Best Walk-in Bathtubs in Philadelphia, PA

Walk-in tubs are a necessity for many seniors and people with disabilities in Philadelphia. Nearly 14% of people in the city are age 65 or over, and nearly 1 out of 4 of these seniors will suffer a fall this year. Falls are the top cause of fatal injuries in seniors and the leading reason for nonfatal trauma-related hospital visits for older people.

Safety products like walk-in bathtubs are essential if you or your loved one has limited mobility and wants to stay independent in their home. Walk-in tubs not only offer a safer way to bathe, but they also have features that offer therapeutic benefits and increased convenience, such as jets and hand-held showerheads. People who live in areas that have a large number of seniors, such as Chestnut Hill, Jenkintown and Ardmore, can also potentially increase their home’s value with a walk-in tub.

The cost of a walk-in tub in Philadelphia varies depending on its type, size, optional features and installation. The following descriptions give you a general idea of the cost of different types of walk-in bathtubs in Philly.

• Soaker tubs usually have leakproof doors and low thresholds for stepping in. They cost from $2,000 to $5,000.
• Hydrotherapy tubs have water jets that create a massagelike experience. They cost between $5,000 and $7,000.
• Wheelchair-accessible tubs have low-height seats and outward-facing doors that allow people to safely transfer from their wheelchair to the bathtub. They cost from $4,000 to $6,000.

Many companies offer free installation, but some charge you to install the tub. This usually costs anywhere from $700 to $3,000, and you may pay more if you need a wall surround or larger pipes to accommodate your new setup. You may also have to pay to have your old bathtub removed from your home. Many walk-in bathtub companies offer financing to make their products more affordable.

Ultimately, installing accessibility equipment like a walk-in tub in your home can be much more economical than moving to a senior living community. The average monthly cost of assisted living facilities in Philadelphia, like Oakwood Residence, is $2,200 to $10,300.

In Philadelphia, the city requires a plumbing permit to ensure that all plumbing installations, including walk-in bathtubs, are only performed by licensed contractors following all city and state codes. 

Ask your walk-in tub provider if it handles the permits or if you are responsible for obtaining them. If you hire your own contractor or plumber, always take the time to confirm their license and insurance coverage, as well.