Have you considered getting a walk-in tub for your bathroom? While these are great for people with limited mobility or those who are aging, the truth is, that anyone can benefit from this style tub. If you would like to learn more about these tubs and if it’s the right choice as part of your bathroom remodeling in San Diego, CA, keep reading as we explore the benefits and the drawbacks.

What is a Walk-in Bathtub?

A walk-in bathtub is a tub that you literally walk into to enter. This is accomplished by the walk-in tub having a door that opens and you simply walk in and close the door behind you. This is a wonderful option when you are worried about slips and falls that can occur when trying to stop and get in a more traditional-style tub.

These bathtubs also typically contain a seat as well as many hydro jets that force the water all around resulting in providing therapeutic benefits. While standard tubs have a normal depth of 13-14 inches, walk-in tubs can have 40-48 inches of water depth. Seats are typically placed at around 17 inches, so this leaves another 20 inches to be submerged in. These features make it similar to a hot tub more than a bath.

Pros of a Walk-In Tub

Just like with everything else, a walk-in tub has its own share of pros and cons. Some of the pros include:

• Safer than traditional tubs – With non-slip flooring as well as being able to walk into the tub, the chance for falls is greatly reduced. Also, homeowners can choose to have extra safety features installed such as handrails.
• Can hold more water – With the walk-in tub being able to hold more water, you can have a more relaxing and soothing bath experience
• Contains hydrotherapy jets – These jets move the water and can aid with issues such as sore and achy muscles.

Cons of a Walk-In Tub

While walk-in tubs have a great list of pros, there are some cons to keep in mind. These include:

• Pricey installation – Walk-in tubs can be much pricier to purchase and install than a regular tub
• Cannot pre-fill the tub – Because the door needs to be shut to allow the water to stay in the tub, you must get in, shut the door, and stay in the tub the whole time as it fills.
• Must empty the water before getting out – Since the tub must be empty before opening the door to avoid flooding your bathroom, you must wait until all the water has drained out before exiting.
• Time to adjust water temperature – With typical bathtubs, you can adjust the water temperature as it is filling up easily and adjust as the hot water gets hotter. With a walk-in tub, you are having to be in the tub, so you have more of a chance of getting burned with the water and/or being uncomfortable until you reach the desired water temperature.

Bottom Line

Walk-in tubs can be a great option for those who have limited mobility, are a little unsteady on their feet, or would like to benefit from a deeper, more hot tub-like bathing experience. While there are some drawbacks to take into consideration, this style tub can still be a perfect option for many individuals.

If you would like to talk about your bathroom remodeling in San Diego, CA, give us a call and let our team of experts provide you with a free design consultation.