Best Walk-in Bathtubs in New Jersey

To select the right walk-in tub in New Jersey, start by thinking about your mobility requirements, the size and layout of your bathroom and your available budget. Prioritizing safety and accessibility is crucial, especially if you live in an older home with a narrow bathroom or outdated plumbing. Here’s a step-by-step process:

1. Compare comfort and safety features

Look for tubs offering sturdy grab bars, non-slip floors, anti-scald protection and rapid fill or drain systems. Entry height and door width are especially important in New Jersey’s historic homes, where space may be limited. That said, many New Jersey bathrooms were built before ADA standards, so modifications may be required.

For comfort, consider heated seating, hydrotherapy jets and features like aromatherapy or chromotherapy to make bathing more relaxing. Frank from Manchester Township reported, “The whirlpool or air jet and water jet features and the heated seat rest all make it more comfortable than just sitting in water.”

2. Consider tub design and materials

Select a door style based on both your space and accessibility needs. Inward-swinging doors are ideal for compact bathrooms, while an outward-swinging door is better for wheelchair users. 

For New Jersey's climate, a durable, easy-to-clean acrylic or composite material is ideal for withstanding seasonal temperature and humidity changes.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

Standard walk-in tubs are typically about 30 inches wide, 50 inches long and 40 inches high, but other sizes are available to fit different needs. Smaller tubs may hold around 40 gallons, while larger or two-seat tubs can require up to 120 gallons. 

Make sure your water heater is large enough to fill the tub fully, or consider a model with an inline heater. It’s easy to overlook this and then be unable to get a full tub’s worth of hot water. Joseph from Toms River ran into this problem: “I had to buy another water heater to keep the water hot enough because the tub uses so many gallons.” 

4. Read reviews

Seek out feedback from other New Jersey residents who have installed walk-in tubs. Pay attention to comments about how fast the tub drains, whether the door seals reliably and the quality of the massage jets. 

Also, use reviews to evaluate the experience with the installation team and how the company responds to service or warranty needs. Since these typically involve local workers, it's important to see the experiences people are having in your specific area.

5. Compare total costs

Prices for walk-in tubs can vary widely depending on features and required installation changes. Make sure to factor in the price of the tub itself as well as the cost for structural or plumbing upgrades.

A walk-in tub is exempt from sales tax in New Jersey when prescribed by a doctor, saving you nearly 7% on the purchase price.

6. Prepare for installation

Installation may take one or two days, but older New Jersey homes often require more extensive remodeling, such as widening doors, reinforcing floors or updating plumbing. Always confirm that your contractor is properly registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

» LEARN: Pros and cons of walk-in tubs

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in New Jersey

When hiring a walk-in tub installer in New Jersey, check if the company includes installation in its service. Many major brands use their own certified installers, which reduces the risk of errors and ensures compliance with local codes. 

If you choose an independent contractor, make sure they have experience with accessibility renovations, hold the correct licenses and can provide references and a clear quote.

You also need to consider the age of your home. New Jersey's housing stock is among the oldest in the nation, with many historic Colonial, Victorian and Cape Cod homes featuring small bathrooms and outdated infrastructure. Installation often requires a full bathroom remodel to create space and upgrade plumbing and electrical systems.

Given the high cost of living and the age of the housing stock, the labor portion of a walk-in tub installation is likely to be in the $4,000 to $9,000 range, as most projects will be complex renovations rather than simple replacements.

Walk-in tub prices in New Jersey typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. Installation costs typically add $4,000 to $9,000.

» MORE: How much does it cost to remodel for aging in place?

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

Financial assistance for walk-in tubs

Walk-in tubs are not generally covered by Medicare Parts A or B, but select Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer some home modification benefits. It’s important to check with your specific plan to see what is included.

New Jersey's Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program can coordinate and cover home modifications when applicable. Additionally, many counties, such as Atlantic and Hunterdon, offer local "Fix-It" or "HandyMan" programs to provide minor home repairs for 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.

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