If you or a loved one in your home experience limited mobility, a walk-in bathtub is one purchase you may consider that could help make life a bit more comfortable. And, even if limited mobility is not an issue and you’re just considering a walk-in tub for you or your kiddos, there are factors to consider when purchasing a walk-in bathtub for your home. Here are the pros and cons you need to know before buying and installing a walk-in bathtub.
The Pros of Walk-In Bathtubs
Safety
Walk-in bathtubs offer a safer way to enter and exit the bathtub. By design, they feature either an inward-opening or cap-type door that descends to the floor. This type of access comes as a welcome method as opposed to climbing over the side of an often slippery, wet, bowl-shaped enclosure.
Comfort
Walk-in bathtubs often hold more water than traditional bathtubs. With a nearly 80-gallon capacity, the depth and built-in seating within the tub provide bathers with an ergonomic and immersive bathing experience. Different manufacturers may even include water jets, heated seats, and sound systems to create a comforting, spa-like environment.
Health Benefits
When coping with diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, or overall muscle stiffness, a walk-in bathtub’s design soothes and relaxes like a hot tub by providing warmth and gentle movement that will relieve tension and help reduce pain.
The Cons of Walk-In Bathtubs
The Costs
Some walk-in bathtubs hold significantly more water than traditional bathtubs. When filling the whole unit for that immersive, relaxing bath experience you may want out of your walk-in tub, your water heater will have to work harder, and your water bill may go up. There are some manufacturers that offer narrower structures so you can still enjoy a deep bath without using so much water.
In addition to the cost of actually using your tub, it’s important to consider the upfront costs of buying one. The safety, comfort, and health benefits of walk-in tubs come at a price somewhere between $2,000 to $8,000 and, in some cases, even higher. On top of the tub, you will also have installation fees and possibly even some bathroom remodeling costs if you must redo paint, tile, and/or flooring to align with the tub’s design.
Inconvenient
One problem with having a door on the side of your tub is that you can’t open it to get out until the bath is completely drained. Otherwise, you’ll flood your floors! So there is a bit of inconvenience that comes with walk-in tubs because to get out safely by using the side door, you have to wait until your tub drains. Many units on the market offer quick-drain release valves to reduce your wait time. It’s a good idea to ask about that feature when shopping for your tub.
Home Value
Just because it’s an expensive item doesn’t mean everyone, including future buyers of your home, will consider a walk-in bathtub a valuable upgrade. In fact, if you only have one bathroom in your home, a walk-in tub could deter younger buyers who are looking for a traditional shower or bathtub situation. If you have more than one bathroom, it might not be a negative addition. If tastefully designed and installed well, a walk-in bathtub could add value to your home. It’s just important to think through how the tub could impact your home’s future value.
Like with the purchase of any major appliance or household upgrade, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of walk-in bathtubs. Certainly, safety, health, and comfort are important things, so seek out ways to help you save on the cost of giving them to your family. Many retailers and manufacturers offer zero-down financing or other monthly payment plans for walk-in tubs. And, if a walk-in bathtub is deemed medically necessary, it’s worth asking your doctor to write a letter to submit to Medicare and your health insurance company for their consideration to cover all or part of the cost. In most cases, you will be denied by Medicare, but it doesn’t hurt to ask as you could get the purchase covered or at least receive part of it as a reimbursement.
To find the right walk-in bathtub for you or your family member, head over to Consumers Advocate to see what leading brands have to offer.