Best Walk-in Bathtubs in Arkansas

How to choose a walk-in tub in Arkansas

To choose the best walk-in tub in Arkansas, start by evaluating your mobility needs, bathroom size and what you can afford. Here’s what to look for as you shop around:

1. Consider comfort and safety features

Look for essentials like sturdy grab bars, anti-slip flooring, anti-scald protection and quick-drain systems. Choose a tub with a low step-in height and wide door for the easiest possible access. For added well-being, features like heated seats and hydrotherapy can provide daily relief.

2. Choose your tub design and materials

Consider which door design matches your mobility and the available space. Inward-swinging doors work well in smaller Arkansas bathrooms, while outward-swinging doors are better for wheelchair access. Gelcoat tubs are more durable, but cost more than acrylic.

3. Figure out the right tub size and capacity

Standard walk-in tubs are about 30 inches wide, 50 inches long and 40 inches high, but you’ll find smaller and larger choices as well. Smaller tubs might need around 40 gallons, while spacious models can hold up to 120 gallons.

Many Arkansas homeowners report that their 40-gallon water heaters aren’t large enough for comfortable soaking. “I've got a 53-gallon tank and I thought that’d be enough, but it is not of sufficient size to fill the tub with hot water so we're gonna have to put in a new one,” said James in Waldron. “That’s an expense I have to have now.”

4. Consider the final cost

Walk-in tub prices start at a few thousand dollars for basic soaker models and can exceed $30,000 for luxury options. The cost of professional installation and home updates can add significantly to your total.

5. Prepare for installation

Expect installation to take one or two days. Older bathrooms may need modifications such as doorway widening, subfloor reinforcement or updated plumbing and wiring.

» LEARN THE BASICS: What is a walk-in tub?

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in Arkansas

To find a reliable walk-in tub installer in Arkansas, first check if the brand includes installation with purchase. Using company installers often gives better results and warranty protection.

If you need to hire separately, choose a licensed and insured contractor with experience in bathroom modifications and accessibility. Ask for references, confirm their credentials and ensure you get a written quote and timeline.

The average home in Arkansas is about 40 years old, meaning many properties may require plumbing and electrical updates during installation. In the Ozark and Ouachita regions, homes are often built on pier-and-beam foundations, which can provide easier access for plumbing work compared to slab foundations.

Given the state's lower cost of living, the average labor cost for a standard walk-in tub installation is estimated to be between $1,500 and $3,500.

Cost of a walk-in tub in Arkansas

Walk-in tub prices in Arkansas typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. You can expect installation costs to add between $1,500 and $3,500, lower than the national average.

Before signing a contract, ask if your current system can provide enough hot water or if an upgrade is needed.

Financial assistance for walk-in tubs

Medicare Parts A and B generally do not pay for walk-in tubs, but some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans might offer limited coverage for home modifications. Make sure to check your individual plan for eligibility.

The ARChoices in Homecare waiver can cover environmental accessibility adaptations for eligible seniors and adults with disabilities. For those in rural areas, the USDA Rural Development Section 504 Home Repair Program is a key resource, offering grants up to $10,000.

Veterans may qualify for a VA grant to help cover the cost of installation. Medicaid may also help in some cases — check the Arkansas Department of Human Services website for more information.

» MORE: Walk-in tub financial assistance options