Best Walk-in Bathtubs in Idaho

To choose the right walk-in tub in Idaho, start by reviewing your personal mobility needs, the size and layout of your bathroom, and your financial plan. Focus on safety elements, accessibility options and comfort features while ensuring the tub will fit your space.

1. Compare comfort and safety features

Look for essentials such as grab bars, slip-resistant surfaces, anti-scald technology and quick drain/fill systems.

Idaho winters make heated backrests and warm-air systems especially appealing. Consider hydrotherapy jets for joint relief, which can benefit people managing arthritis from the state’s colder climate.

2. Consider tub design and materials

Select a door configuration that matches your mobility needs and bathroom size. Inward-swinging doors work well in tighter spaces, while outward-swinging doors are better for wheelchair access.

In rural parts of Idaho, where hard water is common, acrylic tubs may require more maintenance to avoid buildup, while gelcoat tubs offer more durability.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

Typical walk-in tubs are about 30 inches wide by 50 inches long by 40 inches high, but models range from compact to bariatric or two-person. Smaller tubs may use as little as 40 gallons, while larger tubs can require up to 120 gallons.

Idaho households with well water or smaller water heaters should confirm their system can supply enough hot water for the chosen tub size.

“A significant aspect that potential buyers should consider is the water capacity required,” said Lisa, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Clayton. “We realized we needed to buy an additional water heater because our existing one couldn't handle the requirement to fill the tub adequately. This additional cost was unexpected, so it's something I'd advise older people and others to consider for budget purposes.”

4. Read reviews

Look for reviews from other Idaho homeowners, especially those in rural or cold-climate areas, to see how different tubs perform in similar conditions.

5. Compare total costs

Expect to pay several thousand dollars for a base model, with luxury features pushing the total up to $30,000 or more. Add in installation and possible home upgrades. In Idaho, costs may rise if your home is in a remote area since travel fees can apply.

6. Prepare for installation

Plan on one or two days for installation, depending on your bathroom’s condition. Older Idaho homes may need modifications such as widening doors, strengthening floors or updating plumbing and electrical systems. Rural homes may also face longer wait times if specialized parts or crews need to travel.

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in Idaho

If the walk-in tub brand you choose does not provide its own installers, seek out a licensed and insured contractor with experience in accessible bathroom renovations. Always check credentials, read recent reviews, and get a detailed written estimate and installation timeline.

Idaho's housing stock is very new, with a median construction year of 1992. This means homes are likely to have modern plumbing, electrical systems and larger bathrooms suitable for walk-in tubs. Many homes also have full basements, which provide a major advantage for plumbing modifications.

Given the newer housing stock and lower cost of living, the average labor cost for a standard installation in Idaho is likely on the lower end of the national spectrum, estimated at $1,500 to $3,500.

Walk-in tub prices in Idaho typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. Installation costs typically add $1,500 to $3,500.

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

Financial assistance for walk-in tubs

Medicare Parts A and B do not cover walk-in tubs, but certain Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans might help with accessibility modifications. Check directly with your plan for the most current details on benefits.

Idaho's Aged and Disabled Medicaid waiver can cover 'environmental modifications' to improve home accessibility. As a largely rural state, the USDA Rural Development Section 504 Home Repair Program is also a critical resource, providing grants of up to $10,000 to eligible seniors.

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 Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website for more information.

» LEARN: See your options for walk-in tub financial aid