The Benefits of a Walk-In Tub
Taking a bath in a tub may seem like a simple routine activity; however, for some, it can be a laborious task they dread due to the difficulty of getting into and out of the tub. If you or a loved one falls into that category, then you may need to invest in a walk-in tub/shower combo.
What Is a Walk-In Tub/Shower Combo?
Like every other room in your house, your bathroom must be accessible. It must offer an easy and pleasant experience for all users. That’s why you should consider fitting yours with a walk-in tub/shower combo. As the name suggests, this is a bathroom fitting that combines a walk-in tub and a shower in the same space. In short, you can bathe and shower in the same space. It’s the best bathroom fitting you can install to accommodate people with limited mobility. Let’s take a look at the benefits, and you’ll see why.
Benefits of a Walk-In Tub
With all this talk about walk-in bathtubs, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, let’s quickly run through some of the main benefits they offer so you know.
Safety Benefits
One of the most significant benefits of walk-in bathtubs is that they’re very safe. Designed with accessibility in mind, walk-in tubs have a low threshold that allows you to walk in and sit in the tub. This safe step reduces the chances of slipping and falling. Other safety features you’ll find in a walk-in tub include:
- Grab bars
- Anti-scald valves
- Slip-resistant flooring
- Built-in seating
These features enhance the tub’s safety, making it easy for elderly or disabled persons to use it unaided.
Health Benefits
Besides providing a safe place to bathe, walk-in tubs can also benefit your health in many ways. Here are some examples:
Symptomatic Relief
Walk-in tubs have been proven to offer relief for those suffering from conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, rheumatism, fibromyalgia, general muscle pain, and more. This is thanks to the soothing effect of the tub.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
When in the tub, the pressure exerted by the water helps displace blood from the extremities. This helps improve blood circulation, resulting in improved mobility and relief of pain in some cases.
Promotes Stress Relief
The massaging effect of the water jets gives a relaxing experience that helps relieve stress and improves sleep quality. This is enhanced by other walk-in tub features, such as chromotherapy, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy, among others. You get a spa-like experience that leads to a relaxing bath.
Besides helping get you clean, a walk-in tub is an essential addition to your bathroom, as it will help boost your health.
Ease of Use and Comfort
Another significant benefit of walk-in tubs are the comfort features. Walk-in tubs are an excellent option for those who have trouble standing in a shower. It’s also a great help to people who struggle to get in and out of a standard tub.
Thanks to their low entryways and depth greater than traditional tubs, it’s easier for people with mobility issues to clean their upper body. Also, depending on the model, some are fitted with luxury features like air jets that enhance the comfort of the walk-in tub.
With all these benefits and more, fitting a walk-in tub in your bathroom is a no-brainer.
Types of Walk-In Tubs
If you’re interested in getting a walk-in tub, there are three main types you can pick from.
Soaker Tubs
Soaker tubs are probably the most common type of walk-in tub, and they closest resemble traditional bathtubs. To use a soaker tub, all you have to do is open the door, walk in, and sit down on the built-in seat. You can then close the watertight door and start filling the tub with water. Most soaker tubs don’t come with the bells and whistles you get with other types of walk-in tubs.
Bariatric Walk-In Tubs
Most soaker tubs are designed to accommodate people who weigh 300 pounds or less. For people who weigh more than that, bariatric walk-in tubs are the perfect solution, as they can accommodate more substantial weights. They’re also designed to be more spacious, giving you more room to move around inside the tub.
Wheelchair-Accessible Tubs
Wheelchair-accessible tubs are designed with larger doors. These make it easier to move directly from a wheelchair into the tub. For people in wheelchairs, this is where the walk-in tub/shower combo really shines, as the shower function usually comes in handy, depending on your situation.
How to Choose the Right Walk-In Tub/Shower Combo for You
With so many different options, picking a walk-in tub can be a daunting task. However, there are a few tips to help you do just that.
Consider Your Needs
With the three types of walk-in tub options mentioned above, which do you really need? You should also consider design needs as you look around. For example, do you want a walk-in tub/shower combo that features two units that share a wet area? Or would you prefer a single unit that features a sizeable walk-in tub with an overhanging shower head?
To best answer these questions, you’ll need to consider who will be using the walk-in tub and what specific needs they’d want in a tub.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Another consideration to make is the amount of space you have available. Whether you’re remodelling or building a new house, consider your bathroom’s layout and determine how much room you have to play with.
What’s Your Budget?
Another important consideration is how much money you have to spend on your walk-in tub. This will not only determine the type you’ll get but the extras you can get as well.
The answers to these questions will help set you on the path to finding the perfect walk-in tub for you.
Make Your Bathroom Safer and More Accessible
There are so many advantages to fitting a walk-in tub/shower combo or other ADA-compliant shower system in your bathroom. The most important ones are accessibility and safety. For any savvy homeowner, these are reasons enough to invest in one.
So, if you’re considering investing in an ADA-compliant shower system or walk-in tub/shower combo, reach out to (888) 228-4925, and we’ll be more than happy to walk you through your purchase. Alternatively, browse through our catalog and pick the one that best suits your needs.