For those with mobility issues, a walk-in bathtub offers an easier-to-use alternative to traditional tubs. With so many designs, sizes and other options available, it can be a bit difficult to choose the right tub that best fits your mobility needs. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a new walk-in bathtub.
Tub Door Direction
Walk-in tubs can be ordered with doors that swing inwards or outwards for increased mobility. Most walk-in tubs are equipped with inward-swinging doors to conserve space and make entry easier for seniors and others with limited mobility. However, the inward-swinging door may make exits a bit awkward and time-consuming, especially for larger adults.
An outward-swinging door offers easier exit and entry, making it a better option for larger adults and wheelchair-bound users. However, that choice comes at the cost of bathroom space and a door that might not be as water-tight as its inward-swinging counterpart.
Step-In Height
Step-in height is another factor to consider when shopping for a new walk-in tub. The average walk-in tub has a small lip users must step over to enter and exit. If you have severe arthritis or another condition that drastically affects your mobility, you should choose a tub that offers either the lowest possible step-in height or a completely level surface for ingress and egress.
Filling and Draining Times
Filling and draining a walk-in tub is a drastically different experience from traditional tubs. For example, you'll need to wait until all of the water has completely drained out of the tub before you can safely exit. Keep in mind that each tub model has its own approximate fill and drain time, so it's a good idea to factor that into your purchasing decision.
Look for walk-in tubs that offer quick-draining features such as an enlarged drain or dual drains. Of course, these features may require you upgrade your bathroom's drainage system at your own expense.
Optional Amenities
Walk-in tubs are available with a wide variety of optional features, ranging from additional shelving and grab bars to shower canopies and chromatherapy lighting systems. Some models offer warm water jet therapy systems that can help arthritis and chronic pain sufferers relax during baths. A walk-in tub may also include an ozone cleaning system as an option for keeping mold and mildew at bay.
Warranty Length
Most walk-in tub manufacturers back their products with a lifetime warranty. Nevertheless, you should find out exactly what's covered by the warranty and if it can be extended beyond the original owner. Certain walk-in tub components, such as hydrotherapy jets, may be covered by their own limited warranty.
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Share7 December 2016
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