Ron SmithPublished on Jun 1, 2023

AIP - Walk in Tubs: Should I Consider One?

I recently had a reader ask for information regarding walk-in tubs. My experience with walk-in tubs is limited to a neighbor that I once had who got a walk-in tub for her mother who was living with her. After their house was sold, the new owner immediately tore the walk-in tub out. So, I did a lot of research to share with you.

What is a walk-in tub? To enter you open a hinged, water-tight door, step inside across a low threshold and take a seat on a built-in chair height seat. In addition, there may be therapy options, such as, aerotherapy (air bubbles), hydrotherapy (jets) or chromatherapy(color).

Walk-in tubs provide for safety, comfort and some therapy. Entering a traditional tub can be very risky for anyone with mobility issues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in four Americans over the age of 65 falls each year getting in or out of a tub.

There are six primary types of walk-in tubs: 1) soaking tubs (still water), 2) aerotherapy tubs(bubbles), 3) hydrotherapy tubs(jets), 4) bariatric tubs (designed for the safety and comfort of larger people), 5) wheelchair accessible and 6) combination. Specialized tubs are also available for double occupants and lay down use.

There are some considerations before deciding whether a walk-in tub is advisable. If you are healthy and reasonably mobile, you should be good to go. However, if your ability is somewhat impaired or your health or the health of your loved one is somewhat compromised, you should check with your physician or occupational therapist first to determine any risks or potential hazards. A person’s range of motion, strength, balance and coordination should all be taken into consideration. Medical issues, such as, open wounds would be a cause for concern. Your physician or occupational therapist can recommend what features might be the most beneficial for your specific medical requirements, level of mobility and comfort.

In addition to the safety and therapy options, you might also want to consider some other features:

• The height of the entrance step threshold. This can vary by manufacturer.
• Installed grab bars.
• The fill and drainage times for the unit. Note that fill times will be determined by the capacity of your plumbing and your water heater. Quick-drain units are totally dependent on the capacity of your drain plumbing. So be cautious that your home’s existing plumbing can meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Otherwise, you might be faced with some expensive modifications to support the installation. Drain times affect how long the bather will need to sit in cold air while the tub fills and drains.
• A backrest or heated backrest will reduce chills while the tub is filling or draining.
• Non slip surfaces in and around the walk-in tub installation.
• Inward vs. outward tub doors. A wheelchair transfer is greatly enhanced by an outward swing, but also consider the space taken by the door when open. Small bathrooms may not have enough room for an outward swing and the bather’s arm may not be long enough the pull the door closed. On the inward swing, the door may infringe on the space needed to pull one’s legs and feet into the tub. Out swinging doors are easier to open in an emergency. Make sure the width of the door is wide enough.
• Self-cleaning functionality. Cleaning a tub may be hazardous for a senior to achieve. Not keeping a tub clean can lead to mold and skin infections. A self-cleaning tub has spray jets that treat the tub with antibacterial and anti-mold chemicals. The plumbing can be treated and purged as well. Some manufacturers use ultraviolet lights or ozone to help sanitize their tubs. If not self-cleaning, become familiar with what is required to keep the tub clean and safe.
• Added water heating capacity. An in-line or tankless water heater to meet the demand of the tub. Tub size often exceeds the capacity of the existing water heater. Find out how much water the tub holds and compare that to your current water heater capacity. Insist on an anti-scald valve.
• Shower options. Many manufactures offer a tall shower option integrated into the walk-in tub as well as a handheld showerhead.

Cost - The average cost of the tub units, materials and installation is $10,000.But the range of costs can vary considerably. The cost of the walk-in tub units alone can vary from $2,000 to $12,000.And walk-in tub installations can vary from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on plumbing requirements, upgrading heaters, new electrical, widening the bathroom door or other renovations needed to install the unit. Some manufacturers may offer selective discounts, rebates or special financing. Get multiple quotes for comparison.

Pros vs. Cons

1. Pros: a) Comfort and potential health benefits, b) Safety features that help to reduce the risk of falls, c) Independence for people trying to age-in-place and d) ADA compliant standards.
2. Cons: a) Expensive, b) Increased maintenance costs, c) May be difficult to install, d) Potential for increased water usage, e) May be difficult to keep clean, and f) More time consuming to use.

Steps for purchasing a walk-in tub

1. Establish a budget: a) Cost of the unit, b) Cost of the installation, and c) Project contingency.
2. Identify your must-haves
3. Find a reputable walk-in tub contractor. Will the manufacturer require their own installers, or do you need to hire your own contractor? For example, Kohler requires you to use their installers.
4. Ask the contractor these important questions: a) Are they licensed and insured? b) Do they have experience? (With which manufacturers?), c) Will permits be required? d) What are the plumbing requirements? Will plumbing have to be relocated? e) Will a supplemental heater be required? f) What are the electrical requirements? and g) What are their warranty and service policies?

Is it worth it? The answer depends on a number of factors. If you have reasonable mobility and no major medical limitations, a walk-in tub could be a major improvement to your lifestyle. If your mobility is moving downward check with your doctor or therapist for a recommendation. Could be a great choice or not. How do you feel about the potential installation issues and disruption? Are you comfortable with the project costs? How long do you expect to stay in your house? Like with a pool, there is no guarantee that the installation of a walk-in tub will raise the resale value. But for the right buyer, it could be attractive in a retirement community.

Making your decision - There are no independent reviewers of this type of product. Almost all online reviews are by companies that are compensated by the manufacturers. Compare reviews for differences. Make sure you decide which options you really need. Utilize input from your doctor or physical/occupational therapists. Check neighbors or friends for recommendations. Check out references from the vendors and contractors. Finally, make sure of your financing. Check your area agency on aging about Medicaid or Veterans assistance. There is no support from original Medicare, but future Medicare Advantage programs might offer assistance. If the walk-in tub is prescribed by a doctor, it could be considered a qualified medical tax deduction.

Ron Smith is a living-in-place advocate, a member of the Age-Friendly Maricopa Advisory Committee, a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and a Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP™)

This article was published under a different title in the August 2022 issue of InMaricopa Magazine.