Walkin Bathtubs Made Easy!

The walk in tub industry has exploded over the last few years largely as a result of our aging seniors (“boomers”) seeking to live in their homes longer as they age as well as the needs of those living with a disability or catastrophic illness.

Due to this growing demand the suppliers of walkin bathtubs and bathtubs for handicapped users have sprung up everywhere. There are now multiple companies offering some form of accessible bathtub. This makes it very difficult for the consumer to decide on the perfect unit for their needs and which company to purchase it from.

In an attempt to de-mystify this phenomenon and having worked with handicap bathtubs since they first arrived on the scene I have laid out what I consider to be the most important aspects and considerations when purchasing an accessible tub for your own home or facility.

The biggest difference with these new bathing units as compared to the bathtubs we have used all our lives is how one enters and leaves the bathing zone. In the past it was necessary to step over a tub wall of approximately 14-20 inches in height which for those with limited mobility can be very difficult if not impossible and dangerous.

With the new walkin bathtubs and handicapped tubs now available one no longer steps over the wall of tub. Allow me to clarify the options:

There are three types of access doors typically offered with walkin bathtubs and bathtubs for handicapped users.

Ø The most common is the in-swing door which necessitates that the user be physically able to step over a 4-7 inch curb into the tub. This type of unit normally requires that the user turn around after entering the bathing zone to stand clear of the door in order to be able to close it. For a larger user this can be difficult as the space between the edge of the door and the seat is not very large. The in-swing doors are also quite small with a clear space of between 16-23 inches wide.

Ø The second choice which is growing in popularity is the out-swing door. This application allows a user who is able to transfer from a sitting position such as in a wheelchair to slide onto the fixed height seat. As these units are designed as an option for wheelchair users and those with very limited mobility the seat is usually at a height similar to a standard wheelchair of around 21”. These handicap bath tubs are also a better fit for larger users as the larger opening created by the out-swing door is between 30 and 34 inches.

Ø The newest application available is a sliding door bathtub. In this application the door slides behind the fixed side of the tub wall and allows for a user to sit on the seat and slide over in a similar manner to sliding into bed. The application I am aware of is designed to mount on a storage cabinet which is included when purchasing this type of bathtub. The pieces are delivered separately allowing for easy entry through any doorway as the tub itself is only around 14 inches deep.

The sizes of all these tubs varies but in most cases they are designed to either fit into the opening left by your old tub or they are slightly smaller requiring a filler piece to enclose the difference. A half wall may also be constructed to build it in.

The width of the tub regardless of the type of door needs to be taken into consideration in relationship to the width of the doorways in your home. If you have a 29” clear opening and you order a 30” wide tub it will not be possible to get the tub into the bathroom without major costly and unexpected modifications to the doorway. This may also delay completion of the project and prove quite inconvenient. Although 30” wide is a popular size some companies offer smaller tubs such as a 26” wide units and larger models such as 36” wide for someone who is looking for a really large tub.

The size of the handicapped bath tub will also impact how much water is necessary to fill the bathing zone to the required operating capacity. One needs to consider how much hot water your particular hot water heater is able to produce. I am aware of one large bathtub of 60” x 36” that requires 130 gallons of water to reach full operating capacity. Despite the fact that one fills a bathtub with a combination of hot and cold water for an individual’s preference the ratio of hot to cold water from a 50 gallon how water heater is going to run cold long before reaching operating capacity with this large a unit.

All handicap bathtubs and walkin bathtubs are available as a soaking tub or with a combination of jets for added relaxation. Depending on the personal needs of each individual the jetted systems can also aid in pain management therapy. It has been my experience in working with senior users that the very powerful water jets are often too strong for older seniors due to the thinning of our skin as we age which can result in easy bruising. A firm handshake some years ago with an older Client that was a little to vigorous reminded me how easily we can bruise as we age. As a result I like to be cautious and include the more gentle and multi-speed air jets. These jets function to oxygenate the water and can help bring blood flow to painful areas possibly reducing pain. Over the years I have received many positive comments on this occurrence.

Some manufacturers offer options for Chromatherapy and Aromatherapy, a neck rest pillow and an Ozinator to eliminate bacteria build up. Some manufacturers are now offering a rapid drain system. Regardless of the type of door it is necessary to stay in the bathing zone while the tub drains so this may be an option worthwhile considering.

Most bathtubs are offered in white and off-white only. I am however aware of one company who offers 253 different color choices and for a very reasonable additional charge will even custom color the tub with your personal choice of color.

The quality and noise level of the pump is also a major consideration. This takes into account both the relaxation value and the longevity of the pump which is the heart of the bathtub if a jet system was included. One company I am aware of offers a 10 year warranty on its pump which is also the quietest pump available on the market. Most other manufacturers that I have come across offer a 1-5 year warranty. The same is true with the tub warranty. Every company I know of offers a lifetime warranty on their door seal but only 1-5 years is typical on the tub itself. The same company offering a 10 year warranty on their pump offers a lifetime warranty on the entire tub and not just the door seal. These are important considerations as this should be a once in a lifetime purchase. How well the pump works and how long your bathtub is guaranteed for can make a big difference.

Probably the point that companies try to disguise the most is where their specific accessible bathtubs are made. Those who offer 100% US made tout this fact.

As a direct result of increased competition and the demand for lower pricing many suppliers have opted to have part of and even all of the bathtub and accessories manufactured out of the country. Most of these units appear to be made in Asia. I have seen these very same companies advertise Made in America. If the shell of a tub is made in Asia but its finished in the US does this qualify it as Made in America-you decide?

I am personally only aware of one company who offers a walk in bathtub that is entirely and 100% Made in America. This is also the same company who offers a Lifetime Warranty on their entire tub and a 10 year warranty on their pump. What does this tell you?

It is my recommendation that each consumer seriously consider the merits of the company they about to give several thousand dollars to. Find out the following before making your buying decision:

Ø How long they have been making accessible bathtubs?

Ø How long have they actually been in business?

Ø Where are their tubs manufactured (not just assembled and finished)?

Ø What length of warranty do they include on their entire tub (not just the door seal)?

By taking the time to ask these important questions one can help to eliminate many of the issues that may arise when buying without taking these points into account. The purchase and regular use of a high quality walkin tub and handicapped bathtub can be a beneficial and enjoyable experience or it can turn into an investment nightmare.

I hope the information I have shared with you will result in a positive experience with your particular accessible tub.