Pros And Cons Of Walk-In Tubs

A home is only as comfortable as its tub and shower. For many prospective homeowners, a comfortable tub is a major selling point of a house. Standard tubs are comfortable, but for some people, they leave plenty to be desired when compared to walk-in tubs. So, what are the pros and cons of walk-in tubs?

The safety features and hydrotherapy benefits of walk-in tubs are their biggest advantages. However, walk-in tubs also cost up to $10,000 to install because additional plumbing and electrical work are often needed.

Walk-in tubs are more comfortable than standard tubs and come with extra features like seats and even jets, which make them worth the cost.

It requires no more maintenance than a standard bathtub as long as you keep up with the work. You don’t have to worry about slipping with a walk-in tub like you would with a standard tub. Follow along as we explore the pros and cons of walk-in tubs and see if they are worthwhile for you.

Comfort is ultimately the biggest advantage of walk-in tubs. They are deeper than the average bathtub, which gives you more room to stretch out and get comfortable. This is useful if you plan to use your walk-in tub for hydrotherapy, which can benefit your bones, joints, and muscles and fight inflammation.

Walk-in tubs are also quite safe because they often feature handrails and the floor isn’t slippery. That is why walk-in tubs are often recommended for seniors to reduce the risk of injury. Many walk-in tubs also come with additional features that make them more comfortable.

For example, many walk-in tubs come with seating, anti-scald valves, and even jets. Each of these features adds to your overall cost, but they are worth it for many homeowners.

The main disadvantage of walk-in tubs is that they are so expensive to install. You can expect to spend between $2,000 and $8,000 to install a walk-in tub. It takes 1-2 days to install a walk-in tub, but it can take longer if additional plumbing and electrical work needs to be done.

Installation costs can exceed $10,000 if serious plumbing work is required. Walk-in tubs are also prone to leaks if they have swing-in doors. This can damage your flooring, which is quite expensive to repair and can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew.

It’s also harder to get the perfect temperature with a walk-in tub than with a standard tub. That is because you have to get in before filling the tub. You will have to adjust the temperature on the fly while in the tub as opposed to reaching a comfortable temperature before getting in.

Many homeowners consider walk-in tubs worth it for the extra features alone. Standard tubs don’t feature seats or jets that make them more comfortable. They are also worthwhile if you have bone issues or arthritis because of the hydrotherapy benefits

Walk-in tubs are also beneficial if you are a senior or there is a senior in your household. While they are expensive, they can also protect against slipping and falling, which are the biggest concerns for tubs and showers. The only instance when walk-in tubs aren’t worth it is if you will need to do lots of plumbing and electrical work that can add thousands of dollars to the cost.

Walk-in tubs are typically just as easy to maintain as standard tubs. Ideally, you should rinse your tub with warm water after each time you use it. This will stop soap scum from forming, which is the biggest cosmetic threat to any tub.

You will also need to flush the jets each month if your walk-in tub has them. That way, you can reduce the risk of blockages in your jets that can damage the system. It’s also helpful to thoroughly scrub your walk-in tub each month so that stains don’t form.

Household items like baking soda can help keep your tub clean. Simply sprinkle it throughout the tub, let it sit, then rinse it with warm water. Otherwise, mix mild dish soap with warm water and scrub the tub to remove scum and stains.

Walk-in tubs are so expensive because of the installation process. Additional comfort features also generally add hundreds if not thousands of dollars to the project. You could spend under $3,000 for a standard walk-in tub without any add-ons.

You enter the expensive territory when you find a walk-in tub with features such as seats, jets, rails, and even headrests. Installation is also expensive in many cases because you have to move the plumbing and electrical hook-ups in some homes.

Walk-in tubs are more comfortable than standard tubs. However, they also take longer to fill and it’s harder to get a comfortable temperature. The safety benefits that walk-in tubs offer are worth it to many people, especially if you have a senior in your household.

Walk-in tubs also offer hydrotherapy benefits that are great for your muscles and bones. However, they can cost up to $10,000 to install, which is quite expensive and can dissuade some homeowners. They can also leak if the door seal isn’t airtight, but that is much less common in modern times.