Walk-In Tub Pros and Cons

A walk-in tub may be a worthwhile investment to consider if you or a family member has mobility issues. Many positives include a low threshold, built in safety and comfort features to ensure an enjoyable experience for seniors or others with decreased mobility. While there are many pros, Handyman Connection of Victoria wants to make sure you have all the options before scheduling an install.

PRO – Health Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can provide stress relief and help increase circulation which are both great benefits to seniors. Not only will the features such as jets and deep seats for a warm soak feel relaxing, but they can relieve pain caused by conditions such as arthritis and the general aches and pains that come with age.

CON – Waiting to Fill and Empty Tub

While most people can get antsy while waiting for their tub to fill, a major downside is that your door cannot be opened until all the water drains. On average, a walk-in tub takes about seven minutes to empty but that is still quite a bit of time to sit and get a chill while waiting. There are tubs that feature heated seats because of this flaw, but Handyman Connection of Victoria suggests having towel racks nearby to cover up while waiting.

PRO – Similar Water Usage

A standard non-jetted tub holds approximately 35-50 gallons of water and a shower uses between 25-50 gallons. Even though walk-in tubs are deeper and you would assume they would use more water, they are more narrow than a regular tub and actually hold around 50 gallons of water like your shower would. Another positive is that heating systems are installed to keep the water circulating so you don’t have to keep adding more hot water.

CON – Cost of Installation

The price for a tub alone can be fairly expensive ranging from $1,000 – $5,000 and usually are not covered under Medicare or Medicaid. Depending on if you need a plumbing repair, new water heater or upgraded systems, installation costs can also vary. On the high end, a walk-in tub plus installation can reach up to $10,000.

Professional Plumbing Trust

If after reading the pros and cons and you feel the positives do outweigh the negatives, your next step should be to call Handyman Connection of Victoria. We will send one of our experienced plumbers to provide you with a free evaluation quote and assess your bathroom situation to let you know exactly what it will take to install a walk-in tub.