Having a walk-in tub installed in your home is a great option for the elderly or physically handicapped people. Entering the tub requires little to no physical effort and is as simple as walking into it. Just open the door and go in. The tub gives people warm and relaxing bath sessions, with safety and convenience. It promotes health and independence even at a senior age.
Perhaps you are looking for the ideal walk-in bathtub but are confused about how to select one, without risking a poor choice and wasting all your money (that can be in thousands of dollars!). Do not worry as we have got you covered with our comprehensive buyer’s guide and reviews in this article.
So let us get started then.
Price | Product | Our Rating | |
---|---|---|---|
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Ella Companion Massage Walk-in Tub | 8.5 | |
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Ariel EZWT-3060-DUAL-R Walk-in Tub | 8.3 | |
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Ella Lay Down Long Hydrotherapy Massage Whirlpool Walk-In Tub | 8.9 | |
|
American Standard 2848.104.WRW 28-inch By 48-inch Whirlpool Gelcoat Walk-in Bath | 9.0 | |
|
Bath2Tile E-Series Air Massage Walk-in Tub | 8.5 | |
|
Ella Bubbles Deluxe Massage Whirlpool Walk-In Tub Door | 8.5 |
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Yearly, one out of every four elderly people falls while being at home. About 3 million people at the age of 65 or older wind up in the ER every year due to falls. A big part of these falls happens in the bathroom with most injuries occurring while in or around the bathtub or shower.
Walk-in bathtubs make bathing safer. Walk-in tubs come with a door, so getting in and out of the tub requires is way easier than lifting one’s feet 20 inches high to get into the regular tub. Additionally, walk-in tubs usually come with a built-in chair, safety grab bars, and other ADA-compliant safety features.
Walk-in tubs are not only comfortable for elderly people but, what is more important, they are safer than traditional ones. Such a tub is an expensive purchase, but it will be one of the best investments you make for your loved ones or yourself.
Buying Guide 2023
There are several things that you should consider before getting the best walk-in bathtub to ensure that it fulfills all your requirements:
Size
One walk-in tub for seniors is compact and suitable for small bathrooms, while another can be very large. Your choice should depend on your available space and the budget, of course.
Door latching mechanism
Different bathtubs have different door latching systems. Some have water-tight seals while others have zippers, velcro, etc.
Step-up
This is the height of the threshold into the tub. Most traditional (non-walk-in) bathtubs have a threshold of 15 or more inches. The average step-up of the walk-in bathtub is between 3 and 7 inches, while some wheelchair-accessible tubs have even lower ones. This feature has to be especially considered when a person has issues with lifting his/her feet higher.
Height
This is one of the important considerations. Some walk-in tubs for seniors have a small door that can be inconvenient to use for tall people. On the other hand, the support rails and steps on different tubs have different heights.
Efficiency
You need to consider the speed of filling and draining.
Décor
Your bathtubs for the disabled should preferably complement the setting of your bathroom.
Now let us have a look at the trending walk-in bathtubs in the next section.
6 Best Walk-in Bathtubs 2023
#1 Ella Companion Massage Walk-in Tub
The Ella walk-in bathtub shower is made from acrylic and has an export quality construction. It is one of the most popular walk-in baths on the market. It arrives in durable packaging to ensure its safety. Once unpacked, installation and plumbing are pretty straightforward. The bathtub features a dual drain technology that allows you to fill or empty it within one and a half minutes. As mentioned, it has an acrylic shell that is based on steel construction for superb robustness and long-lasting life.
The bathtub features a dual drain technology that allows you to fill or empty it within one and a half minutes. As mentioned, it has an acrylic shell that is based on steel construction for superb robustness and long-lasting life. The door of the tub is made from tempered glass and is quite easy to open/close. The tub contains exclusive air and hydro massage systems, with complete push and thermostatic controls for a relaxing bath. The walk-in tub dimensions size at 59.8 x 30.2 x 37 inches, which makes it big enough for a comfortable bath, without sitting in an awkward position.
Other amenities include:
- pull out the hand mixer,
- ozone sterilization,
- LED chromotherapy.
The product comes with Ella’s exclusive and extensive warranty that can be availed by contacting the customer care representative of the company. The warranty covers any manufacturing or performing faults.
Pros
- Large size
- Dual drain technology
- Air- and hydro-massage systems
- Aromatherapy
- Chromatherapy
- Heated seat and backrest
- Easy plumbing
Cons
- Requires experience for installation
#2 Ariel EZWT-3060-DUAL-R Walk-in Tub
The Ariel EZWT is another great option for a walk-in bathtub shower. This is especially true if you do not want to spend huge loads of money, but do not want to compromise on quality as well. The EZWT 3060 fulfills all the basic requirements of a good walk-in tub. It fills up quickly, gives a soothing bath and drains fast as well. However, the tub is smaller in size at just 17 inches high x 25 inches wide, which means that it is not meant for tall people. If the physical limitation is not a problem for you, then this can a perfect little bathtub in your bathroom!
The construction of the walk-in bath and shower combo is a steel frame with fiberglass and a resin-coated body. The door is easily accessible and has been reinforced for added security. The tub is ADA compliant to ensure that the entering, showering and leaving processes are completely safe. There are some notable features included in this product such as handheld showerhead and faucets on the side. You will also find an air blower and heat pump options on the side as well. The settings of these features can be optimized for an ideal showering experience.
Pros
- ADA compliant
- Fiberglass resin coated body
- Reinforced door system
- Grab bar
- Adjustable feet
Cons
- Small size
#3 Ella Lay Down Long Hydrotherapy Massage Whirlpool Walk-In Tub
We have another Ella walk-in bathtub for seniors on this list. This one is a premium luxury walk-in tub. It is one of the most popular and bestselling tubs in the market, with few alternatives giving the same quality for the price. The walk-in tub is made from a steel frame and has a high-quality fiberglass exterior body, which has been coated with a gel surface for extreme durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance.
The walk-in tub dimensions are 22 x 30 x 60 inches, which makes it quite spacious. It comes with all the advanced features that you would expect in a luxury bathtub, including an air massage system and a hydro massage system. The massage systems are powered by 24 jets and in-line heaters. The floor has been textured and is anti-slip for superior security and safety, during the shower. The tub also has an auto-purge system and five chrome Roman faucets. Like all Ella slide-in bathtubs, this one also comes with a warranty for manufacturing defects and performance.
Pros
- High-quality fiberglass
- Air & hydro-massage systems
- Anti-slip floor
- Auto purge system
- Roman faucet
Cons
- Installation requires experts or experience
#4 American Standard 2848.104.WRW 28-inch By 48-inch Whirlpool Gelcoat Walk-in Bath
The American Standard 2848 is another high-end walk-in bathtubs for seniors on our list. It is one of the most in-demand tubs and has been one of the flagship products of American Standard. The walk-in tub comes with many innovative features. It has a patent-pending draining mechanism installed for quick filling and pumping out of the water. It also has a patented door system technology that is a game-changer in this industry and allows for fast entry, without multiple steps in opening and locking the door.
Other important features include a multi-jet back massage system, a legs-focused massage system, and an ozone sanitization system. With these features combined, the American Standard 2848 is one of the most advanced walk-in bath and shower combo available in the market right now. Besides the obvious features, the overall construction of the walk-in bathtub and shower is also superior to other products in its price range. It has a size of 33.5 x 28.5 x 48 inches, which makes it quite adequate and convenient for most people.
The design is ergonomic in nature and has been engineered after years of research. The body is made from a steel frame with a fiberglass reinforced polyester exterior and gel coating for a durable finish. The tub comes with a 5-year warranty to protect you against any faults during workmanship or errors in functions.
Pros
- Quick drain
- Whirlpool heater
- Patented door system
- Grab bar
- 5-year warranty
- Ease-of-use
- Faster draining
Cons
- Flow restriction
#5 Bath2Tile E-Series Air Massage Walk-in Tub
Bath2Tile introduces its E-series, which has an affordable and high-quality range of bathtubs for seniors. The E3048 is a good choice for a moderately sized walk-in bathtub and shower. It is not very advanced, but can easily do most of the basic jobs associated with bathtubs for the disabled. It has a size of 48 x 29 x 38 inches, which makes it spacious for people of average heights. The tub is made from a steel frame and has an acrylic exterior with a high gloss triple gel coat for color durability and a finished look. The steel frame comes with adjustable feet for your convenience and comfort.
The construction has been done with ADA regulations in mind, which promotes health and safety. Moreover, the tub floor has been textured for traction and slip prevention (further aided by a grab bar on the side). Other features include adjustable seat height, 18 therapeutic air massage jets, 5 Roman faucets. The slide-in bathtub comes with a warranty from Bath2Tile for any manufacturing faults or during shipment damages.
Pros
- ADA Compliant
- Triple gel coat
Adjustable feet - Therapeutic air jet massage system
- 5 Roman faucets
Cons
- Installation charges double the cost
#6 Ella Bubbles Deluxe Massage Whirlpool Walk-In Tub Door
Everything about this walk-in tub is deluxe. The finish is a premium quality white acrylic that is reinforced with fiberglass. The door is made of beautiful brushed stainless steel and so is the frame and the grab bars. The door has tempered glass and the bar grabs have a nicely done chrome finish. And it is not just made to beautify your bathroom but to reinforce safety as well. The grab bars allow you to safely enter and get out of the bathtub. Also, the floor of the tub is textured and slip-resistant. This prevents any slippages and falls.
Among other key features for this deluxe bathtub include a removable rubber backrest to support your head and neck, a hydro massage system, a 2-inch dual water draining technology that meets the standard plumbing conditions as well as a wide 20-inch seating area. With such a large seating area, people of varying sizes can comfortably fit in.
Pros
- Dual draining technology
- Rubber backrest for comfort and head and neck support
- A wide seating area
- Comes with a heated seat and backrest
- Easy -to-push control buttons
- Hydromassage system
Cons
- You would need to have it installed by a professional
Conclusion
We have now reached the end of our review of the best walk-in bathtubs for elderly and physically handicapped people. You would now agree that bathtubs for seniors are a smart way of making the showering experience more convenient for yourself or your loved ones.
It takes out the dangers of slipping or falling in the bathroom, removes any discomforts caused by entering a normal bathtub and gives a chance to become independent again. You should make a decision of getting one for yourself after considering all the factors we have mentioned in our buying guide and checking out the reviews for the products mentioned above. All the products we have reviewed are of high quality and are manufactured by some of the top brands in the industry.
1 Comment. Leave new
I appreciate that you explained how walk-in tubs helps ensure that elderly people can take a shower safely. My grandmother would be moving in with us because my sister who used to care for her got a job offer overseas. I was very anxious that she’d hurt herself while taking a shower. I’m relieved that I came across this article when I did. I’d be sure to check the market for competitively priced walk-in tubs for my grandmom. Thanks a lot!