How to Buy the best walk-in tubs for your elderly Ones?

 

Walk-in tubs are special bathtubs with watertight doors and molded seats that allow the seniors to bathe safely at home.

Compared to conventional tubs, these tubs have low threshold entry for increased safety specifically for seniors and disabled people.

The best  walk in tub can be a great choice for seniors, those who have mobility issues, or who cannot get up easily from in a slippery tub.

Check out the parameters below to know how to zero down the best walk-in tub for seniors

1. Budget

Walk-in tub prices range from $1,500 -$20,000 depending on the quality, features, and cost of installation the tub offers. If you are a little tight on budget then you can look for financing options. So do your basic research and then buy it.

2. See the Space for your walk-in tub

Check the available bathroom space for your walk-in tub before buying. The ideal tub is usually around 60 inches long and the width ranges from 25 to 60 inches. Technicians who perform an inspection may assist you to get the correct tub dimensions and may help you to choose the best.

3. Check the hot water capacity

Walk-in tubs may hold more water compared to your water heater so it would take much time for the water to reheat in the tank. So consider buying a larger water heater or models with an in-line heater to avoid the delay in the flow of hot water, which would eventually make your loved one wait in cold water, which is totally not right. So, it is strongly advised to check the water heater capacity.

4. Choose the type of walk-in tub

a. Soaker Tubs

This is a basic and the most affordable tub which does not have any fancy air or water jets.

b. Wheelchair Accessible Tubs 

Wheelchair accessibility in tubs allow people who use wheelchairs to transfer from a wheelchair to the bathtub more easily. This is done with the outward swinging door. The seat provided with this tub is generally shorter in height compared to other tub seats.

c. Bariatric Walk-In Tubs

Bariatric model is larger compared to the basic model and is designed for obese individuals around 300 lbs or heavier.

d. Aerotherapy (Air Jet) Tubs

Walk-in tub with jets are designed to provide bubbling water giving your body a gentle massage. They help in draining and cleaning the tub by preventing bacteria from building up in the water.

e. Aromatherapy Tub

This kind of tub allows bathers to try and mix essential oils with the water to gain an aromatic experience. You can use lavender, jasmine, and other relaxing scents as well.

f. Hydrotherapy Tub 

These tubs have water jets that provide an intense massage to the user which helps in relieving joint pain. The hydrotherapy systems also have hydrotherapy jets. The added power can harm the sensitive skin of the user.

g. Chromatherapy 

It uses colored light in combination with water which can create soothing effects.

h. Combination Tubs 

There are other walk-in tubs apart from these basic ones. You can find different combinations of tubs like fast-draining tubs, outward and inward swinging door tubs, walk-in showers, etc.

SEE ALSO – Best Adjustable Bed for your loved ones.

5. Look For Basic Walk-in Tub Features

Walk-in tubs have important features that one needs to look at before investing in the walk tub.

i. Handrails

Most of the Walk-in tubs have handrails already installed to avoid slip surfaces. This is best for disabled or senior people. You can even install a grab bar on the wall near the tub for extra safety.

ii. Self-Cleaning System

To avoid manual cleaning of the tub you should consider self-cleaning tubs.

Self-cleaning tubs just need bleach and dish washing soap or else you can look for tubs that have an ozone cleaning system that helps to keep the tub clean.

iii. Non-Slip Textured Floor

Nowadays most walk-in tubs have a non-slip textured surface to prevent slipping while entering and going out of the tub. If you buy a tub for a senior or disabled person, you should look for this feature.

iv. Fast Drain System

If you want to avoid sitting in a bathtub for a long time waiting for the water to drain then you should look for a fast filling faucet and fast drain systems.

v. Built-In Seat

Nearly all the models include an inbuilt heated seat so that the user can have a warm and safer bathing experience since it can easily step in and step out. The anti-scald devices are used to prevent sudden temperature changes in the water.

vi. Step-Up Height

Step-up height is the height of the threshold that goes to the tub. Lower the step-up height the better it is. Mostly the step-up height for these tubs is 3-7 inches.

This walk-in tub is very important for people with mobility issues.

6. WALK-IN TUB WARRANTY PACKAGE

Before buying a walk-in tub it is important to understand the limited warranties on all the components, what it covers, and whether it offers a lifetime warranty period.

7. PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED

Walk-in tubs are an expensive endeavor so proper care should be taken while installing them or maintaining them.

Customers should choose an installer who is well trained or may choose its trusted local plumber to get it installed.