How to choose the best walk in bathtub

A walk in bathtub has an inwards swinging sealing door and either has or does not have, a seat. This is to make it accessible to people with disabilities or the elderly who find getting into, or out of, a regular bathtub difficult. But what is the best walk in tub for your particular needs? Take a peek at our walk in tub reviews to help you make the perfect choice for your space and needs.

But first, did you know there are different types of walk-in bathtubs?

Best Walk In Tub Reviews

So let’s be frank with each other. Making the correct choice regarding the best walk in tub is difficult. Walk in tub reviews will all tell you this make of product or that make of product is the best. The reason is usually that walk in tub reviews are written by people for a specific company. So our team had a look at a number of walk in tubs and reviewed them for you. Here is our list of favorites.

1.  Therapeutic Tubs Prairie Combination Walk-in Bathtub

Not all walk-in tubs are created equal that’s for sure. Some are just getting by while others surpass expectations. One of the most efficient bathtubs in the market is this combination tub by Therapeutic Tubs called Prairie.

Prairie is both a whirlpool and air jet tub. This means that the tub has the full potential of hydrotherapy session that you won’t experience in any standard walk-in tubs.

The whirlpool system pumps water in certain areas of the tub, hitting those vulnerable spots of your body while the air jet system creates enough amount of water bubble for a more fulfilling bath.

Best Features:

See more: Therapeutic Tubs Walk In Bathtubs on Wayfair

2.  Universal Tub HD Series Whirlpool Bathtub

One of the complaints that people have about bathtubs is that it drains the water pretty slow. This means that they need to wait for a few minutes before the tub is finally rid of water.

This HD Series Bathtub by Universal Tubs is greatly admired as it answers this particular problem. It removes water from the tub as fast as a minute. So, if someone wants to use the tub right after you, then you can easily do so minus the waiting time. Amazing!

Best Features:

See more: Universal Tubs Walk In Bathtubs on Homedepot

3.  Arista Hydro-Therapy Walk-in Bathtub

Aside from its massaging water jets, this amazing bathtub by Arista also shoots massaging air bubbles to your body. The air bubbles are much gentler and gives a more relaxing sensation as you soak in the tub.

If you want t experience both water and air massage while bathing, then this Hydro-Therapy Air Walk-in Tub by Arista is for you.

Best Features:

4.  Ellas Bubbles Combination Walk-in Bathtub

Another popular walk-in tub shower combo that has great reviews online is this Combination tub by Ellas Bubbles.

This is an Air and Hydro walk-in bathtub with a lot of space for comfortable soaking time. It has a total dimension of 60-inches by 30-inches that allows up to two users. This is the best jacuzzi walk-in tub for couples!

Best Features:

5.  Ellas Bubbles Tub4Two Walk-in Bathtub

Another amazing walk-in tub from Ellas Bubbles that make it to the list is thisTub4Two bathtub. It has the same features as the Ellas Bubbles combination tub, but this one has upgraded features.

This tub never fails to impress users with its air jets that shoot microbubbles that exfoliate your skin and gently massages your muscles. No wonder why a lot of people say this is the best walk-in tub for the price.

Best Features:

6.  American Standard Left-Hand Walk-in Bathtub

If we’re going to mention best walk-in tub brands, American Standard is a name that shouldn’t be missed. The brand has established a good reputation in the home furnishings industry. Hence, it is not at all surprising why a lot of people fell in love with their products.

One of the best-selling American Standard walk-in tubs is the 3060SH.LL model. It is a classic tub with seated shower, overflow drain, and integral tile flange.

Best Features:

7.  American Standard Gelcoat Value Series Whirlpool Walk-in Bathtub

This American Standard walk-in tub is known for its gelcoat finish, giving the tub a smooth glossy look while giving it optimum protection.

Albeit expensive, this walk-in tub is a favorite choice in commercial buildings because of its durability and amazing warranty programs. This walk-in tub also boasts advanced technologies that you can’t find in any other tub brands like the focus leg massage.

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8.  Pinnacle Whirlpool and Air Walk-in Bathtub

Pinnacle is a brand that offers huge selections of bathtubs, including standard tubs, soaking tubs, walk-in tubs, and combination. But what sets this Pinnacle Whirlpool and Air Walk-in Bathtub is the fact that it offers spa-like experience to its users.

This combination tub has won the hearts of many because of its heated air blower system that runs quietly, giving you massaging air bubbles. Plus, it has 2 HP water pump that shoots concentrated water to give you a hydro-therapy experience salon-like.

Best Features:

9.  Ariel Bath Soaker Walk-in Bathtub

A perfect soaking tub should be one that allows full-body soak. However, this is quite rare to see in most walk-in tubs. Fortunately, we found this Ariel Bath Soaker Tub.

We were mesmerized by the tub’s deep rectangular shape while still able to integrate a walk-in type of installation. Most walk-in tubs are usually whirlpool or air jetted. But this one remains true to its purpose which is to only give you a full body soaking experience, hence the name Soaker tub.

This, dare we say, is a great tub for those who have sensitive skin and who just want to enjoy a relaxing soak tub with easy access.

Best Features:

See more: Ariel Bath Walk In Bathtubs on Wayfair

10.  Energy Tubs Walk-in Bathtub

How about a walk-in tub that is equipped with all the necessary accessories you would ever need in a tub? Things like shower, faucet, overflow drain, tub waste kit, drain assembly are included in this walk-in tub.

Moreover, this walk-in tub by Energy Tubs is a combination tub that produces hydro-therapy and chromatherapy.

Best Features:

See more: Energy Tubs Walk In Bathtubs on Wayfair

11.  Safety Tubs Value Series Walk-in Bathtub

The exterior of this bathtub is nothing out of ordinary but what matters is actually the product’s efficiency and performance, right?

This tub is designed in a way that makes it easier for you to install it to your bathroom. It even comes with premium faucet and color matched trim. If you want a durable that has safety features but also offer comfort, then Safety Tubs Value Series is a great consideration.

Best Features:

See more: Safety Tubs Walk In Bathtubs on Homedepot

12.  Jacuzzi Finestra Salon Spa Walk-in Tub

A well-designed walk-in bathtub that offers salon spa experience to its users is what Jacuzzi Finestra is aiming for.

This is a bath bench shower tub with chromatherapy lighting to resembles salon ambiance. The colored lights help relax your mind and body. To top it all, it is also equipped with both whirlpool and air jet system, thus giving you different concentrated massages.

Whether you want a full-blown spa-like experience or just want to enjoy a nice soak in lukewarm water, the Jacuzzi Finestra Salon Spa Walk-in Tub is a worth it investment.

Best Features:

The Different Types of Walk In Bathtubs

As with regular bathtubs, walk-in bathtubs also comes in different types, so you can choose the best walk in tub that is just right for you.

Soaking Tub Walk In Bathtubs

A soaking Tub Walk in Bathtub gives its user the benefits of any of the regular best bathtubs around – a nice, long soak at the end, or beginning, of the day. Just because you are unable to get into a regular bathtub, it does not mean you should be denied the pleasure of using one, after all.

Whirlpool Walk In Bathtubs

A whirlpool walk in bathtub comes fitted with regular jets, just like the best hot tubs around. These jets circulate water throughout the bath,  sucking in water and pushing it out at high speed, giving you a great, relaxing massage after a long, hard, day.

The massaging action gets to sore muscles, giving almost instant relief due to a nice, deep massage without any of the hurt from going for massage therapy.

Whirlpool walk in bathtubs have higher maintenance needs than an aerated bathtub. This is because used water is filtered through the system, resulting in the system needing a regular cleaning session to ensure it works optimally.

Aerated Tub Walk in Bathtub

This type of walk in bathtub, much like the whirlpool walk in bathtub, also has jets. In this case, however, the massage action is provided by air pumping through the jets from an outside source to provide you with millions of bubbles that massage you all over.

The air is sucked into the system, heated, and pushed out at a high velocity, ensuring a warm, soothing feeling against the skin

Air and Whirlpool Walk In Bathtubs

With these bathtubs, you get the best of everything. You get the great message resulting from the water pressure shooting out of the water jets, or you can opt for a gentler experience from the air bubbles.

You could, of course, opt for both these systems to work at the same time, giving you a bathing experience not to be missed.

Different Features for Most Walk-In Tubs

In order to decide on the best walk-in bathtub for your buck, you need to first decide why you actually want one. Do you want one for therapy, safety reasons, or for comfort?

Therapy Reasons

Walk-in bathtubs have a variety of potential health benefits which include reducing aches and pains, improving your blood circulation, and improving mobility. For example:

Safety Reasons

Older people, those with disabilities, or those who are overweight may find it difficult to get into and out of a ‘normal’ bathtub. They also stand at a higher risk of slipping and falling. Walk-in bathtubs have a number of safety features that are not commonly found in a normal tub.

Can Walk-In Tubs be Customized?

With the wide variety of features that are available, you can most certainly pick the type of tub that suits you perfectly.

A Tub With the Convenience of a Shower

Many people feel safer using a walk in tub yet they still want to be able to shower. Many of these tubs are fitted with a hand-held shower that allows them to still sit while using it. This also saves on water costs as you use less water, while some of the hand showers have adjustable spray options.

You could, if you wish, add a shower holder to the wand in a fixed position, just like a ‘regular shower, that can still be removed and held in the hand for when sitting.

Inserting a Tub Extender

Because these bathtubs are not built in, you may find there is a space between the tub and wall. A tub extender gets rid of this space and at the same time protects you from accidental electrical or water damage.

There is a Lower Step-Up

Getting into or out of a regular tub sees you having to lift your leg quite high. In the case of a walk in tub, the threshold is extremely low. This makes it much easier for those who are not very mobile to use.

The Door

There are tub options that have the door swing inwards, or outwards, depending on your needs. Those that swing inwards (towards the bathtub) stay closed due to the water pressure inside the tub and are usually cheaper than tubs with doors that swing outwards.

Tubs that have doors swinging outwards are usually a little more expensive because their closing mechanisms are quite complex as they are designed in such a way to resist the pressure coming from the water inside the tub.

The Construction Materials Used for the Shell

These tubs are either molded from fiberglass or acrylic. Fiberglass tubs are usually cheaper, are very strong, and usually given a triple gel epoxy coating. Acrylic shells, on the other hand, are very long-lasting and easy to clean.

There is, however, a third option: a combination shell. Here, the base of the tub is molded from acrylic and fiberglass is used for reinforcement purposes.

The Frame Type

Some tubs have metal frames while others do not. Those that do not have frames usually have great design options, although the depth of the tub suffers as a consequence. They are also less strong than those with frames.

Frames are usually made of aluminum or composite materials and are less prone to sprouting leaks due to the way they are finished off. They are also usually cheaper than frameless tubs. Their doors, however, usually only open outwards.

Neck rests and Seating Options

It is generally a good idea to check out a hot tub’s seating and neck rest options. As these vary, you may want to investigate the option that suits your needs best.

The Size of the Step-In Bath Tub

As with regular tubs, size here also varies – including length, breadth, and height. It depends on your available space and needs. In cases where they are shorter than your regular bath tub’s space, you may want to use an extender in order to fill the gap.

The Extras

You can opt for extras such as a padded seat or even neck cushions if you so wish. Many of these tubs come with a quick drain feature as you cannot exit the tub while it contains water and could get cold waiting for the water to drain. Tubs that have doors that open outwards are usually preferred for those in wheelchairs as they give much easier access to the tub.

How Do Walk In Tubs Work?

Walk in tubs are usually sold as a complete unit that only needs attaching to your water supply and a drain. If, however, you opt for a whirlpool or aerated walk in tub, or even one that has both, you would also need to take the power attachment into consideration.

A walk in tub is fitted with a door that either swings inwards, or outwards. You would open the door and transfer yourself (from a wheelchair) to the seat, if disabled, or simply walk in and sit down. The floor, which is usually slip resistant, and added arm handles, are added safety features that ensure you do not fall.

Most of these bathtubs are fitted with a quick-draining function, as you would, typically, have to wait for the water to drain before being able to get out.

The door threshold is usually very low to allow for easy access.

Pros and Cons of Walk In Bathtubs

As with all types of baths, even the best walk-in tubs have their own set of pros and cons attached.

Pros

How Do I Choose the Best Walk In Bathtub?

Choosing the best walk in bathtub is a matter of perspective, i.e. your perspective.  You need to ask yourself: “What are my needs?”

One of the things that need thinking about is size. These bathtubs range in size, so you need to decide on the size that fits your bathroom, and your needs. In addition, do you want a soaking tub walk-in bathtub, a whirlpool walk-in bathtub, an aerated tub walk-in bathtub, or a dual function tub, i.e.an air and whirlpool walk-in bathtub? Price and personal preference play a role in making this decision.

Then there are door options to consider. Do you prefer an inward swinging or an outward swinging door? While an outward swinging door might be a better option for someone in a wheelchair, it does tend to take up quite a bit of bathroom space.

Safety Considerations

A walk-in tub is not only large but also very heavy, especially when filled with water. Most use water as well as electricity, so ensuring they are safe is an absolute necessity. One way of doing so is checking out their safety certifications.

If living in the United States of America, you need to ensure that it meets all of the American Standards Association’s criteria. In Canada, this means the those of the Canadian Standards Association Safety Certification.

Although most manufacturers adhere to these certifications, the onus is on you to verify before installing your new tub.

Besides these certifications, you will also need to ensure your tub has the following certifications:

• The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
• The Edison Testing Labs of North American Safety Certification for Electrical Equipment
• The American National Standards Institute (product safety)
• The American with Disabilities Act (for ADA compliance)

Do keep in mind, however, that not all tubs need all these certifications. For example, you may not need a tub that is ADA compliant if mobility is not a major issue, i.e. you are not wheelchair bound. A tub with no certifications whatsoever would, however, raise some red flags.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding walk-in bathtubs

Who needs to use walk-in bathtubs?

A walk in bathtub is recommended for everyone who has mobility issues, including those who are in a wheelchair, or those that have mobility issues such as the elderly or obese people.

Which would be better for a senior losing mobility, a walk-in tub or a walk in shower?

Although a walk in shower is a great option for seniors, a walk in tub is safer. The reasons are that it has a built-in seat as well as a non-slip floor and grab rails as added safety measures. These are precautionary measures that ensure an elderly person does not slip and fall, can be seated for comfort and has something to hold on to when entering or exiting the tub.

What are the features of a walk in tub?

Standard features include a door that ensures low entry (no lifting of legs to get in or out), a handrail or handrails, and a chair that is built in. More expensive models have extra features, such as water jets, a hot water regulator, neck pillows, and even therapy lights, plus a whole lot more.

Are there any health benefits of walk-in tubs or are they for comfort only

Besides the obvious safety benefits, these tubs may also have certain health benefits, especially those fitted with whirlpool jets as they relieve aches and pains by providing a great massage.

What are the safety benefits of walk-in bathtubs?

It provides those with low mobility a number of safety perks. The floor is usually constructed in such a way to avoid slipping, while the seating provides you a place to sit while bathing without the risk of falling. Additionally, the safety handles provide you with a place to grip when either entering or exiting the tub.

What is the most comfortable style of bathtubs?

Here, the answer depends on your personal needs. A regular walk-in bathtub meets most of your mobility needs. However, one with added features adds to your experience.

What should I expect to pay?

Please remember that when you buy a walk in tub you need to budget for installation as well. A walk in bathtub, depending on what type you choose, can cost anything between approximately $2,000 and $5,000. The installation costs (remember you need someone for the electrical and plumbing connections) could be anything in the region of about $2,000. The costs should thus not, generally speaking, of course, exceed approximately $10,000. If you are doing an entire remodel of your bathroom, however, you would have to add those costs to this estimate.

Are walk-in tubs covered by Medicare?

Unfortunately, no. Medicare does not, at any cost, pay for walk-in tubs. Walk-in tubs can be used by anyone or by any member of your family. So, unlike hospital beds, wheelchairs, nebulizers, etc., this is not eligible for Medicare insurance.

How much space do you need for a walk-in tub?

Walk-in tubs come various shapes and sizes. Moreover, they have different installation types. For this reason, the space needed to set up a walk-in tub depends on the size, shape, and installation process.

Usually, walk-in tub brands include the tub’s dimension so that you can calculate on your own if the tub can fit perfectly in your bathroom.

How much water do walk-in tubs require?

Most tubs require a lot of water, that’s for sure. But it still depends on the size and depth of the tub. If you fancy soaker tub, then you most likely need at least 45 gallons of water. Some even require up to 90 gallons of water.

Conclusion

Experience luxury and comfort while soaking in the Jacuzzi Finestra walk-in tub. This tub surely isn’t cheap, but we think this one gives the best value to your money. From the tub design, efficiency, features, and safety, Jacuzzi Finestra has all these and more.

This one is an alcove design tub made from premium acrylic material. It is also equipped with amazing features like chromatherapy, aromatherapy, and is Epsom salt compatible! Like isn’t it a spa-like experience? The best thing is that you can have that luxurious soaking time without leaving your home.

It’s comfortable, offers full-body bath, and has the massaging power of both whirlpool and air jetted bathtub.

In a nutshell, the Jacuzzi Finestra Walk-in Tub is the ultimate choice if you want to get the most of your money. If you’re paying for something to unwind and make you feel relaxed, then we are confident that you’ll love the amazing Jacuzzi Finestra Tub.