Walk in tubs provide a safe, spa-like experience for seniors, people with mobility issues and anyone else who wants a soothing, relaxing bath at home. More than simply a different type of bathtub, a walk in tub helps promote healthy and independent living at any age.

Our complete buyers guide provides everything you need to know about walk in baths. We looked at major manufacturers, features, prices and more. There are many types of tubs, each with different pros and cons. Use our guide to find the best walk in tub for you:

Walk In Tubs Defined

Each year, one out of every four seniors will fall in their home. Over 2.8 million people age 65 or older wind up in the emergency room annually due to falls. Hundreds of thousands of these falls happen in the bathroom, with most injuries occurring around the tub or shower.

Walk-in tubs, including walk in tub shower combos, makes bathing safer and easier. Walk-in tubs have a locking door, so entering and exiting the tub requires no high step. Plus, walk-in tubs include a built-in chair, grab bars and other ADA-compliant safety features.

Generally, walk ins are either the same length or just a bit shorter than a standard bathtub. Most standard bathtubs are 60 inches long and 32 inches wide. Walk in therapeutic tubs are usually 60 inches long or shorter. Their average width is between 26 and 32 inches.

There’s a wide variety of tubs out there. You can find basic, low-cost tubs or pricier models with a lot of bells and whistles. But pretty much all of them will have the following features:

Step Up

This is the height of the threshold into the tub. A traditional bathtub has a threshold of 15 inches. The average step up is between three and seven inches, although some wheelchair-accessible ones are lower. Entering and leaving the tub requires no high leg lifting or balancing.

Watertight Door

Tubs are sealed with a watertight door. Depending on the type, the door will either swing inward or outward. Even though the door provides a tight seal, closing it can usually be done by someone with minimal arm strength.

Hand-Held Shower Head

A hand-held shower head is a great way to bathe while sitting down. Most shower heads have adjustable pressure and spray. A hand-held shower head allows for full body cleaning even for someone who has limited mobility.

Built-In Chair

These built-in chairs let bathers sit comfortably while also minimizing the risk of a fall. Chairs are usually soft and comfortable. Most tubs allow you to move and adjust the chair for your needs.

Size

Traditional tubs are about one foot deep, but walk-in tubs average a depth of two and a half feet. This extra depth creates a spa-like experience. Many tubs also have jets and other features designed to soothe sore muscles and relieve pain.

Top Walk In Tub Brands

There are plenty of tubs out there. You’ll get the best results if you limit your search to major brands. In most cases, you’ll find that the best tubs are made in the U.S.A. You’ll want a tub sturdy enough to stay maintenance-free – and a reliable warranty from the manufacturer, just in case.

Customer service reputation is important, too. Most purchases involve a fair amount of contact with a dealer rep, including an in-home consultation. You want a company which cares more about your specific needs than maximizing their products.

The following are a few well-established tub manufacturers. They make high quality tubs and have a reputation for reliable, honest customer service.

If you’re just starting your search for a tub, here are some of the major manufacturers you’ll want to consider:

Top Walk In Tub Brands

The following are a few well-established tub manufacturers. They make high quality tubs and have a reputation for reliable, honest customer service.

If you’re just starting your search for a tub, here are some of the major manufacturers you’ll want to consider:

Having your bath on your own is in no way a big deal. But it becomes more and more complicated with age, and what you used to do in five minutes and jump out of the bathroom would have gradually become a task that needs a whole lot of carefulness and seriousness.

Bathtubs for seniors aren’t any special or different from general bathtubs — except that they come with some extra features to make them more user friendly and user sensitive.

Who Needs a Walk In Bathtub?

Everyone enjoys a relaxing soak in a warm tub! But these tubs are about more than just comfort. They’re also a safe choice for anyone with mobility issues or an increased risk of falling. Here are some common groups of folks who benefit from a walk in:

Individuals with Limited Mobility

Stepping into a traditional bathtub/shower combo involves a high leg lift. This can be a problem for anyone with balance and movement issues. But these tubs have a low step threshold, usually between three and five inches high.

Senior Citizens

“Aging in place” means designing your home to support your needs as you age. This includes features for everyday life such as an access ramp for the front door, large-button phones, a medical alert system and much more.

Bathrooms can be especially dangerous for older adults. The small spaces, slick surfaces and hot temperatures pose real risks. Plus, stepping into a bathtub or shower requires balance and high leg lifts, often on unstable, wet tile.

These tubs allow seniors to live alone safely and comfortably. Reducing daily risks, especially in the bathroom, allows for longer independent living. Plus, the health benefits of the tub help reduce common problems of aging such as joint pain.

Obese People

Obese people can face challenges in traditional showers. Standing for even a small amount of time can be impossible. Also, excess weight can be hard to clean with a traditional, fixed shower head.

The built-in chair allows the obese person to sit comfortably. Textured tub floors and sturdy handrails provide stability when entering and exiting the tub.

Plus, the handheld shower head is lightweight, flexible and mobile. Bathing becomes much easier. Many obese people are able to clean their entire bodies for the first time in a long time.

Note that not every type of therapeutic tub is suitable for overweight individuals. Bariatric tubs are usually the best choice. They’re larger than a traditional walk in and have a larger, sturdier built-in chair.

Caregivers

Not everybody is healthy and mobile enough to bathe unassisted. Both in-home and visiting caregivers are a great option here. Unfortunately, even with assistance, bathing in a traditional tub is often very difficult.

A walk-in tub makes bathing easier for both caregivers and bathers. The built-in chair allows for secure, safe seating. Plus, the handheld shower head is easy for the caregiver to use. Walk ins benefit both the caregiver and bather.

Benefits of a Walk In Tub

There are a ton of benefits to a step in bathtub which you won’t find with traditional tubs. Here’s why many people decide to buy one:

Increases Safety

Seniors are at an increased risk of falls. Unfortunately, the damage caused by a fall has more of a lasting impact for an older person than a younger one. Even just one fall can lead to long-term health problems.

Handrails, a low entry step and a built-in chair are all excellent ways to reduce the risk of falling in the shower. Reducing the risk of falling helps increase independence. Seniors who live alone can bathe without worry.

Relaxing and Soothing

Stretch out and relax! With jets and a deep water well, these tubs give you a spa-like experience in the privacy of your own home. The deeper tubs can take a bit longer to fill (up to 15 minutes), but the relaxing results are well worth the wait. Perfect to de-stress.

Improves Health

Relaxation is great, but actual health benefits are better. The warm, bubbling water helps alleviate a variety of health issues including joint pain, arthritis, diabetes complications and more.

Customizable for You

There’s a tub for practically any site, bathroom layout and budget. You can find a relatively low-cost tub with the basics or you can find something fancier for a bit more. Basically, all manufacturers offer a variety of styles, colors and design.

Here’s a great video that shows some benefits of a particular tub model from American Standard:

Types of Walk-in Bathtubs

You’ll want to pick a tub based on your needs. Here are the main types of walk in bath tubs:

Soaker

This the basic type of tub. Safety is the main feature here. Soakers will have ADA-compliant features such as hand rails, a built-in seat and slip-resistant textured floors. They’re deep, too. Most soaker bathtubs have fast-acting drains so you can exit quicker (because the water needs to drain before you can open the tub door).

Whirlpool

This type is similar to a hot tub or spa. Water jets create tiny bubbles which surround the bather. Whirlpool tubs usually also include an in-line heater which keeps the water warm during a long bath.

Whirlpool tubs are great for hydrotherapy. Consistent use can help decrease joint and muscle pain. Many people with arthritis and similar conditions prefer this type of tub. Works great to help rehabilitate injuries, too. Of course, you don’t need pain to find a whirlpool relaxing!

Whirlpools have special maintenance needs. The jets must be kept clean in order to function properly. Cleaning and rinsing the pipes of a whirlpool tub will take about half an hour, and can’t really be done by someone with limited mobility.

Aerotherapy and Hydrotherapy

The environment created by the tub has aerotherapeutic benefits. The warm and humid air created by the bubbling tub can help treat a variety of respiratory issues. Regular use can help keep sinuses free and clear.

These tubs are deep enough to allow for full body immersion. More than just a good soak, the deep tubs provides hydrotherapeutic health benefits. Many people use a whirlpool tub to both prevent and treat joint pain, including pain from arthritis.

Water helps relieve joint and muscle pain by taking weight off the body. Hot water relaxes muscles. Immune and circulatory systems are stimulated and massaged by the air jets.

Specialized hydrotherapy features are also available. Tubs can be equipped with underwater treadmills, support bars and more. The deep water provides low-impact resistance to help strengthen muscles and joints.

Bariatric

Walk-ins bathtubs are deeper than traditional tubs, but usually aren’t wider. This poses a problem for anyone who is larger, generally over 300 pounds. Bariatric tubs are an effective solution here.

Bariatric tubs have a wide door opening and a large built-in seat. They can accommodate just about anyone of any size. Like other walk-ins, bariatric tubs have grab bars, a low step, a textured floor and other safety features. Generally, a bariatric is the sturdiest and widest type of walk-in bathtub. They can support upwards of 600 pounds and a width of 30 inches or more.

Wheelchair Accessible

Even a small step-in threshold can pose a challenge for anyone in a wheelchair. Fortunately, wheelchair accessible tubs are an option. They have large doors with clear access to the built-in seat. Bathers can easily slide from wheelchair to bath chair.

With a wheelchair accessible tub, you want full ADA compliance. Tubs average a depth of about 65 gallons, a length of 60 inches and a width of 30 inches. Most will have a door which swings outward. Extra options include air jets, whirlpool jets and more.

Combination Walk-In Bathtub

Tubs with a shower are very popular. In most cases, the shower is a hand-held wand which can be placed into a fixed, stationary holder when desired. Other walk in bathtub and shower combinations have a permanent shower head which can’t be moved. If you like the option of either showering or taking a bath, walk in tub with shower options are available from all major brands.

Common Walk In Tub Features

In order the find the best tub, first determine why you want one. Different features will help you achieve different results. Here are three general reasons people buy tubs:

Therapeutic

These tubs have a wide range of potential health benefits including reducing aches and pains, increasing mobility, and improving circulation. Some common features found in a therapeutic tub include:

Aromatherapy – Natural oils which help promote physical and emotional well-being.
Chromotherapy – Colored lights, including underwater lights, create a soothing effect.
Water Temp Control – Gives you a steady supply of hot water without danger of scalding.
Hydro-Jet Therapy – Massaging jets. Quality tubs average about 10 jets.

Safety

Seniors, overweight people and anyone else with an increased risk of falling want a tub which emphasizes safety. These tubs are often a valuable part of any “age at home” plan. Common safety features include:

Anti-Slip Tub Floor – Secure texture provides sure footing even when wet.
Built-In Chair – No-slip seat is both comfortable and safe. ADA compliant.
Quick Release Drain – Exit the tub quickly after a bath. No waiting for slow draining.
Wide, No-Step Door – Extra-wide, low door for the obese and wheelchair-bound.
Built-in Grab Bars – Provide a dependable handhold when entering and exiting tub.
“Safe Water” Cleaning System – Easy way to keep your tub in great working order.
Anti-Scald Technology – Keeps water warm while preventing accidental burns.
Low-Step – Perfect for those with limited mobility and balance issues.
In-Front Access Panels – Allows for quicker repairs if necessary.
Aluminum Frame – Sold structure provides long-lasting durability.
Interior Gel-Coat – Keeps tub sanitary and mold-free.

Comfort and Convenience

Beyond safety and therapy, a walk-in tub turns your bathroom into a spa. A warm, relaxing bath is a great way to de-stress. While these tubs have great medical benefits, they’re also a welcome relief for everyday aches and pains. Here are some quality of life features you might want for your tub:

Heated Seat – Because who wants to sit down on a cold chair?
Anti-Slip Comfort Seat – Soft cushion stays comfy even during a long soak.
No-Strength Locking Handle – Minimal arm strength required to open and close tub door.
Hand-held Shower Wand – Easy and lightweight.
Solid-Surface Finish – Stain and scratch resistant. Easy to clean.
Lifetime Warranty – Most manufacturers offer a money-back guarantee.

Here’s a helpful video from American Standard on some common options:

Customization Options

Your bathroom is unique. Your tub can be unique, too. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available. Here are the most common:

Raised Hand-Held Shower System

Many people want the safety of a tub but the convenience of a shower. A hand-held shower system is an easy way to bathe without having to fill the entire tub. Shower wands have adjustable spray options.

You can add a fixed holder for the shower wand. This holds the shower head in a permanent spot, like a traditional shower. You can still easily remove the shower head for use while sitting.

Lower-Entry Step-Up

You can enter the tub without having to lift your leg very high. Most tubs have a step-in threshold between three and five inches.

If that’s still too high, tubs with an even lower threshold are available. Combined with an adjustable built-in seat, even people with practically zero mobility can be helped in and out of the bath easily.

Neck Rest

Neck rests and other seating options let you relax in comfort and style. If you enjoy spending a long time in the tub, there are special hot water regulators you can use, too. They provide a steady stream of warm water. They also automatically prevent scalds from sudden spikes of hot water.

Tub Extender

Your new tub isn’t going to necessarily be the same size as your old one. In many cases, you’ll end up with a space between your tub and your wall. Extenders match your tub and existing décor. Aside from looking good, extenders also protect your bathroom from water and electrical damage.

Inward vs. Outward Doors

As the deep tub fills, the water presses against the (tightly sealed) door. If the door opens inward, the water actually helps the door stayed close. Inward opening doors are usually the cheaper option.

Outward-opening doors are made to resist the water weight of the full tub. They’re a bit more complex, so they’re a bit more expensive. But there are many good reason you might want an outward opening door. They provide easier access for both obese people and people in wheelchairs.

Fiberglass vs. Acrylic Shells

Walk in tub shower combos are made from either fiberglass or acrylic molds. Roughly 90% are made with fiberglass. Fiberglass is strong, rigid and usually coated with a triple gel epoxy. Fiberglass is usually the cheaper option.

Acrylic is long-lasting and strong. Acrylic is also considered to be easy to clean. You won’t have any problems with discoloration.

Both materials have similar strengths. Either will work fine for most people. Many tubs are made with an acrylic base but reinforce the tub mold with fiberglass.

Frame vs. Frameless

Framed tubs have aluminum or composite frames which surround partitions and anywhere else where water might escape. Seals, sweeps and magnets create a watertight fit.

Frames create a reliable barrier against leaks. They’re also cheaper than frameless. However, the biggest drawback to frames is they limit doors to only opening out.

Frameless enclosures use pivots and heavy-duty glass to block water. You have great design options with frameless. However, frameless options are somewhat limited due to the increased depth of the tub.

Accessories for Walk-in Bathtubs

There are a variety of options to enhance the bathing experience. Quick fill and drain features ensure you don’t have to sit for a long time before and after your bath. Padded seats and neck cushions create a comfortable experience. Outward opening doors provide easier access, including wheelchair access.

Size Options

Step-in tubs vary in size and shape but most are between 26 and 32 inches wide. They’ll normally fit into a 60-inch space, which is the length of a standard bathtub. If your new tub is shorter than 60 inches, a tub extension is a safe and stylish way to close the gap.

The height of the tub walls will vary. Average wall height is three feet. The step threshold averages between three and seven inches. More accessible doorways are available with bariatric tubs and outward opening doors.

Is Your Home Appropriate for a Walk-in Tub?

As a general rule, if you have a traditional bathtub in your home, you can probably safely install a walk-in. The two biggest considerations are going to be the size of your bathroom and the strength of your floor.

Walk-ins are usually a bit shorter than a traditional 60-inch tub. You can use a bathtub extender to bridge gaps. Extenders aren’t just for aesthetics. They also help protect your bathroom from potential water damage.

When filled, the tubs hold an average of 40 to 50 gallons of water. That’s roughly 375 pounds. While a house should be able to support that amount of weight, an apartment or condo might not. You’ll need to consult with qualified plumbers and builders before attempting any installation.

What Should I Expect to Pay?

Purchasing the tub and paying for installation are two separate price tags you’ll need to add together to estimate the total cost. Where you buy the tub, and who installs it, can have a significant impact on the final bill. Here’s a closer look:

Medicaid & Medicare

For the most part, you should be prepared to pay for your tub out-of-pocket. Medicare does not generally pay for walk-in tub purchase or installation. In the (very) rare cases a tub is covered, payment will be in the form of a reimbursement.

Medicaid is more likely to cover a therapeutic tub. Specifics will vary by state. Each state runs their own Medicaid programs, but many issues can be covered including chronic joint pain, arthritis and even pregnancy!

Showrooms & Local Distributors

While showrooms give you a chance to personally examine a variety of tubs, they also have a high overhead. Buying a tub from a showroom is generally about 25% to 30% more expensive than other methods. Some local distributors offer installation services while others do not.

Average purchase price: Between $4,000 and $8,000
Installation: Additional $1,500 to $3,000

Online Retailers

Online shopping often offers low prices, but you need to be careful of anything which seems too good to be true. Some super low-cost tubs use imported, low-quality electrical components. When shopping online, stick to reputable brands. Feel free to ask for referrals.

Major manufacturers often employ installation and service crews. However, this can be limited to certain service areas. You might be responsible for hiring your own plumbing specialist.

Average Purchase Price: Between $1,500 and $7,500
Installation: Additional $1,500 to $3,000

In-Home Sales Consultation

Your bathroom is unique. An in-home consultation is a great way to find the perfect tub for your specific situation. A sales rep will come out to your home. They’ll measure your bathroom, listen to your concerns and present you with several custom-tailored solutions.

There are downsides to in-home consultations. Meeting with the sales rep can take upwards of an hour. Also, sales rep are obviously going to push their products, so you might feel pressured to buy more tub features than you really need.

If price isn’t your main concern, in-home sales presents an easy, all-in-one solution. The sales rep will help you navigate the entire process from start to finish.

Average Purchase and Installation Combo Price: Between $5,000 and $20,000

Quick Tip

Unless you’re remodeling your entire bathroom, you probably shouldn’t spend more than $10,000 on both the tub and installation. If you’re ever quoted a price over $10,000, do some comparison shopping to make sure you’re not overpaying.

Big Box Retailers

Lowe’s, Home Depot and other large retailers offer tubs, too. Some have floor models you can inspect while others offer their products only through web listing and catalog.

The benefits here are price and warranty. Retailers offers deals in order to stay competitive. You can potentially find deep discounts on quality tubs. Also, most major retailers will also offer an additional warranty or return policy beyond the manufacturer’s guarantee.

Drawbacks to purchasing from a big box store include a lack of selection and personal attention. Due to size limitations, most stores will only have one or two display models. Their online selection can be larger, but even then inventory is often relatively sparse.

While a large online store will have reliable return policies and warranties, you probably won’t get much personal attention. The sales staff will probably know general plumbing, but not many specifics about walk-in shower and tub combos. Plus, big box retailers typically don’t offer installation.

Average Purchase Price: Between $2,500 and $6,000
Third-party Installation: $1,500 to $3,000

Installation

Unless you’re a plumbing professional, installing your walk-in bathtub isn’t a project you can do on your own. Safe installation involves plumbing, electrical, framing, tiling and more. Hiring the right installation team is an important part of the process.

Some tub manufacturers offer installation services. Others simply ship the tub to your house, in which case you’ll need to hire installers.

Most professional plumbers will be able to install a walk-in tub/shower combo. If you already know of a trusted plumber in your area, that’s a good place to start. Otherwise, you’ll need to find someone qualified in your area.

If you purchase your tub from an in-home consultation, installation will often be included in the purchase price. Some local showrooms will also offer installation. If you order your tub online, most likely you’ll be responsible for installation.

There are advantages to using the manufacturer’s installation team. They’ll be very familiar with the product. This can help not just with installation but also if you ever need repairs in the future.

At the same time, they’ll also likely be more loyal to the company than you. An independent plumber is able to recommend features, add-ons and more from other companies. Plus, an independent plumber can be cheaper.

TheraTub put together a neat time-lapse video of a common installation. Take a look:

Best Walk In Tubs in 2018 – The Ultimate Buyers Guide & Product Comparison

Walk In Tubs Defined

There’s a wide variety of tubs out there. You can find basic, low-cost tubs or pricier models with a lot of bells and whistles. But pretty much all of them will have the following features: