Walk-in tubs are safer alternatives to standard bathtubs or showers for homeowners with mobility issues. However, they aren’t ideal if you have a small bathroom or a tight budget. We explore alternatives to walk-in tubs, such as transfer benches, bath lifts, and grab bars, to help you determine the best fit for your needs.

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Best Value

4.5

Best for Accessibility

4.6

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Shower Chair

Shower chairs provide a safe place for you to sit in your existing shower. Having the extra support and stability of a chair reduces the risk of falls and slips.

Shower chairs come in a variety of styles, from portable models to fixed models. Some chairs feature backrests, adjustable heights, and rotating seats and arms for easy transfers.

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Transfer Bench

Transfer benches help people with limited mobility transition into and out of traditional tub-shower combos more comfortably. These benches extend over the side of the tub so users can sit down outside the tub and safely pivot into the tub. This eliminates the need to step over the tub wall, which can be difficult and dangerous for older adults and those with disabilities. Transfer benches are helpful for caregivers who need to assist a loved one with bathing, and they are less expensive than walk-in tubs. These benches can adjust to fit a number of tub sizes, and their non-slip surfaces make them safer to use.

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Bath Lift 

Bath lifts offer a safe, comfortable, and dignified way to enjoy a bath without assistance. The most popular lifts are motor-driven or battery-powered, which allow users to lower and raise themselves with the press of a button. Other options include hand-crank, inflatable, and fixed band lifts.

Battery-operated lifts help people with limited mobility move independently and safely. Features such as adjusting recline positions, floating hand controls, and padded seats enhance the bathing experience.

Grab Bar

Grab bars provide a secure handhold to help users maintain balance, reposition themselves, and avoid slipping or falling. Tub-mounted grab bars are designed to help users enter and exit a bathtub, while wall-mounted grab bars offer steady support in the shower or near the toilet.

Grab bars come in a variety of materials, textures, and sizes. They resemble handrails and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Choosing a color that contrasts with your bathroom walls or tub can make them easy to spot and use.

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Roll-In Shower Chair

Roll-in shower chairs, also known as shower wheelchairs, are helpful for those who have severe mobility limitations. These chairs can roll directly into wheelchair-accessible showers, and while they’re more expensive than a standard shower chair or transfer bench, they are safer and easier to use.

Roll-in shower chairs are equipped with water-resistant materials and a secure locking mechanism. They work well in ADA-compliant spaces with adequate turning space and properly positioned grab bars. They require a low-threshold or barrier-free shower setup for proper use.

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Slide-In Tubs

Slide-in tubs offer a distinct advantage over other types of tubs: direct access to a built-in tub seat. Slide-in tubs have a wide doorway that opens to a chair-height bath seat, so users won’t have to enter a narrow doorway or step over a low threshold to enter. Users can sit on the edge of the seat and pivot 90 degrees to enter or slide directly from a wheelchair to the bath seat.

Slide-in tub users can invest in hydrotherapy upgrades, such as massaging jets, air jets, or deep soaking tubs.

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Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Converting your traditional bathtub to a shower can make your bathroom more accessible and give it a modern appearance. You can take a DIY approach to this remodeling project if you use a prefabricated shower kit, or you can hire a professional. 

Homeowners have a variety of styles, safety features, and upgrades to choose from. We recommend requesting quotes from different retailers and contractors so you can compare prices, materials, and warranties. Look for designs with built-in seating, an adjustable showerhead, and a low threshold if safety is your main concern.

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Barrier-Free Shower

Barrier-free or curbless showers offer a seamless, flush transition from the bathroom floor to the shower floor. People who use wheelchairs or those with limited mobility can easily enter or exit these types of showers, which do away completely with shower curbs or thresholds. Curbless showers can include features such as built-in seats, handheld showerheads, and strategically placed grab bars. A barrier-free walk-in shower may be preferable to a walk-in bath for seniors who prefer a continuous stream of hot water.

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Our Conclusion

Walk-in bathtubs can be helpful for those with disabilities or mobility issues, but they aren’t the only option for those looking to make their bathrooms more accessible. A shower chair, transfer bench, or bath lift can be more cost-effective solutions. Consider the space you have available, your budget, and your current and future needs to determine the best bathing solution for your home.

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FAQ About Alternatives to Walk-In Tubs

Does a walk-in tub reduce home value?

A walk-in tub will make your home less appealing to young buyers but more appealing to older buyers. If you live in an area with many young families, you may not recoup the installation cost, especially if your home does not have another bathroom or a separate shower.

What is the difference between a bathtub and a walk-in tub?

The main difference between a bathtub and a walk-in tub is accessibility. You enter and exit a standard bathtub by stepping over the side, while a walk-in tub has a door built into the side for easier and safer access.

What are the benefits of a walk-in tub?

The main benefits of a walk-in tub are its safety and therapeutic features, such as an entry door with a low threshold. Other examples include hydrotherapy jets for muscle relaxation and pain relief, built-in seats and handrails, and handheld showerheads.

Why can’t you just use a shower?

Traditional showers may not be safe for people who have severe mobility issues or balance concerns. Walk-in tubs and alternative shower and bath models make entry, exit, and bathing safer and easier for senior citizens and those with disabilities.

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