A Walk-In Tub can be described as any bath tub containing a door that opens and closes allowing for easy entry and exit. But, unlike a walk-in shower, you can fill it with water and soak in it. They typically range in price from $1700 to over $30,000 depending on the features you choose, whether or not you have it professionally installed, and most importantly, the quality of the product you choose. Making a decision based on price only, rather than evaluating your personal situation can often lead to the purchase of a Walk-In Tub that does not meet your needs. Since you already own a bath tub that does not meet your needs, purchasing another one would be a poor use of money rather than an investment in Aging in Place.
Although the price of a Walk-In Tub can be expensive, the cost of a fall is almost always more expensive. When you consider that most people arrive at nursing homes as a result of a fall, and a high percentage of those falls occur in the bath tub, a walk-in tub is less than just weeks in a nursing home. But again, in order for a Walk-in tub to truly be an investment, it is imperative that it meets your needs.
For example, let’s compare two different companies to install a Walk-In Tub. Company A is $10,000 and Company B is $13,000. The usual reaction would be to choose Company A because you think you are saving $3,000, and they both have a door. However if the threshold height on Company A’s Tub is 6 inches and Company B’s is 2 inches, and you can’t pick your foot up over 6” or won’t be able to in a year or two, you have not saved $3,000 at all. What you have done is wasted $10,000 to replace your existing tub that does not meet your needs, with another tub that does not meet your needs. What you thought was savvy shopping has just turned into a poor use of money. This is why you should carefully consider your needs and health concerns, or those of your loved ones before you worry about the price. The long term cost is the real number to consider. Here is a list of the most important features to evaluate when considering a Walk-in Tub:
1) Is it a framed or a frameless Walk-in Tub? While the wide array of brand names can truly be overwhelming, there are only two designs on the market today; framed and frameless walk-in tubs. Framed tubs are built on a steel frame. The bottom of the tub is suspended off of the floor and these tubs typically have a 6” to 12” entry threshold. Frameless tubs are designed with an extra strength mold that does not require a steel frame, and the bottom of the tub is not suspended in the air. The typical entry threshold of a frameless walk-in tub is 1” to 3”.
Because the typical Walk-in tub holds 600-800 lbs. of water plus you, you really need to consider if you think it is wise to suspend that weight in the air with nothing but air under the bottom of the tub, or whether you want the floor of the tub on the ground, where the bottom is reinforced by your floor.
3) Is it a hydrotherapy tub? Some walk-in tubs are what are termed “soaker” tubs. This means that they have no air or water jets and it is just a tub with a door. Some tubs have air jets only. While the bubbles are very relaxing, and some air jet tubs are advertised as hydrotherapy tubs, the only way you have true hydrotherapy is if both air and water jets are present. It is the movement of the water that creates the amazing health benefits these tubs are renowned for. According to the AMA, a 35 minute hydrotherapy bathgives you the cardio equivalent of a two mile walk. Hydrotherapy has also been proven to relieve arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, insomnia, the symptoms of diabetes, MS, MD, and many more. It also helps white blood count and helps to regenerate injured tissue. To go to the expense of a soaker tub and not spend a little extra to receive the benefits of a hydrotherapy tub is something you will have to weigh based on your health objectives. Also, if you choose a hydrotherapy tub, make sure it is self-purging and has an ozonator so that you do not have to worry about bacteria growing in the lines.
4) What is the drain time? The frameless tubs have a much faster natural drain time than the framed tubs because they do not change the drain height of your existing tub. Some framed tubs take as long as 15 minutes to drain. The frameless tubs drain in about two minutes. This is important to consider because you can’t open the door and get out of the tub until all the water is drained. Some companies with slow drain times will offer a “minute valve”. This is an extra pump that installs under the tub and requires electrical power. If it fails, it is difficult to drain the tub and get out. In most cases, your tub will need to be removed from the opening to service or replace a failed minute valve.
5) The warranty – warranties on walk-in tubs range from 6 months to lifetime on all parts. The most important warranty is the door seal. As we mentioned earlier, there is 600-800lbs of water and that creates a lot of dispersion. This dispersion puts a lot of pressure on the door and mold, and if you choose a poor quality tub, this can lead to door leaks. If the door leaks, you can’t use the tub so make sure the door seal has a lifetime warranty. It is also very important to consider a United States manufacturer. Good luck getting a part from China if you experience a problem.
6) Do you need installation? A walk-in tub requires carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and sometimes more. It is far easier and more cost effective to have one company install and service your tub rather than try to hire all of these different contractors to handle your installation. You do not want to end up in a situation where three or four contactors are either blaming each other or telling you it is a manufacturer’s problem and the manufacturer is in China. Make sure the company is licensed and insured and check references.
Once you have carefully considered all of these features and benefits and identified tubs that truly meets your needs, it is time to find the best price. Good luck, and enjoy your Walk-in tub.
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