Questions to ask a walk-in tub company

Installation

The scope of a walk-in tub installation varies depending on space, existing equipment, time and money. Your particular home and lifestyle have a big impact on the best walk-in tub for you. Asking the following questions can help ensure a quick and easy installation process for you or your loved one.

How is the tub installed?

Walk-in tubs are installed using one of four styles of installation: corner, back-to-wall, side-to-wall and free-standing.

• Corner installations are used when replacing an existing tub or shower with a walk-in tub.
• Back-to-wall installations are for smaller tubs. These are done when putting in a walk-in tub in addition to an existing shower or tub.
• Side-to-wall installations are performed when a walk-in tub is installed in a new space between walls or in a decorative paneled area.
• Free-standing installations involve removing the entire existing tub or shower and adding a much larger, more spacious walk-in tub. This is usually to add space for improved mobility or when a medical walk-in tub is being installed to provide caregivers with increased access.

Installing a walk-in tub can be complex or fairly simple — it often depends on the tub you choose. Some models of walk-in tubs can easily go in the place of your traditional tub with few modifications. Still, you want to be certain your plumbing can accommodate the larger flow of water and that your water heater has a large enough capacity.

If you're upgrading to a tub that's larger in capacity or size, the bathroom may need to undergo extensive remodeling. You might need to remove floor tiles, modify walls or update plumbing and electric systems to accommodate the new tub.

What are the measurements of the tub?

Measurements vary by model, so it's essential to know both the measurements for the inside and outside of the tub before you buy. Some important measurements to know:

• Width
• Size of the door
• Threshold step height
• Height of the seat
• Water depth above the seat when filled

You should also ask how much water is needed to fill the tub.

The good news is that walk-in tubs can be installed in small areas as long as all the measurements work out — you can install a walk-in tub in a mobile home, for instance, as long as it fits through the front door.

» MORE: Walk-in tubs for mobile homes

Will the walk-in tub fit into the existing space where the current tub is located?

Placing a walk-in tub where an old, traditional tub was located isn't necessarily difficult; models come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. If a specific tub doesn't fit exactly into the space where the current tub is placed, an extension panel can be used to cover any gaps or spaces that are left over.

Will you have to remove any portion of the walls or floor to install the tub?

It’s not unusual to have to make modifications to the flooring when getting a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs often sit lower in the ground to create a threshold that’s easier to step over, and existing flooring may have to be removed to place the new tub. Once installed, you might also want new flooring to cover any holes or gaps.

The design of your current bathroom and the size and shape of the walk-in tub determine whether any portion of the floor or wall will need to be removed — for example, Ginger, a reviewer from Arizona, found that their bathroom door wasn’t wide enough. “They took off the doorway. They put that back on, but someone’s gonna touch it up.”

Walk-in tubs are also heavier than traditional tubs, so if the current subfloor can’t support the weight of the new tub, you might need to include additional support as part of the installation and remodeling process.

What size water heater do you need?

To get the full therapeutic benefits of a walk-in tub, you need to be able to fill it at least two-thirds full with hot water. The water heater in your home must also provide enough heated water to fill the tub.

The size of your walk-in tub determines how many gallons of hot water you’ll need. Your water heater should be at least two-thirds the size of your bath, so if your walk-in tub holds 75 gallons, you want at least a 50-gallon water heater.

If you don't want to use all your available hot water when bathing, make sure the water heater holds more than you need to fill the bath. Adding an extra 10 gallons to the minimum size of your water heater for your tub will provide enough hot water to wash your hands or wash dishes in other parts of the house while the walk-in tub is in use.

How much does the tub cost to install?

Walk-in tub installation costs vary greatly and depend on the size of your bathroom, your walls, your plumbing and other factors. Many companies include installation costs in their quotes because installation must be performed by authorized technicians to keep the warranty valid.

However, some companies charge separately for installation, and others sell tubs you can install yourself or hire a third-party installation service to install. Be very careful about choosing to install one yourself or outsourcing it to a third party; installation may be more difficult (and expensive) than it seems.

» CALCULATE: How much do walk-in tubs cost?

How long does it take to get the tub?

Typically, it takes only a day or two to install the tub. However, timelines vary for how long it takes to remove the existing tub. If you want additional features or upgrades, this could contribute to overall shipping and delivery times.

Dale, a reviewer from Florida, laid out their experience: “Two people came out on a Monday, tore it out, and then on Tuesday, they had to wait for the inspector to show up. They came back on Wednesday and put it all back together. Waiting for the permit took four days. I started on a Monday, and I got my final permit on a Thursday.”

Doors and handles

Walk-in tubs can make bathing much easier for someone with decreased mobility, but everyone's impairments are different. A big factor in choosing a tub is the way you enter and exit; it's important to make sure the tub you choose makes bathing safer and easier for you rather than causing further issues.

Can I get a right- or left-handed door on the tub?

The door on a walk-in tub can open either to the left or the right. Personal preference, mobility issues and the design of your bathroom all help determine whether a right- or left-handed door is better for your tub.

Which way does the door open — inward or outward?

Doors on a walk-in tub can open either inward or outward, though most models come with an inward-swinging door. These are the most common because they create the best watertight seal — when the tub is filled with water, the pressure helps to keep the door firmly shut.

On the other hand, outward-swinging doors don't take up space inside the tub, which makes them ideal for those with limited mobility or those who need to safely transfer from a wheelchair. Some reviewers said they prefer doors that open from the outside because it makes the tub easier to clean.

» DO IT RIGHT: How to care for a walk-in tub

How wide is the door?

The size of a tub's door varies based on the model. Before choosing a walk-in tub, make sure the door can be safely opened and closed without hitting any walls or bathroom fixtures. If you use a wheelchair or other medical assistance device, be sure you can get close enough to the tub to safely transfer to the seat.

What is the step threshold?

The step threshold is the small section below the door. To safely enter and exit the walk-in tub without fear of losing your balance, tripping or falling, you need to be able to easily lift your leg over the threshold. The lower the threshold, the safer it is for you to enter and exit the bath.

All walk-in tubs, regardless of the manufacturer, should have a low step threshold, though the exact measurement of the threshold varies depending on the make, model and manufacturer of your walk-in tub. However, the threshold will rarely be higher than 7 inches or lower than 3 inches.

Safety and comfort features

You can also customize your walk-in tub for increased comfort and safety. Make sure the bath you choose aligns with your priorities — but also your budget — when making the purchase.

How long does the tub take to fill and drain?

Depending on the brand, it typically takes anywhere from six to 15 minutes to fill a walk-in tub. Models with fast-fill plumbing can fill in six to eight minutes, but tubs without additional plumbing or drains can take more than 15 minutes to fill or drain.

Some of the best quick-drain models drain in a little under a minute. These can be more comfortable because they reduce the amount of time you have to sit in the tub while waiting for it to fill or drain. If you're still worried about getting cold, look for tubs with quick-drain and heating features.

Where are the slip-resistant surfaces?

Slip-resistant surfaces are a safety feature included in many walk-in tubs. These surfaces are textured to help prevent slips and falls.

The areas in the bath that are slip-resistant vary depending on the make, model and manufacturer; make sure you know exactly which surfaces are slip-resistant in the particular tub you want.

How many handrails can I install?

Handrails help stabilize and support you while getting in and out of the tub or when adjusting your position while bathing. The number of handrails varies from tub to tub, and your handrails may be built into the tub or available as an add-on.

Make sure the tub you choose has enough handrails to support you while getting in and out of the tub and while moving around as you bathe. You also want to verify that you can safely reach the handrails. If they’re too far away, you could slip and fall.

What other safety features can you add to the tub?

Some walk-in tubs can be customized with additional safety features. Two popular added safety features are fast-drain options and high-contoured seats:

• Magnetic showerheads make it easy for customers to grab and use their showerhead during bathing.
• High-contoured seats provide a safe and comfortable space for you to sit while bathing. The shape and position of the contoured seat reduce knee strain that can occur when sitting for prolonged periods of time in the bath.

Doreen from New York installed both safety features for her mother: “The showerhead is my number one favorite feature. My mom is 95 and it's the magnetic one and it's very easy for her to reach it and use it. The storage inserts into the wall where you can put shampoos, soaps and the corner shelves, were very helpful as well. They also put in a seat where my mom can sit down.”

Does the tub come with jets?

Not all walk-in tubs come with jets. If the jets aren’t included by default, ask if they can be added on.

Also, take into consideration the position and placement of the jets. Make sure the tub you choose has jets that are positioned to reach the specific area of the body you wish to rehabilitate.

Frankie, a reviewer from Arkansas, decided to install jets in her walk-in tub: “My daughter said, ‘Mama, why don't you get in the tub?’ I said, ‘No, I don't have time.’ She said, ‘Put the jets on and just relax.’ So I did, and I felt so refreshing when I got out. My body didn't ache anymore and I laid my head on the pillow and went straight to sleep.”

What therapeutic features are included?

Walk-in tubs come with a wide variety of therapeutic system features that help rejuvenate, relax and heal the body. Some popular therapeutic features include the following:

• Aromatherapy: This feature lets you add scented oils or beads to the bath. Aromatherapy may help to improve both mental and physical health.
• Microbubbles: This system creates multiple tiny bubbles that quickly massage your skin. Microbubbles are known to help with the removal of excess oil and dirt and rejuvenate the skin.
• Chromotherapy: Chromotherapy is a system that produces different frequencies of light that can help create a calming, soothing atmosphere.

Where are the controls located?

Make sure that you and anyone else using the tub can safely reach the controls.

Don't just focus on the distance you have to reach for the controls; also consider the angle of the controls. If they’re in an awkward position, you may be able to reach them but not adjust the settings. This could make bathing difficult or even cause an injury.

Can I lie down in the tub?

The size of the walk-in tub determines whether you can lie down. Larger walk-in tubs may have enough room for you to lie down and relax while bathing, but many tubs don't give you enough space.