Best Walk-In Tubs Of 2022

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.

Walk-In Soaking Tubs

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 Tubs

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.

Hydrotherapy Tubs

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 Tubs

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

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.

Step Threshold

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.

Grab Bars or Handrails

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.

Non-Slip Surface

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.

Fill and Drainage Time

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.

Inward vs. Outward Walk-In Tub Door

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.

Self-Cleaning Functionality

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.

In-Line Water Heating

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.

Shower Option

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.

Handheld Showerhead

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.

Does Medicare Pay for Walk-In Tubs?

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.

1. Consult with your physician. Find out if a walk-in tub is a safe and helpful choice for you or your loved one’s specific medical conditions. Which features and benefits (hydrotherapy, wheelchair access) are essential for you? Which should you avoid?

2. Consult with a senior aging specialist and/or an occupational therapist. A certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) is someone who specializes in home modifications for older adults. They can provide insights into the logistics and safety of your walk-in tub purchase. Your local area agency on aging can connect you to someone with this expertise.

Occupational therapists are medical professionals trained to help with home modifications, as well as provide hands-on training as seniors adapt to changes in their home environment. Contact the American Occupational Therapy Association or your state’s occupational therapy association.

3. Establish your walk-in tub budget. You may choose to consult with your financial planner to determine what you can afford. Explore different financing options, and, again, check with your local area agency on aging about Medicaid or VA assistance. 

4. List your must-haves. Pre-shop online to find the tub that matches your list, then follow up with a manufacturer or dealer as questions arise.

5. Find a reputable walk-in tub contractor. Local medical equipment stores, occupational and physical therapists, and recommendations from friends and family may provide you with reliable contractor contacts. Ask contractors for references, then follow up and see if past customers were satisfied with the contractor’s work.

6. Ask your contractor the important questions. Gros-Daillon recommends these questions as a starting point:

• Are they licensed and insured?
• Do they have experience installing walk-in tubs? Which brands?
• Will permits be required?
• What are the plumbing requirements?
• Will the tub require supplemental water heating?

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

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.

Safe Step

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.

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