A Guide to Selecting the Right Walk-In Bath
If you’re planning to buy a walk-in bath, understand that it requires a lot of time and research. Plus, there are a lot of factors to consider. You see, walk-in baths are expensive and to make an informed buying decision, you need to first know that there are different types of products you can choose from. Plus, you also need to know what types of features and functionalities will suit you best. In light of this, let’s talk about what you need to know about different walk-in baths.
A Variety of Different Walk-In Bathtubs to Choose From
While there are different types of walk-in baths, keep in mind that many come with different features and functionalities. However, the main purpose of each type of walk-in bathtub will always remain the same – which is to help prevent you from slipping or falling down in the bath. Here are some options you can invest in:
Soakers
There’s nothing special about soakers – they’re designed to function just like normal tubs. However, they’re made to be walk-in soaker tubs. All you need to do is fill it with water and enjoy the bath.
Hydrotherapy Bathtubs
These are walk-in bathtubs built-in with water jet systems that circulate the water around you in the tub with high pressure. Hydrotherapy walk-in tubs are made to massage your body, relieving joint pain, enhance your blood circulation, and provide pain relief.
Air Pressure Bathtubs
The concept is the same as hydrotherapy tubs with the exception that aerotherapy tubs are built with air jets that help provide deep and pain-relieving massage. Air jet tubs are great for people with sensitive skin.
Wheelchair-Friendly Walk-in Tubs
These are walk-in baths that come with wheelchair accessibility. The bathtub is built with a wider door and is designed with anti-slip handrails for the user to easily get in the tub.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Walk-In Bathtub
Many people think that walk-in baths come in a standard size. However, this isn’t true. Walk-in bathtubs come in different sizes ranging between 50 inches and 80 inches in length and 30 inches to 36 inches in breadth. So, before you do anything else, measure your bathroom space, specifically the area where you want to install the walk-in bath. Then after you have the numbers, compare different models and select one that fits your measurements snugly. In light of this, let’s look at some factors you should keep in mind before buying a walk-in tub.
Your Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings
If you haven’t replaced or changed your plumbing lines in a while, you should consider doing so before you install the walk-in tub. Old drainage pipes tend to get easily damaged and clogged. This means the water from the tub won’t as easily drain. And this could prove to be a bothersome problem.
Additional Support Designed in the Bathroom
This is perhaps one of the most important things to consider. You see, walk-in tubs are quite heavy. For example, tubs designed with acrylic can weigh around 300 to 500-lbs – fill the tub with water, and the weight will increase by around 500-lbs. It’s wise to set up a meeting with a building engineer to discuss whether your bathroom floor has strong structural integrity to support this weight. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to have additional support designed.
Your Bathroom Configuration
There are a variety of different walk-in tub designs and specifications you can choose from. Typical walk-baths are designed to fit into regular bathrooms – with their dimensions being 30” wide and 60” long. Walk-in tubs generally have a height ranging between 20” to 45”. However, longer tubs typically have shorter heights.
Bottom Line
So, there you have it – now you know what types of walk-in baths you can choose according to your specifications, and different factors to keep in mind before investing in the right walk-in bathtub.