Walk-in tubs generally start at about $2,000 for a basic model and increase to $15,000 or more for ones with therapeutic features, not counting installation.
Jump to insightDetermine first the features you need versus the features you want.
Jump to insightAn in-home consultation is the best step to getting an accurate cost estimate.
Jump to insightInstallation costs are widely variable and may range from about $2,500 to $8,000, according to one contractor.
Jump to insightWhat to expect when purchasing a walk-in tub
Before you head to the nearest showroom to buy a walk-in bathtub, it’s helpful to research online to gather information about styles, available tub features and costs. Both retail stores and manufacturers sell and install walk-in tubs, so consider the pros and cons of each before speaking with a salesperson and setting up the in-home consultation.
Retailer vs. manufacturer
When you buy directly from a manufacturer, you cut out the middleman and get advice from experts who know their products inside and out. Retailers may not have the same deep product knowledge, but they also aren’t tied to one particular brand. This means they offer a wider range of options in one place, making it easier to compare different models or find something that matches your existing bathroom decor.
“Many manufacturers have limited availability — they might only manufacture one or two colors per year, for example — which can make it hard for potential clients who want something specific to find what they need from one company,” according to Linda Haase, an NCIDQ-certified senior interior designer from Utah.
“Retailers can often provide more options for color and style because they stock multiple styles from multiple manufacturers at any given time,” Haase added.
Phone consultation
Your first interaction with a walk-in tub company after viewing information online will likely be over the phone. A phone consultation is a great way to get answers to initial questions you may have about walk-in tub models. It’s no substitute, however, for seeing the tub in person. The phone call is just a preliminary step to help you determine what you want to see during the in-home consultation.
In-home consultation
Once you narrow your choices, an in-home tub consultation is the next step. Inviting a consultant into your home may seem intrusive, but these consultations are necessary and almost always free. It’s the only way to know if a tub you like will fit in your space, what modifications your existing bathroom may need and how much it will cost.
During the visit, an installation expert will measure the dimensions of your current bathroom and inspect existing plumbing and electrical hookups. With this information, they can suggest models that would work for your space and provide you with a detailed price quote, including the tub, installation and any demolition, new construction or modifications to your plumbing or wiring that you may need.
What happens next?
If you choose to move forward, the company will communicate details from your consultation to the installation team so they’re fully prepared for installation day.
In a review on ConsumerAffairs, Shirley in Florida said she was pleased to find her Safe Step installation team anticipated every issue. “They took out the shower which we had in there,” Shirley wrote. “They even had to take parts of the door frame off, but you wouldn't know it. Everything is perfect. The tub fits right exactly where the shower was. They never touched my vanity place at all and didn't have to move anything.”
Typical timeline
From start to finish (including ordering), expect the entire process to take two to four weeks under normal circumstances. Most projects wrap up in two to three days once the tub arrives.
| Phase | Estimated duration |
|---|---|
| Ordering and delivery | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Removal of old tub | 1 day |
| Walk-in tub installation | 1 to 2 days |
| Cleanup and walk-through | Half day |
Understand your wants vs. needs
Walk-in tubs combine functionality with luxury, so the hardest part of shopping is finding the balance between needs and desires — and your budget.
“The most surprising thing about shopping for a walk-in tub is how many people don't know what they want, and how much they'll need to spend,” Haase, the interior designer from Utah, who has been in the business for more than 11 years, said.
Features of walk-in tubs can generally be separated into two categories: safety and therapy.
Critical safety features
Your first priorities should be safety features like a low step-in threshold, a built-in seat, grab bars, a nonslip floor and a wide door. Therapeutic tub features like jets, heated seats and chromotherapy (light therapy) are nice, but they add to your unit costs.
Therapy and luxury features
You’ll need to weigh the therapeutic benefits of a walk-in tub against the higher price. However, if you can afford it, a one-time investment now in getting what you really want could lead to years of enjoyment.
The same reviewer from Florida, Shirley, also noted how happy she was to have ordered the water jets feature on the Safe Step tub: “It's got so many jets. My husband loves the walk-in tub. He's in it all the time. … It is a miracle how the jets hit the right spot, especially around the knees. So, he's enjoying it.”
Know your budget
Walk-in tub costs start at about $2,000 but can reach upward of $10,000 — even up to $20,000 for some luxury models. Installation costs are generally between $2,500 and $8,000, depending on the complexity of the job, according to Brandon Walker, superintendent at ASAP Restoration.
Walk-in tubs range in cost from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the type, brand and features.
Installation costs are also highly dependent on the model you choose and what modifications your bathroom needs. If you know you’ll be paying out of pocket, have your budget in mind before talking with a salesperson.
One of the best tips from Haase, the interior designer, is to get your tub on sale. “Try to avoid paying full price for anything.” Haase suggests. “If possible, wait until there's a sale or coupon available before making a purchase.”
Financing options
Let’s face it: Walk-in tubs come with a hefty price tag, even for a basic model. The good news is that many tub manufacturers and retailers offer financing plans. If you go this route, make sure you read the fine print and have adequately budgeted for your future payments.
- Manufacturer or dealer financing: Most walk-in tub companies (like Kohler, American Standard, Safe Step, etc.) offer financing plans, often through third-party lenders. Terms are typically between 12 and 60 months. Many dealers offer 0% interest for a set promotional period (like 12–18 months).
- Personal loans and credit cards: You can find unsecured personal loans through banks, credit unions or online lenders. Putting a walk-in tub on a credit card can be strategic if you take advantage of a 0% APR introductory period.
- Home equity loans or HELOCs: Because it’s secured by your home, you usually get lower interest rates than personal loans. However, your home is the collateral.
Be aware, you could end up with a lien if you finance your walk-in tub using a home equity loan (tying the debt to your house) or if a contractor or their suppliers aren’t paid and file a mechanic’s lien. Always review financing terms and confirm that your contractor pays all parties to protect your property.
Does Medicare pay anything toward a walk-in tub?
With very few exceptions, Medicare does not cover the cost of a walk-in tub. Some states allow grants or partial funding for home modifications through Medicaid. There are also other agencies and organizations that can provide financial assistance.
Dealing with common sales tactics
Salespeople are often unfairly depicted as pushy, aggressive or “just trying to make a sale.” The truth is, many sales reps legitimately care about matching the right product with the right customer. If you’ve done your homework and are prepared going in, you won’t be thrown off by an overly assertive salesperson.
Ask about their commissions
It’s no secret that most salespeople work on commission, so we recommend asking about this upfront. Your sales rep should be able to explain their commission structure, so you have a clear idea of what they’re getting out of the transaction. Knowing this won’t stop you from purchasing a tub from them, but it will establish a frank working relationship.
Look out for emotional appeals
As consumers, we have emotional connections to the products we buy, whether it’s a can of soda or a new shirt. People shopping for walk-in tubs are often concerned about their health and safety, so the stakes are much higher. The trick isn’t to suppress these feelings but rather to recognize when they might be used to influence your decision.
A calculating salesperson may try to tap into this concern and oversell you on certain safety features. If you start feeling like your sales rep doesn’t have your best interest in mind, think of it as a red flag and consider doing your shopping elsewhere.
Resist timeline pressure
A walk-in tub is a big purchase, and you should never feel rushed to make that kind of decision. Be wary of a salesperson who creates a sense of urgency to close the deal fast. True, there may be a limited-time sales event, but as a rule, you should take as much time as you need to consider your options.
That might mean going home empty-handed, conducting further research or shopping around to compare prices. If you feel pressure to buy and are not yet ready, be firm yet polite and simply tell your sales rep you need more time and you won’t be making a decision today.
Recognize persistence vs. pushiness
A salesperson wants to give you as much information about a product as they can so you can decide if it’s worth the purchase, but sometimes this behavior can shift from persistence to pushiness.
Practice saying, “I don’t want,” and then reiterate what you don’t want to the sales rep often. For example, “I don’t want to spend more than $8,000 (or whatever your budget is) for this, including the tub and the installation.” Or, “I don’t want to look at any models that would require a new water heater.”
» MORE: Alternatives to walk-in tubs
Key questions to ask a walk-in tub salesperson
Speaking with a salesperson is an important part of purchasing a walk-in tub. This interaction can be stressful at times, but if you stay focused, ask good questions and assert your needs and budget limits, you’ll find that your conversations with sales reps can be a net positive. Remember, you’re the one who’ll be using this tub, so be sure you’re getting what you need at a price you can afford.
- How big is the tub? Sizes vary by tub model, so it's important to know both the measurements before you buy. Walk-in tubs can be installed in small areas as long as all the measurements work out. You can install a walk-in tub in a mobile home, for instance, as long as it fits through the front door.
- What size water heater will I need? Your water heater should be at least two-thirds the size of your tub. For example, if your walk-in bath holds 75 gallons, you want at least a 50-gallon water heater.
- Does the tub come with a warranty? All walk-in tubs come with a warranty, but the details, including the coverage and length of coverage, vary depending on the manufacturer. Make sure to read over the fine print and understand what’s covered.
- How long does the tub take to fill and drain? It takes between six to 15 minutes to fill a standard walk-in tub. Models with fast-fill plumbing can fill in less than eight minutes, but tubs without additional plumbing or drains can take 15 minutes or more to fill or drain.
FAQ
Are walk-in tubs leakproof?
The unique design of the entry door — whether inward- or outward-swinging — creates a watertight seal when closed properly. However, this does require you to be in the tub with the door completely closed while it’s filling and draining. If this is a concern, consider buying a tub that has rapid fill and drainage systems or heated seats to keep you warm during this process.
Are walk-in tubs high maintenance?
Once your tub has been installed and inspected, it shouldn’t require much additional maintenance. That said, because they're larger than a standard tub, cleaning a walk-in tub takes slightly more effort. Some high-end models come with an “ozone sterilizer,” which sterilizes the hoses and jets each time they’re used. While this won’t eliminate the need to clean altogether, it will help prevent mold and mildew. Also, walk-in tubs need repairs over time, so inspect the parts occasionally and be proactive about needed repairs.
How does a walk-in tub work?
A walk-in tub has a watertight door that lets you step in easily and then seals shut. Once inside, you fill it like a regular tub and sit safely on a built-in seat. When you’re done, you drain the water before opening the door to step out.
Do you have to sit in the tub while it fills?
Yes, with most walk-in tubs, you do have to sit inside while it fills and drains. This is because the door seals from the inside and can’t be opened when there’s water in the tub.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- AARP, “Avoiding Contractor Fraud and Home Improvement Scams.” Accessed July 2, 2025.
- National Council on Aging, “Home Modification Tools and Tips to Help Prevent Falls.” Accessed July 2, 2025.
