Best Walk-in Tubs
Based on In-Depth Reviews

Before delving into the finer points of walk-in tubs, it’s important to be clear on what they are. Generally, walk-in tubs share the same length and width as a regular tub, but are made with higher ledges and a built-in seat to allow for a more comfortable soaking experience. The tubs can range from a plain model designed for soaking, all the way up to a fully kitted tub with water and air jets for hydro/aerotherapy, heated backrest, a changing lights system for chromotherapy, and several other add-ons in order to make your bathing experience as soothing and luxurious as you wish.

While they are most commonly marketed toward the elderly, who will appreciate their ease of access and increased safety over traditional bathtubs, the truth is that walk-in tubs can just as easily—and more often than not—be a luxury purchase as they could be a medical necessity.

Do Walk-In Tubs Work as Intended?

Almost every piece of promotional material that you find on walk-in tubs focuses on what a great benefit they are for the elderly. Manufacturers claim that their easy-access designs and textured surfaces help reduce the risk of slipping in the bathroom and promote independent living. There is also much emphasis on all the health benefits that these tubs provide, such as improved blood circulation, easing of arthritis pain, and similar ailments also commonly associated with the elderly.

What with them being such a large expense, one would hope that they do everything they advertise they do, no? The truth, as far as publicly-accessible information on the matter suggests, lies somewhere in-between. While research into the topic of hydrotherapy shows that there is some sort of positive correlation between different types of hydrotherapy and the various conditions that walk-in tubs claim to address, the overall consensus is that there is a lack of evidence as to how exactly hydrotherapy helps people with said conditions and diseases. With that in mind, we cannot overstate the importance of thoroughly discussing the matter with a licensed physician to determine whether the medical benefits of a walk-in tub would justify the large expense of purchasing one of these devices.

The claims of slippage reduction and overall increase in bathroom safety are more easily verifiable. Although not every walk-in tub model out there will be ADA-compliant, any manufacturer worth its salt will clearly label its more therapy-focused models as complying with the set of guidelines that the American with Disabilities Act has outlined for bathtub construction. These guidelines aim to address issues of accessibility and usage, setting minimum requirements in terms of positioning of grab bars, tub controls, and seat materials to ensure that they are non-slip. They also focus on minimizing movement while in the tub to reduce the likelihood of slippage-related accidents.

Despite the fairly comprehensive guidelines that these tubs are required to follow in order to be considered ADA-compliant, there is one notable detail that is not directly addressed which could affect certain individuals as they try to enter the tub. Many walk-in bathtub manufacturers design their tubs to have a lower threshold no greater than 4” high, which is considerably lower than standard tub rims. However, it is still a higher step than many persons with mobility issues are able to clear unassisted.

We spoke with Dan Bawden, GMB and Certified Aging in Place Specialist to confirm whether any of the claims advertised by manufacturers held water and he states that in his experience, “They really do prevent people from falling...” He did note, however, that when it comes to overall bathroom safety, “[Y]ou still have to be careful that the floor outside the tub is not slippery and dangerous. People forget that sometimes.”

Picking a Tub

When choosing a walk-in tub, there are a few key items to consider. The first is determining the type of tub that you need. As mentioned earlier, walk-in tubs can range from very basic soaking models to fully kitted tubs with air and water jets and colored light bulbs and aromatherapy options. There are even bariatric tubs that are considerably larger than standard tubs, to accommodate people who don’t fit comfortably into a traditionally-sized tub.

Understandably, the amount of equipment in your tub will determine the price you will end up paying for it, which ranges between $2000 to $10,000 for standard models, and potentially more if you need a custom job. As a side note, while most manufacturers don’t list prices on their website, it is always a good idea to compare the retail price against manufacturer quotes, as the manufacturer will generally be able to accommodate minor modifications to the tub for a similar price while big box stores will sell you the model as-is.

Also keep in mind the fact that tub prices do not include installation costs, which will generally be the same as a standard bathtub installation. If you were to need a tub with jets installed, however, you’ll also need to reach out to an electrician to assist with that aspect of the installation. Many tub manufacturers and big box stores will generally have the necessary personnel available to help with the installation, but there is always the option of working with a local contractor who would be able to do the job just as well.

Once you have determined what type of tub you want to purchase, you should test a few different models to make sure that they’re right for you. Because many models online look nearly identical to each other, we asked Mr. Bawden about his experience with helping his clients install their tubs. “[T]hey vary in features and proportions,” he said, “so I ask my clients if they’re going to look into this to find a good plumbing supplier that has lots of choices, with tubs they can go and sit in. [Sometimes] the tub they wanted was only in the warehouse, it wasn’t on the showroom floor in the plumbing store. Some tubs will fit you better than others, so if you can, you're going to want to sit in one or more and see what fits your body shape.”

So now you’ve picked out your preferred type and model of tub, you’ve talked it over with the contractor and you’re ready to take on the expense of a walk-in tub. All done, right? Well, there are a few extra details to keep an eye out for if you’re really going to commit to one of these tubs. 

A major concern with walk-in tubs is the time it takes to fill them. Because the person using the tub needs to already be seated before the tub begins to fill, exposure to cold temperatures is an ever-present risk with these tubs. Many manufacturers claim to have models with fast filling times, but what will determine the actual fill rate of your tub is the size of the pipes in your house. To quote Mr. Bawden on the matter, “You put in a tub that’s got bigger pipes, but it isn’t going to fill any quicker, ‘cause the volume of water can only go so fast through the pipes that you have.”

The same advice applies to drain times for these tubs. Many manufacturers advertise “quick drain” or “fast drain” tubs that will empty out in five minutes or less, but it won’t really matter if your pipes are too small or too clogged to actually help the water move along quicker.

If temperature control is a major concern for you, there are some options you can consider. The first is a heated backrest for your tub. Many basic models will allow you to add one for an extra charge, while some more advanced models will already include it. The second option is to consider an in-line water heater, which will keep the water warm as the tub fills, eliminating the need to dump out cold water and wait for hot water to replace it.

On the topic of water heaters, you will definitely want to make sure that your current water heater supports the amount of water that walk-in tubs require. While many standard water heaters in the U.S. have a 40-gallon capacity, walk-in tubs normally take 50 gallons of water to fill, meaning that the possibility of running out of warm water is very real.

Concerns and Alternatives

If you do a little digging around when looking into walk-in tubs, there are a handful of articles that come up which may cause some concern. Some of these call attention to how some owners of walk-in tubs have become trapped in them. Others highlight how  others have tragically lost their lives due to having been trapped in a tub with no way to reach out for assistance.

Despite the understandably negative tone of these articles, it is important to note a few things. All of the suits were brought against a single manufacturer. While this is an issue that rightly deserves attention, it is not necessarily indicative of the overall safety and quality of the hundreds of other tub models being produced by other manufacturers. If you are considering purchasing a walk-in tub, it is important to consult with all types of professionals to make sure you have been properly advised of any challenges that your home may present when being fitted with a walk-in tub.

That being said, there are alternatives to walk-in tubs that can provide the same benefits at a lower cost without exposing yourself to the potential risk of a mechanical malfunction leaving you trapped in a tub for hours on end. The most straightforward option is to update your bathroom with grab bars and non-slip mats. These sorts of renovations will generally only set you back a few hundred dollars at most and still provide you with similar anti-slip measures as walk-in tubs. The main downside, of course, is that you still have a regular bathtub that you may not be able to enter comfortably.

The second option you may wish to consider is installing a walk-in shower in your bathroom. A walk-in shower will remove the curb that traditional showers have, and the floor around the drain is lowered so that the water naturally pools into it, eliminating the issue of flooding. Due to their lack of a curb, you are able to walk in without having to lift your legs. You can even roll in on a wheelchair so that you can bathe unassisted. You also have the option of using non-slip materials for the floor tiles, as well as adding grab bars for added support. 

If you play your cards right, a walk-in shower could even improve the value of your home as it is an accessibility feature that can also be quite stylish. 

But what if you absolutely need a tub for therapeutic reasons? There is a type of bathtub called a “lift wall” tub which is similar to walk-in tubs in many ways, but with a few key differences. The bottom of a lift wall tub will never be at floor level. Instead, it is raised to seat level so that you can sit on it—or transfer over from your wheelchair— swing your legs up and lift up the door on its side to allow you to fill the tub. The second key difference is that some models will use what is sometimes referred to as a “dual drain system” which will quickly dump the water into a tank underneath the tub, allowing you to exit more quickly and avoid getting the shivers unlike many walk-in tubs.

The Elevate lift wall tub. The bottom of the tub is at chair height and there is a holding tank for water at the bottom to help with drain times.

Lift wall tubs come with all the bells and whistles that you normally find on walk-in tubs, so you can still get the therapeutic effects with a lower risk of slippage or prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. They’re also beneficial for caregivers or parents, as one can help the person in the tub bathe without having to kneel on a hard tile floor or bend over uncomfortably for extended periods of time. The only downside, as it were, is that these types of tubs are relatively new on the market and are likely to be considerably more expensive than a walk-in tub with similar accessories.

Getting Help With Getting the Help You Need

By now you’ve probably realized that walk-in tubs are a substantial expense that you might not be able to afford out of pocket. Compounding the matter of the expense is the fact that as of this writing, walk-in tubs are normally not covered in any way by Medicare due to the fact that they are not considered “durable medical equipment.” Thankfully, there are some alternatives when it comes to getting assistance with paying for your walk-in tub.

One alternative you can consider is Medicaid. Some states’ Medicaid programs do cover parts of your walk-in tub expenses, but this varies greatly from state to state, so make sure to check with your local Medicaid offices to make sure you’re one of the lucky ones.

	Financial assistance for the elderly programs by state:
Alaska	Senior Access Program Alzheimers Disease Related Dementias Mini-Grants Senior Benefits
Arizona	Non-Medical HCBS
Connecticut	Home Care Program for Elders
Florida	Florida Home Care for the Elderly Program
Georgia	Non-Medicaid, Home and Community Based Services
Hawaii	Aging and Disability Resource Center (manages Kapuna Care)
Illinois	Illinois Home Accessibility Program
Indiana	CHOICE
Iowa	Iowa Able Foundation Loan Program Iowa Senior Living Program
Kentucky	Hart-Supported Living Program
Maine	Home Accessibility and Repair Program Maine Consumer-Directed Home-Based Care Maine Caregiver Respite Program
Maryland	Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors
Minnesota	Minnesota Alternative Care Program Minnesota Consumer Support Grant Program
Nebraska	Assistive technology partnership
Nevada	Nevada Assistive Technology for Independent Living Program
New Jersey	New Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving
New York	New York RESTORE Program (Residential Emergency Services To Offer Repairs to the Elderly)
North Carolina	Service Payments for the Elderly and Disabled (SPED & Expanded SPED)
Ohio	Ohio Elderly Services Program
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation Loans & Grants for Home Modifications and Aging in Place ACCESS Home Modification Program OPTIONS Program
Rhode Island	Home and Community Care Co-Pay Program (managed by regional POINT agencies)
Utah	Home and Community Based Alternatives Program
Vermont	Home Access Program Sue Williams Freedom Fund
Washington	Tailored Support for Older Adults
Washington D.C.	Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program DC Safe at Home Program
Wisconsin	SSI Exceptional Expense Supplement Alzheimer's Family & Caregiver Support Program:
Wyoming	Wyoming Home Services

Another government program that offers assistance with walk-in tubs and other expenses related to home improvement is the USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grant. As its name implies, this particular program focuses on rural, low-income areas of the country in order to help with home modifications for elderly or disabled residents to improve safety and remove health hazards. While seniors stand to gain the most from this program, any homeowner aged 18 or more is potentially eligible. The difference is that the program provides a loan rather than a grant if there is a reasonable chance of you being able to pay back the loan within your lifetime.

The USDA has some resources available online to help you determine your eligibility for this program. There’s their homepage with access to many other tools aside from the Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Grant, a document with instructions on how to navigate their website, and a calculator to help you determine whether you meet the program’s definition of “low income.”

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs offers the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, which is near-identical in its purpose to the USDA grant, but geared to U.S. veterans. As with many of these grants and programs, while they specifically rule out “hot tub or spa” type bathtubs, securing a doctor’s recommendation can go a long way to helping you make your case for receiving this grant. The VA also offers other programs to assist veterans with service-related disabilities with making their residence more accessible, which could help with the cost of installing a walk-in tub, if not the tub itself.

As a last-ditch effort, you could try to secure a doctor’s recommendation and submit it to Medicare, as there is some chance that they could reimburse you for a fraction of the total cost, but given how exceedingly rare it is, it should not be your go-to option. Alternately, you could look into claiming the expense as part of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help you recoup some of the expense as part of your tax exemptions.