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7 Best Walk-In Tubs (2024 Guide)

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Author Image Written by Brenda Woods Updated 06/27/2024

Walk-in tubs offer a more comfortable, accessible bathing experience than standard tubs, including built-in safety features and extra therapeutic functions. Our team analyzed seven walk-in tub brands, evaluating costs, customer reviews, safety and comfort features, and more. Whether you’re swapping out an old tub during a bathroom remodel or building a new bathroom from scratch, here are our top recommendations.

See our list of top walk-in tub companies based on in-depth research.

Select the company that best meets your needs.

Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home.


What Are The Top Walk-In Tubs of 2024?

After analyzing each company’s product selection and evaluating their safety and comfort features, we find these walk-in tubs to be the best:

Best Selection: Ella’s Bubbles
Most Customization: Kohler
Best All-in-One Service: Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Most Experience: American Standard
Most Wheelchair-Accessible: Meditub
Best for Massage Therapy: Hydro Dimensions
Best for Financing: Safe Step
Most Affordable: Ariel

Compare the Top Walk-In Tubs

Get an idea of what each walk-in tub brand offers with our tool below: 

Star Rating Best For Link
Ella’s Bubbles Ella's Bubbles
Best Selection Get Quote
Kohler Kohler
Most Customization Get Quote
Leaf Home Safety Solutions Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Best for Accessibility Get Quote
American Standard American Standard
Most Experience Get Quote
Meditub Meditub
Most Wheelchair-Accessible Get Quote
Hydro Dimensions Hydro Dimensions
Best for Massage Therapy Get Quote
Safe Step Safe Step
Best for Financing Get Quote
Ariel Ariel
Most Affordable Get Quote
Ella’s Bubbles
Logo Ella's Bubbles
Star Rating
Best For Best Selection
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Kohler
Logo Kohler
Star Rating
Best For Most Customization
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Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Logo Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Star Rating
Best For Best for Accessibility
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American Standard
Logo American Standard
Star Rating
Best For Most Experience
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Meditub
Logo Meditub
Star Rating
Best For Most Wheelchair-Accessible
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Hydro Dimensions
Logo Hydro Dimensions
Star Rating
Best For Best for Massage Therapy
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Safe Step
Logo Safe Step
Star Rating
Best For Best for Financing
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Ariel
Logo Ariel
Star Rating
Best For Most Affordable
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Star Rating Best For Link
Ella’s Bubbles Ella's Bubbles
Best Selection Get Quote
Kohler Kohler
Most Customization Get Quote
Leaf Home Safety Solutions Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Best for Accessibility Get Quote
American Standard American Standard
Most Experience Get Quote
Meditub Meditub
Most Wheelchair-Accessible Get Quote
Hydro Dimensions Hydro Dimensions
Best for Massage Therapy Get Quote
Safe Step Safe Step
Best for Financing Get Quote
Ariel Ariel
Most Affordable Get Quote
Ella’s Bubbles
Logo Ella's Bubbles
Star Rating
Best For Best Selection
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Kohler
Logo Kohler
Star Rating
Best For Most Customization
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Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Logo Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Star Rating
Best For Best for Accessibility
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American Standard
Logo American Standard
Star Rating
Best For Most Experience
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Meditub
Logo Meditub
Star Rating
Best For Most Wheelchair-Accessible
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Hydro Dimensions
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Star Rating
Best For Best for Massage Therapy
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Safe Step
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Star Rating
Best For Best for Financing
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Ariel
Logo Ariel
Star Rating
Best For Most Affordable
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Our Picks for the Best Walk-in Tubs

Ella’s Bubbles

Best Selection
4.8
  • Our rating: 95 out of 100
  • Warranty options: Limited lifetime
  • Cost range: $2,521–$12,696

Ella’s Bubbles’ broad selection of walk-in tub types and competitive prices make it our top pick. The company offers more than 20 walk-in tub models, including soaking, two-person, bariatric, and wheelchair-accessible tubs. It also has many safety feature options, such as ADA-compliant seats, handheld showerheads, nonslip surfaces, heated backrests, 360-degree swivel trays, and ergonomic controls. Ella’s Bubbles offers aromatherapy and chromotherapy add-ons for a more therapeutic, luxurious bathing experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a limited lifetime warranty on the tub and a five-year warranty on parts Offers both wheelchair-accessible and two-person tubs Has a large selection of tub options, both safety and luxury Cons Cost information doesn’t include installation fees Customer reviews mention that the seats are hard

Ella’s Bubble’s Standout Walk-in Tub Model

The standout model from Ella’s Bubbles is the Stainless Steel Ultimate tub. It’s the largest single-person walk-in tub offered in that model range. While shopping on the company’s website, we found that the Ultimate tub holds up to 95 gallons of water unoccupied. In addition, it has 17 air jets and 17 hydro jets, more than any other model in that range.

Features

Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs include the following standard and safety features designed for ease of use.

Ergonomics:

  • 360-degree swivel tray
  • Heated backrest and seat system
  • L-shaped outward-swinging door with aluminum frame
  • Three-speed variable push controls

Massage features:

  • Air jets
  • Six-jetted independent hydro foot-and-calf massager
  • Stainless-steel removable inward-swinging door

Safety features:

  • Auto-purge system
  • Anti-scald valves
  • ADA-compliant seats
  • Grab bars
  • Ozone sterilization
  • Two 2-inch gravity-driven drains with four outlets for quick draining

Therapeutic features:

  • Aromatherapy system
  • Infusion MicroBubble therapy add-on
  • LED chromotherapy

Leaf Home Safety Solutions

Best for Accessibility
4.6
  • Our rating: 80 out of 100
  • Warranty options: Limited lifetime 
  • Cost range: Contact Leaf Home Solutions for a personalized quote.

Leaf Home Safety Solutions is another solid choice for walk-in tubs. It offers four models ranging from its entry-level Prime model to its fully featured Pinnacle Plus. According to a Leaf Home representative, the company allows you to customize all aspects of your walk-in tub, including the tub color, therapeutic features, and wall surrounds. To obtain pricing, however, you must set up an appointment with a Leaf Home inspector. The representative we spoke with said the inspector would bring walk-in tub models and materials for you to touch and experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros Allows you to fully customize your walk-in tub design, components, and features Includes wheelchair-accessible models Provides calf-massaging jets in all models, while other brands offer it as an add-on Cons Lacks pricing transparency (quotes require home inspections) Doesn’t offer walk-in tub packages in all ZIP codes

Leaf Home Safety Solutions Standout Model

Leaf Home’s Pinnacle Plus model offers the most extensive list of features of all its walk-in tub models. We secret-shopped Leaf Home’s website and found that Pinnacle Plus includes the Pure Bubbles skin therapy system, while its other models only offer this system as an add-on. Additionally, it includes the company’s aromatherapy system for a more relaxing bathing experience.

Features

Leaf Home Safety Solutions offers walk-in tubs with the following features: 

Ergonomics:

  • 13–22-inch soaking depth
  • 23 1/4-inch wide seat
  • 70–95-gallon operating capacity
  • Adjustable handheld showerhead
  • Bidet
  • In-swing and out-swing doors
  • In-tub control panel
  • Mounted towel bar
  • Removable headrest

Massage features:

  • 20 invisible air jets
  • Comfort heated seat system
  • Six back True Massage Preferred jets
  • Two calf-centered True Stream Preferred jets
  • Two foot-centered Luxury Sole Soothers jets

Safety features:

  • Grab bars
  • Ozone sterilizer
  • Two-inch speed drain technology

Therapeutic features:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Pure Bubbles skin therapy system

Kohler

Most Customization
3.8
  • Our rating: 83 out of 100
  • Warranty options: Limited lifetime
  • Cost range: $3,000 to $10,000

Kohler offers one walk-in tub model you can customize with safety and comfort features. Its basic soaker tub can include safety features such as a low step-in, ergonomic control panel, handrails, an extra-wide entry door, and a multifunctional handheld showerhead. You can also add luxury comfort features, such as increased depth, hydrotherapy whirlpool jets, BubbleMassage air jets, or a Bask heated backrest.

When you order your Kohler tub, you can choose from brush nickel or chrome faucet fixtures, two classic bath colors of white or biscuit, and wall finishings in eight colors. You can also transform your Kohler bath into a shower combo with modern, contemporary, or traditional showerhead styles. These options make Kohler more customizable than other brands despite its safety and luxury add-ons being standard.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers numerous customization options Includes a lifetime warranty on material defects and workmanship Has a user-friendly website with a transparent installation process Cons Requires an agent to visit your home for accurate pricing Offers narrower door options than several other brands

Kohler’s Standout Model

While Kohler only offers one model, its extensive list of customizable options and therapeutic features allows you to build your ideal walk-in tub.

Features

Kohler walk-in tubs include low step thresholds and many other standard and safety features. They consist of the following:

Ergonomics:

  • 21.5-inch-wide seat
  • Inward-opening door
  • Eight LuxStone bath wall options
  • Multifunction handheld shower
  • Optional built-in shelving and storage
  • Three faucet design options

Massage features:

  • 17 three-speed air bubble jets
  • Adjustable heated backrest

Safety features

  • 3-inch step threshold
  • Easy-to-grip handrails
  • Fast-fill and fast-drain systems

Therapeutic features

  • 10 adjustable hydrotherapy jets

American Standard

Most Experience
4.6
  • Our rating: 91 out of 100
  • Warranty options: Limited lifetime
  • Cost range: $4,000–$12,000

American Standard is a household name in appliances with more than 150 years of experience in tubs. The company offers various walk-in tub types, including deep soaking tubs, combination massage tubs, walk-in whirlpool tubs, and walk-in air baths. American Standard builds its walk-in tubs with high-quality materials, such as gelcoat and acrylic. It also includes built-in aromatherapy, chromotherapy, grab bars, and nonslip flooring, all of which are ADA-compliant. Plus, the company protects its tubs with a lifetime warranty that extends to labor.

Pros and Cons

Pros Is one of the most trusted brands in home appliances and fixtures Offers in-home evaluations to create the perfect tub Has custom design options Cons Is expensive compared to some competitors Varies its lifetime warranty stipulations on acrylic tubs and gelcoat tubs

American Standard’s Standout Model

American Standard’s Acrylic Luxury model is our pick due to its durable acrylic material, air spa system, and included in-line water heater. In addition, the Acrylic Luxury model includes a self-cleaning ozone sanitation system, which cleans the tub with each use.

Features

American Standard’s list of features consists of the following:

Ergonomics:

  • ADA-compliant built-in seat
  • Brass fixtures and faucets
  • One-touch control system
  • Outward-opening door models designed for wheelchair access

Massage features:

  • 44 air and water jets for whole-body hydrotherapy
  • Jets targeted for your back, feet, legs, and wrists

Safety features:

  • Automatic water purging system
  • Leak-free door system
  • Self-cleaning sanitary ozone system
  • Slip-resistant textured floor surface
  • Quick-drain water removal system

Therapeutic features:

  • Built-in aromatherapy
  • Seven-color chromotherapy

Hydro Dimensions

Best for Massage Therapy
4.5
  • Our rating: 90 out of 100
  • Warranty options: Limited lifetime
  • Cost range: $5,000–$8,764

Hydro Dimensions offers many standard walk-in tubs, such as a stainless steel model with six leveling legs, built-in safety grab bars, and the company’s Sure-Lock tub door latch system. The company also offers its Speciality Series for people with limited mobility or who require a larger bathing area.

Those who wish to enjoy a deeper soaking experience can opt for the Hydro Dimensions model, which includes extensive add-ons and different air and water jets designed to improve the tub’s massage therapy capability. We recommend the company’s additional dual-jetted air massage therapy features, which include options for 10 upper-system water jets, five lower-system water jets, 20 premium air jets, an automatic purge cycle, and an electronic control panel. The Hydro Dimensions PureBubbles skin therapy feature is ideal for those who need skin therapy, including the company’s patented system that uses microbubbles to deeply clean pores.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers extensive massage therapy add-ons Offers add-on UV or ozone sanitation systems Includes a limited lifetime warranty on the tub, system, and faucet Cons Only includes a one-year warranty on parts and labor Varies availability of particular models according to your local dealership

Hydro Dimensions Standout model

The standout model Hydro Dimensions offers is the HD Series 3260. This model is one of its largest, holding up to 70 gallons of water unoccupied. It’s also one of Hydro Dimension’s sturdiest models with six leveling legs to support its stainless steel frame. In addition, you can choose from five different hydrotherapy systems to customize the tub to your needs. 

Features

Hydro Dimensions’ walk-in tubs include many standard and safety features designed for ease of use. They consist of the following:

Ergonomics:

  • 17-inch-high ADA-compliant seat
  • Extension panels for 60-inch wall-to-wall installation
  • Five-piece polished chrome faucet with handheld showerhead
  • Removable front access panels
  • Sure-lock tub door latch system

Massage features:

  • Custom jetting and pump locations
  • Optional heated backrest
  • Three massage therapy packages for hydro and air jets

Safety features:

  • Built-in safety grab bar
  • Cable-operated polished chrome waste and overflow drain
  • Medical-grade ultraviolet (UV) light to combat bacteria buildup
  • Ozone sanitation

Therapeutic features:

  • 20-color LED chromotherapy add-on
  • Aromatherapy add-on
  • PureBubbles skin therapy system

Meditub

Most Wheelchair-Accessible
4.3
  • Our rating: 85 out of 100
  • Warranty options: 10-year manufacturer
  • Cost range: $1,650–$8,400

Founded in 2007, Meditub offers various walk-in tubs, including soaker, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and wheelchair-accessible tubs. Many of the company’s tubs are ADA-compliant. Its wheelchair-accessible tubs are standout options.

Meditub’s wheelchair-accessible 30-inch-by-60-inch and wheelchair-accessible 29-inch-by-53-inch tubs feature pneumatic button control, removable front access panels, air jets, and cable-operated waste and overflow for an excellent massaging experience. These are only a few top-of-the-line features that make Meditub our pick for wheelchair-accessible tubs.

Pros and Cons

Pros Includes a 10-year limited warranty for manufacturer defects and a lifetime guarantee on the tub door seal Offers one of the most comprehensive and high-quality wheelchair-accessible tubs Provides significant savings when you order from its factory directly Cons Is costly if you don’t buy from its factory Has a lackluster warranty compared to competitors

MediTub’s Standout Model

The Meditub 3060WCA series is the company’s standout model. It includes a grab bar inside its out-swinging door for more convenient opening and closing, while the other wheelchair-accessible model doesn’t. The 3060WCA series also has a built-in contoured seat. This adds extra comfort while you enjoy your bathing experience.

Features

Meditub provides unique features, such as magnetic access panels. Here is the full list of standard and safety features:

Ergonomics:

  • 3/4-inch ceramic cartridge Roman faucet system option
  • Ergonomic pillow headrest
  • High-gloss fiberglass with triple gel coat finish
  • Magnetic access panels

Massage features:

  • Dual-massage hydro and air jet system

Safety features:

  • Built-in, 17–21-inch-high contoured ADA-compliant seat
  • Color-matched built-in safety grab bar
  • Freestanding stainless-steel support frame with adjustable leveling feet
  • Inline heater
  • Slip-resistant floor

Therapeutic features:

  • Aromatherapy system add-on
  • Chromotherapy system add-on

Safe Step

Best for Financing
3.6
  • Our rating: 77 out of 100
  • Warranty options: Limited lifetime
  • Cost range: $2,500–$8,000

Nashville, Tennessee-based tub manufacturer Safe Step offers affordable, fully customizable walk-in tubs. It includes many standard ADA-compliant features, such as anti-scald technology and overflow drains, as well as luxury ones, such as aromatherapy features. The company stands out for its reasonable, custom pricing.

Once your credit is approved, Safe Step works with multiple financing partners to offer various financing options that meet your budgetary needs. You may be able to receive a financing plan with no payments for the first 18 months.*

*Subject to credit approval, and this promotion is only available in select markets.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers fully customizable pricing and financing options Includes a limited lifetime warranty on the entire tub Sells a unique hybrid walk-in tub that doubles as an ergonomic walk-in shower Cons Is difficult to discern accurate pricing due to Safe Step’s customized approach Doesn’t physically showcase any of its products

Safestep’s Standout Model

Safestep’s Hybrid model is our top choice, mainly because of the included overhead showerhead. Safestep provides a handheld showerhead near the tub’s faucets for added convenience. According to a Safestep representative we spoke with, the handheld showerhead is adjustable and can hold the same water pressure even when the overhead showerhead is running.

Features

Safestep walk-in tubs include many features designed for convenience and safety. They consist of the following:

Ergonomic:

  • 4-inch step-in height for easy access
  • Bidet
  • Electronic keypad with a floating remote
  • Handheld and adjustable shower wand
  • No-strength locking handle to open and lock the door
  • Sanitary gel coating for easier cleaning

Massage features:

  • 10 hydrotherapy water jets and air jets
  • Heated seat and backrest

Safety features

  • Anti-scald technology
  • Anti-slip floor and seat
  • Ergonomically placed grab bars
  • Overflow drain
  • Ozone cleaning system
  • Quick-drain system

Therapeutic features:

  • 16 gentle air bubble jets
  • Aromatherapy add-on
  • Chromotherapy add-on

Ariel

Most Affordable
3.6
  • Our rating: 72 out of 100
  • Warranty options: Limited lifetime
  • Cost range: $1,999 to $4,620

Ariel manufactures affordable bathroom products, including a line of 20 walk-in bathtubs. You can find its tubs at major retailers such as The Home Depot. The average cost of a walk-in tub is around $5,000, but Ariel’s tubs start as low as $2,000.

This makes Ariel an excellent choice if you want a well-made, accessible bathtub and don’t mind sacrificing features such as hydrotherapy and aromatherapy. The company prioritizes accessibility with low thresholds, ample grab bars, and ADA-compliant seating.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers walk-in tubs at competitive price points Provides its products through popular retailers, such as The Home Depot Includes wheelchair-accessible options Cons Only offers white colors Only offers some features, such as extra safety features, as add-ons

Ariel’s Standout Model

We consider Ariel’s 3060 EZWT Dual model the company’s best model. It comes in both left- and right-draining models and features a 17-inch-high contoured seat. The 3060 also includes an air system and hydrotherapy jets for massaging relief while you soak. In addition, this model includes a 1,500-watt inline water heater that regulates the tub’s water temperature.

Features

Here is the full list of features Ariel walk-in tubs have:

Ergonomics:

  • Adjustable jet flow
  • Air push button controls
  • Chrome-finished ergonomic faucet system
  • Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic construction
  • High-gloss triple gel coat

Massage features:

  • 20 air jets
  • Six whirlpool water jets

Safety features:

  • ADA-compliant grab bars and seat
  • Fast-drain double drainage system
  • Inline water heater

Therapeutic features:

  • Air massage system

What Are Common Types of Walk-In Tubs?

There are multiple types of walk-in tubs. Each type fulfills different needs.

  • Bariatric tubs: Bariatric walk-in tubs have sturdier seat designs to improve comfort and safety for larger people. Standard walk-in tubs accommodate people up to 300 pounds, but bariatric tubs increase capacity up to 600 pounds.
  • Hydrotherapy tubs: A hydrotherapy tub operates like a conventional whirlpool tub but features therapeutically placed water jets to target sore muscles. Consult your doctor before using a hydrotherapy tub if you experience hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.
  • Soaking tubs: A soaker tub is the most basic walk-in tub design. These tubs are deep enough for your torso and lower body to fully submerge while seated on a built-in seat or bench. Soaker tubs don’t include water or air jets, so the bathwater remains still for a deep soak.
  • Wheelchair-accessible tubs: Companies design wheelchair-accessible tubs to allow people in wheelchairs to transfer more safely and easily from their chairs into the tub. Often, these tubs have a wider door, lower threshold, and adjustable chair height so the bather can transfer onto the seat without obstacles. A wheelchair-accessible bathtub minimizes the risk of falling and makes bathing less complicated. Some manufacturers also offer sliding wall tubs. These tubs use a sliding wall to create an extra-wide entry and often feature an adjustable chair.
  • Two-person tubs: Companies often design two-person tubs as walk-in tubs. These tubs allow bathers to face each other and assist one another if needed. Sharing a bath with your loved one is a relaxing experience, and many of these tubs replicate the atmosphere of a high-end spa with LED lighting and built-in aromatic features.

What Walk-In Tub Features Should You Look For?

Walk-in tubs provide features in two main categories: safety and comfort. Safety features are often required for certain homeowners to bathe, while comfort features create a more therapeutic bathing experience. Below are some features we recommend looking for to ensure you receive a quality walk-in tub.

  • Aromatherapy add-on: Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and overall well-being. Typically, a walk-in tub uses an aromatherapy canister in a four-part plumbing assembly. You can insert and replace personalized scents or essential oils to tailor the experience to your needs and preferences.
  • Chromotherapy add-on: Chromotherapy, or color therapy, uses colored lights to create a therapeutic bathing experience. Color plays a vital role in how we think and feel. Certain colors are known to influence our mental and physical health. Combining chromotherapy with hydrotherapy creates soothing effects and helps enhance your mood and overall well-being.
  • Step threshold: Step threshold refers to the height of a tub’s raised strip of tile, marble, or other material that prevents water from leaking out. Walk-in tub entry thresholds vary in height. For instance, Kohler’s walk-in tubs have a 3-inch threshold, while others can be as tall as 7 inches.
  • Handrails and grab bars: Grab bars and handrails are standard for walk-in tubs. Many factors determine optimal grab bar placement, such as your arm and leg strength, range of motion, grip strength, balance, and coordination. We recommend checking with your contractor or the manufacturer to determine if it can move the tub’s built-in grab bars to meet your mobility needs.
  • Nonslip surface: Most walk-in tubs have nonslip surfaces. The best nonslip surfaces are textured rather than smooth. You can add a bath mat or traction stickers inside the tub for increased safety.
  • Quick drains: Walk-in tubs fill and drain while you sit inside, so you might get cold. The fill time depends on your water heater’s flow rate, and drainage time varies among tub models. We recommend finding a tub with a quick-drain system. These systems drain the tub in four minutes or less, while conventional drain tubs take anywhere from six to 15 minutes.
  • Self-cleaning: Many walk-in tubs use a self-cleaning feature to prevent skin infection, illness, and mold. These features may be jets that spray antibacterial and anti-mold chemicals or ultraviolet lights that eliminate bacteria. Other tubs also have ozone sanitation, in which ozone-enriched water kills microbes.
  • In-line water heating: Walk-in tubs use large quantities of water, especially those with hydrotherapy jets, so a technician might recommend an in-line or tankless heater to keep up with the demand. An in-line heater provides a consistent hot water supply and doesn’t require filling up a larger reservoir with hot water.
  • Pillows: You can increase your walk-in tub’s comfort with ergonomic pillows and headrests. Some headrests include a heating feature for maximum comfort.
  • Handheld showerhead: A handheld showerhead makes bathing easier for people with mobility challenges. It also helps with shampooing and tub cleaning.

How Do Walk-In Tubs Work?

These are the main steps to using a walk-in tub. The following steps refer to a basic soaker walk-in bathtub.

  1. First, you access the bath via a low-entry step and door.
  2. Then, you close and seal the door. Companies design doors and closures to do this with little effort or strength, ideal for those with arthritis or other mobility issues. The bath is completely watertight, so there’s no danger of spills or leakages on your bathroom floor.
  3. Next, you fill the tub using a thermostatically controlled mixer tap. In other words, you use an ergonomically designed control panel to fill the bath. The fill time can vary due to the water pressure in your home. Sometimes, an additional pump is required to speed up this process, but your installer will check this before beginning work.
  4. Enjoy the bath and any additional luxury or comfort features it offers.
  5. Finally, drain the bath before you open the door. Once you drain the tub, you can safely exit.
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What Makes Walk-In Tubs ADA Compliant?

An ADA-compliant tub meets or exceeds standards set by Section 4.20 of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines. This section outlines the features that make a bathtub safe and easy to use for older adults and people with disabilities. Check with the manufacturer to see if the model you’re interested in meets ADA-compliant requirements.

Here are some of the most important ADA-compliant requirements a walk-in tub must meet:

  • Grab bars: The ADA requires grab bars and handrails to ensure enhanced balance and stability.
  • Floor space: An ADA-compliant tub must have an unobstructed floor space at least 30 inches wide and 60 inches long.
  • Seat: Tub seats must be fortified and stable, with handholds on each side for effortless climbing.
  • Showerheads: Whether a handheld showerhead or a fixed shower, an ADA-compliant tub must use a hose at least 60 inches long. Showerhead placement must be away from grab bars and rails.

How Much Do Walk-In Tubs Cost?

Unfortunately, walk-in tub installation costs significantly more than traditional bathtub installation. The walk-in tub itself costs $2,000–$5,000. Installation adds another $2,000–$10,000, raising the average total to $4,000–$15,000.


Are Walk-In Tubs Covered by Insurance or Medicare?

According to medicare.org, most Medicare plans don’t consider walk-in tubs as durable medical equipment (DME). Therefore, if you have Original Medicare Part A, it won’t cover the cost of a walk-in tub. However, some Medicare Part B plans could cover up to 80% of walk-in tub costs under its DME provision if you meet several criteria:

  • A doctor’s letter stating that the walk-in tub is medically necessary
  • Proof that you purchased the walk-in tub from a DME provider

Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans may also cover a walk-in tub since it could classify as an aging-in-place home improvement. Additionally, if you qualify for Medicaid, you may have access to financial assistance from your state.


How To Save on Walk-In Tubs

There are a few ways to cut costs on walk-in tubs.

  • Go minimalist: The price of extra features can add up quickly, so consider whether you need add-ons such as chromotherapy lights or air bath jets.
  • Minimize labor costs: Have the new tub installed in the same space as the old one.
  • Look for payment plans: Many retailers allow you to pay in installments.
  • Get multiple estimates: The prices of most walk-in tubs are only available by quote, so request several to compare and find the best deal.
  • Buy materials yourself: You’ll probably need materials such as tiles and tub surrounds in addition to the tub. If possible, buy these yourself instead of through the installation contractor.
  • Look for local grants: Some areas of the United States offer home modification grants for elderly adults and people with disabilities to make their homes more accessible.

Are Walk-In Tubs Worth It?

A walk-in tub is a great way to upgrade your home with a safer, more comfortable, therapeutic bathing experience. But as with any home upgrade, deciding whether or not to get a walk-in tub is a big decision.

Check with your doctor to fully understand the benefit of installing a walk-in tub. In addition, review your budget or consult with your financial planner to determine what you can afford. Explore different financing options, and check with your local aging agency about Medicaid or Veterans Affairs (VA) assistance.

You can also consult an occupational therapist, a medical professional trained to help with home modifications and provide hands-on training to seniors as they adapt to changes in their home environment. Contact the American Occupational Therapy Association or your state’s occupational therapy association.


Our Conclusion

Ella’s Bubbles is our top choice for walk-in tubs. The company provides one of the broadest tub selections with competitive pricing, so you can most likely find a model that matches your budget and needs.

We recommend American Standard if you want experienced customer service and expertise. The company has more than 150 years of experience in bathroom products. Finally, we recommend Meditub if you need a wheelchair-accessible tub.

Walk-in bathtub installation is an expensive and daunting process. We suggest consulting various experts, including your primary doctor and an occupational therapist, to decide if it’s the right purchase for you. Request quotes from at least three walk-in tub brands before buying. This will ensure you get a tub that matches your health and safety needs, as well as your budget and desired comfort features.


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FAQ About Walk-In Tub Brands

What is considered to be the best walk-in tub?

Based on our comprehensive review, we consider Ella’s Bubbles the best walk-in tub brand. The company offers competitive pricing for a broad selection of soaker and hydrotherapy tubs. However, the best walk-in tub for you will depend on your health needs and budget.

What is the average price of a walk-in tub?

The average price of a walk-in tub is $2,000–$5,000. Installation adds another $2,000–$10,000, raising the average total cost to $4,000–$15,000. 

What material is best for walk-in tubs?

Acrylic is the preferred material for luxury walk-in tubs because it’s lightweight and durable, with an expected life span of more than 30 years. However, most walk-in tubs use fiberglass with a gel coating because it’s more affordable. It’s also reasonably sturdy, with an average life span of 10–15 years.

What is the best walk-in tub for people with limited mobility?

Any walk-in tub with features geared toward wheelchair accessibility is great for people with limited mobility. These tubs have additional handrails and a more open and spacious design to move around in. We recommend Meditub for the best wheelchair-accessible tubs. 

What is the difference between a walk-in tub and a bathtub?

A walk-in tub has a lower threshold and higher walls than a standard bathtub. It also has a built-in seat and a door that opens to allow the bather inside. 

Are all walk-in tubs ADA-compliant?

No, not all walk-in tubs are ADA-compliant, so it’s essential to consult the manufacturer before buying a tub. 

Do walk-in tubs add value to your home?

How a walk-in tub affects your home’s value depends on certain factors, such as your location and potential buyers. Walk-in tubs increase home value if you’re in a market where many elderly or physically disabled people live. These tubs increase safety and add convenience for the bather.


Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to support our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for walk-in tub providers is on a 100-point scale based on six factors:

  • Types (10 points): We browse each provider’s catalog to learn which types of walk-in tubs it offers, including two-person tubs, bariatric tubs, hydrotherapy tubs, deep soaker tubs, and wheelchair-accessible tubs. Providers that offer more types score higher. 
  • Safety features (25 points): We ensure the provider offers ADA-compliant tub models. We also assess if other important safety features are included handrails, a non-slip floor, a quick-drain system, and anti-scald technology. 
  • Ergonomics (15 points): We verify that each walk-in tub provider’s design, buttons, and other functions are easily accessible and to use. Walk-in tubs with features such as easy-lock handles, outward-swinging doors, pillows, and three-inch step thresholds scored higher.
  • Warranty options (20 points): We analyze each provider’s warranty to determine its length and whether it covers more than just a few parts. Providers with more comprehensive warranties, such as a limited lifetime warranty on the whole tub, receive more points than providers with a limited warranty, such as a 10-year warranty. 
  • Average cost (15 points): We average the price of each provider’s tub selection to determine a typical cost range. The more affordable a provider’s pricing, the more points it receives. 
  • Extra features (15 points): We consider any extra comfort features a provider can add to its tubs, such as handheld showerheads, extra water jets, and aromatherapy and chromotherapy add-ons. 

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.