Safe Step Walk-In Tubs Review

Safe Step Pros and Cons

How To Purchase a Safe Step Walk-In Tub

Unlike some companies such as American Standard, whose walk-in tubs can be purchased from brick-and-mortar retailers, Safe Step models can only be purchased directly through them. On one hand, this is disappointing because it means you don’t get to see the tub in person before making your decision. On the other hand, this means that all of your interactions will happen directly with Safe Step, and their professionals will have no trouble guiding you through the process.

To start, I’d recommend taking a look at Safe Step’s website. Here, you can find all sorts of information on the company and their products, in addition to some testimonials from satisfied customers. This is a great way to get acquainted with Safe Step and figure out if they’re the right company for your needs. You’ll notice, however, that Safe Step does not list any particular models or their pricing. For this information, you’ll have to call up their sales hotline and schedule a free consultation.

The Safe Step Consultation

If you’ve ever purchased a used car, then you’re probably familiar with high-pressure sales situations, the type that requires bartering and a high degree of uncertainty. Luckily, we found the Safe Step consultation is a far cry from this. At no cost, one of their specialists will come directly to your home, whereupon they will take a look at your bathroom and figure out which of their models will be the best fit for your existing plumbing and electrical systems.

In addition to helping you consider physical constraints, your Safe Step consultant will ask you some key questions about safety and comfort features, ultimately helping you decide which model is right for you.

Types of Safe Step Walk-In Tubs

Although every Safe Step model can be customized to suit your specific needs, they can be broken down into three overarching categories. Here’s an overview of each:

• Walk-In Tubs: The problem with traditional tubs is that stepping over a bathtub wall can be potentially dangerous, especially for those working through mobility issues. A Safe Step walk-in tub addresses this issue through the use of a low-entry threshold. This makes entering the tub as easy as stepping up a small stair, and the textured seating keeps you comfortable and safe throughout your entire bath.
• Walk-In Showers: Similar to a walk-in tub, a Safe Step walk-in shower gets rid of treacherously high tub walls, allowing for safe entry and exit from your bathing. Unlike the tubs, however, a walk-in shower does not fill a basin with water. Instead, it operates through a traditional showerhead and the optional addition of shower wands, making bathing both safe and a breeze.
• Hybrid Tubs: Combining the best of both worlds, a Safe Step hybrid tub gives you the convenience of a showerhead with the luxurious comfort of a bathtub. As with all Safe Step models, your safety is ensured with a low-entry threshold.

The cost of a Safe Step tub will vary by the specific model, its features, and the location. Installation costs, in particular, can vary greatly by the bathroom.

Safe Step Pricing Overview*

*The noted price ranges represent estimates. Actual costs will vary.

Safe Step Standard Features

Together, working with a Safe Step specialist, you’ll figure out which additional features you’d like to have in your tub. However, they explained to us that there are several features that come standard with every unit. Here’s a closer look at those:

• Wide Door: Safe Step tubs have some of the widest doors available on the market, yet another way that those with mobility issues can easily enter the tub.
• Low-Entry Threshold: Entering and exiting your walk-in tub is both easy and safe with Safe Step’s low-entry threshold. At only 4in high, you can rest assured that using your tub will not result in the falls that are all too common in the bathroom.
• No-Strength Locking Handle: It’s true what they say: a walk-in tub is only as good as its seal, that is, unless you want to risk spilling the whole tub on the floor. Luckily, the Safe Step door seal is airtight, and you can control it with the no-strength locking handle. Designed to minimize strain, this handle is perfect for those with aches or arthritis, which are highly prevalent in older adults.
• Quick Drain Release: Using similar stress-relieving technology as the locking handle, the quick drain release makes it a breeze to clear the water from your tub. It also utilizes pumps to clear the water out more quickly.
• Grab Bars: Each Safe Step walk-in tub features two grab bars that help you maintain balance and prevent falls.
• Anti-Slip Surfaces: Both the floor and seat in your tub will feature a textured acrylic surface that allows you to keep your balance without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, at 17in wide, the seats in Safe Step tub are ADA compliant.
• Ozone Cleaning System: Using the jets of your tub, this ozone will constantly purify water as it circulates, preventing bacteria from entering the tub.
• Durable Aluminum Frame: Each Safe Step tub is built with a long-lasting aluminum frame, ensuring the longevity of its use.
• Sanitary Gel-Coat: Coated in a layer of mold-resistant gel, each Safe Step tub is a breeze to clean.

Safe Step Luxury Features

In addition to the solid safety features, Safe Step explained to us some of their high-end comfort features that will turn your baths into a luxurious experience. Here’s a rundown of them:

• Hydro-Jet Water Therapy: Placed throughout your tub are ten separate hydro-jets that soothe your body through the propulsion of water. It turns your tub into a hot tub of sorts. What’s more, you can even change the speed and location of the jets in order to target specific body parts such as the legs, feet, or back.

• Chromotherapy: Using a system of multicolored lights, you can relieve your mind of stress with Safe Step’s chromotherapy system. These lights can alternate between seven different colors, though my personal favorite would be blue.
• Aromatherapy: Whether or not you believe in the healing power of essential oils, I think we can all agree that smells such as peppermint or lavender are relaxing. Safe Step’s aromatherapy systems allow you to drop in your favorite oils which it then diffuses throughout your tub.
• Personal Hygiene Therapy: Safe Step’s personal hygiene system features a bidet built into the seat, allowing you to cleanse fully and safely without sacrificing sanitation.

Safe Step vs. American Standard Walk-In Tubs

Safe Step and American Standard are two of our favorite walk-in tub manufacturers. Both providers offer a wide range of safety and luxury features from their tubs, as well as the option to get a free in-person quote for the job.

American Standard, however, offers a much wider range of models, including bariatric walk-in tubs and, walk-in Whirlpool tubs. In fact, American Standard has so many different models, that we’d strongly recommend reaching our for a consultation to help you navigate the best options for your situation.

Safe Step, on the other hand, offer one base model of walk-in tub. Despite this seeming lack of diversity, each Safe Step walk-in tub is highly customizable, allowing you to build your ideal setup of safety and comfort features.

Recap

It’s hard to find much to complain about when it comes to Safe Step walk-in tubs. Their walk-in tubs marry safety with comfort in a way that users of any age can appreciate, and for that reason, they rank highly in my choices for best walk-in tubs. If you’re looking for a surefire way to make your bathroom safer and remain in your home for longer, then look no further than a Safe Step walk-in tub.