The Top 10 Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors
- Compare the best walk-in tubs from brands like Kohler, AmeriGlide and more to find ideal options for those with mobility issues and chronic pain. Explore important considerations of walk-in bathtubs.
A walk-in bathtub is a big purchase, and any purchase that revolves around the safety of yourself or a loved one shouldn’t be taken lightly.
In this Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors review, we compare some of the leading manufacturers of walk-in bathtubs to help you make an informed decision about your purchase and hopefully find the best walk-in tubs best tub for your needs.
Best Walk-In Bathtub Companies
Below is a list of our top 10 walk-in bathtub manufacturers (in no particular order), along with some key details about each company’s products.
AmeriGlide: Best Walk-in Tubs for Small Spaces
AmeriGlide has a simple-to-navigate website with transparent pricing that ranges between $2,500 and $5,200 for walk-in tubs. However, prices do not include shipping and it’s unclear whether or not installation is included in the price.
One notable feature of the company is that they also sell several walk-in tub conversion kits that allow you to convert your current bathtub into a walk-in setup for only a few hundred dollars. The seats in AmeriGlide walk-in tubs are ADA compliant and there are wheelchair accessible options (albeit side transfer only).
Bonus points: AmeriGlide has a “best price guarantee” that will refund 110% of your purchase if you find the same product elsewhere at a lower price or will match any competitors price if you haven’t yet made a purchase.
American Standard: Best Walk-in Tubs for Quality
American Standard has a long history of supplying quality household appliances. The company has a generous selection of walk-in tubs that begin at around $4,000 and extend up to about $12,000 before installation. American Standard tubs are ADA compliant and include a lifetime warranty that includes labor.
While American Standard’s pricing is a touch high compared to the competition, the tubs are made of high-quality materials like acrylic and gelcoat and there are custom design options available.
Bonus points: American Standard has strong customer reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Ariel: Best Walk-In Tubs for Affordability
Ariel’s product line boasts around 20 different walk-in tubs to give customers plenty of choice. Ariel walk-in tubs are among the lowest cost on the market with tubs beginning at just $2,000. Even the company’s top-end tubs still come in at under $5,000, which is about the industry average for a walk-in tub.
Instead of dressing up their tubs with a lot of bells and whistles, Ariel focuses on ADA compliance, safety features and ease of use.
Bonus points: Ariel walk-in tubs are available for sale at major retail stores like Home Depot, which makes it easy and convenient to shop the company’s product line.
Kohler: Best Walk-In Tubs With Shower
Kohler has just one walk-in tub available but the tub is highly customizable in terms of dimensions, features and style. The three-inch step-in height is among the lowest in the industry and the company backs its tubs with one of the best warranties on the market.
Although Kohler does not advertise costs, the all-in-one pricing model includes installation and removal of your old tub.
Bonus points: The Kohler tub comes with a stone bath wall available in multiple colors and styles that covers up the wall surrounding your tub.
Safe Step: Best Walk-In Tubs for Safety
Safe Step walk-in tubs are big on safety with a long list of safety features coming standard with every model and strong ADA compliance.
Costs for Safe Step walk-in tubs range from $2,500 to $8,000 and the company works with multiple finance partners to offer a variety of financing options. Safe Step tubs are highly customizable, so pricing can fluctuate a lot even within the same model. Safe Step even sells a unique hybrid walk-in tub that doubles as an ergonomic walk-in shower.
Bonus points: Safe Step really prioritizes customer service with multiple ways to contact the company including live chat.
Hydro Dimensions
Hydro Dimensions was our choice for the best walk-in tubs for massage therapy and the company’s tubs even have features designed for skin therapy and pore cleaning.
Hydro Dimensions has a Specialty Series of walk-in tubs specifically designed for those with very limited mobility or who require a larger bathing area.
Prices range from $5,000 to $8,700 and product availability may differ by location.
Bonus points: Among the customization options is the ability to choose where you want jets to be placed during your build.
Meditub: Best Walk-In Tubs for Wheelchair Users
Meditub is relatively new to the game having been founded in 2007 but has quickly made a name for itself. The company offers some of the best selection of wheelchair accessible tubs and claims to be the largest manufacturer and distributor of walk-in bathtubs in North America.
Meditub walk-in tubs can be had for as little as $1,600 or up to $8,400 and the company offers significant savings when you order directly from its factory.
Bonus points: Meditub keeps thousands of tubs in stock at all times and ships products within 48 to 72 hours.
Ella’s Bubbles: Best Walk-In Tubs for Selection
A walk-in tub from Ella’s Bubbles can run you more than $12,000 but can also cost you as little as $2,500. The company has more than 20 models from which to choose across several different tub types including even two-person tubs.
These tubs drain in as little as 80 seconds to get you out of the tub quickly after a bath and an in-line heater is available to keep the water warm throughout your time in the tub.
Bonus points: Have a furry friend? Ella’s Bubbles sells a walk-in tub for dogs.
Independent Home: Best Walk-In Tubs for Limited Mobility
This family business operates it all under one roof and offers free consultations and installation. There are eight models from which to choose including a wheelchair accessible tub, a walk-in tub that fits inside an existing shower stall and even one with a power-controlled seat for help lifting and lowering a person in and out of the bath.
Independent Home does not post pricing online as the cost can only be determined following an in-home estimate. Tubs are ADA compliant and well reviewed.
Bonus points: Independent Home offers a $1,500 savings certificate that is downloadable from its website.
Spirit: Best Walk-In Tubs for Step Height
Spirit has an ultra-low step height of under three inches with 14 different models in its lineup. The company does not offer up a lot of details about its tubs online and instead prefers to speak to prospective customers by phone to learn about their individual needs. Prices range between $6,000 and $10,500 including shipping and installation.
Spirit offers a full lifetime warrant and excellent customer service, although the tubs may not be available everywhere.
Bonus points: When you call Spirit, it’s likely you will speak directly to the owner of the company.
Best Walk-In Tubs by Category
Here are some of the best walk-in tub brands by category if you have a specific need in mind.
- Best walk-in tubs with shower: Kohler
- Best walk-in tubs for affordability: Ariel
- Best walk-in tubs for quality: American Standard
- Best walk-in tubs for small spaces: AmeriGlide
- Best walk-in tubs for wheelchair users: MediTub
- Best walk-in tubs for massage therapy: Hydro Dimensions
- Best walk-in tubs for selection: Ella’s Bubbles
- Best walk-in tubs for limited mobility: Independent Home
- Best walk-in tubs for safety: Safe Step
- Best walk-in tub for step height: Spirit
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Walk-In Bathtub
There are a number of things to consider when shopping for a walk-in bathtub.
- Size of your space
Most walk-in tubs are designed to fit in the same space as a traditional bathtub, which is typically around 60 inches long and 30 inches wide.
Many walk-in tub manufacturers have the ability to modify their tubs to fit in your space, but if your dimensions are well outside this general ballpark you may want to consider a specialty tub. - Style of tub
Walk-in tubs come in a variety of styles such as those designed for more therapeutic use, those that are wheelchair accessible, those that are a combination walk-in tub with shower and more. - Features
Walk-in bathtubs come with a long list of available features that can include everything from heated backrests to quick-draining technologies to massaging jets and more.
Consider the features that are most important to you and decide if any of those are dealbreakers. - Budget and financing
Walk-in bathtubs can vary widely in price. It’s a big purchase, so it’s important to determine your budget and figure out how much tub you can comfortably afford.
Many manufacturers offer financing options, so it’s wide to take that into consideration as well when shopping. - Warranty protection
Plumbing repairs can be costly. Check out the warranty that comes with any tub you are considering buying so that only water – and not your money – goes down the drain. - Safety Most falls occur in the bathroom, so things like traction strips and grab bars are important things to consider when comparing walk-in tubs.
- Hot water heater capacity
A walk-in tub can require up to 50 gallons of water to fill. Depending on the size of your water heater, you may use up all of your hot water before the tub is even full.
Consider the capacity of your water heater and factor the cost of a new one into your overall budget if you will require an upgrade.
Tips for Buying the Best Hot Tub or Bathtub
Below are some tips to help you throughout the hot tub or bathtub shopping experience.
- Research company ratings and reviews
- Consider purchasing directly from a manufacturer instead of a big box retailer
- Make a list of the features you need and the ones you can do without
- Set your budget and explore financing options if necessary
- Research and compare warranties
- Take advantage of free in-home consultations
Frequently Asked Questions About Walk-In Bathtubs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about walk-in tubs.
Does Medicare Cover Walk-In Tubs?
While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not provide any coverage for walk-in bathtubs, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans will cover the cost of certain home modifications done to assist with aging in place and may cover the cost of a walk-in tub.
Check with your plan directly for more information.
Does VA Insurance Cover Walk-In Tubs?
Veterans Administration benefits can cover the cost of a walk-in tub when certain criteria is met. However, tubs with jets are typically not covered.
Does Medicaid Cover Walk-In Tubs?
Some state Medicaid programs may cover the cost of a walk-in tub under certain circumstances, but walk-in tubs are not typically covered by Medicaid.
Medicaid benefits vary by state, so it’s best to check with your state Medicaid program to find out if a walk-in tub might be covered.
Is a Walk-In Tub Tax Deductible?
A walk-in bathtub may qualify as a tax-deductible expensej if acquired for medical or health reasons as prescribed by a doctor or with medical records that demonstrate reduced mobility.
Check with a tax professional to learn more and to find out if your walk-in tub may be tax deductible.
How Long Does It Take for a Walk-In Tub to Fill Up and Drain?
Most of today’s walk-in tubs can fill in under 10 minutes and drain in about equal time. But some walk-in tubs feature fast-drain technology that can get you out of the tub in less than two minutes.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Walk-In Tub?
Most companies complete the installation of a walk-in tub in 1-2 days, which includes the removal of your old tub.
