How to Choose a Perfect Walk-In Tub?

Taking a bath can often work wonders and offer therapeutic relief, especially if you had an exhausting day. Of course, the shower system might relieve you to some extent, but with bathtubs, you can enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy. There are different kinds of bathtubs, such as clawfoot bathtubs, alcove bathtubs, flat-bottom bathtubs, and walk-in bathtubs. In this article, we shall talk about walk-in bathtubs. 

People go for walk-in bathtubs mainly for two reasons: safety and accessibility. You might have older adults or several generations in your home, and you must make sure everything is accessible to them. Walk-in tubs are appealing to all age groups and can be installed easily with the help of contractors from walk-in tub companies. Here are a few tips which can help you choose a perfect walk-in tub for your needs. 

1. Tub Design And Size: One of the important things you should consider when choosing a walk-in tub is to consider its design and size. Make sure it fits the best with your ergonomic requirements and bathroom structure. Be particular about your bathing needs because this will dictate the kind of tub you want to install. Different walk-in tubs are available as per your convenience, such as lay down, wheelchair access, bariatric, and shower-tub combo. Two-person tubs are also available for those who want to share their bathing experience with their partners.

2. Safety Features: According to research, more than ⅓ of American adults experience falling accidents yearly. The main reason for shifting from showers to walk-in tubs is safety, so make sure the tub you choose has all the safety features. Make sure it has a low threshold for entry, ergonomic controls feature, textured and non-slip floor, headrest pillows, stable grip bars, and handrails. Ergonomic controls mean walk-in tubs designed to enhance the working condition of older adults inside the tubs. It should also have features like sealed doors, leakproof, auto-drain system, and more.

3. Therapeutic Feature: Choose a walk-in bathtub that’s functional and has features of advanced therapy that can give spa-like luxury to your bathroom. If you are looking for a walk-in tub with therapeutic features, you should make sure it has water jets that can be used for a deep massage to relax stiff joints and muscle pains. Air jets blow gentle streams of air for a soothing massage. It should also have features like aromatherapy and chromotherapy, which will help set a mood. If you want all these features in your walk-in tubs, you should go for an air combo and whirlpool tub, which has all the above features. 

4. Tub Door and Drain System: It’s equally important to consider if your bathroom’s structure can accommodate a door for the tub and drain system. Walk-in tubs have drains on their left or right, ensuring you have the option compatible with your existing drain system. You can identify the drain’s orientation just by looking at its accessible side. Also, you should consider the option of a door that can swing inward or outward. You can go for an outwards-swinging door if you want an easier entry or exit and if the bathroom’s space allows it. Inwards-swinging doors are more sold because they take up a small space.

5. Fill And Drain System: With standard tubs, you just have to get inside them once they are filled with water. Walk-in tubs require the person to sit inside the tub while you are filling it. This setup may be challenging because it became important to understand the tub’s fill and drain system and temperature regulation as well. Some people think walk-in tubs take more time to fill in and may consume more water. Walk-in tubs with fast-fill technology can resolve this problem. Similarly, the draining system in walk-in tubs also requires a little bit of waiting, but manufacturers have incorporated pumps to speed up the water flow.  

6. Tub Material: While choosing the walk-in bathtub, consider the material factor because that will determine your tub’s durability and maintenance. Generally, walk-in tubs are made up of two or more combinations of materials. The manufacturing process of these tubs is also quite complex to make sure they are durable enough for users. Acrylic and gel-coated fiberglass are common materials used to make walk-in tubs. Acrylic is lightweight and flexible, which helps in forming the tub’s headrest, seats, jets, and other molding features. Fiberglass is a strong material made with layers of micro-string glass heated together and then sprayed with resin-coated gel. Some fiberglass tubs are made with acrylic gel for further protection..