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Walk-in bathtubs are designed to make bathing easier and safer for seniors and others with mobility issues. They range from basic “soaker” models to luxury units with spa-like features.
All walk-in tubs aren’t created equal—and the same goes for the overall cost of the bath. After all, there’s more to the total walk-in tub’s cost than the price of the tub. You must also consider installation costs, including necessary bathroom renovations and plumbing adjustments.
Experience The KOHLER® Walk-In Bathtub
If getting in and out of the bathtub has become a chore, choose a walk-in tub designed for ease of use and step into a new kind of bathing experience.
The Cost of the Walk-In Tub Itself
The prices of walk-in tubs range from about $2,000 for a basic soaker to as much as $20,000 for a two-person tub offering a spa-like experience. Walk-in tub cost is determined mainly by features and materials. For example, many lower-priced soaker walk-in tubs are made with fiberglass that’s sprayed with a gel coating.
Meanwhile, more expensive walk-in tubs are typically made with acrylic, a material that holds up better over time. Lower-end models are also likely to have inward-swinging doors that can inhibit maneuvering inside. And if you want a spa-like experience or a roomier tub, you’ll pay more for those features.
| Type of Walk-In Tub | Features/Benefits | Price Range (Uninstalled) |
|---|---|---|
|
Soaker |
No water or air jets. Bather soaks in still water |
$1,999 to $5,928 |
|
Aerotherapy (Air Tub) |
Air jets circulate water |
$2,923 to $7,979 |
|
Hydrotherapy |
Water jets provide spa-like experience |
$2,798 to $8,400 |
|
Bariatric |
Built for people 300+ pounds |
$4,242 to $5,574 |
|
Wheelchair accessible |
Tub entry accommodates wheelchairs |
Price range depends on chosen therapeutic and design features |
|
Two-seater |
Accommodates two people at once |
$5,000 to $20,000 |
|
Shower/Bath Combination |
High-walled enclosure allows showering |
$3,047 – $4,626 Add-on shower enclosure may be a less expensive solution |
Sources: Build.com, Rehabmart.com, Ambient Home, HomeGuide
As for where to buy your tub, you can purchase it directly from the manufacturer. But you can also purchase from a walk-in tub dealer, home improvement store or even online. You may even be able to purchase your walk-in tub from the contractor or home remodeling company you hire to install. Check our guide to pick the best walk-in tub for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Walk-In Tub?
Walk-in tub installation generally ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, according to Jesse Garrett, a general contractor in Charlotte, North Carolina, who has installed dozens of walk-in tubs. Installation costs depend on a number of factors, says Garrett–for example, most walk-in tubs have a 60-gallon capacity, yet most traditional water heaters are only 50 gallons.
So, costs could include upgrading to a tankless water heater, which has an average cost (including installation) from around $1,400 to over $2,000, according to HomeGuide, a homeowner resource. The cost for additional installation labor varies greatly, depending on how much work is needed. According to Garrett, here are factors that can bump up installation cost:
- Clearing drain blockage or replacing inadequate drain piping so water drains faster—many walk-in tubs come with a fast-drain feature but clogs or faulty piping can still slow drainage ($250 to $2,500)
- Replacing or moving water supply hardware ($500 to $2,500)
- New tile or drywall installed to replace wall damage caused when accessing water supply lines ($1,000 to $5,000)
- New flooring or tile due to walk-in tub dimensions that are different from the old tub ($500 to $3,500)
- Widening the bathroom door or other renovations to accommodate installing a walk-in tub, which averages around 28 to 32 inches in width and 3½ feet high ($1,500 to $3,500)
Get Competing Offers from Top Walk-In Tub Brands
When you fill a our short form on WalkInBathTubs.org, you will unlock personalized offers for your walk-in tub project! Simply answer basic question about your home to be connected to local, licensed providers who are eager to start your installation.
Factors That Affect Walk-In Tub Costs
Walk-in tub features that raise the price are generally those that make the bathing experience more comfortable, safer or add luxury elements. Those features may include:
- Custom grab bars or textured floor
- Fast filling and draining
- Outward-swinging door
- Handheld shower head
- Larger, deeper tubs
- Heated backrest
- Water jets and/or air jets
- Chromatherapy (light therapy)
- Aromatherapy
- Foot massager
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are walk-in tubs covered by Medicare?
Are walk-in tubs covered by Medicaid?
Are walk-in tubs tax deductible?
You may be able to deduct the cost of a walk-in tub on your federal income taxes if the purchase is considered a qualified medical expense by the IRS. Qualified medical expenses must be used for “the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, or payments for treatments affecting any structure or function of the body,” according to the IRS. However, taxpayers may only deduct the medical expenses amount that exceeds 7.5% of that tax year’s adjusted gross income (AGI).
