American Standard Walk-In Tubs Review 2025
As caregivers, we’ve seen firsthand how tough it can be for seniors to navigate traditional bathtubs in their homes. That’s why we’re always so impressed by American Standard walk-in tubs. They’ve been around for 150 years in the plumbing world, so they really know their stuff. We’ve watched their walk-in tubs get better and better, now even boasting luxurious features like heated seats and water jets that can turn a regular bath into a true spa experience.
But here’s what really matters to us, as caregivers: beyond all that luxury, how comfortable and, more importantly, how safe can these tubs actually keep your loved ones? In this review, we’re going to dive deep into American Standard’s walk-in tub lineup. We even had the incredible chance to tour their factory and chat directly with their experts, which gave us some super valuable insights into how they design these tubs for both comfort and, crucially, safety.
Top-Rated Tubs: To learn more about walk-in tubs, be sure to check out our guide to this year’s best walk-in tubs.
American Standard Pros and Cons
Pros
- Safety and style: Each of American Standard’s walk-in tubs provides a safe way to bathe with a sleek and elegant design. Plus, many of its models were ADA-compliant, meaning they met the highest standard of accessibility for people with mobility issues.
- Luxury features: American Standard walk-in tubs have luxurious features such as targeted massaging jets, aromatherapy, and even chromotherapy, a system of soothing underwater lights in the water. It turns a regular bath into a spa-like experience.
- Professional installation: Although we’re the experts when it comes to older adults, home improvement projects are not our strong suit. Thankfully, the experts at American Standard handle everything, from measuring out a space in your bathroom to installing the actual tub. You’ll hardly have to lift a finger.
- Lifetime warranty on Liberation tubs: American Standard covers its Liberation line with a lifetime warranty on labor, installation, fixtures, and parts.
Cons
- Cost of Entry: American Standard walk-in tubs, like most of the finer things in life, come at a hefty price. Their most affordable options start at around $4,462.25.
- Limited Tub Volume: While we had no issues fitting into our American Standard tub, many larger folks might have trouble squeezing in. For these people, we would recommend checking out a bariatric walk-in tub, a type of tub designed to be wider.
What Is American Standard?
American Standard specializes in plumbing and building products. The company was founded in 1875 as the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company. Back then, it pioneered many of the plumbing fixtures we now take for granted, including combination faucets, one-piece toilets, and corrosion-resistant coating for brass fittings. By 1929, the company was the world’s largest bathroom fixtures manufacturer. In 1967, the name American Standard was adopted, and today, the company supplies bathroom fixtures and fittings to homes, businesses, and commercial buildings around the country.
One of American Standard’s offerings is walk-in tubs. It has an impressive range of tubs with various additional spa-like features for an even more relaxing bathing experience. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers.
How To Purchase an American Standard Walk-In Tub
It might sound stressful to purchase an American Standard walk-in tub. Unlike other caregiving devices like medical alert systems that can fit in the palm of your hand, a walk-in bathtub is a significant bathroom renovation project. Further complicating matters is the number of choices in tubs: American Standard offers nearly 70 different models, so it might be time-consuming figuring out which one will work best for you and in your bathroom space.
Luckily, you can address nearly all of these concerns by logging on to American Standard’s website and requesting a free installation estimate (https://walkintubs.americanstandard-us.com/about-us/contact/) or by calling 888-758-9701 weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
In a matter of days, the company will dispatch one of its professional bathroom safety specialists to your home. They’ll assess the specifics of your bathroom and walk you through which tub models would be best suited to your needs and the constraints of your space.
Purchasing Advice: While you can purchase American Standard’s full range of walk-in tubs online, you can also check them out in stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Types of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
Currently, American Standard offers three different types of walk-in tubs: acrylic or gel-coated walk-in tubs, or what it calls “safety tubs.” However, if you want American Standard to rip out and dispose of your old tub and install your new tub, your only choice will be one of three tubs from the Liberation collection. Unfortunately, the website doesn’t list if these are gel-coated or acrylic.
For the other 69 options, you’ll have to install the tub yourself or hire a third-party contractor. Here is some more information on the three types of tubs:
Acrylic walk-in tubs: These types of tubs have a glossy, acrylic coating, which is durable and easy to clean. Additionally, acrylic tubs maintain temperature for longer than a gel coating, making them a higher-end option, according to the Specialized Refinishing Company.1
Gelcoat walk-in tubs: The gelcoat options have the same features as the acrylic tubs with gel coating over fiberglass. Gelcoat is the most common type of walk-in tub that American Standard offers, and it’s cheaper than acrylic options.
Safety tubs: American Standard also offers a product collection called “safety tubs,” but they are all gelcoated walk-in tubs, and none are available to buy online.
Savings Tip: If you purchase your walk-in tub directly from American Standard, the cost includes installation, whereas brick-and-mortar vendors usually charge an additional fee.
American Standard Pricing Overview
How much does buying a walk-in tub from American Standard cost? It depends on the collection and the tub within the collection.
| Type of walk-In tub | Number of models | Minimum price | Maximum price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic-coated walk-in tubs | 9 | $6,528.60 | $9,641.45 |
| Gel-coated walk-in tubs | 38 | $4,462.25 | $8,288.15 |
| Safety tubs (gel-coated) | 22 | Pricing not available | Pricing not available |
Keep in mind that with any of these tubs, you’ll have to pay separately to remove and dispose of your old tub and install your new one, which, according to Angi, might cost from $1,000 to more than $12,000.2 The cost will depend on your bathroom’s layout as well as how much plumbing or electrical work is needed. To get pricing information for the tub and installation, you’ll have to schedule an in-home estimate.
These costs might seem high, but they’re actually pretty standard when you consider that walk-in tubs from Kohler with all the bells and whistles can cost up to $33,000 or even more.
Warranties
The warranty of your American Standard tub will depend on whether you installed it yourself. One of the advantages of buying a professionally installed Liberation tub is that it comes with a lifetime warranty not only on the tub itself, but also on installation and labor. With the DIY, contractor-friendly tubs, the warranty will vary by model.
For example, The Gel walk-in safety tub has a 10-year warranty on the tub shell and a five-year warranty on all of its other components. A similar acrylic tub has a 15-year warranty on the shell and a 10-year warranty on all other components. Be sure to check the warranty before you buy your walk-in tub to make sure you understand what it covers.
Financing Options
American Standard only offers financing on its Liberation Tubs, as typically, only contractors purchase their other tubs. If you buy a tub that costs at least $10,000, you may be able to get financing, depending on your credit score. However, if you don’t pay for your first purchase in full after the first year, you’ll be charged an interest rate of 17.99 percent for 84 months, or seven years.
Financial Assistance Programs for American Standard Walk-In Tubs
Beyond American Standard’s own financing for Liberation Tubs, several assistance programs may help reduce costs. Veterans can explore VA HISA grants offering up to $6,800 for service-connected disabilities. Unlike standard Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans sometimes cover walk-in tubs when medically necessary.
Tax deductions may apply if a healthcare provider prescribed your walk-in tub. Additionally, local Area Agencies on Aging and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waivers in some states offer financial support. Contact American Standard directly at 888-758-9701 to discuss all financing options available for your situation.
Luxury Series Right Drain Walk-in Tub Review
At the American Standard Factory, we were given an up-close look at one of American Standard’s higher-end models, the Luxury Series Right Drain Walk-in Tub, a combo massage tub with just about all the bells and whistles available.
Here’s a rundown of its features, which we got to see in person:
Handheld Showering Wand: This handy removable shower head makes it easy to rinse any part of your body.
Hi-Gloss Acrylic Construction: The acrylic construction of this tub is not only easy on the eyes, but it also makes the tub a breeze to clean. With just some paper towels and a solution of vinegar and water, you can wipe away any soap stains on the sides of your tub.
Whirlpool Massage System: These 13 jets circulate water throughout the tub and massage your body. What’s more, these jets are hooked up to an in-line heater, which prevents the bath water from getting cold while in use. They’re even self-cleaning!
Air Spa System: Similar to the water jets, these 26 air jets provide a soothing sensation on the skin while also circulating the water throughout the tub.
Chromotherapy System: While the jury is still out on whether chromotherapy lights have tangible health benefits, we can attest that the lights in this tub helped put our minds at ease.
Patented Watertight Door: An essential component of any walk-in tub, the watertight door allows for easy and safe entry and exit. Should it ever leak, American Standard’s lifetime warranty would cover this door.
Quick Drain: One problem with walk-in tubs is that you have to remain inside of them until the water drains, lest you open the door and flood your bathroom. Luckily, with American Standard’s patented Quick Drain technology, the water is actively pumped out through the drain. In less than two minutes, you can open the door and step out of the tub safely.
Push-Button Controls: On the edge of this tub beside the door are three buttons that control the lighting and jet systems. This panel makes it simple to operate the advanced features.
Built-In Safety Grab Bar: Although you can purchase an additional grab bar for the area outside of your tub, there was also one built into the tub’s interior, helping me to stand with no problem.
Textured Bath Floor: With bathrooms being the most common site of falls for people of any age,3 we appreciated the stable footing this tub provides.
There was a lot to love about this American Standard Luxury Series Tub, even without stepping inside of it. We appreciated how elegant it looked in the showroom. Using a matching extender, the tub fit snugly against the wall. Additionally, its white acrylic construction and polished chrome faucet should fit in, aesthetically, with almost any type of bathroom. With the addition of a safety grab bar on the wall bordering our tub, our total cost would come to $9,984, which is definitely on the higher end when it comes to walk-in tub prices. Still, the quality of this tub was undeniable.
The first thing we noticed when we stepped into this showroom tub was the low height of the door’s threshold. At only a few inches high, it was easy to step in and seal the door. The next thing that stood out was the textured acrylic floor. It was pleasantly rough, designed to ensure we wouldn’t slip when sitting or standing in the tub. With falls being a leading cause of fatal injuries among older adults, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control, we always appreciate features that help prevent them. Once we were seated in the tub (separately, of course!), we shut its door and leaned back on the tub’s cushioned neck rest.
We didn’t go so far as to actually fill the tub. After all, we were fully clothed and in the middle of a warehouse! Even so, we could certainly feel the durability and comfort that this model offers. As we opened the door and stepped out of the tub, secretly, we wished we had one in our own bathrooms at home.
The More You Know: Although most of American Standard’s walk-in tubs include safety grab bars, you can purchase and install additional bars.
American Standard vs. Other Top Brands
American Standard vs. Kohler
American Standard and Kohler are two of our favorite walk-in tub manufacturers; however, the two providers differ in terms of price, features, and warranties.
Pricing
American Standard walk-in tubs are slightly more affordable than Kohler walk-in tubs. American Standard’s tubs start at under $4,500, while Kohler’s start at $5,500 (including installation and accessories), and while American Standard taps out at under $10,000, Kohler’s accessories and design options could push final costs up to $33,000 or more. Still, American Standard prices are comparable with one of Kohler’s more basic tubs, without any additional features such as jets, heated backrests, etc.
Features
Both American Standard and Kohler walk-in tubs offer the standard features of hydrotherapy jets, air jets, heated seats, quick filling, and nonslip features. That said, in our tests, we found that Kohler walk-in tubs had faster quick-draining features. So for those who prefer slightly more advanced tubs and showers, Kohler might be the better choice.
Warranties
While American Standard’s warranties vary by tub, Kohler offers a lifetime limited warranty with all of its walk-in tubs. That warranty covers the bath door seal, hydrotherapy systems, and the faucet and handheld shower. However, the warranty does not cover installation or labor, unlike with American Standard’s Liberation tubs.
Other Considerations
In addition to the factors mentioned above, you may also want to consider the following when choosing a walk-in tub:
The size of your bathroom: Make sure the tub you choose will fit in your bathroom.
The type of flooring you have: Some walk-in tubs require a specific type of flooring.
Your personal preferences: Consider which features are important to you, such as the number of jets, a walk-in shower option, a heated backrest, a hand shower.
To learn more about how these tub manufacturers compare, read our comparison of American Standard vs. Kohler, or read our full review of Kohler walk-in tubs. You can also compare American Standard to Safe Step, if you want to explore other options.
Recap
There are many benefits of a walk-in tub. First and foremost is the safety component. Between low step-in thresholds and anti-slip surfaces, walk-in tubs provide a greater degree of safety than traditional baths and showers. Then, of course, there are the comfort features, the hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, and ergonomically designed seats we’ve come to expect from companies like American Standard.
Although walk-in tubs are traditionally thought of as best for those with mobility issues, an American Standard tub would be great for just about anyone. Sure, the initial cost is relatively high, but in terms of the bathing experience, combined with both safety and luxury features, American Standard is hard to beat
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an American Standard Walk-In Tub?
American Standard walk-in tubs are bathtubs to make bathing both safer and easier for those with limited mobility, which includes many older adults. Built with a seat and watertight door, these bathtubs take the hassle and risk out of bathing in a standard tub or shower. Additionally, many American Standard models feature massage capability and other luxury features.
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What is the best American Standard Walk-In Tub?
What’s best for you depends on a variety of factors including the size of your bathroom and the tub’s additional features you might want.
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What are the advantages of an American Standard Walk-In Tub?
For any person with restricted mobility, walk-in tubs provide a safe and effective means of bathing. In addition to safety features such as handrails and textured floors, many models also have air jets, LED lighting, and aromatherapy capabilities, making them more spalike and relaxing.
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How do I clean my American Standard Walk-In Tub?
Much like any other bathtub or shower, your American Standard Walk-In Tub will get dirty over time. Luckily, you can give your tub a thorough scrubbing with a spray bottle and a solution of warm water and white vinegar.
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Will Medicare cover the cost of my American Standard Walk-In Tub?
Unfortunately, for most people, walk-in tubs are not considered to be durable medical equipment. Because of this, Medicare will neither pay for nor contribute to the cost of your walk-in tub.
