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Originally Posted On: https://www.callwinstar.com/walk-in-tubs-what-you-need-to-know/

 

Have you been doing research about the pros and cons of a walk-in tub?

Walk-in tubs are known for being a great way to make your home bathing experience safer, more comfortable, and even more therapeutic. Still, any big home decision is worth looking at from all angles.

To help you determine if a walk-in tub is right for you, we’ve broken down all you need to know in the post below.

What exactly is a walk-in tub?

A walk-in tub is a bathtub with a seat and watertight door that allows the bather to enter the tub over a low threshold.

This accessible design makes entering and exiting the tub easier and more secure. With that security comes a more safe and comfortable bathing experience for people of age levels and mobility. This leads to the freedom of remaining independent at home.

What advantages do walk-in tubs have?

Comfort

Let’s start with one of the most attractive pros of a walk-in tub. They have comfortable features that a typical tub or shower does not.

This can include whirlpool jets, handrails, a heated backrest, fast drain, handshower, and a wide seat. Together, this creates a bathing experience that is more comfortable than a traditional bathtub.

In addition to general comfort, bathers will enjoy targeted relief, too. From a heated backrest that keeps you warm while you soak to massaging jets that massage calves, feet, and sore muscles, walk-in tubs are great for overall wellness.

Safety

Anyone who wants to stay in their home for a longer period of time will benefit from a walk-in tub. They truly help make aging in place safer and more graceful by enabling independent and practical bathing.

What’s more, there are a number of elements that contribute directly to safety, which is non-negotiable when it comes to maintaining that independence.

Walk-in tubs are simple to enter and exit the bath thanks to a very low step-in, handrails, and a wide door. In comparison, traditional bathtubs and showers simply cannot provide the safety and convenience advantages that a walk-in tub can.

Bathing Experience

A walk-in tub offers a bathing experience that is unmatched by any other tub by combining safety, comfort, and peace of mind. For our aging family members, a shower or regular bath cannot provide the confidence of being able to easily get in and out of the tub on one’s own.

Upgrading to a walk-in tub leads not only physical relaxation for the bather, but mental relaxation for their loved ones. Knowing they’re bathing safely is one less reason for family members to worry.

It’s worth noting that walk-in tubs aren’t just for caring for our aging family members or those with disabilities. For a relaxing, spa-like experience, a walk-in tub is a great solution.

Increasing Home Value

To enhance your home’s value, many real estate experts advise having at least one tub. Anyone, from young children to retirees, can use a walk-in tub, making it a wise investment for both future accessibility and resale value.

Also popular in the housing market are walk-in showers. If the bathroom you’re working with has a limited space and you’re looking to increase its versatility, a walk-in tub/shower combo could be a great fit.

Some extra considerations for a walk-in tub

Installation

A walk-in tub installation method could become problematic if done incorrectly. To cause the least amount of disruption to your home and daily life, it is crucial that a walk-in tub be installed by a qualified and certified professional.

Working with a reputable company like Winstar that’s been serving Maryland families since 1994 can help ensure that installation goes smoothly.

Water Usage

Traditional bathtubs don’t hold as much water as walk-in tubs do. The actual amount of water your walk-in tub can hold is determined by the bather’s size and the amount of water displaced.

Fortunately, the majority of modern water heaters can readily fill a walk-in tub. To maintain the desired water temperature in the bath, most manufacturers advise having a new 50+ gallon water tank installed. In considering a walk-in tub installation, this could be an additional cost.

The Cost

Price-wise, a walk-in tub may be more expensive than a regular bathtub. It may in fact be better to view that cost as an investment, though, as it has many more amenities than a regular bathtub.

This includes a bathtub with simple access, whirlpool jets, a heated backrest, a hand-shower, and many other features.

Deciding On A Walk-In Tub For Your Home

Still need some more information to make a decision about a walk-in tub for your home? We’d be happy to help.

As experts that’ve handled bathroom renovations in Maryland since 1994, we take pride in helping you find the right bathing solution for your home. For the answers you need, get in touch with us today.