We have all heard of walk-in showers, but walk-in tubs? Walk-in bathtubs provide a safer way to enter a bathtub, and offer a built-in seat that allows for easy use and comfort. These special tubs are great for aging in place, or for upgrading your parent’s existing bathroom space. Walk-in tubs are also great for handicapped individuals.
Walk-in tubs feature a door similar to a car, with rubber and magnets to be watertight. These doors offer a low-entry point, which reduces the tripping hazards associated with a traditional tub. Most Walk-in tubs are about waist height, offering a sturdy platform for toiletries that is within reach. Many models feature handrails and even hydrotherapy jets.
Walk-in tubs take up less floor space than a traditional tub. The taller nature of this style of tub means that you will be more fully immersed in the water. There are also models that double as showers.
One of the few major downsides of the walk-in tubs is that you have to sit in the tub as it fills or drains. These tubs can take 8 to 15 minutes to fill; as opposed to a traditional tub that can take about 5-10 minutes to fill. Draining the water away will take about the same amount of time for both styles of tubs, but you do have to stay in a walk-in tub until the water drains out.
Traditional tubs can vary in size, but will use about 42-80 gallons of water per bath. Most models of walk-in tubs will fill up at about 50 gallons. This means that you can be using up less water per bath vs a bigger tub.
To discuss bathroom or kitchen remodeling options that would be best for your home please contact us at (718) 273-6233 or visit our showroom at 711 Port Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10302.