Find the Best Walk-In Tubs

Walk-in tubs have valuable safety features for seniors, people with disabilities and those with limited mobility. These tubs are designed with an air-tight entrance door and low step-in threshold, which makes it easier for people at risk for falls to step directly into the tub rather than lift their legs over the side to enter. Walk-in tubs feature chair-level seats so you don’t have to worry about getting up and down from the base of the tub. To bathe, you simply walk in and sit down.

People with limited mobility benefit from the easy access of a walk-in bathtub. Elderly individuals may want to look into switching to a walk-in tub for the added safety and therapeutic features available in different models.

• Soaker tub: A walk-in soaker tub is a basic model and does not have any air or water jets. It includes a leak-proof door, a seat and a low-entry step-up. Most tubs also include grab bars and anti-slip floors and seats.
• Aerotherapy tub: Aerotherapy tubs are soaker tubs outfitted with air jets for water circulation. These tubs are designed to provide a therapeutic massage experience.
• Hydrotherapy tub: Hydrotherapy tubs are soaker tubs that include water jets for water circulation, which often provides a more intense massage than aerotherapy tubs. Hydrotherapy tubs also usually include air jets.
• Combination walk-in bathtub: Combination aerotherapy/hydrotherapy tubs have both air and water jets. These tubs include the features of standard soaker tubs, and they can be customized with LED lights for chromotherapy and essential oil infusions for aromatherapy.
• Wheelchair-accessible tub: Wheelchair-accessible tubs have outward-facing doors that allow people to transfer from the wheelchair into the bathtub more easily. The tub seat is generally lower in height than standard tub seats.
• Bariatric tub: Bariatric tubs are specifically made with obese individuals in mind. They are walk-in tubs that are larger than standard models to ensure they’re comfortable.
• Chromotherapy: Chromotherapy is the term given to color therapy used in conjunction with water. In chromotherapy walk-in tubs, different colored lights shine in the water. This feature is supposed to help improve your energy and mood.
• Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy walk-in tubs allow users to try out essential oils to create an aromatic experience. Lavender, jasmine and green tea are common scents people enjoy using, but you can use any essential oil you like.
• Reclined: In most walk-in tubs, bathers sit upright. If you prefer to recline, you can buy a walk-in tub that lets you lean back farther.
• Laydown: Laydown walk-in tubs are as close to traditional bathtubs as you can get with a walk-in tub. You lie down while you bathe but can still take advantage of safety features like non-slip surfaces and safety bars.
• Fast-draining: Traditional walk-in tubs typically take six to 15 minutes to drain. Fast-draining tubs can take less than four minutes, and some drain as quickly as 90 seconds.
• Inward swinging door: Many walk-in tubs have inward-swinging doors that require less bathroom space and are easier to close.
• Outward swinging door: Some people prefer walk-in tubs with outward swinging doors. If you’re in a wheelchair, it’s easier to transfer to the seat if the door isn’t in the way.
• Walk-in shower: You might prefer a step-in tub and shower combo. Step-in bathtubs with showers let you take a shower while experiencing the traditional benefits of a walk-in tub.
• Rising wall bathtub: Kohler offers a walk-in tub that has a rising wall instead of a swinging door. The rising wall seals the tub shut and keeps water from leaking out.

Standard features

Walk-in bathtubs are similar to traditional tubs in some ways. They take up the same space as a regular bathtub and can usually be installed in one day. However, walk-in tubs have many additional features that set them apart.

• Low step-up: The step-up is the height of the threshold that leads to the tub. Walk-in tubs have a much lower step-up than traditional bathtubs, which makes them ideal for people who have limited mobility. The most common step-up height is 4 to 7 inches, though some models have step-ups as low as 2.5 inches for even safer access.
• Hand-held showerhead: Most walk-in bathtubs feature hand-held showerheads to make bathing easier for those who have trouble standing. This showerhead is usually located at the front of the tub with the faucets, but some companies offer raised showerheads with adjustable rods.
• Extra depth: Water in walk-in bathtubs is about 2.5 feet deep — standard bathtubs are typically just more than a foot deep. This added depth provides owners with a relaxing, spa-like soak.
• Walk-in tub sizes: Generally speaking, walk-in tubs take up the same space as a regular bathtub. Most walk-in tubs are between 37 to 47 inches tall. The width and length vary among models and providers, but walk-in tubs are usually 28 to 32 inches wide and no more than 60 inches long. Companies offer optional trim kits available to ensure that the tub correctly fits in the available bathroom space, and some manufacturers sell compact walk-in tubs specifically designed for smaller spaces. Most walk-in tubs are designed to fit in the space required for a standard tub.
• Sealed doors: Every walk-in tub has sealed doors. These leak-proof doors prevent water from spilling out of the tub. Once the tub has fully drained, you can open the door and exit the tub.

Safety features

Walk-in tubs have a wide variety of safety features. The most common reason people purchase walk-in bathtubs is to prevent falls that are common while entering or exiting standard tubs. High walls, non-slip floors, seats and grab bars make using these tubs safer for people with mobility problems.

• Built-in shower seat: Walk-in tubs contain shower seats that are around 17 inches high. These seats are covered with a textured surface to prevent slipping off the seat, which allows for safer bathing. Rising from a seat is much easier than from a standard tub floor.
• Textured floor: Nearly all models include a textured floor surface to prevent slipping. Textured surfaces are a must if you’re buying a walk-in tub for someone with mobility problems.
• Grab bars: Most tubs are equipped with at least two grab bars or handrails. You should consider the placement of these bars and install them where they’re most convenient to use. Grab bars are optional for some walk-in tubs, but they should be purchased if the user has a disability and would benefit from the additional support and safety grab bars provide.
• Anti-scald valve: The anti-scald valve compensates for pressure changes in cold and hot water lines to keep your water temperature from sudden changes. Because quick spikes or falls in temperature can cause the user to jump and injure themselves, anti-scald valves are standard safety features in walk-in bathtubs.
• In-line heater: The in-line heater helps keep the water at a consistent temperature when the jets are in use. An in-line heater keeps the water warm, which prevents discomfort and lets you use the tub for long, therapeutic soaks.
• Contoured seating: Besides being comfortable, a contoured surface prevents you from slipping or sliding off the walk-in tub’s seat.

Custom features

There are a variety of features available for walk-in tubs, and it’s crucial to know what is included in the model you choose before purchasing it. This ensures the tub fits your needs and that you don’t overpay for features you don’t want.

• Hand-held shower location options: Most tubs have a hand-held showerhead located in a slot along with the faucets, but some companies offer an ADA-compliant sidebar with a hand shower holder. This sidebar grants easier access to the showerhead while seated.
• Lower-entry step up: Most tubs feature a 4- to 7-inch step-up, but some companies offer a 2-inch step-up for users who can’t clear a taller threshold.
• Tub extender: Companies make extensions for walk-in tubs that don’t fit correctly into the available space in a standard bathroom. These extensions eliminate gaps between the tub and the wall and can be used as shelves to store soap, shampoo or other bath materials. Extenders may require you to move the shower curtain to ensure it covers the entire tub and prevents water from pooling on the floor, which causes a slipping hazard.
• Neck rest: Some seats can be outfitted with a neck rest in case you need more support than the standard seat provides.
• Wall surround: An acrylic wall surround can be added to your tub if you want to create a taller shower. These surrounds often have shelf space, and they protect the walls from water damage.
• Tile flange for acrylic models: A tile flange is a raised area around the edge of the tub deck between the wall and tile that creates a seal to prevent leaking. Tile flanges also give your tub a more modern, organic look that helps it match your bathroom design.
• Self-cleaning system: Hardly anyone enjoys cleaning the bathroom, and self-cleaning walk-in tubs make this task a little easier. Just add some bleach and dishwashing soap to your walk-in tub and let the automatic cleaning system take care of the rest.
• Heated seats: A heated seat is a must, especially if you have a walk-in tub that takes a while to fill. These seats let you stay warm while you wait.
• Rapid-fill faucet: If you want your tub to fill faster, look for a rapid-fill faucet. These faucets cut fill times down from six to 15 minutes to two to five minutes.
• Built-in towel bar: For added convenience, consider a walk-in tub with a built-in towel bar so your towel is always within easy reach.
• Massage features: For a more luxurious bathing experience, purchase a walk-in tub with massage features, such as water jets and air jets.

1. Determine your budget: Walk-in bathtub costs range from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on the features and the installation costs. Walk-in bathtubs are an investment, so take the necessary steps to ensure you purchase the tub you need. Most companies are eager to help you find the right fit and work with you from basic research to installation.
2. Schedule an in-home consultation: Most providers offer a complimentary home visit to help assess your needs. Technicians performing an inspection measure the available space to get the correct tub dimensions and help you choose the features you need.
3. Customize your order: Once you have the measurements, order a tub that fits in the available space and has the comfort features that matter most to you. Many people opt for neck rests, heated seats and massage features.
4. Choose your walk-in tub warranty package: Walk-in bathtubs are usually protected by a warranty on the entire package or on individual components. It’s important to understand the tub’s warranty. Be sure you ask what the warranty covers and how long it lasts.
5. Have your new walk-in tub professionally installed: Although many walk-in tub manufacturers have technicians that install the tub, some require you to have a trusted local plumber perform the installation. In this case, you want to be sure your plumber is familiar with the tub and piping.

Local walk-in tub companies often have showrooms that let you see a tub before you make a purchase. We compared our favorite walk-in tub countries across the country to help you find trusted retailers.

• Albuquerque
• Atlanta
• Austin
• Bakersfield
• Baltimore
• Boise
• Buffalo
• Chicago
• Cincinnati
• Cleveland
• Colorado Springs
• Corpus Christi
• Dallas
• Denver
• Detroit
• Fort Myers
• Fresno
• Green Bay
• Honolulu
• Houston
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City
• Knoxville
• Lafayette
• Lansing
• Las Vegas
• Lexington
• Los Angeles
• Memphis
• Miami
• Milwaukee
• Missoula
• Nashville
• Omaha
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• Pittsburgh
• Portland
• San Antonio
• San Diego
• Sacramento
• Santa Barbara
• Seattle
• Tallahassee
• Tampa
• Tucson
• Tulsa
• Waco
• West Palm Beach