Exploring the advantages and disadvantages of a walk-in tub so you know the best option that works for you.
Exploring the advantages and disadvantages of a walk-in tub so you know the best option that works for you.
Maintaining good hygiene on a daily basis is an important factor in life. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, as they say, and it’s important to wash every day, to stay clean and fresh so your body can upkeep a solid defense against infection and disease.
One of the primary outlets for washing is a bathtub. It is especially good for all-over body cleaning as your entire body is submerged into the water. But as good as that is, climbing in and out of the bath itself, while not an issue most people give much of a thought about, nonetheless, it is a very important consideration for those with limited mobility, whether through age, infirmity, injury, or degradation of muscle capacity.
For folks who fall into such categories, that short exertion of stepping in and out of the bath can be an uncomfortable at best and very painful at worst experience, a daily endurance feat that simply is too much for them, physically or emotionally. But at the same time, they also require a submersive wash that cleanses them in a way that is needed.
A walk-in tub is a specialized bath tub with a high side that opens out like a door to enable instant access via a short step. The door is watertight once closed properly, thus allowing instant and easy access in and out but also providing for an enjoyable and thorough submersive experience. There are considerable advantages to a walk-in tub but also some disadvantages too, and in this article, we will highlight both to provide you with a complete panoramic overview to enable you to make an informed decision for yourself.
As mentioned previously, the real benefit of a walk-in tub is its watertight side door that allows you to step in and out of the tub effortlessly.
A walk-in tub typically holds between 2 to 4 feet of water (most standard bathtubs typically hold 1 foot of water), allowing for a fully submersive experience. Additionally, there is an ADA-compliant chair in the tub that provides a comfortable prop-up while the tub is filling with water.
A major consideration, to mention benefit, in having a walk-in tub is the safety factor. For people with limited mobility, the risk of slipping or falling when accessing a standard bath is a major risk every time it is attempted. But with a walk-in tub, that is a risk you no longer need to take. With ease of access via the side door and low step, the walk-in tub also has a non-skid floor so you can have peace of mind alongside a pleasurable washing experience.
The major downside of installing a walk-in tub is, unsurprisingly, the basic cost thereof. Getting a new walk-in tub can typically cost around $4,000 but that doesn’t include potential additional bathroom remodeling costs to accommodate the larger-than-standard new bath tub itself. The cost factor is a major deterrent to some people getting a walk-in tub who would otherwise greatly benefit from having one.
While the immediate advantage of a shower in terms of convenience is obvious compared to a bath, nonetheless while a bath is more thorough in full-body hygiene, it takes time to fill. And for a walk-in tub, there is the additional disadvantage of draining it once washing is complete and prior to opening the side door to exit again. This consumption of time could certainly be a deciding factor for some folks.
A walk-in tub typically uses more water than a standard tub because it is deeper and larger and thus a higher volume of water is required to fill. In and of itself, that is not an issue but it could be if, as discussed, the time factor in filling and draining the tub is a factor to be considered, but also, if your water use is metered, then the cost issue is also a consideration to be accounted for.
Walk-in tubs are a useful and advantageous utility to have, but there are factors for and against having one installed. That being said, should you be interested in learning more, then contact these expert professionals for further details and a free quotation.