Best Walk-in Bathtubs in North Dakota

To make the best choice for a walk-in tub in North Dakota, you need to assess your health, home setup and budget. Cold weather, older homes and rural locations mean you should consider features that enhance safety and comfort while ensuring your home’s systems can handle the new equipment. Below is a step-by-step approach for selecting a walk-in tub:

1. Compare comfort and safety features

Safety and comfort are top priorities for North Dakota residents, especially with icy conditions and the risk of falls. Look for tubs with sturdy grab bars, slip-resistant floors, anti-scald valves and fast-fill or fast-drain technology. Low threshold heights and wide doors are essential for easy access.

Heated seats, hydrotherapy jets and options like aromatherapy can increase comfort, particularly in the winter.

2. Consider tub design and materials

Choose a door style based on your mobility needs and available bathroom space. Outward-swinging doors are best for wheelchair users, while inward-swinging doors can work in tighter spaces.

The material matters too — a multi-layered acrylic tub will help retain heat, which is especially important in North Dakota’s cold climate. Keep in mind that gelcoat tubs are more resistant to fading but can be more costly, while acrylic is lighter and more affordable but may be more prone to scratches.

In North Dakota's cold climate, an acrylic tub's ability to retain heat is a significant comfort feature; look for multi-layered designs for maximum insulation.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

Walk-in tub sizes can range from compact options to bariatric and two-seat models. The standard tub is about 30 inches wide, 50 inches long and 40 inches high.

Smaller tubs use around 40 gallons of water, but larger units may require over 100 gallons. Check if your home’s water heater can meet the demand, as some homes may need an upgrade.

» MORE: What size water heater do I need for a walk-in tub?

4. Read reviews

Genuine feedback from past customers is invaluable. Reviews can reveal how well certain models perform in extreme cold, how quickly they drain and whether local installers provide quality service. Pay attention to comments about customer support and warranty claims as well.

5. Compare total costs

Base prices can be misleading — be sure to add in installation costs and any home upgrades that may be necessary. Walk-in tubs can range from just a few thousand dollars up to $30,000 or more for luxury or two-seater models.

You may qualify for a sales tax exemption on durable medical equipment with a doctor’s prescription.

6. Prepare for installation

Most installations take one to two days, but older homes may need modifications like new plumbing or electrical work, doorway widening or floor reinforcement. Always check that your installer is licensed and familiar with accessibility requirements.

In North Dakota, verify that your installer has a valid contractor license issued by the Secretary of State.

» LEARN: The positives and negatives of walk-in tubs

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in North Dakota

To ensure a safe and reliable walk-in tub installation, first check if the brand uses its own installation team. If not, look for a licensed, insured contractor with experience in accessible bathrooms. Ask for references, confirm credentials, and get a clear estimate up front.

North Dakota's housing stock, with a median construction year of 1976, often features homes with basements, which is an advantage for plumbing modifications. However, the age of the homes means many may require electrical and plumbing upgrades to support a modern walk-in tub.

Labor costs in North Dakota are likely to be in the $2,000 to $5,000 range for a standard installation, with projects in older homes requiring significant upgrades pushing costs toward the higher end of this estimate.

» LEARN: Why you need a walk-in tub appointment

Walk-in tub prices in North Dakota typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. Installation costs typically add $2,000 to $5,000.

While it’s possible to get financial aid to purchase a walk-in tub, Most Medicare plans (Parts A and B) don’t cover walk-in tubs, but some Medicare Advantage plans may contribute toward home modifications. Always check your benefits carefully.

The state's Aged and Disabled Waiver can cover "environmental modifications" for eligible individuals. 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.

If you or your loved one is a veteran, you may qualify for VA grants to cover walk-in tub costs. Medicaid may help with costs in certain cases — see the North Dakota Health and Human Services website for more information.