What to look for in a walk-in tub
If stepping into your bathtub feels dangerous, a walk-in tub can make your life easier, safer and more comfortable. Walk-in bathtubs help make bathing safer by providing low step thresholds, sturdy grab bars designed to support your weight and a seat so you don't have to stand in the shower or climb in and out of your tub.
As you compare different models, here are the three main features to look for:
- Low step threshold: Lower thresholds, also called step height, are safer to step into. The step-up is the height of the threshold that leads to the tub. The most common step-up heights are 3 to 7 inches, though some models have step-ups as low as 2 inches.
- Easy-access doors: Walk-in tub doors usually swing either inward or outward. Inward-swinging doors require less bathroom space, are easier to close and can help reduce leaks and ensure the door doesn’t bump into anything nearby. Some people prefer walk-in tubs with outward-swinging doors — for example, if you’re in a wheelchair, it’s easier to transfer to the seat if the door isn’t in the way.
- Quick drain and fill system: A model with fast fill and drain technologies helps prevent you from getting cold while waiting for your bath to be ready or to drain. Some walk-in tubs can drain in less than a minute now. If you want your tub to fill quickly, look for a rapid-fill faucet.
Walk-in tub safety features
The most common reason people purchase walk-in bathtubs is to prevent falls from entering or exiting standard tubs. High walls, nonslip floors, seats and grab bars make these tubs safer for people with mobility problems.
Most walk-in tubs include safety features like low-threshold entries, showerheads and anti-slip floors that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some of the most common safety features to look for include:
- Nonslip surfaces: Nearly all walk-in tub models include a textured floor surface to prevent slipping. Textured surfaces are a must if you’re buying a walk-in tub for someone with mobility problems. We also suggest looking for tubs with contoured seating — these seats are comfortable and prevent you from slipping and sliding.
- Grab bars: Most walk-in tubs are equipped with at least two grab bars or handrails. You should consider the placement of these bars and install them where they’re most convenient to use. Grab bars are optional for some walk-in tubs, but we recommend them if you have a disability and would benefit from the additional support and safety they provide.
- Anti-scald valve: The anti-scald valve compensates for pressure changes in cold and hot water lines to keep your water temperature from changing suddenly. Because quick spikes or falls in temperature can cause bathers to jump and injure themselves, anti-scald valves are standard safety features for walk-in bathtubs.
- Hand-held showerhead: Most walk-in bathtubs feature hand-held showerheads to make bathing easier for those who have trouble standing. Showerheads are often located near the faucets, but some tubs have raised showerheads with adjustable rods.
Walk-in tub comfort features
Therapy options such as hydrotherapy massage jets and heated backrests are popular add-ons for walk-in tubs. Some hydrotherapy tubs are specifically designed to address problems like lower back pain, joint pain and arthritis. Among the comfort features typical to walk-in tubs are:
- Built-in neck rests, shoulder rests or backrests: Seats can be outfitted with additional features if you need more support than the standard seat provides. Seat cushion risers, bath pillows and other support accessories are also available.
- Heated seats: A heated seat is helpful if you have a walk-in tub that takes a while to fill. An inline heater helps keep the water at a consistent temperature when the jets are in use. Maintaining a comfortable temperature lets you use the tub for long, therapeutic soaks.
- Aerotherapy: Aerotherapy tubs are soaker tubs outfitted with air jets for water circulation. These tubs are designed to provide a therapeutic massage experience.
- Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy tubs are similar to aerotherapy tubs, but they use water jets rather than air to create a massage experience.
- Chromotherapy: Chromotherapy is the term given to color therapy used in conjunction with water. In chromotherapy walk-in tubs, multicolored lights shine in the water. Manufacturers state this feature can help improve your energy and mood.
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy walk-in tubs let you try out essential oils to create an aromatic experience. Bathers often enjoy lavender, jasmine and green tea scents, but you can use any essential oil you like.
