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Are you or a loved one concerned about the safety of your bathtub? There are many bathroom modifications that can be made to help put your mind at ease. One solution is to replace your conventional bathtub with a walk-in tub.

What is a Walk-In Tub?

A walk-in bathtub is an accessible tub which features a water tight door that opens and closes on the front or side of the bathtub with a contoured seat built into the bathtub. They provide a much lower threshold to step over (3 to 7 inches) versus a traditional tub (15 inches).

Walk-in tubs are recommended for adults who may have a difficult time standing for long periods of time but are still able to comfortably step over thresholds.

Walk-in tubs offer a variety of different features. Here are 4 items to consider when deciding on the style of walk-in tub to you are interested in:

Doors

Choose between inward-swinging and outward-swinging doors. An inward-swinging door requires no additional bathroom space but may make it more difficult to maneuver inside the bathtub. An outward-swinging door provides easy entry and exit and will require more bathroom space.

Tub Type

Choose between a basic soaker tub and a jet therapy tub. There are two types of therapeutic tubs: water jets or air jets.

Rapid Fill and Drain

Fast fill and drain decrease your entry and exit time. Waiting too long for the tub to fill and drain could get chilly but thanks to fast-filling faucets and pump-assisted drains you can dramatically shorten your wait time.

Heated Seats

Consider getting a heated seat for a more comfortable experience during fill and drain times.

Regardless of which style of tub you choose, here are 4 things you should critically consider when deciding on a tub:

Mobility

Take into account your mobility factors as well as the size of your bathroom to ensure there is enough room for you to safely and comfortably move around. It is important to consider the seat height, leg room and how the door interacts with your body space.

Safety Features

When choosing a tub, be sure it includes some, if not all, of these features:

1. Anti-scald valves keep water from becoming too hot and burning you.
2. Pre-installed grab bars or hand rails create easier entry and access.
3. Textured floors reduce the chance of slipping.

Warranty

Ensure the manufacturer includes warranties on their product; the longer the warranty the better. The most important warranty to include should be for the door seal.

Professional Installation

Due to the requirements to install a walk-in tub (plumbing, electrical, carpentry), it is easier and cost effective to have one company install and service your tub rather than trying to hire a whole slew of contractors. Make sure you hire a professional contractor who is licensed, insured and well experienced in installing walk-in tubs. Check out our top 5 tips for homeowners when choosing a contractor.

If you or a loved one are interested in a walk-in tub, contact HandyPro today!