Walk-In Bathtubs for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide
One in four adults over 65 falls annually,1 often in bathrooms due to slippery surfaces and high tub thresholds. While medical alert systems help post-fall, preventing them is crucial.
While tub modifications like grab bars, non-slip mats, and ventilation reduce risk, walk-in tubs are an increasingly popular solution, with the U.S. market projected to hit $942 million by 2028.2 Whether for luxury or mobility, understanding walk-in tubs is key before purchasing.
Our Favorite Walk-In Tub Manufacturers
While no specific walk-in tub model is perfect for everyone, we've found that the following three brands consistently provide clients with the best overall value. Each of these brands offers a variety of models that can suit just about any bathroom space.
For more information on this year’s best walk-in tubs, take a look at our guides to American Standard Walk-In Tubs, Kohler Walk-In Tubs, Safe Step Walk-In Tubs, and a comparison of American Standard vs Kohler.
What is a Walk-In Bathtub?
A walk-in tub has a door and a built-in seat that allow users to bathe safely at home. The low entry threshold, typically just a few inches high, allows users to walk in instead of stepping over a high, slippery edge.
Walk-in tubs feature molded seats that let you bathe upright while submerged in water. They’re twice as deep as conventional bathtubs, making them ideal for anyone with limited mobility who can’t easily get up from a slippery tub floor.
Did you know that some medical alert systems have devices designed particularly for bathroom safety? Read my guide to the best medical alert systems to learn more.
Walk-In Tub Features
Most walk-in tub manufacturers offer a range of safety and luxury features to help you find the model that best fits your budget, home, and physical needs.
Safety and Accessibility
Since slips and falls are common concerns of most tub users, most walk-in tubs include key safety and accessibility features like:
- Anti-slip floors
- Safety drains
- Grab bars
- Watertight, easy-to-seal doors
- Easy-use faucet handles
- Extendable, hand-held shower wand
Your walk-in bathtub specialist should also discuss adding safety grab bars in other areas of your bathroom surrounding the tub itself. It is not uncommon to install a new ADA-compliant commode with nearby grab bars to facilitate getting up and down from the toilet as well.
Luxury
While most people choose walk-in tubs for accessibility and safety reasons, there are models that also offer a wide range of luxury features!
Handheld shower wand: Detachable showerheads are a convenient way to rinse all areas of the body.
Massage systems: Air or water jet systems circulate water, massage your body, and help maintain heat level (almost like a hot tub).
Chromotherapy: While not supported by medical evidence, it’s undeniably soothing to soak in a tub with color-changing lights.
Self-cleaning: Many walk-in tubs can clean themselves — a great feature for anyone who struggles with mobility!
Push-button controls: Access easy-to-use controls near the seat to control your experience.
Heated surfaces: Provide additional heat in the neck, back, and seat areas to help melt away tension or soreness.
Anti-scald technology: Prevent the water temperature from exceeding comfortable levels.
Types of Walk-In Bathtubs
While all walk-in bathtubs promise a safer, more luxurious bathing experience, they come in many shapes and sizes. These are the main types offered by most manufacturers.
Soaker tubs: A soaker tub is a basic walk-in bathtub with a leak-proof door, and usually features a grab bar and a handheld shower head. This is a less-expensive, entry-level unit without any bells or whistles.
Hydrotherapy tubs: A hydrotherapy tub includes a leak-proof door and water and/or air jets that circulate the water, helping with stiff joints and muscles.
Walk-in showers: Walk-in showers are a great option for those who prefer to shower. Some manufacturers offer walk-in showers with seats. For a list of our favorite walk-in showers, check out our rundown of this year’s best walk-in showers.
Bariatric walk-in tubs: A bariatric tub is a walk-in bathtub designed for larger individuals. These tubs’ features can range from minimal offerings to water jets and removable shower heads.
Wheelchair-accessible tubs: Wheelchair-accessible tubs usually have outward-opening door frames to easily transition from wheelchair to tub. Wheelchair-accessible showers are also a great option.
Walk-In Tub Sizes
Most walk-in tubs generally range from 26-35 inches wide and 35-60 inches tall. However, specialty manufacturers can provide tubs that are taller, larger, more compact, or more wheelchair-accessible models to better fit the user’s height, needs, and bathroom space.
Are Walk-In Tubs Easy to Use?
Most walk-in tub manufacturers, such as Kohler and American Standard, will come to your home for a free consultation. During this time, they’ll assess both your spatial and safety concerns and ultimately provide you with some thoughtful options that suit your needs.
Before purchasing a tub, be sure to ask:
- How big is the step up? Will your loved one be able to manage it?
- How wide and high is the seat? Can you sit on it comfortably?
- How easy is it to see and use the controls? How about the faucet and showerhead? Are they suitable for arthritic hands?
How to Use a Walk-In Tub
Because you’ll want to be able to open the door and step into your walk-in tub, you won’t be able to fill it up the same way as a traditional tub.
To begin your bath, enter the tub, close the door securely, then fill with water to your preferred depth and temperature.
Temperature Safety: Since you have to remain seated while a tub fills, most models have built-in anti-scald technology that prevents you from getting burned by the initial heat of the water.
To finish your bath, wait for your tub to drain completely before opening the door and stepping out. Many models feature rapid-drain systems to minimize wait time, so be sure to check whether your home’s plumbing can handle these high-flow systems before making your purchase!
Are Walk-In Tubs Affordable?
Since walk-in tub pricing has so many variables, there’s no straightforward price quote without consulting a retailer or installer. However, most shoppers can expect to pay around $12,000 for tub hardware, parts, and installation.3
Some variables include:
- Your existing bathroom layout: Do you currently have a tub or shower? Will your installer need to handle its removal?
- Hardware: Walk-in tub hardware can range from $3,000 to upwards of $10,000 for the most advanced models. Most manufacturers offer model units and allow you to add additional features that suit your needs.
To get the most accurate price estimate, schedule a consultation with a retailer or installation expert!
Helpful Resource: Learn more about walk-in tub pricing.
How To Buy A Walk-In Bathtub
Because these tubs don’t come standard in a typical home, you may need to explore different options. You can:
- Reach out to a walk-in bathtub retailer who can order the appropriate tub and arrange for installation.
- Find a tub at Home Depot (or another big box store) and hire someone to perform the installation separately.
Manufacturers such as Safe Step promise to complete installation in about one day. This is great news, as it allows you plenty of time to select a tub.
Bottom Line
There’s a big difference between stepping into a traditional bathtub and a walk-in bathtub, especially for older adults or less mobile folks. While walk-in tubs aren’t cheap, they’re an investment in safety and quality of life, and — fortunately — there are plenty of pricing options available.
About 29 percent of older adults live alone.4 For those in this group, a walk-in tub can be a great way to safely age in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where should I buy a walk-in bathtub?
Walk-in bathtubs can be purchased from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Regardless of which option you choose, the first step will usually be to schedule an in-home consultation. This is when you’ll outline an installation plan, in addition to reviewing the models that best suit your home and health concerns.
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Do walk-in bathtubs come with a warranty?
While it varies depending on the retailer, most walk-in tubs come with some form of warranty, lifetime or otherwise. Some companies offer a lifetime warranty on your tub’s door seal, while others offer one on the tub itself but not the plumbing.
Since walk-in tubs consist of so many moving parts, you’ll want to be sure you read the warranty carefully. Individual components are often under different warranties if they’re protected at all.
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Are walk-in bathtubs difficult to maintain?
Since manufacturers know that most people who use walk-in tubs have difficulty with mobility, most models are designed with easy maintenance in mind. Many units have self-cleaning systems built into their design. Others are simply built with stain and mildew-resistant materials.
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How long does it take to fill and drain a walk-in tub?
Fill time ranges from six to eight minutes, depending on water pressure and tub capacity. Quick-drain systems empty most tubs in two to four minutes, but verify your plumbing can handle the increased flow rate before installation, as older homes may need upgrades.
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Can I use my existing bathroom space, or do I need a major renovation?
Most walk-in tubs fit standard bathtub footprints without major renovation. Installation requires removing your current tub and updating plumbing and electrical connections. Some homes need floor reinforcement or electrical upgrades. A reliable contractor or walk-in tub company can make these assessments for you.
