Best Walk-In Tubs for Aging in Place

By Stefan Gheorghe

Stefan Gheorghe Founder/CEO

Stefan Gheorghe is the founder and CEO of Homedit.com. In 2008, he launched the platform out of his passion for interior design and home decoration.

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| Published on Sep 2, 2022

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ANZZI Wheelchair Accessible Walk-In Tub

Home depot walk in tubs - Home depot walk in tubs

Endurance LS Series Whirlpool Walk-In Tub - Endurance LS Series Whirlpool Walk-In Tub

Ella's Bubbles Air and Hydro Massage Walk-in Tub

Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tubs

American standard walk in tub

Kohler Walk-In Tub - Kohler Walk-In Tub

Safe-Step Walk-In Tub - Safe-Step Walk-In Tub

Best Walk-In Tubs - Best Walk-In Tubs

Best Walk-In Tubs for Aging in Place

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The best walk-in tubs have more than high-end features. They include outstanding safety features for seniors and homeowners with mobility problems.

Bariatric patients or kids starting to bathe by themselves also benefit. If you don’t want to live in an assisted living facility, a walk-in tub lets you age in place.

Why Walk-In Tubs Are Ideal for Seniors

Walk-in tubs have low step-in and built-in grab bars, reducing the risk of slips and falls. About 30% of adults aged 65 and over who suffered bathroom injuries had fractures.

High-end walk-in tubs include hydrotherapy features to help seniors ease joint pains. They have a depth twice the size of traditional tubs. The depth lets the bather have a submerged soak.

Walk-in tubs let older adults take a bath without assistance. Most notable brands feature an extendable showerhead on their walk-in tubs. Older homeowners can choose to take a bath while standing or in a seated position.

The 8 Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors

1. Safe-Step Walk-In Tub

Safe Step walk-in tubs have features ideal for seniors with limited mobility. The brand considers the safety concerns of older adults when designing a walk-in tub.

Both the seat and floor are textured to prevent slipping when moving in the tub. The tub has two grab bars to hold on to when getting in and out.

Safe Step provides all therapy features a senior would need. You can enjoy hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy while bathing. They also have a walk-in tub shower combo.

Key Features:

• Sanitary gel coating
• 4” step-in height for easy access
• 17-inch high anti-slip seat
• No-strength lock-in handle
• Anti-scald technology
• Handheld shower wand

Luxury Features:

• Heated seat and backrest
• Ten water and air jets
• Chromotherapy lights
• Towel bar
• Quick drain system
• Electronic keypad and a floating remote

Price Range:

Safe Step customizes its walk-in tubs to the client’s needs. As such, the cost of these tubs might vary. They guarantee fair prices considering the quality of their walk-in tubs. You can chat with a representative on their site to get a free quote.

What We Like:

• Lifetime warranty: Safe Step offers a lifetime warranty on their tubs. You also get a two-year warranty on caulking if they install it.
• Quick installation: Safe Step’s professionals install a walk-in tub within a day. During installation, they will remove your old tub at no extra cost.

What We Don’t Like:

• No pricing information: Safe Step does not state how much it costs to buy and install their walk-in tub. On the plus side, they offer financing for their walk-in tubs. There is also a “Helping Hands” discount for seniors and veterans.

2. Kohler Walk-In Tub

A Kohler walk-in tub is a safe addition to a senior’s bathroom. It’s easy to access the tub using its extra wide door, which can be left- or right-hand operated. They feature a 3-inch step-in height, one of the lowest in the market.

You can customize the tub to your liking. With hydrotherapy and BubbleMassageTM air jets, seniors benefit from installing a Kohler walk-in tub. Bathers enjoy the warmth of a heated backrest while waiting for the tub to drain in about two minutes.

Key Features & Customization Options:

• Dual handrails
• Ergonomic control panel
• 3” step-in height
• Anti-slip floor

Luxury Features:

• Adjustable handheld shower
• Ten hydrotherapy whirlpool jets
• 17 air bubble jets
• Fast-drain technology

Pricing:

• Basic walk-in bath: $2,000- $5,000
• Hydromassage walk-in tubs: $5,000- $10,000
• Premium walk-in tub: $7,000- $20,000
• Specialty walk-in bath: $2,500- $15,000

What We Like:

• Safety features: Unlike standard tubs, an older person can step into a Kohler walk-in tub without risking a fall. There is an indented handrail on the door and grab bars to assist bathers.
• No hidden fees: Kohler guarantees that the prices indicated on the quote are all-inclusive. Installation costs range between $2,500 and $8,000. Customizing your walk-in tub costs $1,000 to $5,000.

What We Don’t Like:

• Not wheelchair accessible: A standard Kohler walk-in tub isn’t ideal for seniors using a mobility device. Only the specialty walk-in bath is wheelchair accessible. It costs around $2,500- $15,000.

3. American Standard Walk-In Tub

American Standard walk-in tubs come in four distinct models. They include a whirlpool, air, soaking, and combo massage tubs. Each tub has valuable features for seniors.

The combo massage walk-in bathtub has air and water jets for hydrotherapy. Like most notable brands, walk-in tub models from American Standard are ADA compliant.

Key Features:

1. Textured anti-slip floor
2. Built-in grab bar
3. ADA compliant seat
4. One-touch control panel

Luxury Features:

• LED Chromotherapy lights
• 44 water and air jets
• Aromatherapy chamber
• Handheld shower
• Quick drain technology

Pricing:

• Whirlpool tubs: $5,500- $10,500
• Air tubs: $5,500- $10,500
• Combo massage tubs: $6,000- $11,500
• Soaking tubs: $ 5,000

What We Like:

• Wheelchair accessible: American Standard walk-in tubs have an outward opening door so a wheelchair can roll in. They also have the lowest step-in height of 3 inches.
• Lifetime Warranty: The warranty covers the tub, fixtures, labor, and installation.

What We Don’t Like

• Gel-coated tubs discolor over time. The acrylic tubs are durable but have a high price tag.

4. Ella’s Bubbles Walk-In Tubs

Ella Bubble manufactures six types of walk-in tubs. They offer tubs with both inward and outward swinging U-shaped doors. The wide L-shape doors are suitable for large bathers and wheelchair transfers.

You can choose from 28+ models, each with unique dimensions and features. For an elderly couple looking to age in place, get an Ella two-seat walk-in tub. It has twin features and two handheld showers, with a width of 32-36 inches and 60-80 inches long.

Key Features

• Textured anti-slip floor
• Grab bars
• Wide acrylic seat
• 80 seconds dual drain system
• Heated seat and backrest

Luxury Features

• Air and water jets
• Hydro foot massage
• Infusion microbubble therapy
• ADA compatible handles
• Ozone sterilization system

Pricing

• Stainless steel door walk-in tubs: $3888- $8123
• U-shape door walk-in tubs: $3870- $10063
• L-shape door walk-in tubs: $4673- $8353
• Lay Down acrylic walk-in tubs: $2521- $4950
• Two-seat walk-in tubs: $8302- $12206
• Ultra S-shape door walk-in tubs: $4686- $6295

What We Like

• Complete customization: Ella’s walk-in tubs are available in unique sizes, seat widths, and door types. There are bariatric types and wheelchair-accessible models. Ella offers luxurious features like seat pillows, a removable headrest, and neck support.
• Quick fill and drain system: The gravity-driven dual drain system drains the water in seconds to cut waiting time. The faucets fill the tub at 18 gallons per minute (GPM).

What We Don’t Like

• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Ella’s warranty isn’t transferable once you sell your home. Moving the tub voids the warranty. The finish warranty doesn’t cover cracking, fading, delaminating, or blistering.

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5. Ella’s Bubbles Air and Hydro Massage Walk-in Tub

Ella’s Capri tub consists of a stainless steel frame with an acrylic coating. Its U-shaped outwards opening door is suitable for seniors with limited mobility. The tub has five faucets to fill the bath in no time.

A senior bather turns on the quick drain system using a lever. The levers are ADA-approved as they need minimal effort to turn.

Key Features:

• 20-inch wide seat
• Ozone self-clean system
• 5-piece fast fill faucets
• 15 hydromassage jets
• 16 air jets
• Digital control
• Handheld shower
• LED chromotherapy lights

Pricing:

• $6406

What We Like:

• Strategically placed jets: The Capri has nine hydro jets and eight upper air jets for your back and hips. There are six lower air jets and eight-floor jets for foot and leg massage.
• Dial controls: A bather can control all features by pressing the control buttons. They’re labeled to help an older adult find the right one without strain.

What We Don’t Like:

• High step-in threshold: The tub has a 6-inch step-in height. It may be difficult to reach for a senior with arthritis or mobility problems.

6. Endurance LS Series Whirlpool Walk-In Tub

Endurance LS series has air and whirlpool jets for a relaxing and therapeutic bath. The faucet fills water at 5.7 gallons per minute (GPM), so it takes some minutes to fill the tub.

You can control the water temperatures with the mixing valves. The valves have lever handles, which are senior-friendly. The tub’s seat is ADA-compliant. It’s 21 inches wide with a height of 17 inches.

It’s easy for an older adult to sit and stand using grab bars. The tub also has a wide inward opening door and anti-slip floors.

Key Features:

• Steel support frame
• White marine-grade gel coating
• Inline water maintenance heater

Luxury Features:

• 13 adjustable hydromassage jets
• 26 Acu-stream air jets
• Separate hot and cold water valves
• 60-inch pull-out shower head
• Chromotherapy lights

Pricing:

• $3870

What We Like:

• Fair pricing: It’s cheaper than other notable walk-in whirlpool tubs. The tub comes with inclusive chromotherapy and hydrotherapy features at no extra cost.
• Fit for small bathrooms: The tub fits within a standard bathtub’s space. Its external measurements are 52 inches long by 29 inches wide. The inward opening door does not need extra clearance space.

What We Don’t Like:

• Limited warranty: The manufacturer only offers a 10-year warranty on the tub shell, frame, and finish. A lifetime warranty applies to the door seal and is non-transferable. There is no warranty on installation, plumbing, or electrical connections.

7. Universal Tubs Walk-In Tubs

Universal offers walk-in tubs with four therapeutic features. They have air tubs, whirlpool tubs, soaking tubs, combo tubs, and infusion microbubbles.

The walk-in tub size ranges from 53 to 60 inches long to 30 to 34 inches wide. Home Depot’s best seller is the 3053 WI model. It has an ADA-compliant seat, 13 adjustable whirlpool jets, and a fast drain system.

Key Features:

• ADA-compliant grab bars
• Textured anti-slip surface
• Low step-in height
• Outward or inward opening door

Luxury Features:

• 60° extendable shower head
• Extension kit
• Chromotherapy lights
• Whirlpool water jets
• Aromatherapy compartment

Pricing:

• $2000- $5500

What We Like:

• Affordable: Universal tubs provide luxury at affordable prices. You can pay more than $5,500 for a similar hydrotherapy tub from other brands.
• Financing Options: Home Depot has financing options for their walk-in tubs. The brand’s financing partners offer flexible payment plans of up to 24 months.

What We Don’t Like:

• Since Home Depot is not the manufacturer, they do not customize tubs to the owner’s needs. They also don’t offer in-home evaluation and installation for the clients.

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8. ANZZI Wheelchair Accessible Walk-In Tub

ANZII is a freestanding walk-in tub. Considering its left drain system, you can place it anywhere in the senior’s bathroom. The tub’s L-shaped door is suitable for seniors with limited ability for easy transfers.

It’s safe for seniors to use the walk-in tub. There are two grab bars for added support on each side of the tub. Aside from safety features, this tub provides ten adjustable whirlpool jets and 16 Acu-stream air jets for a full-body massage.

Key Features:

• Steel support frame
• Acrylic shell with fiberglass reinforcement
• 4” step-in height
• ADA-compliant seat height
• Inline water maintenance system

Luxury Features:

• 60” adjustable shower head
• LED lights
• Ten hydromassage jets
• 16 air jets

Pricing:

• $3995

What We Like:

• Durable: Acrylic tubs are resistant to cracking and chipping. They last longer if they have a fiberglass coating. Acrylic also has good heat retention, so the water remains warm throughout the bath.
• Soft-touch control panel: The digital console helps seniors with arthritis or weak hands. They can control the water temperature, chromotherapy lights, and jets.

What We Don’t Like:

• Installation hassle: The company only delivered the tub to your doorstep. Finding a professional installer might prove difficult for seniors. Anzzi limits the tub’s warranty to 10 years and only a year for its fixtures.

What to Look for in a Walk-In Tub

These pointers will help you know your safety needs and luxury wants.

Safety Features

Walk-in tubs for seniors should have built-in grab bars for added support and low step-in. Low entry thresholds make getting in and out of the tub easier.

Look for a walk-in tub with a locking mechanism that prevents leaks when the tub is full. Other safety features to look for in a walk-in tub include:

• Water purification systems: Most high-end tubs include an Ozone Water Purification System feature that kills harmful bacteria.
• Anti-scald technology: It helps prevent the bather from hot water burns. The technology features an automatic temperature regulation system.
• Quick fill and drain technology: The technology reduces the waiting time before and after a bath.

Pick a tub with textured anti-slip flooring to have a sturdy grip on your feet. If you’re experiencing mobility issues, choose a walk-in tub with an elevated seat.

Price

Walk-in tubs cost between $4000 and $20,000, with a national average of $5,500. The final cost varies depending on the luxury features and ease of installation. You will incur more if you change the plumbing and water heating systems.

The type of walk-in tub also impacts the final price. Bariatric walk-in tubs cost between $4,200 and $5,500, while walk-in hydrotherapy tubs cost up to $8,500.

Walk-in tubs with therapeutic features are likely to cost more. It’s best to align your needs within your budget. Some brands offer walk-in tub financing options to potential buyers.

Material

Pick a walk-in tub made of durable material. The material should be easy to clean and maintain. Acrylic is the most common material on walk-in tubs. Due to their restrictive design, walk-in tubs come in limited material options.

• Porcelain: Porcelain is sturdier than acrylic. It’s durable and scratch resistant. Porcelain tubs are more expensive than acrylic walk-in tubs. Due to heavy construction, they take longer to install.
• Acrylic: Acrylic walk-in tubs have better heat retention than porcelain tubs. They’re common in most notable walk-in tub models. Acrylic walk-in tubs are less durable but are mildew-resistant and easier to install.
• Fiberglass: Both acrylic and fiberglass are durable. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper to maintain and repair than acrylic walk-in tubs.

ADA Compliant

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires tub manufacturers to modify them for people with disabilities. The most notable walk-in tubs are ADA-compliant.

Homeowners experiencing mobility problems should consider a wheelchair-accessible walk-in tub. Pick a tub with at least two grab bars for extra grip when moving in and out of the tub.

It should have ample room to accommodate a homeowner with mobility problems. The ADA recommends purchasing a tub with a handheld or fixed shower with a hose that’s at least 60 inches long.

Warranty

Most manufacturers offer at least a 10-year warranty on the tub’s components. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, find out whether they’re eligible to issue a warranty. Pick a walk-in tub with a clear return policy in case it has some manufacturer defects.

Ease of Installation

Most high-end walk-in tubs require professional installation. Some tub models are ideal for self-installation. Some brands work with authorized dealers to offer in-home inspection and installation.

It should take as little as one day to install a walk-in tub. The timeframe may vary depending on your home’s layout, plumbing, and electrical work.

Optional Features

You can customize most high-end walk-in tubs to suit your needs. Extra luxury features make a walk-in tub pricier.

• Hydrotherapy: High-end walk-in tubs can have similar features to a hot tub. Homeowners use hydrotherapy to relax injured muscles. If you prefer a soaking tub, choose one with hydrotherapy features. The built-in water jets help relieve back pains. Water at high pressures massages the body. You can have jets positioned to target specific parts of the body.

• Air Jets: If you enjoy a relaxing bubble bath, get a walk-in tub with air jets. Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub features 16 air jets around the tub. The walk-in tub also has an infusion of microbubbles to cleanse your skin.

• Aromatherapy: Some walk-in tubs have a built-in aromatherapy chamber. While enjoying your bath, you can diffuse your favorite scent into the air and water.

• Walk-In Tub Shower combo: A hand-held shower helps wash your hair or back while taking a bath. Installing a shower head on the tub surround lets you shower while standing in the tub.

Walk-in tubs have a keypad to control the features while sitting in the tub. Top-brand companies include a water-proof remote control for easy reach.

How to Finance a Walk-In Tub

There are several ways to finance a walk-in tub. Aside from discounts, the manufacturer may offer financing options through monthly payments. Veterans are eligible for financial help from the US Department of Veteran Affairs and other national entities.

Some personal Insurance companies will also cover the cost of a walk-in tub. If you don’t qualify for grants, non-profit entities like Habitat for Humanity could help you secure a loan.

Pros of Walk-In Tubs

• Safety Features: Walk-in tubs reduce the risk of falling while taking a bath. They have grab bars, anti-slip floors, and a low step-in threshold for easy access in and out of the tub.
• Therapeutic advantage: An older person can enjoy hydrotherapy sessions at home with a walk-in tub. You can add hydromassage and air jets to target body parts that need healing and pain relief.
• Luxurious baths: Walk-in tubs with in-built seats provide comfort for seniors when taking a bath. It’s essential for an aging-in-place bathroom design.

Cons of Walk-In Tubs

• Water Usage: Walk-in tubs can take up to 80 gallons of water to fill up. It could make a significant impact on your water and electricity bills. Consider getting solar water heaters to save on energy. A tankless water heater would also suffice.

Final Thoughts

Walk-in tubs are safe alternatives to bathtubs for a senior planning to age in place. Some manufacturers offer custom sizes to fit into the existing tub space. Retailers provide standard sizes. You’ll need to measure the space intended before buying one.

Cleaning your walk-in tub is essential to keep it germ-free and prevent stains. You can refer to the manufacturer’s manual for tips on how to care for your walk