If you are a modern homeowner with a love for all things stylish and creative, you might want to choose furniture and fixtures that enhance the abode’s aesthetic appeal. And just like the living room or the bedroom, your bathroom will also demand ample attention. Now, walk-in tubs are undoubtedly among the most attractive fixtures you can get for your bathroom. These can make bathing a lavish and extremely relaxing experience.

Features of walk-in tubs

Detailed below are the characteristics of walk-in tubs:

• Water- t ight d oors
  As you get walk-in features with these specialized bathtubs, they come with water-tight doors to prevent leakage of water after filling. These doors come with the same finish and texture as the walk-in tub’s body, so they do not spoil the aesthetic appeal of these products. You can choose appropriate models with doors that swing in or outside, depending on your bathroom’s space and design. They are also built with durable and anti-skid materials, so there are minimal chances of injuries while bathing in them.

• Hydrotherapy s ystem
  These days, advanced walk-in tubs are fitted with massaging jets that dispense water at specific points on the back, wrists, and legs of users. The unique hydrotherapy system helps you to get a good night’s sleep and alleviates body pain. You may add a few drops of essential oil to the water to transform the bathing session into a blissful aromatherapy and spa session.

• Quick f illing and d raining f acilities
  Since you need to fill the walk-in tubs with water after stepping inside, they come with quick filling and draining equipment. Otherwise, you will spend a considerable amount of time on these two processes, thereby spoiling the entire bathing experience.

• Safety f eatures
  As already pointed out, safety features in walk-in tubs are way more advanced than conventional tubs. You get an ultra-low entry and exit point, handrails, anti-skid flooring, and a built-in contoured seat. These features ensure better accessibility and grip. The tubs are made of acrylic, which does not allow molds and bacteria to multiply in them.

Benefits of using walk-in tubs

You will be glad to know that walk-in tubs are available at attractive prices these days, so you can easily amp up your bathroom. If you are wondering whether you should get one, detailed below are the advantages of using walk-in tubs.

• Comfort
  If you consider the comfort factor, then there is nothing better than installing an advanced and innovative walk-in tub in your washroom. They come with whirlpool jets, extra-wide textured seats, and heated backrests for soaking your body. You may even opt for models offering chromotherapy lighting, to enjoy an incredible bathing experience. Experts suggest that these advanced comfort features are excellent for patients suffering from insomnia and body aches. Maintaining physical wellness can also have a profound impact on the mental state of individuals. Homeowners with walk-in tubs state that these innovations help calm their senses and reduce stress.

• Safety
  Walk-in tubs are best for elderly homeowners and family members. With low step-in features, wide seats, large doors, handrails, and slip-resistance flooring, you can enjoy a soothing bath even if you face challenges with hand and leg movements. These days, you can even expect wheelchair access in highly advanced tubs. There is also a highly innovative control panel for regulating the water temperature, speed of jets, and chromotherapy lighting. So, do not allow your age or health issues to act as a deterrent in enjoying a soothing bath when you have a walk-in tub as your partner in the washroom.

• Hygiene
  You can conveniently maintain hygiene in walk-in tubs . As they drain out every drop of water after each use, you can easily clean even hard-to-reach corners in the bathtub. There are minimal chances of dirt buildup or bacterial and fungal growth in these installations. Users report that bathing in walk-in tubs is a comfortable experience. So, they can conveniently wash wounds or attend to skin rashes while soaking in these tubs.

• Reduced m edical b ills
  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, elderly people often meet with falls and accidents while bathing in traditional tubs. It leads to increased medical expenses through hospitalization and medicine bills. Installing walk-in tubs can help you reduce these accidents and costs considerably. In these tubs, the entry point is ultra-low, so there are minimal chances of losing your balance. Moreover, the presence of wide seats and anti-skid flooring takes care of your protection inside the tubs.

Some cons of walk-in tubs

Though walk-in tubs come with plenty of advantages , you need to be aware of a few cons. However, the pros outweigh the cons by far.

• Long t ime to f ill and d rain
  Since walk-in tubs come with a door, you cannot pre-fill the fixture with water before bathing. So, you need to wait for some time to fill up after stepping inside the tub. Even in modern bathtubs, with fast-fill and rapid-drain features, it may take up to 8 minutes for filling the water. So, it might be slightly cumbersome for those with extremely busy schedules. Similarly, after you are done bathing, you will again need to wait for some time for the water to drain out.

• Temperature c ontrol
  In traditional tubs, you can pre-set the water temperature and heat it adequately before exposing your body to it. However, when it comes to walk-in tubs, you need to fill it with water and then adjust its temperature to a suitable level. So, there is a chance of getting too chilled or heated up while using these modern tubs. For senior users, this might be a bit of a problem, as they have sensitive skin and poor blood circulation. So, they take time to respond to chilled water, as their system finds it challenging to conserve the body heat (hypothermia). If you wish to install a walk-in tub in your washroom, then always ensure that it comes with a heated seat so that you do not feel cold while using the product. At the same time, there should also be a scald prevention valve, so that a large quantity of hot water does not enter the tub suddenly.

• Installation c osts
  Walk-in tubs are usually available at a higher price than traditional bathtubs. They consist of ultra-modern fittings like whirlpool jets, heated backrests, skid-proof flooring, and hydrotherapy mechanisms, which contribute to the price difference. Moreover, the installation of walk-in tubs is slightly more complicated than their traditional counterparts. You might need to hire skilled mechanics and plumbers with prior experience in handling these state-of-the-art products. However, the multiple benefits these tubs offer can prove to be cost-effective in the long run.

• Chances of f looding
  In case the doors of walk-in tubs develop a glitch or start malfunctioning, your bathroom might be at risk of flooding. Such a situation may cause extensive damage to the flooring, as gallons of water will run across the house suddenly. You may have to call a professional to take care of the soaked floors and dehydrate them. Flooding can also raise the chances of fungal growth on moist surfaces.

Tips for choosing a walk-in tub

After going through the pros and cons of walk-in tubs, you probably have a fair idea about what you want to pick for your bathroom. If you decide to purchase an ultra-modern walk-in tub, consider these tips for selecting the best product.

• Lifetime w arranty
  Most top-rated walk-in tub brands, like American Standard, Kohler, and Jacuzzi, offer a lifetime warranty to customers. It clearly shows that the manufacturers are highly confident about their products and expect them to work smoothly for a prolonged period without any glitches. However, some brands offer this warranty only on the tub, whereas others provide the service on both the product and installation. So, it is better to opt for those tubs where you will get a dual warranty. Even if these walk-in tubs develop some functional issues, the manufacturer will send their technicians to your house to repair them.

• Cost
  The price of most walk-in tubs ranges between $2,000 and $5,000 if you are going for a basic model. However, if you wish to introduce additional fixtures like hydrotherapy function with massaging jets dispensers, chromotherapy lighting, heated backrest, and whirlpool jets, the cost of these products can increase considerably. So, study your needs and select the most suitable model according to your budget and preferences.

• Customer c are
  Reputed walk-in tub brands have a well-designated customer care department to address grievances with promptness and efficiency. If you face any technical issue with these fixtures, you can call them even after the warranty expiry. The customer care executive will connect you with their professional team to solve your problem at the earliest. While selecting the best walk-in tub for your house, go ahead with those brands that offer round-the-clock customer care services.

• Durability
  The durability of walk-in tubs plays a crucial role in the selection process for most customers. While browsing through the portals or visiting a showroom displaying walk-in bathtubs, you will encounter a wide array of eye-catching and fancy items. However, if you conduct detailed research on their durability, you may find varying reviews. Consider the feedback of fellow customers posted on popular portals to judge the strength of these products. As a walk-in tub is usually a one-time purchase, it is better to select a durable and attractive item.

Tips for installing a walk-in tub

After you are done with the selection and purchase of the best walk-in tub for your house, it is essential to properly install it in your washroom. Here are a few tips to keep in mind during the installation process.

• Creating s pace for the t ub
  Get the exact dimension of the walk-in tub selected by you and make space for the same in your bathroom. It is also prudent to gauge the space available in your bathroom first and then choose the tub. If you already have an existing traditional tub, hire a plumber to remove it and create space for your new fixture. It is better to call a skilled and experienced technician for the removal procedure so that your washroom does not face any damage.

• Aligning e lectrical and p lumbing l ines
  Walk-in tubs are highly sophisticated fixtures, so you need a perfect plumbing and electrical configuration for its functioning. If you live in an old property, it is better to schedule an appointment with a professional to thoroughly inspect your existing connections. They may suggest some renovations in your washroom before introducing the new walk-in tub.

• Upgradation
  Most showrooms reveal basic walk-in tubs from various brands to customers at first. After this, you can upgrade your product by introducing state-of-the-art safety and comfort features, like whirlpool jets, heated backrests, and chromotherapy lighting. Study the benefits of all these innovative fixtures and add the best ones to your bathtub according to your needs.

• Cleaning
  Remember to clean your walk-in tub by hiring experts periodically. Do not use any harsh chemicals during the cleaning process, as these can compromise the functionality and aesthetics of your fixture. Whenever you see signs of dirt building up on the surface, choose a mild detergent, and clean the tub with a wet sponge. It will keep your walk-in tub sparkling for many years to come.

All in all, keep this guide handy when you are out shopping for walk-in tubs. Consider your bathroom’s dimension and design, your budget, and your needs, before zeroing in on the right one. Get professional help during the installation process and go for brands that offer a maximum warranty. Also, consider the concerns of your family members before getting a walk-in tub, as the suitability might differ based on age, lifestyle, and habit.