Unassisted bathing for seniors and the disabled has been revolutionized in the last few decades by the walk-in tub industry.
There are a lot of specialized tubs on the market. How can you be sure you’re buying not only safety and luxury features, but also a fantastic quality that’s stood the test of time?
This is where Rane walk-in tub solutions come in.
Rane Bathing Systems was one of the original manufacturers of bathtubs with side-opening doors. They recognized the importance of easy and safe tub access for people with mobility issues.
They started out in the 1970s by developing and manufacturing walk-in tubs for healthcare facilities and residential care homes.
These days, private individuals are lucky enough to be able to purchase a Rane walk-in tub for home use. We’ve reviewed their 3 top-quality models, so you can see at a glance which is the best option for you.
Rane Walk-in Tub Products
Rane Bathing Systems uses some of the best quality materials in the business. Their tubs are all made with marine-grade fiberglass gel coat, extra reinforcing in the seat and walk-in areas, and aircraft-grade aluminum frames.
Rane offers a host of optional luxury features with their tubs. Buyers can choose whether they want a model with wheelchair access or an extra-large tub for bariatric bathers or those looking for an extra-deep soak.
Their three models can be installed in either a freestanding or alcove fashion. If you have a smaller bathroom or an unusual bathroom layout, a Rane walk-in tub will fit right in.
RC2 Pacific Walk-in Tub
The RC2 Pacific is Rane’s most popular walk-in tub model, because of its versatility and reasonable price. You can choose whether you prefer a left- or right-handed door position.
You can choose a number of feature upgrades for your standard tub. Along with standard safety features, enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy with luxurious touches like aromatherapy and chromotherapy.
Fill and drain times are fast, so you won’t have to get chilled while waiting for the tub to fill or drain – a boon in the colder months!
Features at a glance:
- Dimensions: 29” wide × 50” long × 41” tall
- Step-in threshold: 6”
- Door orientation: Left or right
- Inward-swinging door
- Fill time: 6.25 minutes
- Drain time: 2.75 minutes
RE2 Huron Walk-In Tub
This Rane walk-in tub lives up to its namesake – big beautiful Lake Huron! It’s a wonderfully deep and spacious tub. It features a wider interior and door that makes it a great option for bariatric users.
It’s also perfect for any bather who enjoys an extra-deep soak and an invigorating hydro massage. You can get all the benefits of a jacuzzi and a deep-soaking tub right in your very own bathroom.
Features at a glance:
- Dimensions: 32.5” wide × 53” long × 42” tall
- Extra-wide door width of 20”
- Step-in threshold: 7”
- Door orientation: Left or right
- Inward-swinging door
- Fill time: 7.67 minutes
- Drain time: 2.10 minutes
RM3 Superior Walk-in Tub
The RM3 Superior bathtub is the best option for wheelchair-bound seniors or veterans. It allows for easy transfer from wheelchair to seat, and is suitable for people with progressive mobility issues.
This model boasts super-fast fill and drain times, a wider interior for spacious comfort, and a curved doorway. The outward-swinging door is an advantage for easy access and exit. It has an extremely low step-in threshold of only 4.5”.
Even bathers with very limited mobility can enjoy the luxury of getting in and out of the bath completely unassisted. There’s nothing like the feeling of enjoying a luxurious soak in complete privacy.
Features at a glance:
- Dimensions: 30” wide × 50” long × 40” tall
- Step-in threshold: 4.5”
- Door orientation: Left or right
- Outward-swinging door
- Fill time: 5.42 minutes
- Drain time: 1.58 minutes
Rane Tubs – Optional Features
- Brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures to upgrade from standard chrome
CleanRane™ air spa system: microbubble air jets for deep relaxation and cleansing- Supreme combination package: air + whirlpool jets, aromatherapy, chromotherapy
- Head pillow for neck support
- Gel seat cushion for added comfort
- Shower bar conversion for standing shower use
- Side panels to cover exposed sides on freestanding installs
- Extension panels to fit standard tub footprints without gaps
CleanRane™ air spa system: microbubble air jets for deep relaxation and cleansingRane Walk-in Tub Prices
The Rane walk-in tubs are all customizable, as you can see from the list of features above. Prices will vary according to your choice of upgrades and features. Here is an overview of the basic price range we found in the marketplace:
| Model | Base Price Range |
|---|---|
| RC2 Pacific | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| RE2 Huron | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| RM3 Superior | $6,500 – $9,000 |
Warranty
All three of the Rane walk-in tub models have a lifetime warranty on the door seal, 5 years on the tub shell and finishing, and 3 years on all other components.
Conclusion
While customers can choose a basic walk-in tub for safe and easy private bathing, Rane offers many luxury features that you can add to your standard model. Customization and versatility are some of their biggest selling points.
With over 80 combined years of experience in the business, Rane is one of the most tried, tested, and trustworthy options in walk-in tubs.
Rane Bathing Systems not only manufacture bathtubs but a host of other products for people with limited mobility issues. They understand the needs of seniors and others who want to retain their independence and privacy when it comes to bathing.
For most people, hearing something like “Bathrooms can be dangerous” sounds like an exaggeration. For seniors and the disabled, it’s very real.
Even if your health is otherwise good, aging can bring mobility and balance issues.
Safely moving around a slippery bathroom can’t be taken for granted. One of the main reasons people have to move into nursing homes or assisted living centers is because of difficulty in self-care and bathing at home.
The importance of independent bathing for seniors is well-researched and documented.
When it comes to being able to bath in comfort and safety, walk-in tubs are a great option for seniors.
But now there are so many on the market, that it can be a decision to decide which tub is right for you.
Why Choose a Heavenly Tub?
The company is Utah-based and is a full-service walk-in tub retailer – meaning that they manufacture, sell, install, service and guarantee their tubs.
Many tub manufacturers offer a full range of services. To stand out from the crowd, a company has to offer something special. A name like “Heavenly” is a lot to live up to – so do they deliver on their promise?
In one very notable way – yes they do! Heavenly tubs have a big advantage over other walk-in baths on the market because they are portable. Heavenly tubs are fitted with six wheels on the base, so they can be moved into position anywhere in the home you prefer.
Heavenly Walk-in Tub Products
While plenty of fixed walk-in tubs are compact and can be fitted into a bathroom with limited space, it can still be tricky to install a new bath. You might have to deal with messy, inconvenient remodeling.
A walk-in tub with luxury hydrotherapy features can cost upwards of $6,000. You might feel some trepidation about installing a fixed, costly luxury item in your bathroom. What if you want to relocate?
Many seniors live in family homes with members of all ages and levels of mobility. Will there be enough bathroom space to fit in a specialized bathtub, and still accommodate other family members?
A portable walk-in tub can alleviate these worries. It can be placed wherever there is plumbing – even next to your bed, if you like.
Heavenly tubs come in the following portable models: the Portable Soaker Tub, the Portable Petite Hydrotherapy Tub, and the Deluxe Portable Hydrotherapy Tub. Each bath has its own specialized features to suit every bather.
Heavenly Walk-in Tub Features
Safety features
Each tub comes with a handheld showerhead equipped with a temperature lock dial. This prevents extreme and dangerous fluctuations in water temperature.
The Heavenly tub shell is made of acrylic, protected with a bacteria- and mold-resistant fiberglass gel coat. Fiberglass is less expensive, but requires higher maintenance. For this reason, Heavenly prefers to use acrylic—it maintains its stylish glossy appearance for longer.
The door has a step-in threshold of 7”–8.5”. The water-tight door frame is made of warp-proof stainless steel, so it will maintain its structure over time and stay completely water-tight.
All the Heavenly tub models feature inward-swinging doors. While an outward-swinging door makes the tub roomier and can allow for quick exit in an emergency, it is also under considerable pressure from the water in the tub. Stepping out of the tub also risks water spills, which can increase the dangers of a fall.
Comfort features
Heavenly’s innovative portable tub design has a quick-connection water box that can be joined to existing showerheads and faucets. It can be used wherever you have plumbing installed. You can bathe wherever and whenever you want, and leave the bathroom as-is for other family members. No messy remodeling required!
Your Heavenly tub can be used as soon as you get it home, and it can come along with you if you move.
The tubs’ hydrotherapy system is made of both water and air jets that massage muscles and joints for that luxury spa experience. An air blower generates warm air while the tub is draining and filling, preventing chill during the wait.
Features at a Glance
Portable Soaker Tub
- Dimensions: 29” wide × 52” long × 39” tall
- Wheels on the base for easy moving
- 7”–8.5” step-in threshold
- Left or right-sided inward-opening door
- Quick-connection water box
Portable Petite Hydrotherapy Tub
- Dimensions: 26” wide × 49” long × 32” tall
- Wheels on the base for easy moving
- 7”–8.5” step-in threshold
- Left or right-sided inward-opening door
- Quick-connection water box
- 10 water massage jets
- 8 air massage jets
- Super-fast drain time (under 2 minutes)
- Built-in bidet
Deluxe Portable Hydrotherapy Tub
- Dimensions: 29” wide × 52” long × 39” tall
- Wheels on the base for easy moving
- 7”–8.5” step-in threshold
- Left or right-sided inward-opening door
- Quick-connection water box
- 10 water massage jets
- 8 air massage jets
- Super-fast drain time (under 2 minutes)
- Built-in bidet
- Extra-long power cord, water, and drain lines
Heavenly Tubs Prices
| Model | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Portable Soaker Tub | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| Portable Petite Hydrotherapy Tub | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| Deluxe Portable Hydrotherapy Tub | $6,500 – $9,000 |
Heavenly Tub Warranty
The stainless steel frame, door, door seal, and tub body are all covered by a lifetime warranty. The tub components, pumps, and air blowers are covered for three years.
Conclusion
While it’s easy to see that the most notable feature of the Heavenly tub is its portability, it doesn’t let you down on safety and luxury features.
A walk-in tub installation means that seniors can maintain bathing independence in the home for as long as possible. Even better is being able to stay squeaky-clean and enjoy the benefits of luxury hydrotherapy and soaking—without the expense and inconvenience of bathroom renovations.
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