Walk in tubs are very useful for people with physical limitations. They make taking a bath easier for elderly and disabled people and are a wonderful alternative to traditional bathtubs. A walk in tub eliminates the need of stepping over the edge and is specifically designed with safety, convenience and comfort in mind.
These tubs have features such as anti-slip floors, handle head shower heads, internal grab bars, hydrotherapy and whirlpool. These tubs have doors that open up and the user does not have to step over the leading edge, like the traditional tubs. They are very safe to use and minimize the risk of falling or slipping in the bathroom. They are available in different shapes and sizes and offers independence to elderly and disabled people to take a bath without any assistance from others. The walk in tub and shower combination is also becoming very popular across the globe.
It is important that you buy these tubs from a reputed store only. Even if you are planning to buy online, you should go to a store first to try on a few models to make sure that they are comfortable and suit your needs.
How to Find the Best Walk in Tub
The first thing a person should decide is the type of the walk in tub he needs. You can find tubs of different sizes ranging from compact tubs for small spaces to full-size and over-sized tubs. They come with a lot of bathing options like air bath, soaker and whirlpool. You can choose one based on your needs and the space available. The style of the tub is also an important consideration to look at.
These tubs are generally made of fiberglass or acrylic. Fiberglass tubs are lightweight and easy to install. They are very economical and have a matte finish and last from 1 to 8 years. Acrylic tubs insulate better than fiberglass. They are easy to clean, strong and have a high gloss finish. They can last for more than 30 years.
It is very important to consider the way the door fastens. Different manufacturers use different methods like zippers, Velcro and even buttons. You can pick one based on your limitations. Height of the door is also a very important consideration. The size of some doors is very small and can be difficult to use, while some doors are designed to allow independent transfers from a wheelchair. You can select the type that suits your specific needs.
You should also consider features like the draining speed of the tub, quality of hydrotherapy and the time the walk in tub takes to fill up.
