If you are a caregiver or an adult child of elderly parents then you probably have asked, What Is the best walk-in tub on the market? Consumer reports walk-in tubs are ideal for the elderly and people with disabilities as it makes it easier to maneuver them in and out of the tub.
In this article, we review the best products on the market and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s get started already.
Contents
Top Products on the Market
Having done proper and thorough research, we bring you the top products we could find. They include:
ANZZI 27”x 53” Right Drain Walk-in Opening Swinging Door Whirlpool Massage and Acu-Steam Air Jets Tub
We begin our list with a product that’s suitable for aero-therapeutic massage. It is infused with massage bubbles thereby enabling users to have a full experience of a bubble bath. It is made with glossy white fiberglass reinforcement and also a freestanding support system to ensure its firm and sturdy.
It features an inbuilt grab bar that provides users with maximum balance and support to ease movement in and out of the tub. There is also an easy step low threshold, an ADA compliant seat as well as slip-resistant flooring to ensure safety.
It also offers user chromatherapy colored light bathing. Should you encounter any problems with the product, you can always return and it will be replaced, all you need to is send a message to submit a warranty claim and thereafter request an RMA.
Pros:
- It has several safety measures in place
- It is sturdy, strong and durable
Cons:
- The drain is made of thin plastic
ANZZI 27”x 53”Right Drain Walk-In Wide Opening Swinging Door Whirlpool Massage and Acu-Stream Air Jets Tub
This has 12 adjustable hydro-therapeutic jets along with 18 acu-stream air jets to give your body a full aero-therapeutic massage. It helps you experience a soothing sensation while enveloping you in its ANZZI aroma filled massage bubble.
It is made with glossy white Acrylic material and also reinforced with fiberglass while also having a freestanding steel support system. The product takes into account users’ safety as its made with an easy step low threshold, a slip-resistant flooring system and an ADA compliant seat.
Furthermore, it is made with superior quality materials; hence it will last for a long time. It is backed by a lifetime warranty. It reinvigorates your body as you bask in the soothing radiance of the chromatherapy colored bath.
Pros:
- It features a risk-free purchase as well as a lifetime warranty
- It is made with premium sustainable materials
Cons:
- The shipping could be improved upon
Signature Bath LPI4730-C-RD Walk-in Air Injection and Whirlpool Bathtub
The signature bathtub is made with maximum stainless air flow injectors; it is also made with stainless steel water jets as well as a long-lasting acrylic shell that is further coated with fiberglass resin. These features give the product firmness, strength, and durability.
It features a 2HP water pump that is strategically placed in the stainless water jets, there is also a quiet 1HP air blower along with a ridged and polished stainless steel support system. Besides, it features a factory-installed heat stick, this is to maintain the water temperature in the bathtub.
Furthermore, it has easy to operate controls, a non-slip seat, and floor. There is a large inward opening door that helps you open and close the tub compartment with ease. This product is luxurious and soothing and will have you lounging for a longer time.
Pros:
- It has a right and left drain for ease of use
- It is comfortable and luxurious
Cons:
- Delivery time is too long
American Standard 32”x 52”Right Hand Outward Opening Door Value Series Walk-in Whirlpool in Linen 3252Od.709.WRL-PC
This is a fully equipped walk-in tub that offers value and safety along with the most advanced therapeutic options. It features a full-sized, watertight outward opening door that is contoured for ease of entry and exit, this also allows for a full transfer.
It comes with a whirlpool massage system along with six water jets, legs-only massage an in-line heater all to give users a therapeutic bathing experience.
It is made of durable and easy to operate control buttons that also come with a fast-fill faucet, a polished chrome drain, a handheld showering head, and a safety grab bar. The chair height along with the built-in seat contour gives more room for a comfortable and luxurious soak, it also makes it easy to sit or stand.
Pros:
- It features a variety of safety and operational options
- Ideal for disabled persons
Cons:
- It is expensive
Signature Bath LPI4730-A-RD Walk-in Air Injection Bathtub
It is a durable bathtub made with high luster acrylic shell and also reinforced with fiberglass resin. It features maximum flow air injectors that are made of stainless material. This is to give it a sturdy build and ensure it lasts long.
It features a quiet 1HP heated air blow and a ridged polished stainless steel construction along with easy to operate controls. There is a built-in non-slip seat and also a slip-resistant flooring system, this ensures users’ safety even as they have a comfortable and luxurious bath.
We like that it has a large inward opening that effortlessly opens and closes without hassle. It also has adjustable leveling feet that are equipped with a three-sided tile flange; this ensures a water-tight installation. It features a detachable access panel and also front opening faucet access.
Pros:
- It is durable and sturdy
- Ease of opening and closing of its door
Cons:
- It is costly
AmLux Acrylic Walk-in Tub
This bathtub has the ideal size for an average bather and for seniors. It measures 21 inches in width and has a molded seat along with an inward swing S-shaped acrylic door, this gives you a modern and beautiful look that will blend in with your bathroom.
It features a low-threshold, a non-slip floor, and a wall and deck mounted grab bars, this all works together to ensure ease of entry and exit from the tub. Its acrylic shell is fortified with a rustproof stainless steel frame that has adjustable legs thereby giving users a safe, sturdy and durable walk-in bathtub.
The tub also features a reversible end panel for either a left or right-hand installation and one extension panel kit suitable for 60-inches alcove installation. Besides, the aqua features detachable access panels along with one toe kick access panel that’s suitable for service access should it be required.
Pros:
- It is made of rugged stainless steel frame
- It features ADA compliant grab bars
Cons:
- It does not come with a heat pump
Ellas Bubbles 60”x 30”Companion Soaking Walk-in Tub
This tub measures 30-inches in width, 60-inches in length and 38-inches in height; it also has two seats measuring 20-inches each that face each other. It has a high gloss finish which is easy to clean along with a white acrylic shell that’s reinforced with a fiberglass gel coat.
Also, it is made of low step-in threshold, a slip-resistant floor to ensure you don’t trip and hurt yourself and also a deck mount grab bar to give you a firm grip while in the tub.
Furthermore, it has two-inch drains each with its overflow and also two independently operated drain openers that feature an easy-grip handler to give a smooth operation. It also has a detachable rubber neck and a backrest for added comfort.
Pros:
- There are safety measures in place
- It has ease of operation
Cons:
- A professional will need to be hired for installation
American Standard 30”x 52”Right Hand Outward Opening Door Value Series Walk-in Combo Whirlpool and Air Spa in Linen
It is a fully equipped tub that offers the latest safety and luxurious features along with the most therapeutic options. It has a full-sized, watertight door which opens outwards and is engineered to give ease of entry and exit. Its low threshold allows for a partial transfer while also offering users a ten-year tub shell warranty and a five-year component warranty.
It has a spa system that features 21 air jets to deliver an advanced water-based therapy thereby invigorating and revitalizing your body system with its effervescent massage. It has a single speed heated blower that delivers lots of little bubbles, this encourages circulation. Also, there’s an automatic purge cycle that keeps the system efficient and clean.
The whirlpool massage system comes with six water jets, a leg-only massage, and an in-line heater; this gives a soothing and therapeutic bathing experience. It is made of durable hi-gloss Gel-coat that has easy to operate controls.
Pros:
- It has an extensive warranty package
- It is built to be strong, therapeutic and comfortable
Cons:
- It has a missing bottom plate which goes around the bottom of the tub
Signature Bath LPI4730-W-RD Walk-in Whirlpool Bathtub
Signature bathtub is made of an acrylic shell with a high luster, it is then further reinforced with fiberglass resin, and this gives the product a sturdy build and long-lasting use. It has an in-built slip-resistant seat and also a non-slip tub floor.
We like that it has a large inward opening door as well as a door drain along with a removable access panel. Also, there’s a front opening faucet access and stainless steel jets. It comes with a 2HP water pump and a door locking mechanism that’s smooth and easy to operate.
Besides, it features a heat stick that’s been pre-installed to ensure the water temperature is maintained while also being equipped with a three-sided tile flange to ensure water does not leak during installation. The leveling feet are adjustable while the support frame is made of stainless steel.
Pros:
- The jets are made of stainless steel
- It features factory-installed heat sticks for temperature maintenance
Cons:
- It is not cheap
Ellas Bubbles 55”x 30”Deluxe Massage Whirpool Walk-in Tub
We conclude with a product that’s made of acrylic materials to give it a solid and long-lasting use. It has a 16 therapy system which in turn has an auto-purge pipe that removes excess water from the pipes. There’s also a three-speed air flow push control system which serves the same purpose.
It features a 12 Jet Hydrotherapy system, this has a control dial of high intensity as well as an in-line water heater and even ozone sterilization. This feature helps to deliver therapeutic massage to the hips, feet and lower back region of the body. The function of the in-line water heater is to help maintain the water temperature in the tub when the hydro-jets are being used.
On the other hand, ozone sterilization completely removes microbial bacterial and also prevents the buildup of mildew and mold. It features a thermostat valve, which blends in cold water with hot water, this ensures there’s a constant safe bath temperature to prevent scalding or freezing, a feature that’s mostly absent with shower.
Pros:
- It is well designed and has unique features
- It’s a deluxe walk-in bathtub
Cons:
- It has a high price tag
Consider the Following Factors When Purchasing a Walk-in Tub:
Door/Drain Side
Most walk-in bathtubs feature both left and right-hand options. This refers to the side that both the drain and the door of the tub are positioned. Ensure that the position of the drain and door matches with how your bathtub is configured else it will not be compatible with your bathroom.
Swinging Door
Walk-in bathtubs have outward and inward swinging doors with each having its advantage and disadvantage. While inward swinging doors often have a better airtight seal, they will not open when there is water in the tub, this is a good thing though as it prevents leakage.
On the hand, outward swinging door enables you to exit the tub while there’s still water in it, this is good in times of emergencies, although they do not offer much airtight seal. It’s important to weigh both options before making a choice
Water Capacity and Consumption
It is important that before you make a purchase you consider if the water capacity and consumption is compatible with your home’s water heater. If you purchase a walk-in tub with a higher water capacity and consumption than your home heater, you will run out of hot water before the tub is filled.
Size
Ideally, the new walk-in tub to be purchased should be the same size as the old bathtub you are replacing it with (this is assuming it’s not a complete remodel). However, some models of tubs come with extenders to aid the fittings of the tub.
Installation Method
While some walk-in bathtubs come as freestanding tubs, others are engineered to be installed into a three-wall alcove (either into the corner of two walls or against one wall). The tub to be bought should be the same as the old one you had to ensure easy installation except you are opting for a total remodeling in which case you can just for anyone you prefer
FAQ On Best Walk-in Tub
Q: What is the average cost of a walk-in tub?
A: An average walk-in tub costs between $2000 and $5000. The cost of the tub however depends on the type, brand, model and the amount of accessories features in the tub.
Q: How much water does a walk-in tub hold?
A: A walk-in tub can hold between 40 to 120 gallons of water. However, this depends on the dimension of the bathtub.
Q: How to convert a tub to a walk-in shower?
A: To convert a tub to a walk-in shower, take the following steps:
- Secure the permits
- Disengage the water supply
- Detach the tub surround
- Detach the bathtub
- Clean up the area
- Repairs the floors and studs
- Access the shower drain
- Install shower pan
- Install shower surround panels
- Install shower door
- Install showerhead and controls
- Put on the plumbing and test the shower
Conclusion
Walk-in tubs are not just luxurious, comfortable and lush, they are also safe and ideal for those who can’t get around much. Many have always asked what is the best walk-in tub to buy; we hope we have been able to answer these questions with our detailed review.
If you are wondering what the best walk in tub shower combination is, then you look no further as all the products reviewed in this article are just good enough. So make a choice today and enjoy a comfortable, therapeutic bath.
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