If you are someone who struggles with limited mobility, it’s important to really think about the design of your home in order to make it safer to live in and more easily accessible.
With that being said, one of the most difficult places to access for those with mobility problems is the bathroom so you might have been searching for alternatives and wondering which is the best for you.
A walk-in tub is ideal since it does not have that high threshold you would normally have to step over, letting you walk right in, therefore restoring your independence and making your personal space much safer for your daily routine.
So how do they work?
Well, as mentioned before, walk-in tubs do not have a high edge but instead, there is a door you can open and close just like a shower.
Furthermore, they also have high walls and an elevated seat, allowing you to sit down and submerge yourself in the water comfortably without having to actually lay down like in a traditional bathtub.
The door has a watertight seal so you won’t have to worry about the water escaping.
As for how it fills up, there is a faucet you can access, just like with most bathtubs out there and, depending on the model, there may also be a handheld showerhead attached as well.
All you have to do when you’re done bathing is let the water flow down the drain.
The moment it’s gone and the bathtub is empty, you can open the door and walk out without getting water everywhere in your bathroom.
You might be wondering whether or not such a product is a fit for you. Usually, these tubs are meant for people with limited mobility, no matter the reason.
Whether you are struggling because of your age, an injury or chronic conditions, there is no doubt that you can greatly benefit from installing such a bathtub in your home.
Of course, there are also some alternatives you might like more depending on your needs and habits.
One of them is the step-in shower, which, just like the walk-in bathtub, has no threshold you would have to step over to get clean.
Furthermore, the showers come with a seat or a bench as well so you can sit down while showering.
Basically, they are both just as useful, the only difference being your personal preference when it comes to washing up – do you like to shower or soak in water for a while?
And to make it even safer, you can always install things like non-slip flooring and safety rails inside your walk-in shower or bathtub but most of them come with things like that already.
Another option, if you don’t really struggle that much with your current bathtub or shower, is to install some grab bars instead of completely switching it for a limited mobility one.
The same thing can be done with benches or chairs you can install inside your shower to make it safer and not as challenging to use.
Furthermore, you can also find non-slip mats on the market and you can place them inside the shower or tub as well as just outside to increase your safety.
But, of course, if you’re here, you are probably specifically looking for the most straightforward option that comes with everything you need and makes bathing safe even for those with very limited mobility.
Unfortunately, there are quite a few walk-in bathtubs out there, each with different features and sizes, so it can be hard to decide which to go for.
This guide is meant to present you with some of the best walk-in bathtubs on the market, taking all the guesswork out and helping you decide on the one most suitable for you.
With that being said, here are 6 amazing tubs and what they have to offer in no particular order!
ANZZI Left Drain Walk-In Bathtub
If you want more than just a limited mobility tub, this one might be for you! The walk-in tub from ANZZI can give you a spa-like experience!
This is because it features whirlpool jets that will give you a very soothing massage.
Furthermore, the bathtub will fill with water quickly since it has a quick-fill faucet. This is especially great since one common complain about this type of product is that it tends to take a long time to fill up.
The threshold is 4 1/4 inches tall.
Other safety features are: grab bars, anti-slip flooring, a showerhead with a 60-inch hose and an ADA-compliant seat, the latter term referring to a design that complies to the standards defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Aside from the whirlpool jets, other spa-like features are: air jets and color therapy lighting!
Furthermore, you might be pleased to find out that this tub comes with a built-in heater that can maintain the water temperature while you bathe.
Finally, the brand ensures all of its products have a lifetime guarantee.
Empava EMPV-WIT373 Acrylic Walk-In Bathtub
This unit is freestanding, has a really low threshold and has a stylish, glossy white acrylic design that is not only practical, it also looks great with any other décor in your bathroom!
To add to the safety, this model has several handrails built-in so you can confidently get in and out.
The control knobs are ergonomic, designed with ease and simplicity in mind.
Furthermore, the outside of the walk-in bathtub has a surrounding handrail built right into the bath’s rim so you can always have a secure grip while bathing.
There is also a grab bar installed inside the bath, meant to increase your stability whether you’re sitting or standing during your bath.
Speaking of sitting, the Acrylic Freestanding walk in tub features an integrated seat that will allow you to sit down while submerged in water up to your shoulders.
Finally, perhaps the most important safety feature is the slip-resistant floor of the bathtub!
Ellas Bubbles Companion Massage Walk-In Bathtub
The Ellas Bubbles Companion Massage Walk-In Bathtub has two 20″ seats facing each other.
Furthermore, it has a gloss finish, making it very easy to clean.
Other features are: a low step-in threshold, slip resistant floor and a deck mount grab bar.
It also features two 2″ drains as well as two independently operated drain openers, both having extended, easy to grip handles.
For the best experience, this walk-in bathtub is designed with air system therapy, featuring a 3-speed airflow push control system but also auto-purge – meant to remove any residual water remaining in the pipes.
Thanks to the double seat, you can bathe with your loved one now.
The flooring is slip resistant thanks to it being textured, only adding even more to the safety factor.
As for the two seats, they both come with back support for more comfort, but if you don’t want it, it can be removed!
It includes a stainless-steel door with tempered glass that is not only stylish, it is also durable and strong!
Even more convenient is that the door can be removed so you can have better access to the inside of the tub and other hard to reach places whenever you need to clean it.
What makes this product special, however, are the thermostat control valves that will make sure the water is never scolding!
American Standard 3060.109.CRW Gelcoat Whirlpool Walk-In Bathtub
If you pick this walk-in bathtub, you can choose from two models, one meant for right handed people and the other for left handed ones.
Furthermore, the tub has 26 air jets and 13 water jets ideal for some much needed muscle massage at the end of a hard day.
The button controls are also very easy to operate even if you lack some strength in your hands and arms.
The watertight door is contoured and has a really low threshold, allowing you the easiest access to it.
Furthermore, the door seal comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that the tub will never leak while in use.
As for the tub shell, it has a 10 year warranty while other components come with a 5 year warranty.
The Air Spa System has 26 air jets which means amazing water therapy in addition to just getting clean.
The water massage is relaxing and invigorating and the variable speed heated blower creates thousands of tiny bubbles that are super gentle on your skin while encouraging circulation.
Other great spa-like features are: the Whirlpool Massage System with 13 water jets, a Legs Only Massage, and in line heater and the Ozone Self Cleaning Sanitation that is bound to keep everything running efficiently!
It is made from hi gloss Gelcoat which makes it a great design in addition to being a durable product.
It also includes a fast-filling faucet, a handheld showering wand, a neck rest, a safety grab bar, textured anti-slip floor and overflow.
The built-in seat is contoured, allowing you more room to bathe and relax comfortably.
American Standard Value Series Walk-In Bathtub
The American Standard Value Series Walk-In Bathtub features a contoured, extra-wide seat as well.
Furthermore, it also has an in-line heating feature so you can’t really go wrong with it!
It helps keep the water at a pleasant and consistent temperature so you can have a long soak without having to worry about the water getting cold!
Comes with a massage system featuring 6 water jets but also a legs-only massage option making for one of the most relaxing and therapeutic experiences.
It also includes a patented Quick Drain that is able to pump all the water out of the bathtub in less than two minutes so you never have to wait too long for the tub to empty after a bath.
Spa World Venzi Rectangular Walk-In Bathtub
While the Spa World Venzi Rectangular Walk-In Bathtub may have a more simplistic design, rest assured that it still comes with all the features you would want such a product to have.
Moreover, this walk-in bathtub is definitely ADA compliant.
In fact, if you don’t have a lot of space in your bathroom for a bigger tub, this smaller and rectangular model might actually be a plus and exactly what you’re looking for!
Furthermore, if you are someone who would rather not have the drain at their feet, you’ll be pleased to find out that this tub has it positioned to the right side.
The front access panels are removable for maintenance and 3 side panels are also included for installation placement flexibility.
