Best Walk-in Bathtubs in Maryland

To make the best choice for a walk-in tub in Maryland, focus on your safety requirements, bathroom space and overall budget. Aim for features that boost security and accessibility while ensuring the tub suits your home’s layout. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Compare comfort and safety features

Prioritize grab bars, anti-slip floors and anti-scald protection. These elements reduce slips and burns.

Also, look for a low threshold. A 3-inch step-in makes entry safer for those with mobility concerns.

Finally, check for comfort upgrades. Heated seating, hydrotherapy jets and options for aroma/chromotherapy can enhance the bathing experience.

2. Consider tub design and materials

Pick the right door — outward-swinging doors are better for wheelchair access, but inward doors can fit tight bathrooms in older Maryland homes.

Choose your material wisely. Gelcoat is durable and keeps color, but acrylic is lighter and easier to install. With variable humidity in Maryland, choosing a quality acrylic tub with Microban or similar antimicrobial protection can help keep the tub cleaner for longer.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

You should measure your space before you shop. Standard walk-in tubs are about 30 inches wide, 50 inches long and 40 inches high, but smaller and larger models exist.

Also, be sure to check your water heater capacity. Compact tubs might need 40 gallons, but some tubs hold up to 120 gallons. Rhonda from Hagerstown reported that her water heater wasn’t big enough. “The salesman said a fifty gallon hot water tank should be sufficient. … and it didn’t fill the tub enough to cover the jets even with me in the tub,” she said.

4. Read reviews

Look for real feedback from Maryland customers. It will give you an honest view of performance, durability and support.

You should also prioritize installer reputation. Choose brands or pros praised for doing neat, thorough work — especially in older homes.

5. Compare total costs

Walk-in tubs start at a few thousand dollars, but premium models or major remodels can reach $30,000.

Maryland waives sales tax for prescribed medical equipment, so provide a doctor’s note to reduce your final bill.

6. Prepare for installation

Expect one to two days for most installs. However, tight or older bathrooms could mean more time for modifications, such as widening doors or updating pipes.

Always check credentials before installation. Verify your contractor is licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC).

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in Maryland

To hire a walk-in tub installer in Maryland, confirm if the brand provides its own installation. In-house teams usually mean better reliability and seamless service. If you’re hiring a local professional, ask for their MHIC license, check references and make sure they have experience with both accessibility upgrades and the quirks of Maryland’s older homes.

Maryland's architecture is diverse, featuring historic urban rowhomes in cities like Baltimore that often have narrow floor plans and small bathrooms, making installation challenging and frequently requiring significant remodeling. Many single-family homes have basements, which is an advantage for plumbing modifications.

In Maryland, particularly in the high-cost-of-living areas near Washington, D.C., a realistic average labor cost for a standard installation would be in the $2,500 to $6,000 range.

Walk-in tub prices in Maryland typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. Installation costs typically add $2,500 to $6,000.

Medicare standard plans do not pay for walk-in tubs in Maryland, but some Medicare Advantage plans may allow limited coverage for medically necessary home modifications. To help with costs, the Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors Program offers grants or loans for accessibility improvements, including walk-in tubs. The Community Options Medicaid Waiver can also help cover the cost of bathroom upgrades for those who qualify.

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 Maryland Department of Health website for more information.

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