Purchasing a walk-in bathtub can be a project that adds value to your home and makes your life easier. Walk-in bathtubs are great for older people with mobility issues or those with disabilities because you don’t have to lower yourself into a tub or rely on another person for help. However, there are several things you should think about before you get one installed.
What Type Should You Get?
There are a few different types of walk-in bathtubs you can choose from. The most simple and cost-effective is a soaker tub. It’s the basic model with the inward facing door, a seat, and no frills. If you have a wheelchair, you can get a tub that is wheelchair accessible. This is also great for anyone who needs to get in the tub from a seated position, not just for those who use a wheelchair. The door swings outward and opens wide, making it easy to slide inside.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier, you can buy a walk-in tub with air or water jets to relieve joint pain. Some models on the high-end of the spectrum include aromatherapy or light therapy. Luckily, combination tubs with a mix of these features are available if you can’t decide. You should also think about what extra walk-in tub features you need.
It’s important to make sure you know what all is included with the purchase of your walk-in tub so you can buy anything else you want that doesn’t come with it. Some tubs, but not all, come with standard features like handrails, non-slip surfaces, and textured flooring. Because walk-in tubs require the user to get in an empty tub before it fills with water and remain seated while the water drains, it can get quite chilly. Consider adding a heated seat or in-line heating to keep the water warm.
Will You Have to Renovate Part of Your House?
Since you’ll be bringing in the new tub to be installed, you need to check and make sure your doorways are wide enough for it to fit through. You might have to remove some door frames or use creative angles when moving the walk-in tub. There’s also the potential that your bathroom floor will need extra structural support for the bathtub since they hold more water than your typical tub.
Additional hidden expenses might come up if you need to upgrade your water heater so that it can fill the whole tub with hot water. This can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Your monthly water bill could go up, especially if you have a tub with water jets. There’s also the possibility that your plumbing will need to be updated to connect to the tub if your pipes are the wrong size or in the wrong location.
Should You Hire a Professional?
There are plenty of how-to articles and videos if you’re dedicated to installing the tub yourself. However, it’s always a good idea to consider letting a professional handle it for you. They can help come up with solutions if an unforeseen problem comes up, and you don’t have to worry about damaging the tub while it’s being put in.
If you would like to have someone else install the walk-in tub for you, then make sure you get several quotes for the job. Many walk-in tub manufacturers offer free in-person evaluations and will bundle the cost of removing the old tub with the installation job, along with a nice warranty. Just be sure to check the specifications on everything so you understand what you’re getting, how much you’re paying, and how long your warranty will last.
Since a typical walk-in tub can cost anywhere from just under $1,000 to more than $5,000, installation costs can add a hefty amount to an already large number. Medicare won’t cover your tub, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a program that may help finance the upgrade. Some manufacturers offer financing options.
