How Much Does a Walk-In Tub Shower Combo Cost? (April 2024 Guide)
Typical Cost Range: $2,500–$6,000
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A walk-in tub shower combo provides a safe, comfortable, and convenient bathing experience for older adults or people with limited mobility. Walk-in bathtubs have high sides and accessible entry doors, eliminating the need to step over a bathtub ledge while providing additional safety features. A walk-in tub shower combo also allows you to shower while sitting or standing. The average cost of a walk-in tub shower combo is $2,500–$6,000,* but this doesn’t include installation or additional plumbing and wall treatments.
Read on to learn more about the cost of a walk-in tub shower combo and whether it’s worth the price.
*Cost data sourced from HomeAdvisor, Fixr, and Angi.
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Walk-In Tub Shower Combo Cost
Labor costs and tub type are the two main factors that affect the cost of a walk-in tub shower combo. A walk-in tub shower combo costs $2,500–$6,000 itself, and installation adds another $4,000–$10,000. Here’s the cost breakdown.
- Installation and labor: Installation costs vary depending on whether you need plumbing work and wall protection, but range from $4,000–$10,000.
- Material: A walk-in tub shower combo is typically available in gelcoat or acrylic. Gelcoat costs $1,500–$5,000, while acrylic costs $1,500–$8,500.
- Size: Walk-in tub shower combos come in various sizes. Tubs are typically around 60 inches long and 30 inches wide, but you can also purchase tubs 66, 72, and 84 inches long. Long tubs cost between $3,000 and $10,000.
- Type: Tubs with extra features, such as whirlpool jets, are more expensive. Depending on your desired tub type, the price can range from $2,500–$20,000.
Installation and Labor Costs
Installation can be as high as $5,000 for complex jobs, not including the walk-in tub shower combo’s actual cost. Difficult installations often require other professionals, such as a plumber or electrician. Installation can take six to eight hours, but more complex jobs may require additional time.
The following factors can increase your labor and installation price:
- Installing new ceramic or porcelain flooring or tiling costs $900–$2,600.
- Complex plumbing work requires a plumber’s expertise. Plumbers typically charge $45–$200 per hour, or some may charge a flat rate of $300.
- Hiring an electrician to do electrical wiring costs $50–$100 per hour.
- Disposing of materials, such as old tiles or construction debris, factors into the total cost.
Cost by Material
Most walk-in tub shower combos are either made of fiberglass sprayed with a gelcoat layer or acrylic reinforced by fiberglass. Acrylic is durable and nonporous, making it easy to clean and resistant to staining and cracking. Although gelcoat is cheaper, it’s more porous and requires more maintenance to prevent staining.
- Acrylic walk-in tub shower combo cost: $1,500–$8,500 for materials and $2,500–$13,500 with installation.
- Gelcoat walk-in tub shower combo cost: $1,500–$5,000 for materials and $2,500–$8,000 with installation.
Cost by Size
A standard walk-in tub shower combo allows one person to sit or stand and can fit in an average-sized bathroom. Long, bariatric, and ADA-accessible tubs or two-seaters could increase the average price by $1,000 or more. However, larger tubs may not fit in all bathroom layouts. A small bathroom remodel costs $6,500 on average, but can range from $1,500–$15,000 or more.
Cost by Type
Different types of walk-in tubs come equipped with different shower options. Below you can find each tub type and its price, excluding installation costs.
| Type of Tub | Special Feature(s) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Air tub |
Air jets for a full-body massage experience |
$3,000–$10,000 |
|
Bariatric tub |
A wider tub with double doors designed to accommodate bariatric patients and wheelchairs |
$5,000–$10,000 |
|
Basic soaking tub |
A standard walk-in tub with improved safety and accessibility |
$1,500–$5,000 |
|
Combination shower/tub |
Higher walls and shower fixtures to shower sitting or standing |
$2,500–$6,000 |
|
Hydrotherapy tub |
Whirlpool jets for a full-body massage |
$3,000–$10,000 |
|
Long tub |
Tubs that are longer than the standard size to allow for reclining |
$3,000–$10,000 |
|
Luxury tub |
Tubs with several added high-end features, such as heated seats and remote controls |
$15,000–$20,000 |
|
Two-seater tub |
A larger tub with two seats facing each other |
$3,500–$10,000 |
Factors Affecting Cost
Walk-in tub brands have varying prices with extra features that increase their price. Tubs that are ADA-compliant, require permits, or need additional labor can also increase prices.
ADA Compliance
ADA compliance refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. It means appropriate and reasonable accommodations are in place for people with disabilities or limited mobility. ADA-compliant tubs must meet specific requirements for a combination tub and shower.
According to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, tubs with permanent seats must include two grab bars on the back wall and one on the control-end wall. The shower spray unit must have a 59-inch-long hose to use as a fixed-position showerhead or a handheld shower. The shower spray unit must have an on/off control, and an adjustable-height showerhead cannot obstruct the grab bars. Additional requirements include exact measurements for grab bars, tub thresholds, and doors or entryways.
Only some tub/shower combination models are ADA-compliant, and they tend to be more expensive. You can expect to pay an average of $9,000 to make a bathroom ADA-accessible.
Additional Labor
Not every tub installation is the same. Some may require additional labor to fit a tub/shower combo.
- Tub removal: Contractors charge an average of $200–$1,200 to remove and dispose of your old bathtub. An alcove and free-standing tub are the cheapest to remove.
- Plumbing: If you need plumbing work, plumbers charge an average of $45–$200 per hour. It costs $600–$1,600 per fixture if you need new pipes.
- Electrical: Some walk-in tubs have heaters and pumps which generally need dedicated circuits for operation. A walk-in tub shower combo that requires electrical work by a licensed electrician costs $50–$100 per hour.
- Tiling and wall remodeling: The average cost to retile a bathroom with ceramic or porcelain is $2,000. Fixing drywall, building or removing a wall, painting, or installing wallpaper adds another $300–$3,000.
- Floor reinforcement: A larger tub or one made from heavier material may require a contractor to reinforce the floor joists or add subfloor reinforcement. This costs $300–$800 on average.
Brand
Different walk-in tub shower combo brands have different price ranges. Consider that every brand might not offer ADA-compliant bathtubs, and some may come with different features than others. Below are some of the most well-known walk-in tub brands.
- American Standard: American Standard offers walk-in tubs between $3,000 and $11,000. You can find standard walk-in tubs with hand shower attachments, including air and water jets for a full-body massage.
- Ella: An Ella walk-in tub shower combo costs $2,500–$10,000. Ella tubs come with a hand shower attachment or you can purchase a shower column kit to attach an overhead rain shower.
- Kohler: This brand is higher-end but offers additional features, such as a lifetime warranty, a multi-function hand shower, and fast-drain technology. Kohler walk-in tubs range from $4,000–$12,000. Kohler also has a shower package, which includes a regular or extended overhead shower.
- Safe Step: Safe Step has walk-in tubs ranging from $2,500–$10,000 with a lifetime warranty. The company’s walk-in tub shower combo, or hybrid tub, comes with a handheld shower attachment and an overhead shower with the company’s shower package.
- Universal: Universal walk-in tubs are more affordable, ranging between $2,000 and $7,000. Universal has 18 different walk-in tub sizes with handheld showerheads.
Features
You can customize your walk-in tub with extra features to improve its comfort and safety. These add-ons typically come with the model you order instead of being installed at a later date. Here are some standard features you can add to a basic walk-in tub:
- ADA-compliant seating: $300–$500
- Aromatherapy (built-in scent diffusers): $200–$350
- Chromotherapy (built-in lights): $200–$350
- Grab bars: $50–$300
- Ozone sterilization: $150–$300
- Slip-resistant floor: $30–$200
- Thermostatic Control Valve (TCV): $250–$400
Permits
Most walk-in tub installations require permits. Requirements may vary depending on your state, county, or city. A permit is usually needed to modify existing plumbing or electrical. In addition, some municipalities require a permit if home renovations exceed a certain amount, usually $5,000.
Professional vs. DIY
Installing a walk-in tub shower combo yourself isn’t recommended, nor is it feasible for most homeowners. The installation requires the expertise of several professionals, such as a contractor, a plumber, and an electrician. Poor installations can lead to water leaks, floor issues, or electrical problems.
Professional Walk-In Tub Shower Combo Installation
Depending on the necessary work, a walk-in tub shower combo installation may require a licensed contractor, plumber, and electrician. Here’s an overview of the installation process:
- Old tub removal: Shut off the water to the house and remove the plumbing trim, the wall surround and drywall, and the old bathtub. The old tub’s weight could pose a challenge. Before removal, a professional bathtub installer may need to dismantle or cut apart the tub.
- Preparation: Once you remove the old tub and fixtures, only the framing and plumbing remain. Sometimes, a plumber may need to move the plumbing to fit the new bathtub. If your walk-in tub shower combo comes with air jets or heaters, an electrician may be necessary.
- Level the walk-in tub: Some bathtubs are wider than door frames, so you may need to dismantle door frames leading to the bathroom. Once the tub is in the bathroom, the tub should be put into the proper space, aligned with the drain, and leveled.
- Tiling and wall remodeling: If you plan to use the hand-held feature or expand the walk-in tub to a shower, you’ll need additional wall protection above the tub. This might be tile, solid surface, or panels provided by the tub manufacturer. You can install a walk-in tub with a custom shower or as a single unit.
- Install the new fixtures: Once everything is in place, install the bathtub’s plumbing and fixtures.
Labor and materials typically range from $700–$3,000 but can go as high as $5,000 for complex jobs. Many walk-in tub manufacturers also offer warranties, but each policy can vary from one brand to the next. You may want to find a manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty, as the walk-in tub’s door seal can degrade over time.
DIY Walk-In Tub Shower Combo Installation
A do-it-yourself (DIY) walk-in tub shower combo installation is only possible if you can physically remove and install your new tub and have experience with plumbing, electrical work, and bathroom remodeling. If the tub isn’t installed and sealed correctly, water could leak into the walls and floor and cause water damage. A DIY walk-in tub shower combo installation may save you money on labor, but a mistake could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. For example, water damage repair costs more than $3,000 on average.
Signs That You Need To Fix Your Walk-In Tub Shower Combo
Fixing bathtub issues as soon as they arise helps prevent larger, more expensive problems and ensures that your bathtub is safe and comfortable to use. Here are some common signs that you need to fix your walk-in tub shower combo:
- Leak, cracks, chips: Water leaks outside the tub can cause rot, mildew, or mold.
- Loose handles or knobs: These parts deteriorate over time and any loose parts can be dangerous.
- Drain problems: If water is not draining correctly or taking too long to drain, it could indicate a clogged drain or a broken drain mechanism.
- Low water pressure: Lower water pressure than usual could signify a problem with the tub’s plumbing.
- Door issues: You may need to repair or replace the door to the walk-in tub if it doesn’t open or close properly.
How To Save on a Walk-In Tub Shower Combo
There are several ways to save on a walk-in tub shower combo.
- Health insurance: Medicare generally won’t cover the cost of a walk-in tub, but Medicaid or insurance providers may offer some financial assistance. Check with your insurance carrier for more information.
- Rebates: Some walk-in tub companies offer discounts and rebates for certain models.
- Research: Figure out what features and add-ons you need so you don’t overspend.
- Payment plans: Many retailers allow you to set up installment plans.
- Home modification grants: Some government programs or organizations offer grants to low-income elderly adults and people with disabilities to make their homes more accessible.
Our Conclusion
Walk-in tub shower combos can make bathing safer, more comfortable, and more convenient for seniors and people with disabilities. Though these tubs are expensive, it’s possible to save some money and stay within your budget. However, this doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality for a better deal.
Spending more on features you need, especially if they’re for safety and ADA compliance, is well worth the money. A DIY installation may be tempting, but the risks far outweigh the money-saving potential. Reach out to bathroom installation professionals in your local area and get multiple quotes to find the best deal.
FAQ About Walk-In Tub Shower Combo Cost
Are walk-in tubs worth the money?
Walk-in tubs can be worth the money if you have mobility issues, are elderly, or simply want a more luxurious bathing experience. Walk-in tubs come with more safety and comfort features than a typical bathtub.
Do walk-in tubs come with seats?
Yes, walk-in tubs come with built-in ergonomic seating for one or two people.
What are the problems with walk-in tubs?
One problem with walk-in tubs is that bathers must sit in the walk-in tub as it fills and drains. Some models fill and drain slowly, potentially leading to hypothermia. There’s also the potential for scalding as the tub fills while you’re in it. The tub also has a door that either swings in or out depending on the model, leading to issues when open. Walk-in tubs also use more water and extra energy for the pumps, heaters, and jets.
Does Medicare help with the cost of a walk-in tub?
Medicare generally won’t help with the cost of a walk-in tub because the tubs are not considered durable medical equipment.
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