Walk-in Tubs: How to Choose the Right One for You?

If you’ve made a choice to enhance safety, convenience and comfort in your home with a walk-in bathtub, the decision is a great one. These special design tubs have advantages that go well beyond traditional tubs courtesy of their unique features. What’s more, if mobility issues are a concern, a walk-in tub can eliminate the challenges of getting into and out of the tub while enabling you to enjoy long, hot soaks.

Picking out the right model to meet personal needs and the home environment can be a bit of a trick. After all, the rising popularity of walk-in tubs has inspired a rather large selection of makes and models. If it’s time to start looking at a walk-in tub to bring home, here are some things to consider when picking out a model:

·     Size – This is one of the most important considerations to make before reviewing options individual models may boast. Walk-in tubs are now quite often designed to fit in the same spots traditional designs do. If there is a need to retrofit a room other than a bathroom, however, buyers will find compact designs available, too. Lengths can range from about 35 inches to just under 60. Consider the space the tub will go and then begin looking at suitable models.

·      Quality – Walk-in tubs can be a big investment in health and safety. With that in mind, quality is an important consideration. Some of the best models are made out of acrylics to provide beauty, durability and ease of cleaning.

·      Features – Besides doors that swing in and out, walk-in tubs may offer a long list of additional safety and comfort features. Safety features should be a top concern if a tub is intended to reduce bathroom hazards and make bathing easier for people with mobility challenges. Features to look for include built-in seating, slip resistant flooring and grab bars. Comfort features that enhance the bathing experience may also be found. These include hot water jets, aromatherapy, massage and heated seats. Fast fill and drain options may also enhance convenience.

·       Type – There are two main types of walk-in tubs that may suit your needs. The first is a full replacement tub that is meant to stand in place of a traditional bath. The second involves conversion kits that enable traditional tubs to be modified for ease of use and safety. If full safety and comfort features are desired, standalone models are often the best bet.

Walk-in tubs enhance safety while making bathing easier and often more comfortable. Selecting the right one for home use will depend on the available space and the features desired.