Guide to the Best Walk-in Tubs and Prices

Walk-in tubs and shower combos are a must for the elderly or anyone suffering from some type of mobility disability that will not allow them to bathe easily or to just simply ease the mind of loved ones. With a walk in tub, you will no longer have to worry about the elderly slipping and falling when they are entering or exiting the shower. Most falls occur when the disabled or elderly are entering/exiting the shower by having to “step” over the tub and losing their balance. All of the walk-ins reviewed here received high marks as meeting and exceeding all of the user’s expectations. The cost of a walk in tub prices can range from anywhere to as little as about $2,000 or as high the mid $6,000 range. This may sound outrageous at first, but you have to take in consideration the alternative option: assisted living facilities. A lot of the elderly are placed in assisted living residential communities for the sole reason that they are unable to bathe in their existing shower/bathroom area. In some cases, this could be avoided.

Benefits of a Walk-in Model

Additionally, they provide many benefits. They can prevent injuries, not just for elderly, in the form of a broken hip, knee replacement or even a dislocated shoulder. They also provide therapeutic uses, such as massaging jets for arthritis. In most cases, you have the ability to move and place the massaging jets to a specific place on the problem area of the body. People suffering with some type of mobility issue can also benefit. The disabled are able to enter the walk in tub with no assistance, take a seat, close the door, turn on the water, and fill the tub to the desired level. The maximum amount of water is around 60-80 gallons of water, which is around 800 pounds give or take a few . (on average they take about 120 seconds to drain. Some are quicker than others.)

Best Walk-in Bathtub Reviews

1. Deluxe Dual Massage Acrylic Walk-in Bathtub

The Deluxe Dual Massage has a dual drain system that allows the water to drain from the tub in as little as 80 seconds. This is important as many people forget that in a walk-in tub, you cannot exit the tub until the water is drained (if you open the door —> water everywhere!). It is equipped with an air massage system with 10 therapeutic jets and a Hydro Massage System with 12 jets for ultimate relaxation therapy. This is a left drain tub with 5 star rating from reviewers.

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2. Left Drain Air & Whirlpool Fully Loaded

The Arista left drain is fully loaded with all of the luxury features you could want in a bathtub. It has 12 water jets that can be moved and placed in the direction that works best. They are powered by a 1 HP water pump. It also has 20 air bubble massage injectors powered by a 1 HP air blower. Different colors light up the tub when you turn it on. Overall it rates very high among users and for a great price.

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3. Ariel Bath Soaker Walk in Tub

Ariel Bath is a respected name in the world of bathroom products and fixtures, and if you’ve experienced one of their bathtubs then you’d understand why. This is one of the more simpler units, the soaker, therefore it has no jets. Features include a safety grab bar, a slip resistant bottom, and an accessories deck on top to hold your soaps and shampoos. Although it doesn’t have all of the extra options, its a great tub for those on a budget.

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Final Note

It is recommended to have them professionally installed unless you have electrical and plumbing experience. You will need to take the following issues into consideration and have the following questions answered. Can the area maintain the weight? Is the area level? Can your electrical panel handle a dedicated circuit? And does the dedicated circuit need to be rated or the same brand as your electrical panel in order to work? Your electrical GCFI will need to be a 30 amp (which is not common) or take into consideration prior to having a one installed in your residence and obtain some estimates for the prices on having it installed as to avoid any surprises.