Best Walk-in Bathtubs in Missouri

To select the perfect walk-in tub in Missouri, start by listing your needs (or those of your loved ones, if you’re buying for them), evaluating your bathroom’s size and layout and setting a clear budget.

Missouri’s humidity and diverse housing stock mean that choosing the right features and installation team is especially important for long-term safety and comfort. For example, older homes in cities like St. Louis or Kansas City might have tighter bathroom layouts, while rural homes often have larger bathrooms.

Here’s a step-by-step approach for choosing the best walk-in tub:

1. Compare comfort and safety features

Focus on tubs with sturdy grab bars, slip-resistant floors, fast-draining systems and anti-scald protection. Check the step-in height and make sure the door width accommodates safe transfers.

To make daily bathing more enjoyable, consider tubs with heated seats, hydrotherapy jets and additional upgrades like aromatherapy. Linda from Jerico Springs says, “I have a lot of arthritis, and the tub does make it feel so much better. It's very helpful. I'm very pleased.”

2. Consider tub design and materials

Door type matters. Inward-swinging doors take up less space, while outward-swinging doors are essential for wheelchairs.

As for material, Gelcoat tubs resist fading and are durable, though they cost more. Acrylic models are lighter and cheaper but may scratch more easily. With Missouri’s humid summers, antimicrobial coatings and easy-to-dry surfaces can help prevent mildew and extend the life of your investment.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

Measure your space carefully. Standard-size tubs fit most bathrooms, but compact, bariatric and two-person models are options.

Also, consider your water heater capacity and make sure it can keep up with the tub you get. Smaller tubs use about 40 gallons, while large or specialty tubs can require up to 120 gallons. Some Missouri residents have found that a 50-gallon heater is just enough, but running out of hot water is a real concern if your tank is smaller.

Linda from Columbia ran into this issue: "I cannot fill the tub all the way without it running out of hot water."

4. Read reviews

Check feedback from other Missouri homeowners to find out how tubs and installation services perform in real life. Reviews can reveal how fast a tub drains, whether doors seal well and how companies respond to service requests or warranty issues.

Warranty coverage varies. Read carefully.

5. Compare total costs

Remember to factor in the price of the tub, labor and any necessary upgrades for plumbing or electricity. Missouri offers some assistance programs for seniors, so check with your local Area Agency on Aging about possible financial help for safety improvements at home.

6. Prepare for installation

Most installations take one to two days, but older Missouri homes may require extra prep, like widening doors or updating plumbing. Since contractor licensing is managed at the local level, always confirm your installer’s credentials with city or county officials.

» MORE: What to ask a walk-in tub company

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in Missouri

To ensure a smooth installation, start by checking if the walk-in tub company handles installation directly. If not, seek a local, licensed and insured contractor with experience in bathroom remodels and accessibility upgrades. Ask for references and a written estimate before work begins.

Missouri's housing stock is diverse, ranging from historic French Colonial and Victorian homes in cities to modern ranch homes. A common feature is a full basement, which is a major advantage for plumbing work as it provides direct access to drain and supply lines. This usually means quicker and less disruptive plumbing work.

On the flip side, in some areas, like older neighborhoods of St. Louis, cast-iron drainpipes are still common. This can add time and cost to installation if replacement is needed.

Given Missouri's moderate cost of living and the prevalence of basements that can simplify plumbing work, a realistic average labor cost for a standard installation would likely fall in the $1,800 to $4,500 range.

Walk-in tub prices in Missouri typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. Installation costs typically add $1,800 to $4,500.

In Missouri, original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for walk-in tubs, but some Medicare Advantage plans may provide a home modification benefit. Always ask your plan provider about eligibility and coverage for accessibility upgrades.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission's (MHDC) Home Repair Opportunity (HeRO) Program provides assistance for non-cosmetic home repairs for low-income homeowners. Additionally, the state's Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver can cover environmental accessibility modifications.

If you are a veteran, you may 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 MO HealthNet website for more information.

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