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Walk-in tubs help seniors stay safe while getting in and out of the bath, thanks to their low-entry step thresholds. Depending on the manufacturer, a walk-in tub may also come with other safety features, such as an anti-slip surface, grab bars, an ADA-compliant seat or LED lighting. Many walk-in tubs even offer spa-like hydrotherapy and other relaxing elements for a truly therapeutic bath.
To identify the best walk-in tubs of 2022, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on all the top U.S. walk-in tub manufacturers and the various tub models they offer. From price to style to comfort to safety, see which walk-in tub companies stand out as our top picks. Note: Prices listed include the tub exclusively, are sourced from the manufacturer (or a retailer if not listed by the manufacturer) and are accurate as of the publication date.
Looking For A Spa-like Bathing Experience?
Enjoy the features of a shower with the comforts of a bathtub. Designed by Kohler with comfort and ease of use in mind and rooted in over 140 years of engineering expertise.
Founded in 1873, Kohler offers two models of walk-in tubs: a basic soaker and a luxury model with features like hydrotherapy whirlpool jets, aerotherapy jets, a heated backrest and exclusive faucet finishes and bath colors. Kohler walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty on material defects and workmanship as long as the original customer owns the home.
Kohler doesn’t sell directly to customers—instead, it has dealers nationwide listed on its website from which you can purchase a Kohler walk-in tub. The dealer’s agent comes to your home to estimate a total walk-tub price, including installation.
American Standard is a leading manufacturer of plumbing and building products with a legacy of more than 140 years. It offers more than 50 models of walk-in tubs, ranging from basic soaker tubs to luxury units that feature a larger water capacity, aerotherapy and hydrotherapy.
American Standard walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty on the door seal, a 10-year warranty on the tub shell and a 5-year warranty on all other components. You can purchase American Standard walk-in tubs via Amazon and many other retail outlets.
In business since 2004, AmeriGlide offers a wide range of walk-in tubs at its showrooms in multiple states across the U.S. and Toronto in Ontario, Canada. AmeriGlide walk-in tubs range from smaller tubs with a compact, free-standing design to full bathing and wheelchair-accessible tubs.
All walk-in tubs on AmeriGlide’s website include the tub’s dimensions, features and a set starting price, along with prices for additional features so customers can select which package best suits their needs. All AmeriGlide tubs come with a lifetime warranty on door seals, a 10-year warranty on the tub itself and a 1-year warranty on the faucets.
Since 2005, Ariel Bath provides high-quality bathroom products at more affordable prices than some competitors. The company offers a line of more than 20 walk-in tubs and free shipping on all walk-in tubs anywhere in the continental U.S.
The tubs come with a 1-year warranty on defects in workmanship and materials for structural, electrical, mechanical, sprayer, finish and glass components. You can order Ariel walk-in tubs from the company website or at certain home improvement stores and other retail outlets.
Founded in 2000, Bathing Solutions is an industry leader in walk-in tubs. Its tubs are designed to fit into the space of a standard bathtub and feature one-piece construction for leak and structural change prevention. Bathing Solutions tests and certifies all its walk-in tubs to meet all plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes to ensure quality and safety. All of the company’s walk-in tubs have a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel frame, tub shell, tub finish and door seal. Bathing Solutions walk-in tubs must be ordered from the company website.
In business since 2005, Ella’s Bubbles offers a line of more than 25 luxurious walk-in tubs. All tubs are made with solid, long-lasting acrylic in a high-gloss finish atop a rust-proof, stainless steel frame and several fiberglass mesh and Gelcoat layers. Ella’s Bubbles offers many optional luxury features, including foot massage, chromotherapy, ozone sterilization and a control valve to regulate the temperature of the water before it reaches the faucet.
All walk-in tubs come with a limited lifetime warranty on the tub shell, frame, motors, pumps, fixtures, electronic controls, faucet, drain and overflow. You can purchase Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs via Amazon and many other retailers.
Freedom walk-in bathtubs are manufactured by Accessibility Professionals, Inc., which also makes other accessible and ADA-compliant bath products. Freedom Bathtubs are cost-effective and offer many therapeutic and safety benefits. They come with a 10-year limited warranty on defects of workmanship or material as long as the product is installed and maintained according to the company’s installation and maintenance instructions.
All walk-in tubs also come with a limited lifetime warranty on door seals and a 5-year limited warranty on water and air pumps. You must purchase Freedom walk-in tubs directly from the company.
A walk-in tub manufacturer for more than 15 years, Hydro Dimensions offers 16 walk-in tubs, each including a minimal-effort, contoured door latch and 17-inch-high seat. Available walk-in tub upgrades and options include a high-speed drain, air and water massage therapy systems, custom jet placement, a heated backrest and UV or ozone sanitation.
Hydro Dimensions offers a lifetime warranty on the tub, systems and faucet, a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, and a parts-only warranty after one year. You can purchase a Hydro Dimensions walk-in tub from specialized walk-in bathtub dealers across the U.S.
Founded in 2007, Meditub makes the largest walk-in bathtubs in the U.S., including wheelchair-accessible tubs and a variety of walk-in tubs designed to fit a standard bathtub opening. Meditub walk-in tubs have a 10-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects on the bathtub shell, frame and finish and a lifetime guarantee on the tub door seal.
Meditub sells its walk-in tubs exclusively through high-end showrooms or certified dealers and has an inventory of at least 2,400 tubs in stock at all times.
Founded in 2011, Universal Tubs are sold exclusively through Home Depot. Universal sells 18 sizes of walk-in tubs, all with either a left-drain or right-drain design. The tubs are made with watertight seals and bolt-action locks to keep the door closed securely.
Door seals on Universal tubs are covered by a lifetime warranty and the tubs themselves have a 10-year warranty extended to the original owner on defects in workmanship and material in the bathtub shell, frame and finish.
With a walk-in tub, you simply open a hinged, water-tight door, step inside (or transfer from a wheelchair) and take a seat on a built-in bench. You then fill the tub, bathe or shower, and drain the tub before getting out.
Entering a traditional tub is potentially exhausting and risky for anyone with mobility issues. The process can cause anxiety for caregivers as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 non-fatal bathroom injuries occurred in the United States in 2008 (the last time the CDC studied them), sending thousands of people to emergency rooms. Bathtub and shower injuries were four times more frequent in people older than 85 than in those ages 15 and 24.
With a walk-in design, seniors may be able to bathe independently when they couldn’t before. “A walk-in tub provides a seat that is chair-height, making stand-to-sit and sit-to-stand easier,” says Debra Young, vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association and owner of EmpowerAbility, a consultancy in Newark, Delaware, focused on improving accessibility and inclusive design.
A walk-in tub’s lower-entry threshold makes it safer and easier for a person to get in and out compared to navigating the high walls of a conventional tub, Young says. Most walk-in tubs are equipped with grab bars, non-slip surfaces and anti-scald devices to further enhance the safety of bathers.
“When considering whether a walk-in tub is the right fit, a person’s range of motion, strength, balance and coordination should all be taken into consideration,” Young says. Additionally, future abilities and bathing needs should be weighed, she advises.
The answer to this question hinges upon several key factors. If you have money to spend and a fair amount of mobility, then a walk-in tub could be a life-changing addition to your home. If your mobility is trending downward–or if you’re daunted by the thought of an installation process that could entail significant plumbing and electrical work–then perhaps the answer is no. Regardless, it’s wise to consider the costs–literally and figuratively–before proceeding.
From basic styles to state-of-the-art innovations, walk-in tubs vary greatly.
A soaker tub is the most basic walk-in tub design. These tubs are deep enough for your torso and lower body to soak fully submerged while seated on the built-in bench. Soaker tubs don’t include water or air jets, so the bathwater is still.
Aerotherapy walk-in tubs release air bubbles into the water from holes in the sides of the tub, providing a gentle massage that can have therapeutic benefits.
“Both hydrotherapy and aerotherapy walk-in tubs may benefit persons who may have muscle aches, muscle spasms, tightness or and/or pain,” says Young. “It’s recommended to consult with a doctor prior to hydrotherapy and/or aerotherapy to ensure there are no precautions or contraindications based on potential medical history and/or current health conditions.”
These tubs may not be good for people with balance issues, open wounds or skin infections, according to Young.
Much like a conventional whirlpool tub, hydrotherapy walk-in tubs use therapeutically placed water jets to massage sore muscles. People with hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions are commonly warned to check with their doctor before using such a tub.
Bariatric walk-in tubs feature a wider seat design for the comfort and safety of larger people. While regular walk-in tubs accommodate people up to 300 pounds, a bariatric tub’s capacity is up to 600 pounds.
Wheelchair accessible tubs are designed to allow people in wheelchairs to transfer more safely and easily from their chairs onto the tub’s bench. Thanks to a wider door, lower threshold and chair-height seat adjacent to the door, a bather can transfer onto the seat unobstructed, lessening their fall risk.
Another option for those with mobility concerns is a “sliding wall tub.” With this tub, a sliding wall creates an extra-wide entry opening. The tub floor can be raised to chair height.
“The extra-wide opening and chair-height tub surface allow more space for users with diverse abilities to enter and exit the bath via a variety of transfer methods,” says Young. “Sliding wall tubs also allow the user to be completely immersed in a reclined position versus in a seated position.”
Use this checklist to guide you to the tub features that are right for you.
How high a tub threshold will you be able to handle now and in the future? Walk-in tub entry thresholds vary in height. For instance, Kohler’s walk-in tubs feature a 3-inch threshold while other manufacturers’ models can be as tall as 7 inches.
Because so many people need grab bars, many walk-in tubs have them. Young recommends visiting a showroom to test a walk-in tub’s grab bar location. Many factors, including the bather’s arm and leg strength, range of motion, grip strength, balance and coordination (plus their height, weight and body measurements) affect optimal grab bar placement. Check with your contractor, dealer or manufacturer to find out if a tub’s built-in grab bars can be moved to best meet your needs. Consider installing grab bars outside the tub to further prevent falls and injuries.
Choose a tub with a surface that’s safe when it’s wet. Most walk-in tubs feature non-slip surfaces, but not all non-slip surfaces are the same, says Young. She recommends a textured surface over a smooth one, noting that adding a bath mat and traction stickers inside the tub will further decrease the risk of falls. A non-slip rug or mat outside the tub is also essential.
Because walk-in tubs are filled and drained while you sit inside them, an unclothed person can get chilly. A tub’s fill time depends on the flow rate from your water heater, and drainage time varies among tub models. Quick-drain tubs can drain in four minutes or less while conventional-drain tubs may take anywhere from six to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, choosing a tub with a heated seat or installing a ceiling heater in the bathroom can help keep you or your loved one warm as the tub fills and drains.
Walk-in tub doors open either inward (toward the tub) or outward (toward the room). Outward-opening doors are generally easier to move through, especially for people transferring from wheelchairs. However, an inward-opening door may be necessary if your bathroom is small.
However, the bather’s specific physical challenges determine which door is preferable. An outward-opening door may be difficult for someone with limited arm range of motion to close. With an inward-opening door, it may be difficult to get legs and feet out of the way when you close it.
A clean bathtub is essential to preventing skin infection and mold contamination, but cleaning a tub can be unsafe for seniors. Self-cleaning bathtubs spray jets of antibacterial and anti-mold chemicals into the empty tub after a bath. Pipes are purged of hazardous materials, keeping the bathtub safe and clean. Ultraviolet lights also sanitize bathtubs, and some manufacturers use this technology as well.
Will your current water heater handle the volume of water needed for your tub? Walk-in tubs, especially those with hydrotherapy jets, use large quantities of water. Your contractor may recommend an in-line or tankless heater to keep up with the demand.
A tankless water heater provides a uniform supply of hot water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The water is available on demand because you don’t need to fill up a larger reservoir with hot water. However, you may experience a slower flow than with a conventional tank-style heater.
A walk-in tub and shower combination enables you to enjoy the benefits of a walk-in tub and the convenience of a shower. Some of these tubs surround the bather with a tall transparent wall, and some are three-sided with a shower curtain rod above the entry side of the tub.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option, consider purchasing a separate enclosure to install above your walk-in tub. Ask your contractor or the manufacturer if this is a viable option with your choice of tub.
A handheld showerhead makes bathing easier for those with mobility challenges. “A handheld shower can be an enhancement because it allows more flexibility for the user,” says Fritzi Gros Daillon, a senior home safety specialist and educator with Age Safe America, a training and advocacy organization.
A handheld shower also helps with shampooing and tub cleaning, and it makes it easier for a caregiver to assist with a bath, says Young.
The average cost of product, material and labor for installing a walk-in tub is about $10,000, according to HomeDepot.com. Tub size, therapeutic features, design, materials, your geographic location and your desired customization are all factors that may increase the price. The amount of remodeling and plumbing work needed can also affect your walk-in tub costs.
Tub prices often don’t include installation or shipping. Before purchasing a walk-in tub, engage a contractor with extensive experience in walk-in tub installation.
Neither Medicare nor private health insurance covers the cost of a walk-in tub. However, many companies offer financing options to make it possible to purchase a walk-in tub without a hefty upfront investment.
Additionally, ask about the company’s warranty and service policies. An in-home visit will reveal any installation challenges that may add to your costs.
Some walk-in tub manufacturers, such as Independent Home and Safe Step, provide very little information about their products online because they are fully customized to a customer’s existing bathroom. Due to this lack of public information, we couldn’t include them in the best rankings above, but they are reputable companies that offer quality walk-in tubs.
Independent Home walk-in tubs come with a textured anti-slip floor, ergonomically designed grab bar, 17-inch ADA-compliant seat, overflow valve and self-purging system for air jets. Aerotherapy, hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, heated seats and backrests and other features are also available.
All Independent Home walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty on key components, as well as the door seal, frame and shell. You must schedule an in-home consultation with Independent Home for pricing and installation information.
All Safe Step tubs feature an anti-slip seat, anti-scald faucets and automatic temperature regulation, rapid-fill and rapid-drain systems and a door that requires little strength to lock. Safe Step walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects, door seals, faucets, water pumps, heaters, blowers and parts and labor on repairs.
The manufacturer also provides a two-year warranty on walk-in tub caulking. The cost of Safe Step tubs can vary greatly depending on your needs, and you must order directly from the company.
To determine the best walk-in tub companies, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on all major U.S. manufacturers, considering their prices, tub types, safety features, customization options, warranties and accessibility nationwide.
We evaluated list prices of tubs exclusively, as installation and bathroom renovation costs vary dramatically depending on your needs and preferences. Meanwhile, companies stood out for offering a variety of tub types and providing valuable safety features and warranties as standard with most walk-in tub purchases. If a manufacturer provided a number of customization options, we noted that as well.
Depending on the walk-in tub manufacturer, the company may supply its own contractors to remove and dispose of your old tub and install your new walk-in tub. You may also be allowed to hire your own contractor.
Walk-in tub installation could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on factors like needing to install a tankless water heater, clear drain blockages, replace inadequate drain piping, widen the bathroom door or complete other renovations to accommodate the walk-in tub.
The average walk-in tub fills with around 50 gallons of water, but larger tubs may have a larger fill capacity.
It typically takes anywhere from six to 10 minutes to fill a walk-in tub. Fill times vary, depending on the water pressure and plumbing system in your bathroom.
Not all walk-in tubs are ADA-compliant, which is a mark of safety and accessibility to people with disabilities. However, many manufacturers offer ADA-compliant models that may include a wider and/or higher seat, seating and grab bars, and other accessibility features.
It’s best to perform a surface wipe-down or cleaning with warm water after each use. However, you should also complete a deeper cleaning weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Always consult the owner’s manual for your model or the manufacturer’s website for specific cleaning instructions.
Walk-in tubs are generally safer than a regular bathtub due to the low entry threshold and other built-in and optional safety features, such as a non-slip floor and built-in grab bars.
If your tub was prescribed by a doctor, then yes, it can be considered a medical expense when filing your federal tax returns.
It depends on who might purchase your home in the future. A walk-in tub might hold more appeal for an older person interested in aging in place, but may be viewed as an impediment or less-than-ideal bathroom design element to a family with young children.
The value of walk-in tubs is in the eye of the beholder. Are comfort, independence and potential health benefits of walk-in tubs enough to outweigh their costs? Ultimately, only you can make that decision for yourself and your home.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Deb Hipp is a freelance writer in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a former investigative reporter with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist and writer. She specializes in aging, long-term care, caregiving, retirement and a variety of other health and retirement topics.
Molly Wigand is a professional writer who has published numerous books and articles, including self-help books for children and adults. During her career as a Hallmark writer and editor, she created products that strengthen emotional connections and enhance the well-being of people of all ages. A full-time caregiver, Wigand believes in the value of becoming an informed advocate for mental and physical health—both for ourselves and for those we love.
Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.