Walk-in tubs are a better option for those who have limited mobility like senior citizens. It makes bathing safer and more comfortable. A walk-in tub is quite spacious with a watertight door that allows a person to step in. These days they are easily found in modern households. The walk-in tubs come in various designs and styles.
You need to consider a lot of factors before making the decision of purchasing a walk-in bathtub. They offer a number of advantages to their users. However, there are several disadvantages as well. Therefore, you need to consider both the pros and cons of the walk in tubs in my area before making your purchase decision.
How do walk-in tubs work?
The walk-in bathtubs have a door that opens and closes on the front or side of the tub. Because of the door senior people can enter the tub easily without the need to lift their legs over the threshold like with the traditional ones. The doors have a sealing so that the water stays inside the tub and the floor is not flooded. The water also drains fast so that the user doesn’t need to sit longer in the tub.
The various features of walk-in tubs are handrails, adjustable bubble jets and showerheads and inside-the-tub seating. They require a professional for installation. You can choose from a variety of models of tubs which are available. However, the shape and size of the door affects the access and look of a room so it’s advisable to look for the door designs. There are portable models also that don’t require a professional for installation and hook up to the existing faucet.
Let’s take a look at the various pros and cons of walk-in tubs.
Pros
1. Safety
Walk-in tubs are much safer than the traditional ones particularly due to their design. There are fewer chances of slipping and falling because you have to walk over a low threshold and just sit in the tub. Also there are in-built safety features like anti-scald valves, grab bars, slip-resistant flooring and built-in seating. Some tubs have emergency safety switches and self-cleaning systems resisting the mold and bacterial growth.
2. Comfort
Walk-in tubs are meant for making the bathing more comfortable especially for those who have trouble standing in the shower or getting in and out of the traditional tub. The entryways are lower and often deeper making it easier to clean the upper body. There are some tubs that come with a number of luxury features like heated seats and sound systems.
3. Health
Walk-in tubs help in improving the overall health in many ways:
- They give relief from various symptoms associated with different conditions like arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes, fibromyalgia or general muscle or joint pain and stiffness.
- They help improve the overall circulation which reduces pain and increases mobility.
- They help a person relax and relieve stress. The quality of sleep is improved with soothing chromo therapy, hydrotherapy, massage and air bath features.
Cons
1. Prolonged bathing time
With walk-in bathtubs you have to get in the tub before filling it and you can come out only when it is completely drained out. This increases the bathing time and it takes about 7 minutes to fill or drain. It is important to ensure that the water starts filling at a safe, comfortable temperature and stays the same way as long as possible.
There are various features embedded to ensure this. Heated seats and quick drain helps stay warm throughout the bath and the scald prevention valve prevents the dangerous hot water from touching the skin.
2. Water spillage
Water spilling out of the bathtub is another disadvantage of the walk-in tub. The user needs to immediately shut the door of the tub so that the water doesn’t come out. One can install a fast-draining system and a filling faucet so that one can get out of the tub as quickly as possible after bathing.
3. High cost of installation
Walk-in bathtubs are expensive. The upfront cost starts at $1,000 and can go up to $5,000 for high-end versions. There are installation costs as well which depends on various factors like labor costs, material changes, zip codes, etc. The approximate price ranges up to $10,000 for the tub and installation.
