotherapy features that the walk-in bathtubs offer helpful.

  • Caregivers

    Persons who are caregivers to aging parents or loved ones with disabilities may find walk-in bathtubs to be helpful.

  • Persons with dementia

    These bathtubs are not for people with dementia unless a caregiver is at the side of the tub at all times. Persons with dementia might turn on the aerotherapy or hydrotherapy jets when no water is present they might open the door when the tub is filled with water. The controls are also very confusing to them.