Best Walk in Tub Reviews (Your Guide for 2021)

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If you are looking for luxury and convenience in your next walk in bathtub, here is your chance to find the best walk in tub on the market. Engineered by the best manufacturers, top rated and elegantly designed to make your baths luxurious, the following walk in tub reviews only focus on the best-selling products on the market. Of course, you hold the right to choose which tub satisfies you, but isn’t it easier to select the best walk in tub from the best rated on the market?

Do you experience difficulties bathing because of injuries of old age? A quality walk in tub is could save you the hassles you go through when you need to shower. Walk in tubs for seniors also feature multiple therapeutic functions as you will see below.

Top 6 Walk in Tubs in 2021

Best Walk In Tubs Reviewed

Empava EMPV-WIT373 Freestanding Walk In Tub

Empava EMPV-WIT373 is the bestselling walk in tub in 2021. Designed from high quality acrylic with a contemporary glossy white finish, this bathtub delivers on quality and design. The bathtub features a streamlined form that can complement any bathroom decor.

This bathtub is designed for both comfort and safety. It’s built with an ultra low step-in threshold that measures less than 4 inches in height. This provides easy walk in accessibility for seniors and users with limited mobility. Moreover, while the step is low enough for easy accessibility, it’s also high enough to prevent any water from spilling out of the tub.

To make it even easier to step in and out of the tub, it’s also designed with an extra wide door. This door design, combined with the low step, gives you plenty of space to safely make it in and out.

Another safety feature of this walk in tub is the slip-resistant floor. It has a textured surface, which makes exit and entry even safer. To help you keep your balance when using the tub, it’s also equipped with handrails. There are three handrails in total with two of them located on each side of the door. Additionally, there’s a grab bar inside the bathtub, which can also use for stability while bathing.

The bathtub is also equipped with plenty of features that are added to provide the most comfortable bathing experience. One of them is the integrated seat, so you can comfortably sit and relax in the warm water. Another great feature is the pillow, which allows you to comfortably lean back. Moreover, the tub offers a capacity of 94 gallons, which makes this bathtub perfect for soaking.

This is a freestanding walk in tub. But you can choose whether to install it in an alcove or as a stand alone unit. You do get four size options to choose from, so you can buy one that would the right one for your bathroom. These options include lengths of 48, 52.5, 67, and 71 inches. So there are both small and big tub sizes available.

To make the installation of this walk in tub easier, it comes with pre-installed accessories. This means that you won’t have to deal with the installation of the faucet, drain, overflow, knobs, and showerhead. This greatly simplifies the process of setting everything up.

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Anzzi 2753WILWD Walk In Tub for Seniors

Anzzi 2753WILWD is a tub designed to offer unlimited luxury when you need it. This bathtub is built from acrylic and fiberglass. It’s also reinforced with a steel support frame, so the structure is made to withstand many years of use.

The design of this walk in tub is not only durable but also stylish. The acrylic has a glossy white finish and all the accessories, such as the faucet, shower head, knobs, and other hardware, all have a polished chrome finish. This gives the bathtub a stylish modern flair.

The bathtub also has a very user focused design, which is accomplished through its many features. First of all, it’s the features that make entering and exiting the bathtub as effortless and as safe as possible. These features include a low threshold of just 4.25 inches that allows easy step-in with minimal effort, a door with a wide opening that opens inward, and three grab bars that provide a solid grip for balance. Moreover, the tub features a slip resistant floor that provides a secure hold, adding to the safety of the tub.

Additionally, this walk in tub is designed with an ADA compliant seat that has a height of 17.75 inches. It ensures that you can sit in comfort while you soak.

There are also a few features that ensure that you get the most relaxing bathing experience possible. This is one of the best walk in tubs with jets. It features 12 aero-therapeutic massage jets and 18 Acu-Stream air jets. This whirlpool massage function provides a deeply soothing bathing experience.

To enhance the bathing relaxation even further, the tub also offers aroma and chromotherapy. It provides aroma infused massage bubbles and multi colored lights. These features are great for when you want to invigorate both your mind and body.

The tub also comes equipped with an inline heater so that you can enjoy your warm bath for longer. Moreover, the bathtub includes a bathtub filler that provides fast filling. On top of that, there’s a handheld shower head with 3 settings.

Another user friendly feature of this walk in bathtub is the simple to use control panel. It offers a digital control pad, as well as ergonomic control knobs. These controls allow you to adjust the intensity of the massage jets, turn on and off the heater, and other features.

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Ariel EZWT-3060 Walk-In Bathtub

Ariel EZWT-3060 is one of the most affordable walk in tubs if you are looking for both quality and cost effectiveness. It offers you generous bathing space, an aesthetically appealing design, and safety. However, don’t expect high end tech in this device, such as massage jets.

The construction of this bathtub features heavy duty fiberglass that is coated first with resin and three coats of high gloss gel. It’s a durable design that ensures that the tub stays in use for many years. Moreover, the tub has a white glossy finish that looks contemporary and appealing.

For safety, the tub offers ADA compliant features. They include a low threshold of 6.5 inches, built in grab bars, and a textured slip resistant floor. With these features, the user can easily step in and out of the tub. And while doing so, keep a good balance with a low risk of slipping on the wet floor surface.

The bathtub is equipped with a contoured seat that ensures that you bathe in comfort. It also comes with a faucet and a handheld shower head. Unfortunately, the holes for these fixtures are not pre-drilled. So the complete setup of this walk in tub will require some extra work.

This is a freestanding walk in tub that is built with a stainless steel support system and adjustable feet for leveling the tub. It’s a good choice for those that are looking for a unit that is a bit bigger. It measures 60 by 30 inches and offers a capacity of 89 gallons. So it offers some extra room to stretch out the legs and plenty of capacity for a deep soak.

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American Standard 3060.109.CRW Whirlpool Walk In Tub

American Standard 3060.109.CRW is another good walk in tub for the elderly and users with disabilities. It offers impressive design and features that provide the best in safety and comfort. However, its impressive features do come at a price and this is one of the most expensive walk in bathtubs on our list.

The tub comes in a durable design made of fiberglass and gelcoat. It also includes a heavy duty door that closes with a watertight seal. The brand provides also a good warranty, so you get the assurance of good warranty coverage and the product coming from a popular, reputable brand. There’s a lifetime warranty on the door seal, 10 years on the tub shell, and 5 years on its components.

When buying this walk in bathub, you have a few options to choose from. First, you can choose whether you prefer a white or linen colored bathtub. Secondly, you can choose either left or right side drain.

For safe use of the bathtub, it’s equipped with a textured floor and a safety grab bar. However, the grab bar is located inside the tub and there are, unfortunately, no safety handrails on the rim of the tub, which would have been good to have for extra safety while stepping in.

This bathtub is designed to provide a luxurious bathing experience. It comes equipped with the most advanced therapeutic options. They include 26 air jets and 13 water jets. This combination provides a soothing and invigorating massage while you soak in the warm water. Moreover, there’s a self cleaning sanitation system. It ensures that the system runs clean and efficiently.

Other advantages of this walk in tub include a fast fill faucet that has a rate of 17 gallons per minute and a drain design that quickly removes water. This bathtub is also easy to use since you get all the push-button controls conveniently within reach.

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Ella Deluxe 93058 Walk In Tub

Ella Deluxe walk in tub also has a lot to offer, but at a lower price than the American Standard model. It’s durable and stylish, and it has all the features to provide a relaxing and safe bathing experience.

The first thing that stands out about this walk in bathtub is its durable design. It’s made of premium acrylic that is reinforced with fiberglass. The whole structure is also supported by a stainless steel frame. And to make sure that it stays perfectly stable even on an uneven floor, it’s equipped with adjustable leveling legs. Another feature of the tub’s durable design is the heavy duty door that is made of tempered glass and a stainless steel frame.

To enable safe entering and exiting, the tub has a low threshold of 9.5 inches. And if you want it even lower, there’s also the option 6.5 inches threshold. When using the tub you can also keep good balance by using the grab bars with one bar on the rim and another on the inside of the tub. Similar to all the other walk in tubs, this one also has a textured floor.

Comfort features are where this bathtub really excels. First of all, it offers a wide seat that has an optional feature of heating. There’s also the option of a heated backrest. When leaning back, you can rest your head on the included pillow. However, if you so prefer, you can also remove this neck support pillow.

Moreover, the bathtub offers a combination of hydro and air massage therapy. It’s equipped with 10 air jets and 12 water jets. In addition to that, you can enjoy the soothing effects of aroma and chromotherapy.

To keep you warm in the tub for longer, there’s an inline water heater. It helps to maintain the water temperature at the desired level for longer. And lastly, the tub is equipped with an ozone sterilization system that provides treatment of the water for a clean bathing experience.

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Ella Ultimate 93217 Walk In Bathtub

Ella Ultimate, which is also one of the highest rated walk in tubs, is designed similarly to Ella Deluxe. However, it features more advanced functions and has a slightly longer size. Due to this, the price tag is higher.

The first thing to note about this walk in bathtub is its durable design. It has an acrylic shell that is reinforced with fiberglass gelcoat. The acrylic shell has a white gloss finish with a non-porous surface that is easier to keep clean. Other features that add to the durability are the stainless steel support system and a stainless steel door.

For quick and safe entry and exit of the tub, there are three standard features. They include a low threshold, slip resistant bottom, and two grab bars for stability.

To deliver a luxurious bathing experience, the tub is equipped with a whirlpool system. It includes 17 air jets and 17 water jets. For both of these massage systems, there’s intensity control, so you can choose a more relaxing or a more invigorating bath.

One of the features that make this bathtub stand out is the foot massage system that can operate independently from others. This gives you the option of enjoying a foot massage in ankle deep water. Alternatively, you can operate all three systems simultaneously for a whole body massage.

This bathtub is also designed for fast filling and draining. It features a roman tub faucet that delivers 18 GPM and a dual drain technology that includes two independently operated drains.

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What Is a Walk in Tub?

Statistics show that many elderly people experience problems getting into and out of a normal bathtub. For some, the bathtub is where accidents are most likely to happen. Fortunately, someone thought about the plight of the elderly, people with disabilities and everyone else who simply dislike conventional tubs. The walk in tub idea was born.

With this type of bath tub, you simply walk in through a swing in or swing out door, sit on a specially designed seat in the tub and have your shower with no fears of slipping or experiencing an accident. Again, just by avoiding leg lifting as you get into the bathtub, a potentially dangerous accident is prevented.

Design and Build

A walk in tub largely resembles a conventional tub, with the exception that it features a door where you use to get access. Besides that, everything else from their designs design to the presence of massage jets can be pretty similar to conventional tubs.

The building materials for the walk in tubs are often strong, safe and with the least risk to electrical issues. As such, almost every walk in tub you find is made from either acrylic or reinforced fiber glass. Acrylic is strong, thick but also heavy. It is a safe material, nonetheless, and most tubs that use it experience great durability. Reinforced glass, on the other hand, offers great beauty, lightweight, and durability.

Features

With the most affordable walk in tubs costing $1000 or more, manufacturers tend to load their products with great features for convenience. The most basic features to expect from a walk in tub include a faucet, a shower head, and the drainage system. It is also difficult to find a best-selling walk in tub with no massage jets. In more expensive tubs, these features are infused with the latest technology to make the tub luxurious. The drainage systems for top rated tubs, for example, are faster and feature an ozone sterilization system. The massage jets are plenty and strategically placed for therapeutic reasons. Other features to expect in a quality walk in tub include a seat, an air bubbler, and a safety door grab bar.

The drainage systems for top rated tubs, for example, are faster and feature an ozone sterilization system. The massage jets are plenty and strategically placed for therapeutic reasons. Other features to expect in a quality walk in tub include a seat, an air bubbler, and a safety door grab bar.

Costs

Since these tubs are mostly designed to suit people with special needs, they tend to be more expensive than conventional tubs. A cheap walk in tub, as earlier mentioned will cost between $100 and $1500. A quality medium priced tub costs $4500 and below. But for a fully loaded walk in tub that offers every type of luxury that comes with modern tubs, you can expect to pay as high as $10,000.

Types of Walk in Tubs

One thing that is clear with modern manufacturers is that they go to great lengths to impress consumers. In the case of walk in tub manufacturers, different manufacturers pursue different tub designs and add special features that can fulfill the needs of different people. Below are some of the different walk in tubs you will find on the market and how they function.

Aromatherapy Tubs

Smell is one sense that manufacturers of different bathroom products have always tried to infuse in products to attract consumers. Everyone loves something that smells good, which is why we now have walk in tubs to fulfill this sense. Aromatherapy walk in tubs include special spa like features that make them smell in ways that will make you relax your mind as our bath. They are inspired by the fact that people tend to relax and experience lower blood pressures when certain smells surround them.

Hydrotherapy

A hydrotherapy tub invokes therapeutic experiences with strategically placed water jets and air bubblers. Such a tub will have a waterproof door, a shower head, and other features to help you relax in the water and have your muscles relaxed by the massage jets. Most types of walk in tubs in the market have massage jets for hydrotherapy.

Soaker

A soaker is the least expensive type of walk in tub. It lacks massage jets, air bubbles or any other type of therapeutic feature. A soaker tub features only a waterproof door, a faucet and shower head. With its minimum features, a soaker is the entry level walk in tub. It is much less expensive than other tubs, but not inefficient in performance. By contrast, you are likely to find a quality soaker tub that performs as efficiently as the higher priced walk in tubs that are loaded with therapeutic features.

Combination

A combination bath tub incorporates multiple features that typical walk in tubs lack. This sort of tub will, for example, feature a wheel chair accessible door system and also infuse massage jets for hydrotherapy. With that in mind, the tub solves two different problems. A combination tub can also feature aromatherapy features besides having massage jets or air bubblers. Since these tubs are expensive, many people choose to buy a normal walk in tub and later add the special features they choose.

Bariatric Tub

A bariatric tub is a sweet name given to walk in tubs designed for large people. Thus, the only unique aspect of a bariatric tub is its size. Everything else, from its features to designs and construction are similar to normal bath tubs. You can find a bariatric soaker tub or buy one infused with luxurious features.

Wheel chair Accessible Tub

The meaning of a wheel chair accessible tub is simply that: a wheel chair designed to suit the needs of a physically disabled person who uses a wheel chair for mobility. These tubs have large doors that open outwards. Inside, wheel chair accessible tubs are spacious and often lack seats in there. But with their complex construction, wheel chair accessible tubs can be quite expensive.

Who needs Walk in Tubs?

There are two types of people who need a walk in tub the most: someone with a physical condition that limits them to only use a tub or someone who finds it difficult to stand under a shower to take a bath. A walk in tub, therefore, is a specially built tub for people with some of the following special needs:

1. Senior Citizens

   A recent study shows that more than 65% of senior citizens face at least one accidental fall every year. When this happens in the bathroom, the senior citizen could get high risk injuries. To avert such problems, many nursing homes today use walk in tubs instead of showers or conventional tubs. A walk in tub is a safe bathing investment for senior citizens because it has doors that allow them to get in and out with little or no risks. In addition, walk in tubs have seats to add comfort to the user and not to forget safe door grabs for smooth access.

2. Physically Challenged People

   Although every disabled person would find comfort bathing in a tub specially meant to suit their needs, people who have trouble getting into conventional tubs benefit the most. Someone who uses a wheelchair for mobility will most likely need a wheelchair accessible tub. Someone with a back pain problem that hinders them from standing for too long can also benefit from the convenience of a walk in bathtub.

3. People Afraid of Conventional Tubs

   Who said you must be old or physically challenged to buy a walk in tub? A lot of people are afraid to bath in conventional tubs for numerous reasons. To start with, some people are afraid they might slip and fall while getting into the tubs. Others are not comfortable using the traditional lie down and bath tub model. There are numerous other reasons that make people dislike conventional tubs. And as long as you can afford a walk in tub, there is nothing that should stop you from getting one.

4. People with Balancing Problems

   You probably like showering in tubs, but you can’t just balance yourself while trying to climb onto somewhere. It is a valid reason, and you shouldn’t be afraid to buy a walk in tub to offer you the luxury of bathing in a modern tub. With modern walk in tubs featuring numerous therapeutic features like aromatherapy, massage jets, and air bubblers, don’t let your leg balancing problem stop you from using a tub.

5. Large People

   Obese people are often left out by brands that sell bathroom products like tubs. Maybe it is an effort to cut on costs, but there are few conventional tub brands that target large people. Those that do often fail to customize their tubs for easy access. Fortunately, bariatric walk in tubs are specialized designed to help large persons bath conveniently. They have large doors that swing inwards or outwards swiftly and spacious bathing areas. Bariatric walk in tubs also feature luxurious functions to make the bathing experience convenient and relaxing.

Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Walk in Tub

A walk in tub is a safe bathing haven for anyone with mobility issues, senior citizens or caregivers. In addition to safety, walk in tubs provide comfort and therapeutic bathing experiences. But while they are luxurious, there are also expensive. That means a lot of time and research is needed to help pick the right walk in tub. The following professional guide will help you know what to look out for when buying a quality walk in tub.

Wall Height

The average walk in tub has a step in height of 15 inches. It holds 50-60 liters of water and measures on average 25 inches high. Different walk in tubs feature different designs, but it is important to buy one that specifically meets your needs. If you are buying the tub for a tall person, buy a tall walk in tub with a short seat. This will create enough bathing space for the individual and also leave enough space above the tub.

Built in Seat

One of the major concerns senior citizens have while using conventional tubs revolves around sitting. Senior citizens and people with physical conditions enjoy bathing while seated somewhere. As such, invest in a walk in tub that offers a built in seat and perhaps a built in pillow to add comfort. Again, one of the reasons for buying a walk in tub is to reduce accidents while bathing. Having a built in shower chair ensures that the user baths with minimal risks of an accidental fall.

Left or Right Access

Whether you buy a right or left access walk in tub will most likely be influenced by the design of your bathroom and where you want the tub installed. If you plan to install the tub on the left side wall you will need a right access tub. However, the need of the user can also guide on what type of tub to buy. There are people who would be adamant to get a left side access door because they use their left hand the most, and that should be respected.

Textured Floor

In the spirit of creating a safe bathing haven for the user, ensure you buy a tub with textured flooring. Textured floors consist of slip resistant materials to ensure an accidental fall is avoided as much as possible. Although many walk in tubs are safer because of their use of seats and door grab bars, those without textured flooring have been associated with more falls. That means there is more safety where the tub’s floor is textured.

Grab Bars

When it comes to protecting a senior citizen, your ideal walk in tub should have every recommended safety feature, including a grab bar. Often fixed on the doors, grab bars ensure the user holds onto them for safety in case of an emergency. Grab bars also help the tub’s user get into and out of the tub comfortably. Fortunately, almost every modern walk in tub features a grab bar, but you just have to make sure it is present in the tub you plan to buy.

Anti Scald Valve

If you’ve been frightened by a sudden change in water temperatures in your tub before, you will want a good anti scald valve. An anti scald valve helps keep the water temperatures close to constant when there is a sudden change in water pressures. Not only does this ensure you have lovely baths that remain unaffected by changing water pressures, it could also be safe. For senior citizens and people who constantly react impulsively, an anti scald valve ensures that the user doesn’t react to water temperatures and risk getting hurt.

Built in Heater

A built in heater is an important accessory for anyone who loves bathing in warm tubs. The heater recirculates warm water around the whirlpool tub continuously, ensuring that every part of your body enjoys the soothing feel of warm water until the bath is over. While it seems like an afterthought fixture, a built in heater is a helpful feature for everyone who suffers from water pressure problems in the house. Changing water pressure can suddenly change the temperature of water in the tub, thereby, affecting the warm and comforting feel of a tub. But with a built in heater and an anti scald valve, your water will remain at your preferred temperatures throughout your shower.

Pros and Cons of Walk of Soaker Tubs

A walk in soaker tub is a great investment for anyone who experiences difficulties accessing a conventional tub. If you are used to being guided into a tub, a walk in tub relieves you dependence and instead of gifts you the chance to enjoy bathtubs without depending on anyone. Read on for other pros and cons of walk in tubs.

Pros

• Easy entrance. Soaker tubs feature doors that swing inwards or outwards easily. This reduces the great risk that comes with senior citizens trying to access a conventional tub.
• Features a built in seat for comfort. Walk in tubs often feature a built in seat to offer comfort to the user while also minimizing risks.
• Relaxing. A walk in allows you to access the tub and submerge yourself into the water for a relaxing and tension relieving bathing experience.
• Improves home value. Your home’s value will certainly improve when there is an important investment as a walk in tub. If you live in a retirement community, a walk in tub can greatly improve your home’s value.
• Fewer medical bills due to improved safety. Since many accidents among senior citizens occur in the bathroom, a walk in tub offers the safety needed and by extension saving on medical bills for your loved ones.
• Some brands offer flexible payment plans.

Cons

• Some soaker tubs take a while before water is filled up. This can be frustrating, as you have to wait in the cold for up to fifteen minutes before you start to shower.
• High installation costs.
• You have to wait for the water to drain before you can leave a walk in tub.

Bottom Line

Walk in tubs are certainly not meant for everyone, but if you have the least trouble accessing a bathtub, you have no reason not to buy one. After all, it is about your safety or the safety of your loved one. You cannot put a price tag to safety, which is why you need to invest only in the best walk in tub. Go through our walk in tub reviews above again, and perhaps check to find one that best meets your needs.