What Are The Pros and Cons Of a Walk-In Tub?

When you think of a walk-in tub, images of a relaxing soak in a spa-like environment with steamy hot water and a soft bubbly jet massage come to mind. And you’re 100% correct. Few of us can deny the therapeutic effects a relaxing bath can hold after a long day at the office.

Walk-in tubs elevate the bathing experience to where conventional bathtubs can’t. Regular bathtubs simply haven’t been designed this way.

luxurious-senior-bathing

For the average person, a walk-in tub makes for an exciting addition to the home. Moreover important, it’s a solid investment for any home. However, the average person often overlooks the obvious value a walk-in tub offers anyone suffering from mobility restrictions. Seniors and anyone with a disability can gain back some much-needed independence with the addition of a walk-in tub.

Now that we’ve covered the obvious, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of a walk-in tub:

The Pros of a Walk-in Tub

Let’s consider the top reasons why people buy a walk-in tub and what pros and cons they have.

Luxurious Comfort

At the top of the list for most people, let’s get into the comfort zone.

There’s simply no comparison. The comfort offered by a modern walk-in tub is unparalleled. Some of the most sought after features include:

Safety & Independence

Did you know that the inability to bathe oneself is the biggest determining factor in institutionalization?

For many seniors and others suffering from limited mobility, the threat of having to leave their beloved home and move into a care facility is very real.

However, for some, installing an easy-access walk-in tub is the only option.

With easy access, a walk-in tub comes with many safety features specifically designed to give you back your independence.

If your main focus is safety and independence, here are some of the features you can look forward to:

The Cons of a Walk-in Tub

Before you go ahead and make that all-important decision, you absolutely have to consider the following important factors:

Modern Walk-in Tubs are Not Cheap

Walk-in tubs offer a real solution to seniors and the disabled, but they are not cheap. More importantly, settling for a cheap model is just not worth the gamble and chances are that it’s not American-made. Here are some of the trusted brands that should be on your list of possible walk-in tub suppliers:

Professional Installations & Size

There’s no getting around it – modern walk-in tubs are big and require professional installation. If you thought that you could save a few dollars by installing this one yourself, it’s time to reconsider. Due to the size of the tub, some modifications may have to be made to your bathroom entrance in order to get the tub inside. Also, consider size in terms of a normal tub, which takes an average of 25-45 gallons. Walk-in tubs can take as much as 80 gallons, so they are a bit heavy on water.

On the upside though, professional installations come with a guarantee that ensures your tub is correctly installed and functioning as it should. Moreover, professional installations ensure that you comply with all regulations and building codes.

The Benefit of Walk-in Tubs for Seniors & Those With Mobility Issues

For anyone struggling with mobility, the threat of falling and the inaccessibility of a conventional bathtub can be debilitating. Some may even try to avoid the bathroom out of fear. However, with some of the standard features on offer, modern walk-in tubs offer safety and independence like no other tub can, giving anyone the confidence to enjoy an independent bathing experience.

If you are unable to bath on your own, afraid of the bathroom, or even facing the threat of having to move due to your bathroom restrictions, a handicapped, easy-access walk-in tub is the solution.