Safety and Convenience with Walk In Bath Tubs

by Matt Goering

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As we get older and less agile, certain aspects of living at home begin to present a challenge. One of the worst of those is the bath tub and shower area, with its slippery surfaces, high steps, and multiple obstacles. The answer to this dilemma is the walk in bath tub. As aging-in-place building philosophies sweep the nation, the walk in bath tub is leading the charge to create safe, convenient bathroom spaces for those who might find a traditional bath and shower difficult, and dangerous, to use.
Walk in Bath Tub Basics
A walk in bath tub is a tub with a swinging entrance door that allows easy access for those who might find it difficult to climb into, and get out of, a standard bathtub. They come in a large variety of models that offer a number of different features. That being the case, it's important to know what's out there before you buy.
What to Look for
As has already been mentioned, the model of walk in tub you end up purchasing is going to depend a lot on what you're purchasing it for. If you just want to feel safer and more secure, then a low rise model is the perfect solution. These models are basically a regular sized bathtub with a swinging side door that makes getting in and out of the tub less hazardous. Of course, many people looking for a walk in bath tub have more pressing needs. For those homeowners, there are walk in tubs with high walls and raised seats, making them ideal for people who use wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers, and for those who simply can't get up and down like they used to. Transferring from a wheelchair to one of these tubs is a breeze, making it possible for those with mobility restrictions to retain their independence when it comes to personal hygiene.
Walk in Bath Tub Luxuries
Few walk in bath tubs come without the option of adding a few luxuries to the design. Hydrotherapy in the form of jets, whirlpools, and other water massagers, can make bathing a therapeutic experience, as well as a cleansing one. Besides hydrotherapy, numbers of models come with features such as seats that raise and lower at the touch of a button, and hand held shower heads so you can achieve an ultimate clean without having to stand up.

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Walk in Installation
While it may sound like a daunting task, walk in tub installation is actually a pretty easy endeavor. Most walk in tubs are pre-plumbed, meaning all you have to do to get them running is hook them up to the pre-existing water source in your bathroom and plug them into a wall outlet. Of course, you always have the option to have a plumber fit it in as a permanent fixture, both plumbing and electrical wise, greatly reducing the chance of future potential problems. As for fitting these tubs into pre-existing bathrooms, there's no need to worry. Most walk in tubs are designed with space considerations in mind, and you can rest assured that there is a model out there to fit your allotted area, whether it used to house a narrow bathtub, or an even smaller shower stall. Of course, if you have the space there are larger, more spacious models to choose from that really let you stretch out, relax, and enjoy your bathing experience.
If you think a walk in tub might be the right fit for you, talk to a supplier or plumber about what you need to do to get one of these safe, attractive, and convenient bathroom fixtures installed in your home.

Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.

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