Best Walk-in Bathtubs in Alaska

To choose a walk-in tub in Alaska, take a close look at both your needs and your environment. Alaska’s long winters, rugged housing stock and remote locations mean installation requires more planning than in most states. Below is a practical, step-by-step process to help you pick a tub that keeps you safe and comfortable through the seasons:

1. Compare comfort and safety features

• Evaluate safety essentials: Focus on grab bars, slip-resistant floors, anti-scald valves and easy-to-reach controls. For homes with mobility challenges, a lower step-in height and a wider door can make all the difference.
• Look for comfort upgrades: Heated seats, hydrotherapy jets and fast fill-and-drain systems are especially valuable during Alaska’s dark, cold months when people spend more time indoors.

2. Consider tub design and materials

• Choose a door style for your space: Inward-swinging doors work best in tight bathrooms, while outward-swinging doors are necessary for wheelchair access.
• Pick the right material: Acrylic tubs are lighter and better at retaining heat, which is crucial in Alaska’s cold climate. Gelcoat tubs are more resistant to wear but can be costlier.
• For Alaska's long, cold winters, select a tub made from thick, high-quality acrylic, known for its superior heat retention properties, to keep your bath warmer for longer.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

• Check water demands: Standard walk-in tubs hold 40 to 120 gallons. Verify that your home’s water heater can supply enough hot water, especially for larger or two-seater tubs.
• Pati from Anchorage reported that she was “little disappointed” with her buying experience because the sales rep didn’t tell her that her water heater wasn’t big enough. “This means I can only fill it just to the top of my legs. No using the back jets. It's like having half a tub.”

» MORE: How to size your water heater for a walk-in tub

4. Read reviews

• Check local experiences: Alaska homeowners’ reviews can reveal how tubs hold up in the climate and whether installers are reliable.
• Look for feedback from both Anchorage and smaller towns where rural logistics can complicate delivery and installation.
• Pay attention to comments on warranty support and service response times, since parts may need to be shipped in.

5. Compare total costs

• Be thorough: Add up the price of the tub, installation, shipping and any needed modifications. Costs can rise quickly in Alaska due to labor and logistics.
• You can save on your purchase because there’s no statewide sales tax, but remember some municipalities, including Juneau, charge local taxes.

6. Prepare for installation

• Plan ahead: Installation may take one or two days, but older homes or rural locations might need extra preparation for plumbing or electrical work.
• For installations in Alaska, confirm your contractor's license is active through the state's Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.

» MORE: Key questions to ask walk-in tub companies

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in Alaska

To secure a reliable installation in Alaska, start by checking if your preferred company offers in-house installation. Even national brands may not have an in-house team of pros nearby.

If you need to hire independently, look for a licensed and insured contractor who specializes in bathroom accessibility projects. Ask for proof of a Journeyman Plumber Certificate of Fitness, verify their experience and get a clear, written quote with a timeline.

Homes in Alaska, such as log cabins and modern ranch homes, are built to withstand extreme weather, featuring thick, heavily insulated walls that can make plumbing or electrical modifications more complex. The logistics of shipping a tub and bringing installers to remote locations can also significantly increase project costs.

Labor costs in Alaska are at the high end of the national average, likely ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 or more due to the state's high cost of living and logistical challenges.

» LEARN: How to navigate a walk-in tub sales appointment

Walk-in tub prices in Alaska typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on the type, size and features of the tub. Installation adds an additional $3,000 to $7,000, reflecting the higher cost of labor and logistics in the state.

Homeowners should also factor in shipping, potential wall modifications and the removal of old fixtures — these can drive up costs, especially in rural or remote areas.

There are a few ways to get financial aid for a walk-in tub purchase. Traditional Medicare usually does not cover walk-in tubs, but you might find limited support through some Medicare Advantage plans.

In Alaska, seniors and people with disabilities may qualify for assistance through the "Alaskans Living Independently" (ALI) Medicaid waiver, which can help pay for bathroom modifications to improve safety. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) also offers grants under its Senior Access Program for those who meet eligibility requirements.

It’s worth mentioning that Alaska ranks first in the nation for the percentage of veterans aged 60 and over. If you are a veteran, additional support may be available through VA housing grants for accessibility modifications. Medicaid coverage for walk-in tubs varies — check the Alaska Medical Assistance website for more information.