The Pros and Cons of Walk-in Tubs For Seniors
Walk-in tubs are an important safety features for seniors who want to age in-place. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other studies, about 80% of falls among seniors occur in the bathroom. This is due to slippery surfaces, limited space, and challenges related to mobility and balance. Bathrooms pose a high risk for falls, particularly around the bathtub, shower, and toilet areas.
Walk-in bathtubs offer a convenient way of bathing for seniors that reduces the risk of falls. Features like grab bars and textured floors can help prevent falls where it’s slippery. A medical alert system button may also be placed in the shower to call for help in the event of a fall.
Below is a list of the top brands of walk-in tubs, including the pros and cons of each tub.
1. Ella Ultimate
Price: $6,199
Ella Ultimate walk-in tub boasts an ozone sterilization system that disinfects the tub to ensure a hygienic bathing environment. It features a handlebar with easy entry, and lean aesthetics that blend with the décor.
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Ella Ultimate |
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| Pros | Cons |
| Anti-scald technology | Extra cost for heated seat |
| Anti-bacterial technology | Wait time for water to empty |
| 13-jet, dual-massage system soothes and reduces stress | High cost |
| Wide sitting area | Extra cost for quick drain addon |
| Limited lifetime warranty for door and shell | |
2. Jacuzzi Walk-In Tub
Price: $6,940
Jacuzzi excels in manufacturing hydrotherapy tubs. This walk-in tub provides a top-notch spa experience including chromatherapy, whirlpool, air spa, and a handheld shower. The pros and cons of walk in tubs by Jacuzzi are below:
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Jacuzzi Walk-In Tub |
|
| Pros | Cons |
| Free home consultancy services | Limited variety and configurations |
| Convenient low threshold/saddle entry | High cost |
| Ergonomic grab knob for entry/exit | Extra cost for heated seat |
| ADA compliant | Slow drain system |
| Limited lifetime warranty | Inconvenient for bathing assistance |
3. Ariel Walk-In Tub
Price: $1,899
Built for long soaking time, the Ariel walk-in tub features a 23-inch-wide seat for comfortable bathing. It has a high-gloss, easy-to-clean finish. Here are the Ariel walk-in tub’s pros and cons.
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Ariel Walk-In Tub |
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| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Extra cost for addons |
| Standard design fits most spaces | One color (white) |
| Pleasant appearance | High seat |
| Bolstered safety and comfort | Difficult to transfer to/from wheelchair |
4. American Standard Gelcoat Walk-In Tub
Price: $5,508
American Standard Gelcoat tub is popular because of its safety features. It has a grab bar for increased stability, a low saddle for easy entry, and a textured floor to prevent slipping.
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American Standard Gelcoat Walk-In Tub |
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| Pros | Cons |
| 13-jet adjustable massaging system | High cost |
| Easy maintenance | Extra costs for addons |
| Good seat height for wheelchair transfer | Extra cost for quick drain option |
| Extra safety and durability | Extra cost for installation |
| Limited lifetime warranty | |
5. Meditub Step-In Soaker Tub
Price: $1,522
Meditub Step-In Soaker Tub features an inward-swinging watertight door. It also has a textured floor, and ergonomic headrest. However, it does not have a seat.
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Meditub Step-In Soaker Tub |
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| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Inconvenient for bathing assistance |
| Hydrotherapy and air massage system | No seat |
| 3-inch saddle for easy entry/exit | No grab bar |
| Ergonomic headrest increases comfortability | Higher risk for slipping |
| Spa-like soaking experience | |
6. Kohler Walk-In Bath
Price: $4,000
Kohler Walk-In Bath is the ideal soaker tub with built-in seat. Kohler claims this tub has the lowest threshold on the market, offering the safest step-in. It also comes with handrails and a textured surface. Here are the pros and cons of walk in tubs by Kohler.
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Kohler Walk-In Bath |
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| Pros | Cons |
| Quick fill and drain system | Poor wheelchair accessibility |
| Low threshold for easy entry/exit | Twice as expensive as standard tubs |
| Three mode shower system | Extra cost for addons |
| Limited lifetime warranty | |
| Grab bars | |
7. Safety Tubs Whirlpool and Air Bath
Price: $3,290
Safety Tubs has a patented door system offering a lifetime waterproof seal. It features a high-performance hydrotherapy system, along with a contoured seat and textured floor.
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Safety Tubs Whirlpool and Air Bath |
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| Pros | Cons |
| Enhanced comfort and safety | Wheelchair inaccessible |
| ADA approved | Extra cost for quick drain option |
| Convenient entry/exit | Extra cost for air massage unit |
| 80 gallon deep soak | No handheld showerhead |
| 6-jet hydrotherapy | |
8. Universal Tubs HD Series
Price: $3,400
Universal Tubs HD Series tubs are a popular walk-in tub option. The company’s flagship HD Series come with 180-degree swinging door, a built-in seat, and textured surface.
| Universal Tubs HD Series | |
| Pros | Cons |
| Built-in contoured seat | Extra cost for extended warranty on parts |
| Textured floor for traction | Extra cost for heater |
| Easy wheelchair transfer | Higher than standard step |
| Air massage system | Extra cost for chromotherapy |
| ADA compliant | |
9. Spa World Venzi Rectangular Whirlpool
Price: $1,799
Spa World Venzi comes with a small threshold, and is an ideal soaker tub, but it does not have a seat. Check out the pros and cons of walk-in tubs from Spa World.
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Spa World Venzi Rectangular Whirlpool |
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| Pros | Cons |
| Textured surface for traction | No seat |
| Low threshold for easy entry/exit | No handles |
| Heater for maintaining temperature | No air massage system |
| Adjustable water jets | Only for soaking |
| Standard rectangular design | |
10. AmeriGlide Sanctuary
Price: $3,992
An AmeriGlide walk-in tub comes with a wide swinging door that enables quick transfer from wheelchair to tub. The door swings outward, giving direct access to the 15-inch-high seat. It comes with a textured floor and multiple grab bars to prevent slips. Below are the AmeriGlide Sanctuary walk in tubs pros and cons.
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AmeriGlide Sanctuary |
|
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy wheelchair transfer | Extra cost for accessories |
| Standard tub size | Holds less water than most walk-in tubs |
| Grab bar in tub and on door | High cost |
| Textured floor for traction | Extra cost for air jets, water jets, whirlpool |
| Wide, outward swinging door | High step |
Despite the pros and cons of walk in tubs above, it’s a good idea to invest in a medical alert system if your elderly loved one is bathing alone. Check out the best medical alert system to find which one works best for you.
