Best Walk-in Bathtubs in Delaware

To choose a walk-in tub in Delaware, start by thinking about your mobility needs, the configuration of your bathroom and your overall budget. Focus on the features that will keep you or your loved one safe, comfortable and independent for years to come. Here’s a step-by-step guide to picking the right brand and model:

1. Compare comfort and safety features

Look for features such as grab bars, slip-resistant flooring, anti-scald valves and rapid fill-and-drain technology. Check the step-in height and door width to ensure easy access. 

Enhancements like heated seats, hydrotherapy jets, aromatherapy and chromotherapy can further improve comfort. Heated seating and quick-drain systems are valuable in Delaware’s colder winters.

2. Consider tub design and materials

Choose a door configuration that works for your space and physical needs. Inward-swinging doors are suitable for compact bathrooms, while outward-swinging doors are essential for wheelchair transfers.

Gelcoat tubs offer excellent durability and resist fading, but come at a premium. Acrylic tubs are lightweight and less expensive, but can scratch more easily.

Older rowhouses and townhomes in Wilmington, Newark and Dover often require compact tubs to fit small bathrooms. In coastal retirement communities like Rehoboth and Lewes, larger footprints allow for bariatric or luxury tubs.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

Standard models are around 30 inches wide, 50 inches long and 40 inches high, but you’ll also find compact, bariatric and two-person options. Compact tubs may use 40 gallons, while large tubs can hold 100 to 120 gallons, so verify your water heater is up to the task.

Compact tubs may be a better fit for older homes in urban areas like Wilmington or Newark, where bathrooms are smaller. In rural or newer suburban homes, there’s usually more flexibility to install bariatric or luxury tubs.

James from New Castle was happy with his purchase of a Safe Step tub, but realized he’d have to make some upgrades. He reported, “The only thing is the water heater that I have is a 40 or 50-gallon and I need to get a larger water heater because the capacity of the tub without displacement is 80 gallons.” 

4. Read reviews

Before making a decision, read reviews from other Delaware homeowners to get a sense of how different tubs perform in real homes. Look for feedback on how quickly the tub drains, whether the door seals hold up over time and how effective the therapy jets are. 

Because Delaware has a smaller pool of installers, check local reviews carefully to confirm reliability, responsiveness and follow-up support.

5. Compare total costs

Walk-in tub prices can range from a few thousand dollars for basic models to $30,000 or more for tubs with advanced features. Factor in installation and possible home modifications when budgeting.

Some Delaware residents may qualify for financial help through Medicaid waivers, county-level aging services in New Castle, Kent or Sussex counties, or veterans’ benefits tied to Dover Air Force Base retirees.

6. Prepare for installation

Most installations wrap up in one or two days, but older homes may need extra work, such as widening doors or updating plumbing and electrical systems.

Delaware resident Dorethea said that although she’s pleased with her new walk-in tub, she did experience installation delays because the electrical line had to be replaced. “Because of them having problems with that, it took two full days and more for them to install the thing. … They were done in 4 days so it was quite stressful.”

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in Delaware

When hiring an installer in Delaware, see if the tub company handles installation with their own team, as this can ensure a smoother process and better fit. If you hire your own contractor, choose someone with experience in accessibility-focused remodels.

Delaware's housing stock is a mix of historic Colonial and Victorian homes and a number of modern ranch and coastal-style homes, particularly in the rapidly growing southern counties. While newer homes offer straightforward installations, historic properties may present challenges like smaller bathrooms and outdated systems.

The average labor cost for a walk-in tub installation in Delaware is likely between $2,000 and $4,500, with newer homes on the lower end of that range. Homeowners in coastal areas like Lewes and Bethany Beach may face higher charges due to seasonal demand and contractor availability. Inland areas like Smyrna or Seaford may offer more competitive pricing.

Walk-in tub prices in Delaware typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. Installation costs typically add $2,000 to $4,500.

Ask whether installation, haulaway of your old tub and warranty coverage are included in the price.

Traditional Medicare does not pay for a walk-in tub, but some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited support for home modifications. Always confirm details with your insurance provider before purchasing.

 Delaware's Medicaid program, through the Diamond State Health Plan Plus, can cover environmental modifications for eligible individuals. The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) also offers a “Diamond in the Rough” program that helps residents roll in renovation costs to new home purchases.

If you’re a veteran, you might qualify for VA grants that cover the cost of a walk-in tub. Medicaid may also help cover the cost of a walk-in tub in some cases — check the Delaware Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance website for more information.

» LEARN: How to get financial assistance for walk-in tubs