Step into Luxury
Bathroom remodels have an average national return on investment (ROI) of about 72%, making these house projects the highest-yielding ROI renovations homeowners can undertake. But what features are potential homebuyers looking for in their next home? Experts suggest you tackle the shower or tub if you want to renovate a small bathroom due to time or budget.
While a large walk-in shower is an attractive highlight for potential homebuyers, every home should have a bathroom with at least one bathtub. A house with a bathtub is a considerable perk for families with young kids, people with disabilities or reduced mobility, or a buyer who is elderly and has difficulty standing in a shower. A walk-in bathtub is even better as it eliminates the effort of completely climbing in and out of a tub.
Features to Look Out For
For people with disabilities, elderly folks and those with reduced mobility who need a tub to accommodate their lifestyle, the options available can seem overwhelming and sometimes unnecessary.
All of the bells and whistles of a spa tub are nice, but what do you need out of a walk-in bathtub if you simply want easier access?
- Safety handles: grab bars pre-installed in a walk-in tub make getting in and out of the bath much easier.
- ADA-compliant seating: The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that the seat height can easily accommodate people in wheelchairs.
- Non-slip surface: nearly all walk-in tubs should have a non-slip surface for bathing safely.
- Wide doors: be sure to pay attention to the doors of the walk-in bathtub you’re looking at purchasing. The doors should be wide and easy to use.
Modern Walk-In Bathtubs
The following six modern walk-in bathtubs are great options if you want to renovate your bathroom.
Kohler Walk-In Bath
For a walk-in bathtub that feels like a spa, check out the Kohler Walk-In Bath. Kohler is the cornerstone manufacturer of luxury walk-in tubs and you can expect to drop a pretty penny on one of their walk-in bathtubs. However, you get what you pay for, and for a Kohler walk-in tub, that means top-of-the-line tubs with as many premium features as you’d like. A Kohler Walk-In Bath is more than just an option for bathing safely for people who require easy access but rather a spa-like feeling without leaving the comfort of your home.
Cost: Anywhere from $2,000-$25,000 depending on your desired premium features and installation costs.
Perks
- Safety handles.
- Handheld showerhead.
- Whirlpool jets.
- Lifetime limited warranty.
- Non-slip surface to prevent slips and falls.
- Heated backrest.
- Wide doors for easy access.
Ella’s Bubbles
Ella’s Bubbles walk-in bathtubs are both luxurious and practical. With over 20 models of walk-in tubs available to choose from, the options are endless. You can select a walk-in tub model that focuses on soaking, is wheelchair accessible, or aids in hydrotherapy. All of Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs have the option to include plenty of spa features like whirlpool jets, heated backrests and even a 360-degree swivel tray. Ella’s Bubbles walk-in bathtubs are appropriate for elderly folks, people with disabilities and those with reduced mobility with their non-slip surfaces, wide-swinging doors and safety handles.
Cost: Anywhere from $3,325-$9,800, depending on the model type and installation costs.
Perks
- Several models are available.
- Different soaking, jetting and massaging options.
- Safety handles.
- Non-slip surface.
- Two-seater companion walk-in tubs are available.
- Heated backrest.
- Therapeutic microbubble setting.
- Self-cleaning functions.
American Standard Walk-In Tub
The best tub for reduced mobility and people with disabilities is the American Standard Walk-In Tub. This tub has a wide outward swinging door for easy access and is ADA-compliant with wheelchair-friendly seat height, low threshold entry and safety handles.
American Standard is known for being reliable and affordable, with over 150 years of experience in tubs (not to mention several other bathroom and sink accessories). You can choose from more than 200 tub models, some of which include more spa-like features like aromatherapy, chromotherapy and others with more ADA-compliant features like wider doors and safety features.
Cost: About $5,000-$7,000, varying with different models, features and installation costs.
Perks:
- More than 200 models are available.
- Custom design options.
- Lifetime warranty which includes installation labor.
- ADA-compliant features.
- Safety handles.
- Non-slip tub surfaces.
- Built-in neck, shoulder and backrests.
- One-touch control for air and water jets.
Boca Walk-In Tub
As far as modern and sleek walk-in baths are concerned, Boca Walk-In Tubs has got you covered. Boca models are made from marine-grade gel coating and fiberglass material that creates a finish resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew—something you certainly don’t want in a bathtub of any kind. Boca Walk-In Tubs have plenty of safety features for those with disabilities or who need easier access to their tubs.
Cost: About $7,000, with pricing dependent on extra features and installation.
Perks
- ADA-compliant seating.
- Non-slip surface for slip and fall prevention.
- Lowest entry threshold on the market.
- Customizable.
- Bacteria, mold and mildew-resistant finish.
- Premium add-ons are available.
Independent Home
Are you looking for the cream of the crop walk-in bathtub? Look no further than Independent Home, the company with some of the best spa tub features on the market. All models have basic safety and comfort features, but where Independent Home stands out amongst its competitors is the extras like chromotherapy, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and aerotheraphy. These modern walk-in tub models are entirely customizable, and Independent Home will even provide a free in-home consolation for your design.
Cost: $5,000-$7,000, as pricing varies between models and installation costs.
- Fully equipped models feature several types of therapy and add-ons.
- Self-cleaning system.
- ADA-compliant seating.
- Free in-home consultation.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Non-slip surfaces.
- Safety handles.
Ariel Walkin 3052 Soaker
Perhaps you just need a basic walk-in tub without all the bells and whistles other companies promote. The Ariel Walkin 3052 Soaker is arguably the most affordable walk-in modern bathtub on the market. It’s just under $2,000, has a full-year warranty, and is ADA-compliant. Ariel has two different configurations: a model that has a left drain and a door that opens to the right, and the opposite, a right drain with a left-opening door.
Cost: $1,999, not including installation (Ariel also doesn’t offer installation, but the tub can be purchased at a home improvement store like Lowes or Home Depot, which may be able to install it).
Perks
- ADA-compliant.
- High-gloss gel coating for extra durability.
- Most affordable.
- Handheld shower.
- Safety handles.
- Non-slip tub surface.
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