Forbes Health’s editorial team is independent and objective. To help us in our journalistic work and continue to offer this content for free to our readers, we receive reimbursement from companies that promote it on the Forbes Health site. This refund comes from two main sources. First, we offer paid placements for promotions to showcase your offers. The rebate we get for those locations affects how and where promotional offers appear on the site. This site does not include all corporations or products to be on the market. Second, we also include links to promote their offerings in some of our articles; These “affiliate links” are very likely to generate profit for our site when you click on them.
The reimbursement we obtain from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or recommendations our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise have any effect on Forbes Health’s editorial content. While we attempt to provide accurate and up-to-date data that we believe you will find relevant information, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that the data provided is complete and does not make any representations or warranties in this regard, or as to its accuracy or applicability.
For the most productive walk-in tubs of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed the knowledge of the top U. S. walk-in tub brands. and the other models of bathtubs they offer. Find out which walk-in tub corporations stand out among our top-rated. selections in terms of price, style, comfort, safety, and much more.
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and completeness of the knowledge gathered. Our rating is based on quantitative knowledge and has no conflicts of interest. We thoroughly check the data presented in our ratings and are committed to generating ratings and additional content about hiking. in bathtubs readers can trust. You can learn more about our editorial rules and the walk-in tub method to qualify below.
Handmade with high-quality materials, such as a steel frame and a fiberglass spa shell. Independent Home conducts an informal in-house consultation to create a traditional bathtub design that best suits your home and your needs. Once you’ve approved the design, the installation technicians remove your old bathtub, install your new model, and give you a demonstration of how to use it. Independent Home’s bathrooms come with protective features such as bars, non-slip flooring, ADA-compliant seating, a self-cleaning system, and an overflow valve that prevents bathroom water from overflowing.
Kohler offers fundamental bathtubs and luxury models with features such as hydrotherapy jets, aerotherapy jets, heated backrest, and unique faucet finishes and bath colors. In addition, consumers can upgrade their bathtub with Kohler’s LuxStone collection of bath and shower enclosures, to be available in 8 colors, easy to leave blank and provide a sophisticated and newly renovated appearance.
Kohler bathtubs come with a lifetime warranty against defects in fabrics and workmanship as long as the original visitor owns the home. The company does not sell directly to consumers, however, it does offer a list of distributors in the country for consumers to choose from its website.
In addition to a wide variety of popular bathtub models, Ella’s Bubbles offers two-seater “add-on” bathtubs, which can accommodate two other people and hold up to 135 gallons of water in some models, according to the company. Ella’s Bubbles bathtubs have freestanding bathtubs. -cleaning features as well as shower functionality, non-slip surfaces, integrated grab bars, air jets and hot tub, and aromatherapy options. To further personalize your bathtub, a variety of door styles are available, adding wide L&U shaped doors that open to the outside, a detachable stainless metal door that opens to the inside, a casement glass door that opens to the inside, and an S-shaped door. Swing door in the shape of an interior.
With more than 150 years of experience in the bathroom industry, American Standard offers a variety of bathtub types with protective features such as bars and non-slip surfaces, all made from high-quality materials, such as forged brass fittings and faucets. The company offers deep soaking tubs (up to 80 gallons), mixed massage tubs, hot tubs, and walk-in air baths. Standard features of American Standard walk-in tubs include integrated aromatherapy, chromatherapy, and an ADA-compliant system. seat (meaning it is at least 17 inches wide and no more than 19 inches high for protection reasons) and non-slip floor. In addition, all bathrooms are covered by a lifetime warranty, which also extends to installation workmanship.
Each Safe Step bath includes a wide variety of protective features, such as a non-slip floor and seat, a sanitary gel coating, two grab bars, anti-scald technology, and an ozone water cleaning system. Additional healing baths such as aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and hydrojets are also available. Safe Step restrooms are custom-designed to have the same dimensions as the visitor’s existing restroom, eliminating the need for costly renovations. The installation of the restroom is guaranteed to be finished in two days if the visitor chooses to use professional Safe Step installers.
Each Boca bathtub is made with marine-grade gelcoat and fiberglass curtains with a bacteria- and mildew-resistant finish. Each bathtub is also supplied with a low 2-inch threshold, non-slip floors and seats, and head and seat cushions. It can also be enhanced with additional jets, aromatherapy and gentle therapy, heated seats and backrests, grab bars, and cleaning features. Boca’s microtherapy adds to the brand’s healing options, providing hydrotherapy that cleanses, moisturizes, and moisturizes the skin without the need for soap. or rub millions of tiny bubbles that penetrate through the pores of the skin, according to the company.
Founded in 2007, Meditub manufactures the largest walk-in bathtubs in the U. S. It is available in the U. S. , according to the company, and offers a wide variety of acrylic and gelcoat models. Meditub walk-in tubs come with a 10-year limited warranty against production defects in the bathtub housing, frame, and finish, as well as a lifetime warranty on the tub door gasket. Meditub sells its walk-in bathtubs exclusively through high-end showrooms or qualified dealers and has a stock of at least 2400 bathtubs at any given time.
Founded in 2000, Taking Solutions’ restrooms are designed to be compatible with a popular restroom area and feature a one-piece structure to prevent leaks and structural changes. The company tests and certifies all of its walk-in tubs to meet plumbing, mechanical, and electrical code requirements, ensuring quality and safety for visitors. Bath Solutions walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty on the stainless metal frame, tub housing, tub finish, and door seal.
Hydro Dimensions bathtubs are supplied with popular protective features, adding a contoured door latch, guard bars, 17-inch-tall seats, and non-slip floors. Customers can upgrade their bathtub with high-velocity drainage, air, and water. massage treatment systems, traditional sprinkler placement, a heated backrest, and an ozone or UV disinfection system, which automatically cleans the surface of the bathtub after bathing. Hydro Dimensions bathtubs are available from specialist dealers throughout the United States.
For the most productive hot tub companies, Forbes Health’s editorial team analyzed data from all major U. S. manufacturers. The U. S. Department of Agriculture and the U. S. Department of Homeland Security ranked them based on:
Since costs vary greatly depending on location, tub type and style selected, customization preferences, and installation needs, it is more productive to reach out directly to corporations for quotes related to answers expressed for you and your home.
With a bathtub by appointment, all you have to do is open an airtight swing door, step in (or transfer from a wheelchair), and sit on a built-in bench. Then fill the bathtub, tub, or shower and empty it. before leaving.
Entering a classic bathroom is potentially tiring and dangerous for people with mobility issues. The procedure can also cause anxiety in caregivers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 nonfatal injuries occurred in the United States in 2008 (the last time the CDC studied them), sending thousands of people to emergency rooms. Injuries were four times more common among people over 85 than among those aged 15 to 24.
With a walk-in design, seniors could possibly shower independently when they couldn’t before. “A walk-in tub provides chair-height seating, making it less difficult to stand and sit,” says Debra Young, vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association and owner of EmpowerAbility, a consulting firm in Newark, Delaware, focused on accessibility and inclusive design.
A walk-in tub’s lower access threshold makes it safer and less difficult for the user to get in and out compared to navigating the high, slippery walls of a traditional bathtub, Young says. Most walk-in tubs are supplied with grab bars, non-slip surfaces, and anti-scald devices for swimmers’ safety.
“When determining whether a walk-in tub is the right choice, a person’s diversity of movement, strength, balance, and coordination must be taken into account,” Young says. In addition, long-term abilities and desires to bathe should be considered. Advises.
Walk-in tubs feature airtight hinged doors and lower thresholds that allow users to get in and out of the tub seamlessly. Standard bathtubs, on the other hand, are usually made of forged walls that are usually between 14 and 16 inches tall. Bathtubs have upper walls, users with limited mobility may find it difficult to get in or out of such bathtubs. In addition, many walk-in tubs come with other features such as grab bars, non-slip seats, and flooring for added comfort. user safety.
Deciding to invest in a bathtub for yourself or your loved one has disadvantages, such as the following:
From fundamental styles to state-of-the-art innovations, walk-in bathtubs vary widely.
A deep bathtub is the most basic bathtub design. These tubs are deep enough that your torso and lower body can be fully submerged when you sit on the built-in bench. Deep bathtubs come with water or air jets, so the bathtub water is calm.
Air therapy bathtubs release air bubbles into the water from holes in the sides of the bathtub, offering a gentle massage that can have healing benefits.
“Hydrotherapy and air therapy bathtubs may be beneficial for others with muscle aches, muscle spasms, tension and/or aches,” Young says. “It is necessary to consult a doctor before any hydrotherapy and/or aerotherapy consultation. “to ensure that there are no precautions or contraindications based on prospective medical history and/or existing physical conditions. “
According to Young, these bathtubs may not be suitable for others with balance problems, open wounds, or skin infections.
Like a traditional hot tub, hydrotherapy hot tubs use therapeutically placed jets of water to massage sore muscles. People with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases are sometimes asked to consult their doctor before such a bath.
Walk-in bariatric bathtubs feature a wider seat for the comfort and protection of tall people. While regular walk-in tubs can accommodate other people weighing up to three hundred pounds, the capacity of a bariatric bath can be up to six hundred pounds. .
The restrooms available for wheelchairs are designed to make it safer for wheelchair users to move from their chair to the bathroom bench. With a wider door, a lower threshold, and a seat at the height of a chair adjacent to the door, a bather can move to the seat unobstructed, cutting off their threat of falling.
Another option for others with mobility issues is a “sliding wall bathtub. “In this bathtub, a sliding wall creates an extra-wide front opening. The floor of the bathtub can be raised to the height of a chair.
“The extra-wide opening and chair-height surface of the tub provide more space for users with various abilities to get in and out of the tub using movement methods,” Young says. “Sliding bathtubs also allow the user to be fully submerged in a reclined position rather than a sitting position. “
The average product, fabric, and labor charge for a bathtub installation is around $10,000, according to HomeDepot. com. The length of the bathtub, the healing features, the design, the fabrics, its placement and the desired customization are all points. That can increase the price. The amount of renovation and plumbing painting needed can also increase the price of your bathtub.
Bathtub costs do not include installation or shipping. Before purchasing a walk-in tub, hire a contractor with extensive experience installing walk-in tubs.
The charge for installing a walk-in tub varies depending on a number of factors, such as additional labor, appliance upgrades, hardware replacement, and more. Typically, prices for installing a bathtub by appointment range from $2000 to $10,000, according to Jesse Garrett. a general contractor in Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to Garrett, some of the items that contribute to the cost of installing a walk-in tub may include:
Additionally, it should be noted that the charge for installing a bathtub can vary depending on your location, the fabrics you use, and the type of bathtub you purchase.
Unfortunately, neither Medicare nor personal fitness insurance covers the prices associated with purchasing or installing a bathtub, which can vary greatly depending on the bathtub you choose or if you opt for customization. Financing could be an option depending on the express. Situations of the company you decide to work with, but it allows you to make a large initial investment.
The answer to this question depends on several key factors. If you have money to spend and smart mobility, a walk-in tub can replace your home life. If your mobility tends to be minimized or if you’re intimidated through the concept of an installation procedure that might require extensive electrical and plumbing paintings, then perhaps the answer is no. Either way, be aware of the costs, literally and figuratively, before proceeding.
In addition to a walk-in tub that can be installed in place of an existing tub, there are several tactics to potentially save money on the purchase of a walk-in tub.
For example, veterans might be eligible for one of the many systems that offer walk-in tub rebates or subsidies; These benefits are not guaranteed. To find out if you or someone who enjoys it is eligible, contact your local Veterans Affairs office. office.
To offset upfront costs and pay in smaller portions, some walk-in tub companies offer financing, so consumers can pay for the cost of the tub over time and not all at once. Comparing contractor rates can also save you money when it comes to installation-related pricing.
There are a number of reasons why a user might need to purchase and install a walk-in tub. Safety is the main fear and consideration. In particular, seniors at higher risk of falling and who want to age in position can get advantages from a walk-in tub. A study published in Injury Epidemiology found that out of 1,172 falls recorded among older adults in the home, injuries were more than twice as likely to occur if the fall had occurred in the bathroom rather than anywhere else. component of the house. [1] Stevens JA, Mahoney JEArray Ehrenreich H. Circumstances and consequences of falls in high-risk older adults living in the community. Inj. Epidémiol. 2014; 1(5):5. .
Most walk-in bathtubs have a low threshold, as well as ADA-compliant features such as handrails and non-slip surfaces that can mitigate the threat of falls in older adults. If you are concerned about your mobility or the threat of falling, fall-related injury, your healthcare provider can help if a walk-in tub would improve your ability to age in place.
The dimensions of a walk-in tub vary depending on points such as the design of the tub and the dimensions of your bathroom. In general, walk-in tubs average 60 inches long, 32 inches wide and 38 inches high, according to Walk-in. Kohler, manufacturer of integrated bathtubs. However, some walk-in tubs can be up to 36 inches long and 32 inches wide, while larger tubs can grow up to 60 inches long and 40 inches wide.
Some walk-in bathtub manufacturers, such as Independent Home and Safe Step, provide very little online data about their products, as they are fully adapted to the customer’s existing bathroom. Because of this lack of public data, we were unable to introduce them to the most sensible rankings above, but they are reputable corporations that offer quality bathtubs.
Independent Home’s walk-in tubs feature a non-slip textured floor, an ergonomic bar, an ADA-compliant 17-inch seat, an overflow valve, and a self-bleed formula for air jets. Aerotherapy, hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, heated seats and backrests and other features are also available.
All Independent Home walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty on key components, as well as the door seal, frame, and housing. You schedule an in-home consultation with Independent Home for pricing and installation information.
All Safe Step bathtubs feature a non-slip seat, anti-scald faucets and automatic temperature regulation, quick fill and drain systems, and a door that requires little force to close. Safe Step walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty that covers production defects, seals on doors, faucets, water pumps, radiators, fans, and portions, as well as hard repair work.
The manufacturer also offers a two-year warranty for tub caulking. The price of Safe Step bathtubs can vary greatly depending on your needs and you can order directly from the company.
1. Talk to your physical care provider. Find out if a walk-in tub is a helpful option for you or your loved ones. What facilities and facilities (hydrotherapy, wheelchair access) are essential for you?Which ones deserve to be avoided?
2. See a senior aging specialist and/or occupational therapist. A Certified On-Site Aging Specialist (CAPS) specializes in home modifications for seniors. It can provide you with information about the logistics and protection of purchasing your hot tub. Your local aging company can provide you with this experience.
Occupational therapists are physical care professionals trained to help with home modifications and provide hands-on education as older adults adjust to changes in their home environment. Contact the American Occupational Therapy Association or your state’s occupational treatment association.
3. Set your budget for your bathtub. You may prefer to check with your financial planner what you can afford. Explore other investment features and, again, ask your local aging business about Medicaid or VA assistance.
4. List your must-haves. Make an online pre-purchase of the tube that fits your list, and then contact a manufacturer or broker if any questions arise.
5. Find a reputable bathtub contractor. Local medical appliance stores, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, as well as referrals from friends and family can provide you with reliable contacts for contractors. Ask for contractor references, then go ahead and see if customers beyond were satisfied with the contractor’s work.
6. Ask your contractor the questions. Gros-Daillon recommends these questions as a starting point:
It might also be a good idea to ask a contractor for photographs of the renovations they’ve done and if they have any additional clients willing to talk about their experience.
Also, learn about the company’s warranty and service policies. A home will reveal any installation issues that may increase your costs.
When shopping for food for a walk-in tub, it’s critical to have the right protective features for your needs, including:
Other features to look for could depend on the tastes or budget of your private bathtub. Many walk-in tubs offer additional healing or comfort features and accessories, including:
Walk-in tubs can be purchased at home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowes, or online stores such as Amazon and Wayfair. In addition, many walk-in bathtubs can be purchased from dealer and manufacturer websites.
When shopping for food for a walk-in tub, it’s vital that various models, retailers, brands, and brands make sure to choose the walk-in tub that’s most productive for your needs.
Depending on the walk-in tub manufacturer, the company may provide its own contractors to remove and dispose of your old tub and install your new tub by appointment. You may also be allowed to hire your own contractor.
A walk-in tub can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to install, depending on points such as a desire to install a tankless water heater, remove pipe clogs, upgrade insufficient drain pipes, widen the bathroom door, or make other renovations to accommodate the walk-in tub.
Use this checklist to advise you on the right bathtub features for you.
How tall will the tub sill be that you will face today and in the future?The front sills of walk-in bathtubs vary in height. For example, Kohler’s walk-in tubs have a threshold of 3 inches, while models from other brands can be up to 7 inches.
Since many other people want grab bars, many walk-in tubs include them. Young recommends visiting a showroom to check the location of a walk-in tub’s grab bar. Many factors, adding the strength of the swimmer’s arms and legs, diversity of movement, grip strength, balance and coordination (as well as height, weight and measurements) the optimal location of the grab bar. Check with your contractor, broker, or manufacturer to find out if grab bars built into a bathtub can be moved to best suit your needs. Consider installing grab bars on the outside of the tub to prevent further falls and injuries.
Choose a bathtub with a surface when it’s wet. Most walk-in bathtubs have non-slip surfaces, but not all non-slip surfaces are created equal, Young says. She recommends a textured surface rather than a fancy one, noting that adding a bathtub mat and traction stickers on the inside of the tub will further reduce the risk of falls. A non-slip mat or mat on the outside of the bathtub is also a must.
Since walk-in bathtubs are filled and emptied while you are sitting inside, a user who undresses can get cold. The time it takes to fill a bathtub depends on the speed of your water heater and the drain time varies between bathtub models. Drainage tubs can drain in 4 minutes or less, while conventional drainage tubs can take anywhere from six to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, if you opt for a bathtub with a heated seat or install a ceiling heater in the bathroom, you or your loved one will be able to stay warm while the bathtub fills and empties.
The doors of the bathroom with dressing room open inwards (towards the bathroom) or outwards (towards the bedroom). Doors that open outward are easier to walk through, especially for other people in wheelchairs. However, a door that opens inwards will possibly be mandatory if your bathroom is small.
However, the physical difficulties of the bather express physical difficulties about which door is preferable. A door that opens outward can be difficult to close for someone with a limited diversity of movements in their arms. With a door that opens inwards, it can be tricky to clear your legs and feet. when you close it.
An empty bathtub is a must to prevent skin infections and mold contamination, but cleaning a bathtub can be harmful to seniors. Self-cleaning bathtubs spray jets of antibacterial and anti-mold chemicals into the empty bathtub after bathing. The pipes are purged of hazardous materials, keeping the bathtub blank. Ultraviolet lamps also disinfect bathrooms, and some brands also use this technology.
Will your current water heater handle the volume of water needed for your bathtub?Walk-in bathtubs, especially those with hydrotherapy jets, use gigantic amounts of water. Your contractor may offer you an in-line or tankless heater to meet demand.
A tankless water heater provides an even source of hot water, according to the U. S. Department of Energy. U. S. Water can be obtained on request, as you don’t want to fill a larger hot water tank. However, you may enjoy a slower pace. than with a traditional water heater.
A walk-in tub and shower combo allows you to enjoy the benefits of a walk-in tub and the convenience of a shower. Some of those bathtubs surround the bather with a giant, transparent wall, and others have three sides with a shower curtain rod. above the front of the bathtub.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, buy a separate cabinet to install over your bathtub. Ask your contractor or manufacturer if this is a viable option with your tub selection.
A handheld showerhead makes bathing easier for others with limited mobility. “A handheld shower can be an improvement because it provides more flexibility to the user,” says Fritzi Gros Daillon, a home protection specialist and educator at Age Safe America. , an education and advocacy organization.
A handheld shower also makes it less difficult to shampoo and clean the tub, and it makes it less difficult for the caregiver to bathe, Young says.
Your individual desires and preferences, or those of your loved one, will determine the best brand and style of bathtub for you, but our top pick is Independent Home.
Walk-in bathtubs are not considered harmful and are recommended to help improve user safety, especially seniors and others with limited mobility. Walk-in tubs come with a low threshold, non-slip floors, and integrated grab bars. all of which are meant to keep other people safe while bathing at home. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if a walk-in tub is a safe and helpful option for your individual needs.
While the enhanced protective features that walk-in bathtubs present may be attractive or mandatory for many users, those bathtubs may also have drawbacks. Walk-in bathtubs are an expensive investment, ranging from $2000 to $10,000 for installation. Additionally, installing a walk-in bathroom may require plumbing or electrical upgrades in a person’s home. Additionally, because walk-in tubs have hinged doors for easy access and exit, users will have to remain in the tub while it is filled and emptied.
The cost of purchasing and installing a walk-in tub can range from $2,000 to $10,000. However, there are several ways to save on costs. Veterans may be eligible for reimbursements or subsidies to be offered through the VA, and physician-prescribed baths. It would possibly be tax-deductible as medical expenses. Additionally, some walk-in bathtub brands and stores offer financing, allowing buyers to pay for the cost of the bathtub in smaller installments over time.
Not all walk-in tubs are ADA compliant, which is a sign of protection and accessibility for others with disabilities. However, many brands offer ADA-compliant models that would possibly come with a wider and/or taller seat, seats, and bars. and other accessibility features.
The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)may offer grants to cover the cost of purchasing and installing a bathtub for veterans and military members who qualify for Home Improvement and Structural Modifications (HISA) benefits. It is medically required due to a disability and cannot be used for bathtubs or hot tubs as a spa or hot tub.
If your walk-in tub was prescribed by a doctor, then it may be considered a medical expense when you file your federal income tax return. Otherwise, walk-in tubs are not a tax-deductible expense.
It is more productive to clean or whiten the surface with warm water after each use. However, you can also perform a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deep clean. Always refer to your model’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s online page for a quick erase. instructions.
It takes about six to ten minutes to fill a walk-in tub. Fill times vary depending on the water tension and your bathroom plumbing formula.
The data provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your fitness and well-being are unique to you, and the products and facilities we review may not be suitable for you. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis, or remedy. Plans. For personalized advice, consult a physical care professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict criteria for editorial integrity. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date of publication, the offers contained herein may no longer be available. The reviews expressed are those of the author only and have not been provided, approved or otherwise approved through our advertisers.