These days, shopping for a walk-in tub can feel a lot like shopping for a new car. There are so many different manufacturers out there, and each manufacturer offers several models with numerous add-on features to choose from. How can you decide what the best choice is for you or your loved one with so many different walk-in tubs available? This blog will break it down into the top 5 factors you should be looking at when making this important decision.
Size
When choosing a walk-in tub, the interior and the exterior size matter a great deal. Not only do you want to make sure there’s plenty of space inside the tub for you, but you need to ensure it fits in the area that you need it to go. Most people want a walk-in tub that fits in the space left by their existing, standard tub. Fortunately, walk-ins are designed to fit in most standard tub cutouts. However, it’s still imperative that you measure the cutout before you start shopping for a tub to ensure you’re looking at the correct sizes.
Additionally, give some thought to the volume of water that the tub will hold. You want to ensure that your water heater can supply the amount of water the tub will need and that the floor beneath the tub will be able to support the weight of a full tub with a person in it.
Safety and Accessibility
Walk-in tubs are designed with safety and accessibility in mind, and many have very similar features that cater to those needs: a low entry step, an upright seat, safety bars, etc. However, some tubs have a lower entry step than others, so keep this in mind when you’re shopping. If you use any mobility devices, such as a wheelchair, the direction in which the door opens (inwards or outwards) will impact your accessibility too.
Fill and Drain Speeds
This is something you don’t have to think about on a standard tub. But because a walk-in tub requires the bather to be inside while the tub fills and empties, the speed at which the tub can do these things matters quite a bit. You’ll want a tub that fills and drains as quickly as possible, so you spend less time sitting in a partially-filled tub.
Therapeutic Features
Many senior citizens want their walk-in tubs to provide more than just a bath; they want therapeutic benefits. If this is important to you, look for a tub that has these features included—preferably one that has them come standard, rather than as an add-on that you have to pay for. Features like hydro massage or air massage jets, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy can really upgrade your bath to a spa-like experience.
Warranty
Finally, make sure that a robust warranty backs any tub you purchase. These tubs should last you for the rest of your life, and the manufacturer should have enough confidence in their product to back it up. Don’t settle for anything less than a lifetime warranty on any walk-in tub for seniors.
