Walk In Tubs

What is a Walk-In Tub?

Walk-in tubs are bathtubs with a watertight door. To enter, you step into the tub over a low threshold.

After closing the door, the bathtub fills with water for the bath. When you’ve finished bathing, the water drains from the tub, after which you can open the door and exit the tub.

While walk-in tubs are deeper than traditional bathtubs, they tend to be narrower in width. Many walk-in tubs use less water than a standard bathtub, averaging about 50 gallons of water per filled tub versus up to 80 gallons for a standard tub.

Advantages of Using a Walk-In Tub

There are several advantages of opting for a walk-in tub if you have balance or mobility issues. Most tubs come complete with essential safety features.

Some of the safety features included are built-in handrails and contoured seating, anti-slip flooring, a low step for entry, and anti-scald valves. Walk-in tubs can provide several health benefits for the bather.

• Soaking in hot water can alleviate joint aches and pains. It can also speed the healing of injuries like burns and ulcers.
• If the tub comes with optional hydrotherapy jets, you can receive the muscle-relaxing effects of a traditional outdoor hot tub. There are also models available with wider doors that can swing outward to accommodate wheelchairs.
• These wider doors allow wheelchair users to transfer safely and independently from their wheelchair to the tub seat. There are also bariatric-sized tubs are available for those who need a larger tub.
• You can also use walk-in tubs as showers. Specific models come with extendable shower heads that allow you the ease of a shower, either standing or seated.
• Some tub models even have a riser rod that emulates an actual shower.

Options to Consider When Thinking About Installing a Walk-In Tub:

Before deciding to install a walk-in tub in your home, it’s crucial to think about a few things, like:

Water Heating Systems

Some walk-in tubs come with heating systems. The heating system keeps the water in the tub at a consistent temperature for the duration of your bath. This heating system eliminates the need to drain and re-fill the tub with warm water during longer soaks.

Heated Seats

Heated seats in a walk-in tub can help keep you warm as the water drains after a bath, preventing uncomfortable chills.

Anti-Scald Valves

When you are seated in the tub as it fills with water, there can be the risk of scalding if the water flowing into the tub is too hot. Anti-scald valves are an essential feature that should come standard with any tub model you are considering.

Safety in the bathroom is a top concern for many individuals with limited mobility. Walk-in tubs are a safe alternative to standard tubs. They are also available with features that can soothe your sore joints and muscles, promote wound healing, and relax stiff muscles in the comfort of your bathroom.

Are you interested in learning how you can make your bathroom a safer and more relaxing environment? Contact the professionals at Portland Accessibility Remodelers today!