Bath lifts are battery or water powered devices that help lift bathers into and out of traditional or any type of bathtub. The batteries are rechargeable and contain enough power to accomplish 12-15 lifts between charges.

The great thing about using a bath lift is that there’s no need to rip up the bathroom or even modify your traditional bathtub. However, you may have to widen the door or entrance to the bathroom.

Bathtub lifts can generally be split into two categories. The first category includes bath lifts that attach to or fit inside the tub. They look like chairs, benches, and slings and can be operated by the bather or caretaker using a remote control-like device. Many of these have seats that can be swiveled, raised, and lowered. Some also have backrests and headrests.

These type of bath lifts are more popular with people who have some mobility, but don’t feel comfortable stepping over the high edge of a traditional bathtub. With these lifts, the bather would first sit or slide onto the raised lift and then guide their legs over the edge of the tub. They can then use the controls to lower themselves into the tub for bathing and raise themselves up when finished.

The second category of bathtub lifts are used by caregivers who have patients that have very little or no mobility. These bath lifts have wheels and the caregiver would use a remote control device to hoist the person out of bed. The patient’s body would then be comfortably secured on the bathtub lift using back and headrests and lap and chest restraints. Essentially, the person would be in a seated position as they are wheeled over to bathtub.

At the tub, the caregiver would again use the controls to lower the patient into the bath. Only the lap and chest restraints are removed for bathing. The patient will still be sitting on the bath lift.

Convert Traditional Tub To A Walk In Tub

Many of the same companies that sell walk in bathtubs will also offer what is called an insert kit. You can get one with or with the watertight door. If you get it without the door, then you’d just be converting your bathtub to a walk in shower.

Anyway, converting a traditional tub into a walk in bathtub will first require a professional installer to cut out a U-shaped section from the side of the tub. The cut out could be a couple of feet wide or more, depending on your needs. A molded custom-fit plastic shell is then placed into the cut out area and sealed in. Afterwards, you’ll only have to lift your legs maybe 3-6 inches to get into the tub rather than 15-20 inches. The finished look is really clean and nice.

In addition to the door insert, the manufacturers can provide you with a custom polyurethene safety bench/seat that lays across the back of the tub. This way, you can sit comfortably on the bench rather than on the bottom of the tub, if that’s more desirable. The bench can be folded up and attached to the wall when not in use.

When you’re ready to take a bath, you would walk through the door panel, take a seat on the bench, and then secure the watertight door. Then turn on the water to fill the tub. The insert is designed so that it won’t allow water to leak. You can also use a bath lift with a converted tub.

Of course the beauty of this solution is that while you won’t get all the bells and whistles associated with a new walk in bathtub, you won’t have to tear up your bathroom either. It will only take about half a day for the installer to complete the job.

Depending on where you buy the door insert and bench, and using a qualified installer, you could be looking at spending a couple of thousand dollars (or maybe less) for the conversion.

The decision to buy a bath lift or tub conversion kit will depend on the person’s disability. Someone with decent mobility to go with either solution, but for severely disabled people bath lifts would definitely be best alernative.

The first thing you should do is to take measurements of your bathroom and photograph it from various angles. Do the same thing for the specific area where your current tub resides. This way the walkin bathtub seller will have a clear image of the space available for the walk in tub and any specific installation requirements.

Walkin Bathtubs – Focus On Quality, Safety, and Design 

Questions to ask the seller before purchasing a walkin bath:

How high will I have to raise my legs to step into the tub?

Easy access is one of the key requirements for any walkin bathtub. If your mobility is a bit limited, having to step over a 7 inch edge might be too much. 

How wide is the door opening for walkin bathtubs?

Again, you want to make getting into the tub as easy as possible. And if the disabled person uses a wheelchair and must slide into the tub, a wider door will be needed.

Do I need to get the whirlpool and water jets option?

The whirlpool effect is good for increasing blood circulation in the body and soothing your aches and pains. In some cases, doctors will recommend hydrotherapy for treating certain pains and illnesses. So you’ll have to decide if it’s worth the extra cost.

How much water is needed to fill the tub to the recommended level?

This will be determined by the depth of the walkin tub. But it will definitely take more water to fill this tub than a traditional bathtub. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that your water heater will be up to the task. If your water heater has a capacity of 42 gallons, but your tub requires 63 gallons, that’s not a good thing. You may have to upgrade your water heater or purchase a tub with an upgraded heat pump feature.

How long does it take to fill and empty walkin bathtubs?

Again, this depends on the size of the tub. But you certainly don’t want to sit in a tub for 15 minutes waiting for it to fill up or to drain. A reasonable timeframe would be 5 or 6 minutes. In addition, some manufacturers will offer a quick drain option if that’s important to you.

How wide do my door openings need to be to get the tub into the bathroom?

Take measurements of your doorways and hallways before you buy the tub. Share this information with the seller. They will be able to advise you on the proper tub to get that will fit inside your home.

What is the warranty on the walkin tub?

You’re going to find lots of variations in this area. Some manufacturers of walkin bathtubs will provide a one-year warranty and others will offer a lifetime warranty on everything. Nearly all will warranty the door seals for a lifetime. Regardless of the warranty period be sure to search online and with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) to determine if there have been any complaints about the manufacturer or it’s products.

What are the payment terms on your walkin bathtubs?

You may be able to finance your purchase or pay it off over time. Also, inquire about any deposit you may have to make on the tub when ordering and whether you can get a refund if you change your mind about buying it. Some states only allow you 3 days to request a refund.

Where was the walkin bathtub made?

Some walkin bathtubs may be manufactured in foreign countries such as China or Mexico to save on labor costs. You may also come across tubs that are labeled as “assembled” in the USA. This means that the parts were manufactured in a foreign country and imported to the USA. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your walk in tub will be poor quality, but it can be the case sometimes. So again, search online to see if there have been any customer complaints. Also remember that if you order a bathtub from Europe there may be size variations because they use the metric system.

Does the walk-in bathtub have a stainless steel frame to support it?

This is especially important for bathtubs that have high walls. If a tub doesn’t have a strong support frame, it can crack and begin to leak over time. Some inferior-quality walkin bathtubs will have no frames and other will have untreated wood frames.

Is the tub approved or endorsed by any organizations that support the disabled or elderly?

This might include organizations like AARP or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If the seller says yes, be sure to ask about discounts.

Should I buy a walkin tub with a door that swings in or out to open?

Walkin bathtubs with doors that swing out will be a little smaller that tubs with doors that swing in. With an out-swinging door, be sure that there’s enough space in the bathroom to accommodate a wide door. Also, if the person is in a wheelchair, make sure the door won’t interfere with them getting into the tub. For walk in tubs with doors that swing in, you’ll want to make sure there won’t be an issue with leg space when the person is sitting in the tub. When the door swings in, the bather may have to shift their body and legs to one side. And as long as you get a decent quality tub, there shouldn’t be any issue with water leaks regardless of how the door swings.

What’s the best walk in or handicap tub design for my specific disability?

There are a wide variety or walk in and handicap bathtubs. So it’s important that you provide the bathtub seller with information about the person’s disability and their body height and weight. For example, there are bariatric walkin bathtubs which are extra large and specifically designed for heavier disabled people.

If you examine the construction of most bath vanity cabinets, you should not find any visible nail holes in the wooden base. That’s a good thing and it’s an important sign that the vanity isn’t a complete piece of junk. But let’s not jump too far ahead.

Wood Bath Vanity Cabinets: Overview

Wood bath vanity cabinets are constructed in essentially the same manner as your kitchen cabinets. There are two major components of the vanity base:

1) The skeleton, frame, carcass or box
2) The doors and drawer fronts

The carcass or skeleton is the part of the bathroom vanity cabinet that defines it’s shape and holds the whole thing together. In higher-end vanities, the box may be made of solid wood or quality plywood. For moderate to lower-end bath vanity cabinets, the carcass will probably be made of plywood, particle board, or some other engineered wood product.

Many people are under the impression that plywood means low quality, but this is not true. In fact, quality plywood is stronger than most hardwoods. It’s also often preferred by manufacturers because it will resist warping, cracking and shrinking, and it’s more affordable.

Plywood is made by gluing or bonding several thin layers of wood (called veneers)together. And the way this process is done is what makes it a tough product. There are several grades of plywood, with A-C being the most widely used. Naturally, grade A plywood is deemed best because this means it is free of all defects.

The reason that I don’t get overly concerned about whether the vanity box is made of quality plywood or all hardwood is because the eye-catching part of the vanity is the front. So if the carcass is going to be very sturdy to begin with, why pay a lot extra to have it made of solid wood?

By the way, you can often find plywood that has it’s outer layers made of a particular hardwood that you like, e.g., oak, birch, ash, mahogany, etc. Just ask the vanity seller. Also inquire about the grade of the plywood, if it’s used.

Construction Of Wooden Bath Vanity Cabinets

The carcass of wood bath vanity cabinets are made by milling, sanding and cutting the wooden boards into the desired sizes. Then it just a matter of screwing together the planks and boards into the desired shape. The top of the box is left open because that’s where the sink and countertop will go. And the front is left uncovered because that’s where the doors and drawers will eventually go.

Vanity Doors And Drawer Fronts

For a quality wood vanity, you’ll want the doors and drawer fronts to be made of solid hardwood (or premium veneers). This is what people will see and what will give your vanity it’s warm, elegant look and feel.

What makes doors and drawer fronts look so good is not only their design, but it’s also how they are finished. To bring out the natural beauty of the wood and to protect it, the cabinet maker will first apply oil (such as a combination of linseed and tongue oil) all over the surface of the sanded wood. When it dries, they will apply a coat of polyurethane varnish to provide additional protection and to give them a nice shine.

The vanity doors should be attached to the box using quality soft closing hinges. And the drawer faces should be attached to the drawer boxes using dovetail joints. Don’t worry, I’m way ahead of you.

When you slide open a cabinet drawer, there is a point where the drawer front and the drawer box connect on their sides. The connecting edges of the wood will be cut so that they fit together like two jig-saw puzzle pieces. This is called a dovetail joint. It’s one of those woodworking tricks for joining two things together to make a super strong connection without the use of nails or screws.

There are two options for adding doors and drawer fronts to bath vanity cabinets. It can be done with a face frame or it can be totally frameless. I’ll explain.

As previously mentioned, when the cabinet carcass is completed, it’ll look like a wood box with the top and front left open. So, some manufacturers will add a face frame to the front of it. The face frame serves a similar purpose as a picture frame or door frame. And it will usually be made of the same solid wood as the doors and drawer fronts you choose, but it doesn’t have to be.

To create the face frame, holes are drilled at an angle in some of the planks. This allows them to be screwed together during assembly, without the screws being visible. Wood glue is applied to the edges of the boards for added re-enforcement.

The vanity maker will also use mortise and tenon joints to join certain pieces. Without getting too technical, the simplest way to envision these joints is to imagine putting a square peg into a square hole and having them fit together tightly. The hole is the mortise and the other end that goes into it is the tenon.

<===Check out this short video for a demonstration of mortise and tenon joints.

With a face frame in place, the cabinet doors may be a little smaller than those used with the frameless design. And there will be a tiny bit more space between the doors to show off the face frame. The drawers will also be narrower. This is the traditional look of North American cabinets.

For frameless cabinets, the doors will be larger since there is no frame and there will be less space between them. The drawers will also be wider. This look is generally associated with European style cabinets.

Whether you decide to go with face-framed or frameless bath vanity cabinets has nothing to do with quality. It’s really just a matter of personal taste. When looking at them, the differences between the two cabinet styles are often very subtle.

In summary, when evaluating the quality of bath vanity cabinets, do the following:

- Look for a carcass made of solid wood or high-quality plywood

- Check for the use of dovetail joints, and mortise and tenon joints

- Inspect the exterior of the vanity for cracks and gaps

- Make sure the doors and drawers open and close smoothly and effortlessly

- Ensure that the inside of the vanity has a smooth professional finish

- Verify that the sink is fitted properly with a tight seal

- Confirm that the drainage system is adequate and that there is a water overflow hole

- If possible, give the sink vessel a run-through to see if there will be any restrictions or limitations when you bend over to wash your face

Bath Vanity Cabinets -- Choices And Selection

I’ll keep this section brief….

- Discount bath vanity cabinets -- if you’re searching for cheap discount bath vanity cabinets, it’s really just a matter of looking around. All major sellers of vanities will periodically have clearance and seasonal sales. The cost of vanities can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. But make quality and value the primary determinants for your purchase, and not just price.

- Custom bath vanity cabinets -- if you are having a tough time finding a maker of custom vanity cabinets, contact the manufacturers of kitchen cabinets. Many of them may not actively advertise this type of work, but can and will do it.

- Bath vanity cabinet colors -- you can find white bath vanity cabinets, black bath vanity cabinets, and every color in between. Just make sure that it meets the quality guidelines discussed above.

Now that you know how to spot quality, it’s just a matter of sorting through the plethora of bath vanity cabinets to find one that matches your decorating and design style.

So how much does a walk in tub cost?

Traditional bathtubs cost somewhere in the $300 range and can skyrocket to $3,500 or more on the luxury end. By comparison, basic walk in tubs prices will be in the $1,500 – $3000 range. However, walk in tubs prices can easily catapult to $10,000 or more when you add-on water jets, aromatherapy and all the other bells and whistles. And don’t forget to include installation which can increase costs further if additional plumbing, flooring and wiring are required. Plus the old tub has to be ripped out.

That’s the bad news.

The good news about walk in tubs prices

The good news is that when you’re purchasing a walk in bathtub, you can negotiate with the retailer or manufacturer and many will offer deep price discounts. So don’t just go with their listed price. Like furniture, there is a huge mark-up on walk in tubs prices. If one retailer or manufacturer won’t bend on price, then move on to the next.

In addition, if you’re a military veteran or member of a particular group or association such as AARP, you may be eligible for favorable discounting as well. So be sure to ask the seller.

Another possible way to get the tub at a lower price is to not even bother with talking to the retailer. Just go directly to the manufacturer. Not all them will sell directly to you, but some will.

Having said all this, don’t just scan the various walk in bathtubs prices and base your buying decision solely on that factor. Here’s why. Some walk in tubs are made of low quality fiberglass whereas others are made of much higher quality acrylic. Some tubs may also be reinforced with a strong stainless steel frame and others may not. So if you aren’t diligent, you could end up with an inexpensive tub that’s a heap of junk. Even worse, it could pose a danger.

If you can’t pay for the tub in full upfront, you may be able to get it financed. This is especially true if you purchase it from a large retailer. They will more than likely offer a financing prgram that will allow you to pay for the tub over time.

The USDA Rural Development Program provides loans and grants to low and moderate income families for necessary home improvements. If you live in a rural area, your walk in tub may meet their strict requirements. To learn more and find out if you qualify, visit their web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html

Finally, you may be able to deduct the cost of the walk in tub on your tax return. The federal goverment may allow a tax deduction for certain necessary equipment that is installed in the home for medical reasons. So consult your tax advisor or visit irs.gov

Will medicare or private health insurance cover the walk in tub cost?

- You can check with Medicare, but in all likelihood they won’t cover walk in bathtubs because they aren’t viewed as “durable medical equipment”. Unlike wheelchairs, nebulizers, and catheters, a walk in bathtub can be used by anyone.

- It can’t hurt to ask your private health insurer either, but they too will likely not cover the costs of a walk in tub. The reason is because a walk in tub will be viewed as an expensive (or perhaps unnecessary) alternative to other lower cost methods of accessible bathing. For example, a handicap bathtub lift costs substantially less.

What type of  warranties come with walk in bathtubs?

The degree of warranty coverage will vary greatly from one manufactuer to the next. In addition, the warranty on the tub’s shell may differ from the faucets, motors, valves, swithes, frame and other parts. It’s important that you read all of the small print so that you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

One manufacturer may provide a one year warranty on everything and another may provide a lifetime warranty. Then, there are other manufacturers that will offer something in between.

If, for example, you find that the warranty on the entire handicap tub and it’s components is only good for one year, you should probably perform additional research on that company before making your purchase. See if you can find any complaints online and check with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.com). (Note: You should really perform this type of research for any company whose product you’re thinking of purchasing. After all, this is a substantial investment.)

In summary, here’s what you should do. First, determine the type of walk in bathtub you require. Second, identify the essential features that it must contain. Third, determine if you want to go with a less expensive fiberglass tub or more expensive acrylic tub. Then, compare walk in tubs prices for the models that meet all or most of your requirements.

If everything looks okay, then you can have your plumbing and walk in bathtub installation experts take the walk in bath into your house. Be sure to take measurements beforehand to ensure that the tub will fit through your doors and down your hallway. Also before you order, measure the space in your bathroom where the tub will go to make sure you’re getting the right size. In fact, provide as much detail as possible to the seller to ensure there are no issues you might not have thought of.

Also remember that the prices of the walk in baths you see online don’t include the cost of installation. In some cases, the manufacturers will require that you use their designated experts to install the tub or they won’t honor the warranty. Who knows how much that will cost. So be sure to get these types of issuse ironed out before you order.

If you decide to use your own walk in bathtub installation expert, the cost for the project will depend on what all has to be done. Electric wirings may have to be moved, tile work has to be done, doors may need widening, new floorings, the old bathtub has to be removed, new plumbing and so on. The only thing that I would add is that you should not let a handyman take on this project. Hire a licensed professional or plumber who specializes in this type of work.

How To Install Walk In Baths?

As long as you’re not planning to remodel the entire bathroom around your shiny new walk in bath, the installation process should not take that long. In fact, the tub installer should be able to take care of their task in a couple of days or perhaps less.

These tubs may look a little different than traditional bathtubs, but from a plumbing standpoint they’re about the same. So no need to freak out. If a professional plumber has installed a tub before, there shouldn’t be anything that surprises him or her. The new walk in bath is going to require incoming water supply and drain lines just like the old tub. If you purchased some of the fancy bells and whistles like Chromatherapy (color and light therapy), you will need some electrical wiring done.

Before the tub is installed, the plumber should first inspect the unit and perform a water test. This will ensure that there is no damage or defects. If the walk in bath fails the test, contact the manufacturer and review your warranty to see if you’re allowed a replacement.

If the tub is okay, then you’re good to go. Shut off the main water line and remove the old tub and fixtures. The plumber should inspect the old plumbing for usability. He or she should replace or repair any damaged or rusted piping. Then, the new tub should be placed in the same location as the old tub. You’ll quickly notice how much longer your old tub was, but that won’t be a problem.

The plumber should make sure that the new walk in tub is level before any plumbing or electrical work is done. After that, it’s just a matter of connecting all the parts and components according to the walk in bathtub installation manual. If all goes well, then hold your breath and turn on the water. Inspect for leaks and adequate water pressure. Give the tub a run through.

That’s all to it. Now the plumber can repair the drywall that was removed or damaged, and apply caulk around the edge of the bathtub to seal it in.

As for the space that was left by your longer tub, you can get a tub extension kit from the manufacturer. The kit consist fiberglass or acrylic L-shaped sheets that can be cut to the appropriate size to fill the extra space. It’ll look like your nice tub came with  shelving. 

How To Clean And Maintain Walk In baths?

You’ll want your beautiful walk in bath to look like new for as long as possible. So, it’s critical that you clean it on a regular basis, preferrably right after each use.

The vast majority of walk in baths are made of acrylic or fiberglass. And while these surfaces work great for their intended purpose of holding water, they aren’t bulletproof. You should should never use a harsh or abrasive cleaner on any tub made from these resins. If you do, they will scratch, the color will dull, and the life of the tub will be shortened.

Of the two, fiberglass walk in baths will require a more delicate touch. These tubs are made from polyester fibers that are sprayed onto a mold. This is called a gelcoat. So if you scratch the tub’s surface, it’ll start to look ugly and chalky, and become brittle. Since fiberglass is more porous than acrylic, it will stain easier and lose it’s lustrous color faster.

Walk in baths made of acrylic definitely have much tougher surfaces than their fiberglass counterparts. Acrylic tubs start out as flexible sheets of non-porous resin that are heated and then molded into the desired form. But because the material is a consistent solid sheet through and through, it won’t dull as easily as fiberglass. But it can dull!

As with any product, you should abide by the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for cleaning walk in baths. If the manufacturer doesn’t recommend a specific product, there are lots of non-abrasive liquid bathtub cleaners on the market. You may even want to go with an eco-friendly cleaner. Apply these products using a soft cloth or sponge. Just remember that walk in baths are like other tubs.

Essential Step In Tub Features

Easy walk-in access – make sure that the door panel is wide enough so that you can easily walk in and out of the tub.

Locking airtight door panel – this will ensure there are no water leaks. The manufacturer should offer a lifetime warranty on the door seals.

Power seat – essential if you’re using a wheelchair. It can be raised and lowered for convenience. Get one that swivels as well.

Anti-slip contoured seating – you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible when bathing and not float out of the seat. This will also make it easier for you to hold yourself upright.

Grab bars – you’ll need them to help you keep your balance and to prevent you from falling. Add extra grab bars, if needed. Also, don’t make the mistake of installing those crappy grab bars that attach by using suction cups. What idiot thought of that?!

Handheld sprayer – this will allow you to wet your head, shoulders and upper body.

Thermostatic temperature control – this will ensure that the water won’t get scalding hot. It’ll also allow you to keep the water at a steady comfortable temperature. Many manufacturers of step in tubs add this control to the handheld sprayer for convenience.

Anti-slip floors – water will make the inside of the walk in tub slippery. So check with the manufacturer to ensure that the bathtub floor is made of skid-resistant material.

Strong support frame – if the step in bathtub shell doesn’t have a support frame, it will eventually buckle and crack over time. The best frames are made of stainless steel. The worst case is no frame, followed closely by one that is made of untreated plywood.

Strongly Recommended Step In Bathtub Options

Emergency entrance/exit switch – if the bather gets ill while sitting in a full tub of water, there needs to be a fast way to get them out in the event of an emergency. Having a switch that would release the door would be a huge plus. This may not be a big deal if the door opens outward. But doors that open inward are at a disadvantage because the pressure from the water is helping to keep the door sealed.

Custom access door – the step in bathtub door should be as easy to operate as possible. To help with this, manufacturers can hang the door to accommodate a left or right handed user.

Nice To Have Handicap Bathtub Accessories

Hydrotherapy system – this means that air and water jets are used to circulate the water and help in the healing process. Doctors have been known to prescribe hydrotherapy to treat a host or traumas and pains. But the massaging and whirlpool power of it will make just about anyone feel pretty darn good.

Aromatherapy system – some people enjoy being surrounded by the scents from essential healing oils. It’s a popular thing in fancy spas.

Chromotherapy system – some people swear that color and light can heal. I don’t know. It’s another option for taking your bathing experience to a whole new level.

Shower – all step in bathtubs have handheld sprayers, but many designs also have the option of adding a shower curtain and elevated showerhead. Better step in bathtubs with shower models even have separate controls for the bathtub faucet and the shower (or sprayer), and each can have a different water temperature. This would be a nice feature because the head and face are a bit more sensitive to hot water.

Secondary door drain – this a drain that is located just outside the door panel. So when you open the door outward, any excess water will drip into this drain rather than onto your floor. In can also serve as an emergency drain. 

So now you have an idea of how you can accessorize your walk in tub. No doubt, there are probably more features and options available. Just ask the step In bathtub seller or manufacturer.

But remember, these are just rough estimates since configurations can vary widely.

On average, though,  mid-range sized walk in disabled bathtubs will be about 48″ long, 39″ high, and 28″ wide. However, the height, width, and depth of a tub does not become particularly relevant until you’ve evaluated the person’s disability, determined their needs, and measured the available space in the bathroom.

For example, in the video below, you’ll see a bariatric walk in bathtub that is suited for large or heavy bathers and those in wheelchairs.

As you’ve just seen in the video, you can purchase disabled bathtubs that are pretty large. And while you’ll find that the vast majority of them will be shorter than traditional tubs, they all will be a bit deeper. In many cases, they will be twice as deep. 

Further, some walk in tubs are can sealed in place against a wall just like traditional bathtubs. But if you prefer a free-standing model that can be moved around, those are available, too. This is a great option if you rent a home or an apartment and could change locations one day.

Disabled Bathtubs Categories

Disabled bathtubs that fall into the “large” category will usually measure about 60″ long, 40″ deep, and 32″ wide. In this tub, even a large person will be able to sit comfortably and be well submerged in water—up to chest level. These tubs will  provide the widest door opening, which is important for easy entrance and exiting. But, they’ll require more water to fill.

Other than that, you can purchase the disabled bathtubs with all the additional bells and whistles you could want. Or, perhaps you just want a few modest accessories such as the fixtures and attachments for taking a shower, if that’s more desirable at times.

Walk in or disabled bathtubs that fall into the “small” category will be around 36” long x 27” wide, and 39″ deep. So if bathroom space is at a premium in your home, one of these disabled tubs is sure to fit. These tubs are best suited for small bathers. Nevertheless, the user will still be able to immerse themselves deeper into this tub than a standard bathtub and it won’t take as much water to fill.

Finally, you may be wondering how the space in your bathroom is going to look when you rip the traditional long tub and install a much shorter disabled tub. Not a problem. The manufacturer can provide you with a tub extension kit. It’s a wide L-shaped panel that’s made of acrylic or fiberglass. When it’s placed in the gap between the disabled tub and the wall, it’ll look as if your tub has shelf space.

So there really are no significant issues when it comes to installing disabled bathtubs.

To create one of these tubs, manufacturers start with a pre-formed bathtub mold. From there, it’s just a matter of applying layers of fiberglass mat and gel coat over the mold until the desired thickness is achieved. The walk in bathtub manufacturer will then apply fiberglass resin and a hardening catalyst. When it dries, the formed bathtub is separated from the mold.

An acrylic bathtub is an entirely different animal. To build one of these tubs, walk in bathtub manufacturers start with a flexible sheet of acrylic. The sheet is heated and placed over a preformed mold. Then, a giant vacuum sucking machine uses pressure to wrap the sheet around the mold to form the tub. The acrylic is then given a chance to cool and harden before it is separated from the mold.

<===Check out this video that shows how a standard acrylic bathtub is made. It should give you a very good idea of what you can expect from a walk in tub.

The better quality walk in tubs will have strong stainless steel support frames added. Many of the inferior tubs will either have no frame support or it may be made of untreated plywood. These are disasters waiting to happen.

Anyway, the next step in building an acrylic tub consists of cutting out a space for the doors. The doors are also made of acrylic and are shaped using a molding process similar to what the tub’s shell underwent. The doors are put in place and aligned with the frame. This is followed by drilling holes for the fixtures, attachments, and accessories.

Should You Purchase A Walk in Tub Made Of Acrylic Or Fiberglass?

If you haven’t guessed which type of walk in tub is best based on materials used in the manufacturing process, I’ll share a bit more information with you.

Acrylic is a high-gloss, non-porous, solid-surface material. It is thick and strong and is masterful at keeping mold and mildew from spreading. Because it is a solid surface water-proof material, it’s easy to clean and the color won’t easily fade. If you have a solid surface countertop in your home (such as Corian), then you know the strength of this material. Acrylic can last for 30 years or longer, but it is not cheap.

On the other hand, fiberglass is an inexpensive porous material. This means that it is more susceptible to having a build-up of mold and bacteria. Fiberglass bathtubs are also more likely to chip and scratch, making maintenance even more difficult. This can also shorten the life of the tub. And while acrylic tubs can last three decades, fiberglass tubs will begin to show wear and tear within one decade.

When you get a fiberglass bathtub, it will have a matte finish as opposed to a high-gloss finish. This may or may not be of importance to you.

I’m not going to tell you which tub to buy because I don’t know your budget. In addition, despite all the doom and gloom about fiberglass you may come across a manufacturer that is offering some quality affordable tubs made from this material. As I mentioned earlier, not all walk in bathtub manufacturers follow the same tub-making process.

The wise thing to do is to ask lots of questions and check out what other people are saying about their experience with a particular tub.

Walk In Bathtub Manufacturers

Below you’ll find a walk in bathtub manufacturers list of quality providers that you can use as a starting point in your search. Since this a fast growing market, you’re bound to come across additional competitors. Also remember that there are many independent sellers of walk in tubs, so you should be able to find some good deals.

American Standard Walk in Bathtubs
Piscataway, NJ
1-800-442-1902

Bathing Solutions (Northwest Walk In Bath)
Vancouver, Washington
1-866-292-5546

Best Buy Walk-In Tubs
Ganbury, TX
1-888-825-2362

Bliss Tubs
Pasadena, CA
1-888-398-5898

Clarion Bathware
Shippenville, PA
1-800-576-9228

Complete Home Living Solutions Canada
Kelowna, British Columbia
1-250-491-7670

DCE Bathing Systems
Fort Worth, TX
1-877-823-3693

Dignity Walk-In Tubs and Spas
Murrietta, CA
1-888-567-7727

Home Living Solutions
Temecula, CA
1-800-320-8182

Independent Living USA
Delray Beach, FL
1-800-403-7490

Jacuzzi Inc.
1-800-288-4002

Kohler Inc.
Kohler, WI
1-800-456-4537

Luxor Bath
Roseville, CA
1-888-321-3216

Meditub Inc.
Valley Stream, NY
1-866-633-4882

Premier Bathrooms
South Daytona, FL
1-800-950-0491

Rane Tubs
Sparta, TN
1-888-880-7373

Remain Active
Chesapeake, VA
1-800-397-1123

Safety Bath Hydrotherapy Systems
Ituna, Saskatchewan, Canada
1-877-826-6666

Safety Tubs
Grand Prairie, TX
1-877-304-2800

Step Safe
Anaheim, CA 92805
866-525-5631

Seabridge Bathing
San Diego, CA
1-800-330-3317

The Walk In Bathtub Company
Farmingdale, NY
1-888-625-1414

Walk-in Bathtub Store
Mount Dora, FL 32757
800-465-1202

Wasauna
Phoenix, AZ
1-888-846-0661

Filling the tub can take several minutes. It just depends on how deep it is. Since you’re filling the tub with warm or hot water, it’s very important that it have what is called a thermostatic control valve. This way there will be no possibility of running scalding hot water. In most walk in tubs, the default temperature setting will hold steady at about 105 degrees and you’ll be able to adjust it a little bit up or down. That’s probably one of the reasons these tubs are sometimes referred to as safety tubs or safety bathtubs.

Another thing you want to ensure is that your tub’s faucet has a pretty wide mouth or water filler. You want that tub to fill as fast as possible. There are some walk in tubs that have cute little water fillers that resemble gentle waterfalls. Only problem is that it can take 15 minutes to fill up the darn tub. Who wants to sit there waiting for that long?! So discuss fill up time and faucet design with the tub seller before you buy it.

Walk In Tub Issue: Water Usage

In addition to those two design elements, there’s one final thing to keep in mind. A standard deep walk in bathtub can hold a lot more water than a traditional bathtub. If your hot water heater has a 42 gallon capacity, but your walk in tub needs 63 gallons to fill it, that’s not good. So make sure that your hot water heater is up to the task. It may need to be upgraded or you may need to purchase a special heating attachment from the manufacturer.

Once the walk in tub is filled, the bather will have access to a handheld sprayer to run water over their head and shoulders. If the tub has air or water jets, they can be turned on to create a soothing whirlpool bathing environment. Of course, these tubs can be outfitted with all kinds of neat luxurious amenities.

When the bather is done, simply open the drain and allow the water to run out. By the way, while you’re asking the walk in tub seller about the length of time it takes to fill the tub, inquire about drain time as well. Anyway, when the walk in tub is empty, the door panel can be opened and the bather can walk out or be assisted by a caregiver.

Next, does the door swing inward or outward? For quality built handicap bathtubs, water leakage won’t be a problem no matter how the door opens. So the first real question here is will the way the door opens make it more difficult to get in or out of tub? What if a wheelchair is involved? The third question is if the door opens outwardly, is there enough space in your bathroom for that to happen? Note that a severely disabled person with no mobility may require that the door be nearly as wide as the entire tub.

In general, handicap bathtubs designed to be used with wheelchairs have doors that open out. That’s because the doors need to be wider and people in wheelchairs also like to get a tub with a seat that swivels or pivots, making it easier to transfer back and forth.

Still with me? Good!

The next thing you want to do is imagine yourself about to step inside the tub. Would it help if there was a grab bar to steady your balance? If so, where should the bar be located for your comfort and convenience? The manufacturer can install additional grab bars or you can do it yourself.

Now that the walk in tub’s door is open, how high will you have to lift your legs to get over the threshold? Is it too high for you? Again, if your balance is not good, you’re putting yourself at risk of injury when stepping in and out of the tub. You can find plenty of walk in tubs where the step-in height is barely higher than the floor.

Next, as you navigate yourself inside the tub, check for three things — well placed grab bars, a nice wide comfortable seat with a backrest, and a skid resistant floor. These are all important for your safety and comfort. If you use a wheelchair, is it important to you that the seat swivel and can be powered up and down? Do you need more grab bars to assist you in getting out of the tub?

When you’re comfortably seated in the tub, close and lock the watertight door. Could you do it easily with one hand? Is the locking mechanism or switch within easy reach? Is there any sort of emergency release option if something bad happens?

Now, check out the placement of the fixtures. Are they in easy reach? Some manufacturers will put certain switches right near the seat or include them on the handheld sprayer.

Finally, imagine the tub filling up with water and then draining after you’re finished. Did the tub fill up in a reasonable amount of time or did it take 15 minutes? The same goes for draining the tub. Is there a secondary drainage for fast or emergency draining? It shouldn’t take more than 5-7 minutes for a tub to fill and drain.
 
I know it’s hard to imagine being in the tub based on a picture. But when you’re talking to the seller or have an opportunity to sit in a real handicap bathtub, you’ll have some idea of what to look for and what questions to ask. So now I’ll summarize the kind of walk in tubs offered in the marketplace.

Overview Of Available Handicap Bathtubs

- Walk-in bathtub with high walls, narrow doors, and moderate step in threshold heights – This is great bathtub for elderly people and others who may have nagging injuries and pains, but are still pretty mobile. The water can be filled to chest level for deep soaking. The stationary seat will be about 17 inches high and all controls will be within easy reach. Pay careful attention to the step-in height. For some “so-called” walk-in tubs, you may have to raise your legs 7″- 8″ or more to get in and out and this might still be too high for some people. It’s not a big problem to find walk-in tubs with 2″ thresholds.

 - Slide-in bathtub with high walls – These types of handicap bathtubs are great for people with severe mobility issues. This person is probably using a wheelchair to get around or has to be lifted into the tub. The door on this tub will be quite wide and the seat will be able to swivel so that minimal twisting is needed to move from the wheelchair to the tub. The walls of this tub will not be as high as a standard walk in tub. However, the walls will be higher than a traditional tub. So the bather will still be able to fill it so that the water is well over his or her hips. 

- Stroll-in bathtub with walls about as high as a traditional tub – This handicap tub looks similar to a standard tub except that it has a watertight door panel on one side. The individual can stroll through the gate-like door without having to raise their legs over a high edge. The bather would then take a seat on a bench rather than sitting on the bottom of the tub. They would then close and lock the door, and fill the tub. With this tub, you can still purchase many of the fun accessories such as hydrotherapy to enhance the bathing experience.

- Modified traditional bathtub – If your budget is tight, this is a very good option. Essentially, you would purchase a tub conversion kit. A qualified professional would then cut-out a U-shaped section from the wall of your traditional tub. The installer would then put in a watertight door assembly that’s made of polyurethene. It’ll really look like it was professionally done and that you purchased the tub that way. So just like the stroll-in bathtub, someone with mobility issues will be able to walk into the tub with ease. The door would be locked and there should be no worry about water leaking from the tub. The conversion kits are available from the same manufacturers that sell the walk in tubs.

- Round handicap bathtub – you don’t see these around in great abundance, but they are out there. Other than being round, they are similar to their rectangular counterparts. The walls on these handicap bathtubs are about medium height and they’ll give you a little more room inside to move around. In addition, handicap bathtubs easier to clean because there are no corners for dirt and grime to hide.