When choosing a walk-in tub, there are important considerations to ensure that it suits your space, budget, and specific needs. Below, we’ve broken down a list of ten factors that affect the price and quality of a walk-in tub install.
While it may appear a little daunting at first, there is both an art and science to it. Fortunately, our sales, consultations, and installations are all handled by Integrity Remodel. We can meet you at your home and guide you through every step of the process to ensure you have the best product selection and installation experience.
- Space Requirements
Tub Dimensions: Walk-in tubs vary in size. Measure your bathroom carefully to ensure the tub will fit, leaving enough space for safe entry and exit. Consider both the width and length of the tub, as larger individuals may want more spacious walk-in tubs.
Door Opening Size: Check the door’s size for easy entry and exit. Wider door openings may be needed for those with mobility challenges. Outward swinging doors will require additional clearance to ensure the door can fully open.
Turn Radius: If the tub requires turning, make sure there’s enough space in the bathroom to accommodate movement.
2. Plumbing Requirements
Water Heater Type: Tankless water heaters have a slower flow rate than traditional water heaters, which will result in a slower fill time for the tub. A good plumber can make adjustments to accommodate this.
Water Heater Size: Ensure that your water heater can handle the volume of water needed to fill the tub (some tubs may require 40 to 80 gallons or more). If the water heater is too small to meet the requirements of the walk-in tub, the water from the faucet will lose heat as it fills, leading to a lukewarm bath at best.
Drainage: Walk-in tubs often have different drainage systems than traditional tubs. This may necessitate making alterations to the current drain line in the bathroom.
3. Installation Expertise
Demolition: Walk-in tubs are typically installed in an existing tub or shower space. Often times, this requires the pre-existing structures in those spaces to be removed to make room for the walk-in tub. Tubs of greater size may require repositioning of the toilet, widening of interior doors, and moving the drain line of the tub/shower. The tear down of bathrooms can be messy, expensive, or even dangerous. A good contractor can take protective measures to seal off construction areas and protect high traffic areas in your home to ensure smooth teardown.
Electrical Requirements: Some walk-in tubs have built-in features like heating systems, jets, or air systems, which may require a dedicated electrical connection. If there is not a nearby power outlet, a new electrical connection has to be routed to your tub space.
Professional Installation: Most walk-in tubs need to be installed by a professional plumber to ensure the system is correctly integrated with your existing plumbing connections. Installation can take several hours or even days, depending on the complexity.
4. Safety and Accessibility Needs
Non-Slip Surfaces: Many walk-in tubs are designed with non-slip floors, which are crucial for preventing falls when getting in and out.
Grab Bars: Look for walk-in tubs with well-placed grab bars for added stability when entering and exiting the tub.
Low Threshold: A low step-in threshold is important for reducing the risk of tripping. Walk-in tubs typically have thresholds as low as 4-7 inches, making it easier to get in and out.
Seating: Look for walk-in tubs with higher seats and contoured surfaces for greater accessibility and comfort.
Accessibility of Controls: The tub controls should be easy to reach and operate. Look for user-friendly controls, such as wall-mounted panels or remote controls, especially for individuals with limited mobility.
Every grab bar, custom shelf, and accessibility modification is accessed and installed by an expert. You’ll never have to worry about out-of-reach shelves or awkwardly placed grab bars in your renovated bathroom.
5. Jet Systems
Air Jets vs. Water Jets: Walk-in tubs can come with air jets, water jets, or both. Air jets provide a soothing, bubble-based experience, while water jets offer a deeper massage-like experience.
Hydrotherapy Needs: If you are looking for therapeutic benefits, consider the type of jet system. Water jets are ideal for muscle relief, while air jets provide a gentler experience for the nerve and skin. Some tubs offer a combination of both.
Pump System: Ensure that the tub has a quality pump system for jet operation. You should also check if the pump is easy to maintain and clean, as some systems require regular upkeep to prevent mold or mildew buildup.
6. Internal Water Temp Controls
Built-in Heaters: Apart from your home’s water heater, some walk-in tubs can be paired with “in-line” water heaters, which further help maintain the desired water temperature throughout the bath. This can be important since walk-in tubs tend to take longer to fill.
Thermostatic Control Valves: A thermostatic control valve ensures the water stays at a consistent temperature during use. This is particularly useful for safety, preventing accidental burns or discomfort.
7. Additional Features
Chromotherapy and Aromatherapy: Some tubs offer mood-enhancing features like built-in lighting and scent diffusers.
Waterproof Headrests and Seat Pillows: These provide an extra element of comfort and are easy to attach and clean.
Heated Backs and Seats: An extra layer of comfort and therapy, heated seats can further soothe tense muscles.
8. Style & Aesthetics
Fit and Finish: Walk-in tubs come in various styles, colors, and finishes. While functionality is key, you’ll also want the tub to match your bathroom’s design and aesthetic. Consider the materials (e.g., acrylic, fiberglass) and finishes.
Walk-in Tub Surrounds: Tub and shower removals often require removing the surrounding walls, requiring them to be reconstructed. While some walk-in tubs come with plastic wall tiles to cover the adjacent walls, others may opt for wall tile or cultured marble. These surrounds tend to be sturdier and more water resistant than traditional drywall or plastic paneling.
9. MaintENANCE
Cleaning and Hygiene: Look for tubs with easy-to-clean surfaces. Some models feature non-porous gel coatings or smooth materials that help prevent buildup of bacteria and dirt.
Drainage and Jets Cleaning: Ensure that the tub’s drain and jets are easy to maintain. Some systems include self-cleaning features, while others may require occasional cleaning of the jets to prevent buildup.
10. Price and Warranty
Tub Cost: Walk-in tubs vary widely in price, depending on features such as jets, the size of the tub, and additional therapeutic functions. It’s important to choose a tub that fits within your budget while meeting your needs. Walk-in tubs without jets, referred to as “soakers” tend to float between 3K-5k depending on the quality and manufacturer. Jetted walk-in tubs typically add anywhere from $800-$2000 more depending on the complexity of the system and the quality of the parts. “Premium” retailers often operate at higher profit margins, pricing their tubs thousand of dollars above the market rate without a proportional increase in quality.
Install Cost: A walk-in tub installation typically includes the demolition and removal of the old tub and surrounding features, adjusting the electrical and water lines, installation of the new tub, and remodeling the surrounding area to tie it into your bathroom.
These typically float around $5-$6K, but can hit $8,000 with more complex installations and more expensive installers. Inexperienced installers may save some money upfront, but typically lack the experience and qualifications to move drain lines, pull electrical, and assemble stable tub surrounds. Poor installations can cause the walk-in tub and its surrounding connections wear out prematurely, leading to expensive repairs.
Warranty: Check the warranty coverage, especially for the plumbing, jets, and pump systems. A good warranty will help protect you from potential costly repairs or malfunctions.
We’re so confident in the quality and value of our services, we list our prices on our site. Tubs purchased and installed through us are warrantied for 4 years and our partnered manufacturers offer expansive lifetime warranties on their tub components.