By Maurice
The best walk-in tubs of 2020 aren’t just merely a safe way to have a bath. They are also a great way to ensure a high quality of life and independence for the seniors in your life. Seniors commonly end up in retirement homes or nursing facilities because they cannot clean themselves properly. To age in place, it is essential that you can maintain good hygiene and health.
Walk-in tubs provide safety and comfort features that you may not find elsewhere. According to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, it was found that most injuries occur in the bathroom happen around or in the shower or the tub. As a person’s age increases, the rate of injury also increases. Walk-in tubs can reduce the risk of injury, offering peace of mind whenever you take a bath. It can help seniors in your family feel independent and secure in the home.
To ensure that you are able to get the best walk-in tub for your needs and requirements, we have done an in-depth review of different types of walk-in tubs. According to our findings, here are the best ones for you.
Best Walk-in Tubs
The Empava freestanding walk-in bathtub offers low step-in thresholds of just 4 inches. It helps you stay safe and secure without the danger of water spilling out of the tub. This luxurious design is the perfect way to unwind and relax. The 100% white acrylic is glossy and looks great with any bathroom aesthetic.
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The Empava WIT373 tub has a 4-inch step-in threshold, which is great for people who can’t climb over a bigger threshold. The contemporary design and color of the tub fit in any bathroom. It is perfect for any seniors who want to enjoy spa features at home.
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The American Standard walk-in tub has a wide variety of amazing features like soothing whirlpool air bathing and outward doors. The safe tub has soaker models with water jets that offer a really soothing experience. This is the best walk-in tub for people who want to have a therapeutic bath.
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ANZZI walk-in tub is designed to ensure maximum comfort for the bather. You can take advantage of their features without worrying about difficult installations. The bathtub has a low entry threshold and safe grab bars for extended security.
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The ARIEL Platinum has an acrylic and fiberglass make, which provides high durability and a smooth finish. The innovative design ensures increased water capacity and enough space for two people. The built-in jet system targets the pressure points for ultimate relaxation.
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The Companion walk-in tub can seat two people at the same time and has a great centered swing door. There are two seats that face each other and it has an acrylic glossy finish that looks smooth. It is resistant to scratches and quite easy to clean.
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The Ella Deluxe walk-in bathtubs are truly beautiful, crafted with a stainless door and tempered glass. It is made with premium quality glossy white acrylic finish with reinforced fiberglass and a supportive stainless-steel frame. There are dual independent gravity drains that allow quick drainage and it has adjustable legs that allow easier installation.
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The American Standard walk-in tub has a built-in whirlpool heater which maintains the water temperature. Even if you soak for a long time, you can take advantage of the warm soak benefits throughout. It is the best walk-in tub for seniors who don’t have a high entry threshold due to low mobility.
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Allure walk-in tubs are designed to ensure ultimate comfort and accessibility. The spacious tub is perfect for smaller homes who want a luxurious tub. Premium materials are used to ensure lasting durability and quality.
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The Endurance tubs have high-gloss white acrylic that looks great in any bathroom. It is supported with a high-quality stainless-steel frame that ensures long-term durability. The floor has a textured slip-proof make to protect the seniors in your family.
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Universal Tubs have an HD series that ensure a high level of innovation and safety. If you want comfort, you should get this whirlpool, quick-fill bathtub with ease of use.
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The Independent Home walk-in tub offers several benefits of therapeutic features and safety right at home. It is made with high-quality materials, put together with precision craftsmanship. You can wash away all pains and aches with the submerged warm soak of this tub.
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Kohler baths are designed for optimum comfort and luxury. You will be utterly safe with the low 3 inch step in threshold, the extra-wide entry, and built-in handrails.
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FAQs – Walk-in Tubs
You probably have some burning questions about walk-in tubs that you need to answer before you can invest in them. Here are some of the most popular questions people ask about walk-in tubs answered in detail.
Walk-in tubs are designed to offer individuals with a comfortable, convenient, and safe bathing experience. Instead of stepping over the side of the bathtub to enter it, you can simply open the door, walk-in, and fill it up. It also allows you to sit in a comfortable position rather than attempting to kneel down, lie down, or stand for the entirety of the bath under the shower.
A walk-in tub has a watertight door that allows individuals to step inside the tub instead of stepping over the edge to get into the bath. It increases safety since you don’t have to balance yourself or have the body strength to climb over the edge. After the door is closed, the tub fills up with water. After the water is drained out, the person can easily open the door and step outside safely.
A traditional shower or bathtub is around 60 inches long. The most popular walk-in tub size is around 52 inches in length and 30 inches in height. It provides enough room to rotate and turn inside the tub.
On average, any bathtub uses around 42-80 gallons, while a walk-in tub requires 50 gallons.
You will definitely need to check how long it can take to fill and drain the walk-in tub since you have to be inside with the door closed for each process. While it varies according to the water pressure you have, it can take around 6-8 minutes for the best tubs to fill and drain. If you get a discount tub from some hardware store, it can take around 15 minutes to fill and drain.
There are plenty of benefits that you need to consider investing in a walk-in tub, but there are some cons as well that you should take into account. A walk-in bathtub might not be the best solution for every user and homeowners. Here are some pros and cons that can help you make up your mind.
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A fully-installed walk-in bathtub will have a price range of around $5,000-$20,000.
On average, a 60-inch tub can cost around $4,000. The range stands between $2,500 and $20,000, depending on the different features you require. If you get air bath and whirlpool features with custom tubs, it will cost you more while a simple soaking tub will cost less. The price depends on bathroom requirements, installations, and features. Here are the basic factors that can affect the cost of the tub:
If you are planning on getting a walk-in bathtub, there are some factors that you should consider closely before making the decision. First, here are the steps you will need to take to find the right kind of bathtub for the senior in your life.
Do the Research
There are many kinds of tubs, and the bathtubs listed above are the best of the best. You should look at their features and functionality in detail before making the purchase.
Check the Reviews
The online reviews can actually help you gain more insight into some flaws of the product. Keep in mind that people rarely go out of their way to leave good reviews, so you shouldn’t base your entire decision on the reviews. But it can be quite helpful to get insight into the purchase.
Know Your Requirements
It is important that you take the time to consider what you need and want out of the bathtub. You need to carefully think about the different factors that will be affecting your decision. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get more insight into your own requirements.
You should measure out the area in your bathroom where you are thinking about placing the tub. You should also consider the amount of water you will need to fill the tub up. You should also consider the hot water supply that will be needed to fill the tub.
Walk-in tubs are designed to make bathing accessible and easier for those who have disabilities and seniors. If your loved ones use any mobility devices, you should keep them in mind when you choose the model. Some walk-in tubs are designed for people who use walkers and wheelchairs.
Since the tub is designed to provide easier access, the individual has to wait inside the tub while it empties or fills up. The water can flood out if you open the side door while it is full. You can look for faster-draining systems and quick-full faucets if you don’t want to wait around for the tub to fill.
Walk-in tubs also come with various therapeutic features that can make life more relaxing for you. This includes features like aromatherapy, chromotherapy, air massage, water jets, and water massage. Such additional features can help you mitigate pain, relax, and make the bath enjoyable for you. However, these add-ons will cost you extra, so keep that in mind.
If the pipes for the drainage system are very old, they may not be up to code. This can result in decreased water pressure, and the drainage can be quite slow as well. You should keep this in mind when you are getting a walk-in tub but still have old plumbing.
You need to have an honest review of what your mobility limits and needs are. Will you have trouble while stepping over a step of 8 inches? Do you find it hard to get up from a sitting position? Do you need a steady handrail to stand up from a sitting position? Answering such questions can help you figure out which walk-in tub will be the best for you.
For example, if you find it hard to get out of the sitting position, it is better to make sure the tub has a higher seat and does not recline.
You need to understand that any kind of bathtub, including walk-in tub types, are quite heavy. Acrylic tubs can weigh about 200-500 lbs even without the water. When you fill it up with water, it can increase to around 1000lbs. If you are unsure if the house structure can take the weight, you should ask a professional if the alcove is strong enough to hold the weight. If not, you can get additional support built that can take the weight.
Setting a Budget
You can get a tub as basic or as luxurious as you want, but the price tag will also go along with the model. You need to align the wants and needs that you have with a suitable and practical budget plan. Walk-in tubs can cost thousands of dollars even without the added cost for installation. You might be able to find some companies that offer financing options that can make it more affordable for you. You will need good credit to get these options too.
Consider Return and Warranty Options
Understanding all the specifics of warranties for the walk-in tubs can be a hard process, but you will be glad at the end of the day after having to look into the warranties that are offered. The tub and its parts may have a varied warranty, so you should be aware of the details before you make the decision. Some companies will even allow the return, while others may not. You should make sure to check the measurements properly before you purchase if they don’t offer a return.
Consult a Plumber
If you are really unsure about the whole process, you can consult a plumber as well. They can give you insight into the plumbing system of the house and which tub would be most suitable for the bathroom.
Conclusion
We hope that this full review of the best walk-in tubs for 2020 gives you some insight into which tub would be the most suitable for you. Walk-in tubs are necessary for a lot of seniors and can significantly reduce the risk of getting an injury. By making the bathroom a safer place for the loved ones in your life, you can increase their independence and comfort.
Things to consider when purchasing a Walk-in Bathtub
The Ultimate Guide to Walk-In Tubs
Choosing the Right-Size Walk-In Tub for Your Bathroom
Pros and Cons of a Walk-in Tub
How much do walk-in tubs cost?
2020 Cost to Install a Walk-In Tub
6 Tips for Buying Walk-In Tubs
