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Walk-in tubs assist older adults by keeping them safe while entering and exiting the bath, thanks to their low-entry step thresholds. Depending on its manufacturer, a walk-in tub can also include other safety features, such as an anti-slip surface, grab bars, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant seat or LED lighting. Additionally, many walk-in tubs offer spa-like hydrotherapy and other elements of relaxation for a truly therapeutic bath.
To determine the top walk-in tubs of 2023, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on top U.S. walk-in tub manufacturers and the different models of tubs they offer. Discover which walk-in tub companies stand out as our top picks based on price, style, comfort, safety and more.
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Handcrafted with high-quality materials, such as a metal frame and a fiberglass spa shell, Independent Home conducts a free in-home consultation to create a customized walk-in tub design that best fits your home and needs. Once you approve the design, installation technicians remove your old tub, install your new model and provide a demonstration of how to use it. Independent Home tubs include safety features like grab bars, non-slip floors, ADA-compliant seats, a self-cleaning system and an overflow valve that helps keep the water in the tub from overflowing.
Kohler offers basic soaker walk-in tubs and luxury models with features like hydrotherapy whirlpool jets, aerotherapy jets, a heated backrest and exclusive faucet finishes and bath colors. What’s more, customers can upgrade their walk-in bath with Kohler’s LuxStone bath and shower wall collection, which comes in eight colors, is easy to clean and offers a sophisticated and newly renovated look.
Kohler walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty on material defects and workmanship as long as the original customer owns the home. The company doesn’t sell directly to customers, but it offers a list of dealers nationwide for customers to choose from on its website.
In addition to a wide variety of standard tub models, Ella’s Bubbles offers two-seater “companion” walk-in tubs, which seat two people simultaneously and hold up to 135 gallons of water in some models, according to the company. Ella’s Bubbles tubs feature self-cleaning functions along with shower functionality, non-slip surfaces, built-in grab bars, air and whirlpool jets, and aromatherapy options. To further customize your tub, a range of door styles are available, including wide, outward-swinging L- and U-shaped doors, an inward-swinging removable stainless steel door, a lay-down inward-swing glass door and an S-shaped inward-swing door.
With over 150 years of experience in tubs, American Standard offers a variety of walk-in tub types outfitted with safety features like grab bars and non-slip surfaces, all of which are made with high-quality materials like solid brass fixtures and faucets. The company provides deep soaking tubs (up to 80 gallons), combination massage tubs, walk-in whirlpool tubs and walk-in air baths. Standard features on American Standard walk-in tubs include built-in aromatherapy, chromatherapy, an ADA-compliant seat (meaning it’s at least 17-inches wide and no more than 19 inches high for safety) and no-slip flooring. Plus, all tubs are covered by a lifetime warranty, which extends to installation labor as well.
Each Safe Step tub includes a wide variety of safety features, such as an anti-slip floor and seat, a sanitary gel coating, two grab bars, anti-scald technology, and a water ozone cleansing system. Additional bath therapies like aromatherapy, chromotherapy and hydrojets are available as well. Safe Step tubs are customized to fit the same dimensions as a customer’s existing tub, eliminating the need for costly remodeling. The tub installation is guaranteed to be complete within two days if a customer chooses to use Safe Step professional installers.
Every Boca tub is made with a marine-grade gel coat and fiberglass material with a bacteria-, mold- and mildew-resistant finish. Each tub is also equipped with a low 2-inch threshold, non-slip flooring and seating, and head and seat cushions. Tubs can also be upgraded with additional jets, aromatherapy and light therapy, heated seats and backs, grab bars and cleaning features. Boca’s micro therapy adds to the brand’s therapy options, offering hydrotherapy that cleanses, hydrates and moisturizes the skin without the need for soap or scrubbing by using millions of tiny bubbles that enter through the skin’s pores, according to the company.
Founded in 2007, Meditub makes the largest walk-in bathtubs in the U.S., according to the company, and features an extensive selection of acrylic and gel-coat models. Meditub walk-in tubs have a 10-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects on the bathtub shell, frame and finish, as well as a lifetime guarantee on the tub door seal. Meditub sells its walk-in tubs exclusively through high-end showrooms or certified dealers and has an inventory of at least 2,400 tubs in stock at all times.
Founded in 2000, Bathing Solutions tubs are designed to fit into the space of a standard bathtub and feature one-piece construction for leak and structural change prevention. The company tests and certifies all of its walk-in tubs to meet plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes, ensuring quality and safety for customers. Bathing Solutions walk-in tubs have a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel frame, tub shell, tub finish and door seal.
Hydro Dimensions walk-in tubs come equipped with standard safety features, including a contoured door latch, safety grab bars, 17-inch-high seats and non-slip floors. Customers can upgrade their tubs with a high-speed drain, air and water massage therapy systems, custom jet placement, a heated backrest and a UV or ozone sanitation system, both of which automatically clean the tub surface after bathing. Hydro Dimensions offers a limited lifetime warranty on the walk-in tub, door seal and faucet, a one-year warranty on parts and labor, and a parts-only warranty after one year. Hydro Dimensions walk-in tubs are available to purchase from specialized dealers across the U.S., a list of which can be found on the company website.
To determine the best walk-in tub companies, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on all major U.S. manufacturers, ranking them based on:
Since prices vary significantly based on one’s location, tub type and model selection, customization preferences and installation needs, it’s best to reach out to companies directly for quotes regarding solutions specific to you and your home.
With a walk-in tub, you simply open a hinged, water-tight door, step inside (or transfer from a wheelchair) and take a seat on a built-in bench. You then fill the tub, bath or shower, and drain the tub before getting out.
Entering a traditional tub is potentially exhausting and risky for anyone with mobility issues. The process can cause anxiety for caregivers as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 non-fatal bathroom injuries occurred in the United States in 2008 (the last time the CDC studied them), sending thousands of people to emergency rooms. Bathtub and shower injuries were four times more frequent in people older than 85 than in those ages 15 and 24.
With a walk-in design, seniors may be able to bathe independently when they couldn’t before. “A walk-in tub provides a seat that is chair-height, making stand-to-sit and sit-to-stand easier,” says Debra Young, vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association and owner of EmpowerAbility, a consultancy in Newark, Delaware, focused on improving accessibility and inclusive design.
A walk-in tub’s lower-entry threshold makes it safer and easier for a person to get in and out compared to navigating the high walls of a conventional tub, Young says. Most walk-in tubs are equipped with grab bars, non-slip surfaces and anti-scald devices to further enhance the safety of bathers.
“When considering whether a walk-in tub is the right fit, a person’s range of motion, strength, balance and coordination should all be taken into consideration,” Young says. Additionally, future abilities and bathing needs should be weighed, she advises.
Walk-in tubs feature hinged, water-tight doors and lower step thresholds that allow users to easily enter and exit the tub. Standard bathtubs, on the other hand, usually consist of solid walls that are typically 14 to 16 inches high. Because standard bathtubs feature higher walls, users with mobility limitations may find it challenging to step into or out of these types of bathtubs. Additionally, many walk-in tubs come with other features like grab bars, seats and anti-slip floors to further support user safety.
From basic styles to state-of-the-art innovations, walk-in tubs vary greatly.
A soaker tub is the most basic walk-in tub design. These tubs are deep enough for your torso and lower body to soak fully submerged while seated on the built-in bench. Soaker tubs don’t include water or air jets, so the bathwater is still.
Aerotherapy walk-in tubs release air bubbles into the water from holes in the sides of the tub, providing a gentle massage that can have therapeutic benefits.
“Both hydrotherapy and aerotherapy walk-in tubs may benefit persons who may have muscle aches, muscle spasms, tightness or and/or pain,” says Young. “It’s recommended to consult with a doctor prior to hydrotherapy and/or aerotherapy to ensure there are no precautions or contraindications based on potential medical history and/or current health conditions.”
These tubs may not be good for people with balance issues, open wounds or skin infections, according to Young.
Much like a conventional whirlpool tub, hydrotherapy walk-in tubs use therapeutically placed water jets to massage sore muscles. People with hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions are commonly warned to check with their doctor before using such a tub.
Bariatric walk-in tubs feature a wider seat design for the comfort and safety of larger people. While regular walk-in tubs accommodate people up to 300 pounds, a bariatric tub’s capacity is up to 600 pounds.
Wheelchair accessible tubs are designed to allow people in wheelchairs to transfer more safely and easily from their chairs onto the tub’s bench. Thanks to a wider door, lower threshold and chair-height seat adjacent to the door, a bather can transfer onto the seat unobstructed, lessening their fall risk.
Another option for those with mobility concerns is a “sliding wall tub.” With this tub, a sliding wall creates an extra-wide entry opening. The tub floor can be raised to chair height.
“The extra-wide opening and chair-height tub surface allow more space for users with diverse abilities to enter and exit the bath via a variety of transfer methods,” says Young. “Sliding wall tubs also allow the user to be completely immersed in a reclined position versus in a seated position.”
The dimensions of a walk-in bathtub vary based on factors such as the design of the tub and the dimensions of your bathroom. In general, walk-in tubs average at 60 inches long, 32 inches wide and 38 inches high, according to the walk-in tub manufacturer Kohler. However, some walk-in tubs may be as small as 36 inches long and 32 inches wide, while larger walk-in tubs may extend up to 60 inches long by 40 inches wide.
Deciding to invest in a walk-in tub for you or your loved one has both benefits and drawbacks, such as the following:
The average cost of product, material and labor for installing a walk-in tub is about $10,000, according to HomeDepot.com. Tub size, therapeutic features, design, materials, your geographic location and your desired customization are all factors that may increase the price. The amount of remodeling and plumbing work needed can also affect your walk-in tub costs.
Tub prices often don’t include installation or shipping. Before purchasing a walk-in tub, engage a contractor with extensive experience in walk-in tub installation.
The cost to install a walk-in tub varies depending on a number of factors including labor, upgrading appliances, replacing hardware and more. Generally, walk-in bathtub installation costs range from $2,000 to $10,000, according to Jesse Garrett, a general contractor in Charlotte, North Carolina.
According to Garret, some of the factors that contribute to the cost of installing a walk-in tub may include:
Additionally, it’s important to note the cost of installing a walk-in tub may fluctuate depending on your location, which materials you use and the type of tub you purchase.
Unfortunately, neither Medicare nor private health insurance covers the costs associated with purchasing or installing a walk-in tub, which can vary significantly depending on which tub you choose or whether you opt for customization. Financing may be an option depending on specific terms of the company you choose to work with, however, helping you avoid a hefty upfront investment.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide grants to cover the cost of purchasing and installing a walk-in tub for eligible veterans and servicemembers as a Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) benefit. HISA projects must be medically necessary due to disability and can’t be used for spa- or jacuzzi-type tubs or hot tubs.
If your tub was prescribed by a doctor, then it can be considered a medical expense when filing your federal tax returns. Otherwise, walk-in tubs are generally not a tax-deductible expense.
The answer to this question hinges upon several key factors. If you have money to spend and a fair amount of mobility, then a walk-in tub could be a life-changing addition to your home. If your mobility is trending downward–or if you’re daunted by the thought of an installation process that could entail significant plumbing and electrical work–then perhaps the answer is no. Regardless, it’s wise to consider the costs–literally and figuratively–before proceeding.
In addition to looking for a walk-in tub that can be installed where a current bathtub is situated, there are a few ways to potentially save money on walk-in tub purchases.
For example, veterans may qualify for one of several programs that offers reimbursement or grants for walk-in tubs, though this benefit is not guaranteed. To see whether you or a loved one qualifies, contact your local Veterans Affairs office.
To offset upfront costs and pay in smaller chunks, certain walk-in tub companies offer financing, so consumers can pay off the cost of the tub over time rather than all at once. Comparing contractor rates may also save you money when it comes to installation-associated costs.
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Some walk-in tub manufacturers, such as Independent Home and Safe Step, provide very little information about their products online because they are fully customized to a customer’s existing bathroom. Due to this lack of public information, we couldn’t include them in the best rankings above, but they are reputable companies that offer quality walk-in tubs.
Independent Home walk-in tubs come with a textured anti-slip floor, ergonomically designed grab bar, 17-inch ADA-compliant seat, overflow valve and self-purging system for air jets. Aerotherapy, hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, heated seats and backrests and other features are also available.
All Independent Home walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty on key components, as well as the door seal, frame and shell. You must schedule an in-home consultation with Independent Home for pricing and installation information.
All Safe Step tubs feature an anti-slip seat, anti-scald faucets and automatic temperature regulation, rapid-fill and rapid-drain systems and a door that requires little strength to lock. Safe Step walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects, door seals, faucets, water pumps, heaters, blowers and parts and labor on repairs.
The manufacturer also provides a two-year warranty on walk-in tub caulking. The cost of Safe Step tubs can vary greatly depending on your needs, and you must order directly from the company.
There are a variety of reasons a person might want to purchase and install a walk-in tub. Safety is often the primary concern and consideration. In particular, older adults with a higher fall risk hoping to age in place at home may benefit from a walk-in tub. A study in Injury Epidemiology found that of 1,172 falls recorded among older adults at home, injuries were more than twice as likely to occur if the fall took place in the bathroom versus in a different area of the home[1]Stevens JA, Mahoney JE, Ehrenreich H. Circumstances and outcomes of falls among high risk community-dwelling older adults. Inj Epidemiol. 2014;1(5):5. .
Most walk-in tubs have a low-step threshold, along with ADA-compliant features, such as handrails, and non-slip surfaces that could mitigate fall risks among older adults. If you’re concerned about your mobility or risk of fall-related injury, your health care provider can help you decide whether a walk-in tub would enhance your ability to age in place.
1. Consult with your physician. Find out if a walk-in tub is a safe and helpful choice for you or your loved one’s specific medical conditions. Which features and benefits (hydrotherapy, wheelchair access) are essential for you? Which should you avoid?
2. Consult with a senior aging specialist and/or an occupational therapist. A certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) is someone who specializes in home modifications for older adults. They can provide insights into the logistics and safety of your walk-in tub purchase. Your local area agency on aging can connect you to someone with this expertise.
Occupational therapists are medical professionals trained to help with home modifications, as well as provide hands-on training as seniors adapt to changes in their home environment. Contact the American Occupational Therapy Association or your state’s occupational therapy association.
3. Establish your walk-in tub budget. You may choose to consult with your financial planner to determine what you can afford. Explore different financing options, and, again, check with your local area agency on aging about Medicaid or VA assistance.
4. List your must-haves. Pre-shop online to find the tub that matches your list, then follow up with a manufacturer or dealer as questions arise.
5. Find a reputable walk-in tub contractor. Local medical equipment stores, occupational and physical therapists, and recommendations from friends and family may provide you with reliable contractor contacts. Ask contractors for references, then follow up and see if past customers were satisfied with the contractor’s work.
6. Ask your contractor the important questions. Gros-Daillon recommends these questions as a starting point:
Additionally, ask about the company’s warranty and service policies. An in-home visit will reveal any installation challenges that may add to your costs.
When shopping for a walk-in tub, it’s important to consider safety features relevant to your needs, potentially including:
Other features to look for may depend on your personal preferences in a tub or your budget. Many walk-in tubs offer additional therapeutic or comfort features and accessories, including:
Walk-in tubs can be purchased from home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowes, or from online retailers like Amazon and Wayfair. Additionally, many walk-in tubs can be purchased directly from dealer and manufacturer websites.
When shopping for a walk-in tub, it’s important to consider multiple models, retailers, brands and manufacturers to ensure you pick the best walk-in tub for your needs.
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Depending on the walk-in tub manufacturer, the company may supply its own contractors to remove and dispose of your old tub and install your new walk-in tub. You may also be allowed to hire your own contractor.
Walk-in tub installation could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on factors like needing to install a tankless water heater, clear drain blockages, replace inadequate drain piping, widen the bathroom door or complete other renovations to accommodate the walk-in tub.
Use this checklist to guide you to the tub features that are right for you.
How high a tub threshold will you be able to handle now and in the future? Walk-in tub entry thresholds vary in height. For instance, Kohler’s walk-in tubs feature a 3-inch threshold while other manufacturers’ models can be as tall as 7 inches.
Because so many people need grab bars, many walk-in tubs have them. Young recommends visiting a showroom to test a walk-in tub’s grab bar location. Many factors, including the bather’s arm and leg strength, range of motion, grip strength, balance and coordination (plus their height, weight and body measurements) affect optimal grab bar placement. Check with your contractor, dealer or manufacturer to find out if a tub’s built-in grab bars can be moved to best meet your needs. Consider installing grab bars outside the tub to further prevent falls and injuries.
Choose a tub with a surface that’s safe when it’s wet. Most walk-in tubs feature non-slip surfaces, but not all non-slip surfaces are the same, says Young. She recommends a textured surface over a smooth one, noting that adding a bath mat and traction stickers inside the tub will further decrease the risk of falls. A non-slip rug or mat outside the tub is also essential.
Because walk-in tubs are filled and drained while you sit inside them, an unclothed person can get chilly. A tub’s fill time depends on the flow rate from your water heater, and drainage time varies among tub models. Quick-drain tubs can drain in four minutes or less while conventional-drain tubs may take anywhere from six to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, choosing a tub with a heated seat or installing a ceiling heater in the bathroom can help keep you or your loved one warm as the tub fills and drains.
Walk-in tub doors open either inward (toward the tub) or outward (toward the room). Outward-opening doors are generally easier to move through, especially for people transferring from wheelchairs. However, an inward-opening door may be necessary if your bathroom is small.
However, the bather’s specific physical challenges determine which door is preferable. An outward-opening door may be difficult for someone with limited arm range of motion to close. With an inward-opening door, it may be difficult to get legs and feet out of the way when you close it.
A clean bathtub is essential to preventing skin infection and mold contamination, but cleaning a tub can be unsafe for seniors. Self-cleaning bathtubs spray jets of antibacterial and anti-mold chemicals into the empty tub after a bath. Pipes are purged of hazardous materials, keeping the bathtub safe and clean. Ultraviolet lights also sanitize bathtubs, and some manufacturers use this technology as well.
Will your current water heater handle the volume of water needed for your tub? Walk-in tubs, especially those with hydrotherapy jets, use large quantities of water. Your contractor may recommend an in-line or tankless heater to keep up with the demand.
A tankless water heater provides a uniform supply of hot water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The water is available on demand because you don’t need to fill up a larger reservoir with hot water. However, you may experience a slower flow than with a conventional tank-style heater.
A walk-in tub and shower combination enables you to enjoy the benefits of a walk-in tub and the convenience of a shower. Some of these tubs surround the bather with a tall transparent wall, and some are three-sided with a shower curtain rod above the entry side of the tub.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, consider purchasing a separate enclosure to install above your walk-in tub. Ask your contractor or the manufacturer if this is a viable option with your choice of tub.
A handheld showerhead makes bathing easier for those with mobility challenges. “A handheld shower can be an enhancement because it allows more flexibility for the user,” says Fritzi Gros Daillon, a senior home safety specialist and educator with Age Safe America, a training and advocacy organization.
A handheld shower also helps with shampooing and tub cleaning, and it makes it easier for a caregiver to assist with a bath, says Young.
Your individual needs and preferences, or those of your loved one, will determine the best walk-in tub brand and model for you. Our picks above might be a great place to start your research.
Walk-in tubs are not considered dangerous and are often recommended to help enhance the safety of the user, especially older adults and people with limited mobility. Walk-in tubs include a low step threshold, non-slip floors and built-in grab bars, all of which are intended to help keep people safe while bathing at home. Speak with your health care provider to determine whether a walk-in tub is a safe and helpful option for your individual needs.
While the enhanced safety features walk-in tubs offer may be appealing or necessary for many users, these bathtubs can come with disadvantages as well. Walk-in tubs are a costly investment, ranging anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for installation. Plus, installing a walk-in tub may require plumbing or electrical updates to an individual’s home. Additionally, because walk-in tubs feature hinged doors for easy entry and exit, users must stay in the tub while it fills and drains.
The cost of purchasing and installing a walk-in tub can range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. However, there are several avenues available to save on costs. Veterans may be eligible for reimbursements or grants offered through the VA, and tubs prescribed by a doctor can be tax deductible as a medical expense. Additionally, some walk-in tub manufacturers and retailers offer financing, which allows buyers to pay off the cost of the tub in smaller increments over time.
Not all walk-in tubs are ADA-compliant, which is a mark of safety and accessibility to people with disabilities. However, many manufacturers offer ADA-compliant models that may include a wider and/or higher seat, seating and grab bars, and other accessibility features.
It’s best to perform a surface wipe-down or cleaning with warm water after each use. However, you should also complete a deeper cleaning weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Always consult the owner’s manual for your model or the manufacturer’s website for specific cleaning instructions.
It depends on who might purchase your home in the future. A walk-in tub might hold more appeal for an older person interested in aging in place, but may be viewed as an impediment or less-than-ideal bathroom design element to a family with young children.
The average walk-in tub fills with around 50 gallons of water, but larger tubs may have a larger fill capacity.
It typically takes anywhere from six to 10 minutes to fill a walk-in tub. Fill times vary, depending on the water pressure and plumbing system in your bathroom.
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Deb Hipp is a freelance health and medical writer and editor who lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a former investigative reporter with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist and writer. She specializes in health and wellness, medical aging, long-term care, caregiving, retirement and a variety of other health and retirement topics.
Meaghan is an editor and writer who also has experience practicing holistic medicine as an acupuncturist and herbalist. She's passionate about helping individuals live full, healthy and happy lives at every age. Outside of writing and editing for Forbes Health, Meaghan loves practicing yoga, reading and spending time with her family near the ocean in her home state of Maine.
One-Piece Moulding Tubs Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.