kohler walk in bath in a luxury bathroom

Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors (2024 Guide)

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Written by Alexis Carthan Updated 06/20/2024

Walk-in bathtubs provide comfort and independence that traditional bathtubs can’t. For seniors who may have limited mobility, arthritic joints, or a desire to bathe in luxury, a walk-in tub can help meet your needs. Our team reviewed the best walk-in tub companies in the country and chose the top models for seniors.

Top 5 Walk-In Tubs for Seniors

Best Selection: Ella’s Bubbles
Best Customization: Kohler
Best All-in-One Service: Leaf Home Safety Solutions
Most Experience: American Standard
Best for Massage Therapy: Hydro Dimensions

Ella’s Bubbles

Best Selection

4.8

Ella’s Bubbles provides a wide variety of walk-in tub models. Models range from two-person bariatric tubs to single-person wheelchair-accessible tubs. Ella’s Bubbles appeals to seniors with limited mobility by including ADA-compliant seats, handheld showerheads, and ergonomically placed grab bars. Ella’s Bubbles also provides several therapeutic features, such as heated seats and backrests.

Ella’s Bubble’s Best Model for Seniors

The Capri is our top pick for seniors due to its wide 20-inch seat and outward-swinging door that allows effortless entry and exit for the bather. The Capri features durable acrylic material, meaning it’ll last much longer than gel-coat models. While shopping on Ella’s Bubble’s website, we found that the Capri comes in a range of styles, from basic soaker tubs to fully-featured hydrotherapy models.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers clearance models on its website Builds doors with a stainless-steel frame for added security Provides five wheelchair-accessible walk-in tub models Cons Doesn’t include installation costs in its free online quotes Provides a limited selection of gel-coat models

Features

Ella’s Bubbles pairs its walk-in tubs with the following standard and safety features:

Ergonomics:

360-degree swivel tray
Heated backrest and seat system
L-shaped outward-swinging door with aluminum or stainless-steel frame
Three-speed variable push controls

Massage features:

Air jets
Six-jetted independent hydro foot-and-calf massager
Stainless-steel removable inward-swinging tub door

Safety features:

Auto-purge system
Anti-scald valves
ADA-compliant seats
Grab bars
Ozone sterilization
Two 2-inch gravity-driven drains

Therapeutic features:

Aromatherapy system
Infusion MicroBubble therapy add-on
LED chromotherapy

Kohler

Most Customization

3.8

Kohler is one of the most recognizable walk-in tub brands in the industry. It stands out for its in-depth customization and included safety features. Kohler walk-in tubs have a low 3-inch step threshold, which decreases the likelihood of tripping when entering and exiting the tub. In addition, Kohler walk-in tubs feature fast drain and fill technology for added convenience.

Kohler’s Best Model for Seniors

Kohler provides one walk-in tub model. However, you can customize all aspects of the tub to enhance the safety features and bathing experience to your needs.

Pros and Cons of Kohler

Pros Allows you to fully customize the wall surrounds of your walk-in tub Offers an optional overhead shower combo package Provides financing options Cons Offers only one walk-in tub model Requires a visit from a Kohler agent before providing pricing information

Kohler Features

Kohler pairs its walk-in tubs with the following standard and safety features:

Ergonomics:

21.5-inch-wide seat
Inward-opening door
Eight LuxStone bath wall options
Multifunction handheld showerhead
Optional built-in shelving and storage
Three faucet design options

Massage features:

17 three-speed air bubble jets
Adjustable heated backrest

Safety features:

3-inch step-in threshold
Easy-to-grip handrails
Fast-fill and fast-drain systems

Therapeutic features:

10 adjustable hydrotherapy jets

Leaf Home Safety Solutions

Best for Accessibility

4.6

Leaf Home Safety Solutions is another solid walk-in tub company for older adults. The company offers a full-service experience to customers looking to purchase a walk-in tub. Kohler will send an agent to examine your space and recommend the model that best suits your home, needs, and budget. It also sends in-house contractors to install your walk-in tub. Per the representative we spoke with, all walk-in tub models include a limited lifetime warranty for the door seal and its components.

Leaf Home Safety Solutions’ Best Model for Seniors

Leaf Home’s Pinnacle model is our recommendation for seniors. It includes a bidet plus most of the extra features in its flagship model, Pinnacle Plus. In addition, the Pinnacle is more affordable based on the price mock-up displayed on Leaf Home’s website.

Pros and Cons of Leaf Home Safety Solutions

Pros Provides more than 18 total features in its Pinnacle and Pinnacle Plus models Includes a limited lifetime warranty on the tub’s sealing system Allows you to design all aspects of your walk-in tub Cons Excludes the chromotherapy option that many walk-in tub brands provide Doesn’t offer service in certain ZIP codes

Leaf Home Safety Solutions Features

Leaf Home Safety Solutions pairs its walk-in tubs with the following standard and safety features:

Ergonomics:

13–22-inch soaking depth
23 1/4-inch wide seat
70–95-gallon operating capacity
Adjustable handheld showerhead
Bidet
In-swing and out-swing doors
In-tub control panel
Mounted towel bar
Removable headrest

Massage features:

20 invisible air jets
Comfort heated seat system
Six back True Massage Preferred jets
Two calf-centered True Stream Preferred jets
Two foot-centered Luxury Sole Soothers jets

Safety features:

2-inch speed drain technology
Grab bars
Ozone sterilizer

Therapeutic features:

Aromatherapy
Pure Bubbles skin therapy system

American Standard

Most Experience

4.6

American Standard is one of the most experienced walk-in tub manufacturers. It offers multiple models to fit various needs, from entry-level soaking tubs with limited whirlpool massage jets to full-body hydrotherapy models. American Standard also provides models with inward-swinging doors for seniors with limited bathroom space. We spoke with an American Standard representative who said the manufacturer’s walk-in tubs have low-threshold openings and anti-slip flooring to increase safety for individuals with mobility issues.

American Standard’s Best Model for Seniors

The Premium Series is our pick for seniors. It features soothing therapeutic features, including 13 water jets, an inline water heater, and legs-only massage jets. In addition, it has an ozone sanitation system that cleans the tub during each use.

Pros and Cons of American Standard

Pros Sells models in-house or via national retailers, such as The Home Depot and Lowes Includes a lifetime warranty on parts and labor Designs all walk-in tubs to be arthritis-friendly Cons Prices its models higher than other brands Charges for accessibility features, such as support bars, that other brands include as standard

American Standard Features

American Standard pairs its walk-in tubs with the following features:

Ergonomic:

ADA-compliant built-in seat
Brass fixtures and faucets
One-touch control system
Outward-opening doors designed for wheelchair access

Massage features:

44 air massage and water jets for whole-body hydrotherapy

Safety features:

Automatic water purging system
Leak-free door system
Nonslip textured floor surface
Self-cleaning sanitary ozone system
Quick-drain water removal system

Therapeutic features:

Built-in aromatherapy
Seven-color chromotherapy

Learn more: American Standard Review

Hydro Dimensions

Best for Massage Therapy

4.5

Hydro Dimensions provides the most therapeutic features of all the brands in this article. We secret-shopped the company’s website and discovered that it allows you to choose from three air massage and hydrotherapy systems for each standard walk-in tub model. We also found that Hydro Dimensions builds all its tubs with a gel-coated fiberglass shell to lower the total tub cost. You must book an appointment with an agent to inspect your space before the company discloses pricing.

Hydro Dimensions’ Best Model for Seniors

The HD Series 3048 is our pick for seniors due to its minimal footprint and expansive interior. The 3048 supports up to 65 gallons of water unoccupied, making it a great option if you or your loved one prefers a soaking tub. While speaking to a Hydro Dimensions representative on the phone, he added that the 3048 is easier to install in small bathrooms due to its smaller build.

Pros and Cons of Hydro Dimensions

Pros Provides up to 16 walk-in tub models Has lower average walk-in tub prices than other brands Includes four wall kit options to customize the surrounding area of your walk-in tub Cons Limits model availability based on your location Requires a home inspection before providing pricing information

Hydro Dimensions Features

Hydro Dimensions offers the following features in its walk-in tubs:

Ergonomic:

17-inch ADA-compliant seat
Extension panels for 60-inch wall-to-wall installation
Five-piece polished chrome faucet with handheld shower
Removable front-access panels
Sure-lock tub door latch system

Massage features:

Custom jetting and pump locations
Optional heated backrest
Three massage therapy packages for hydro and air jets

Safety features:

Built-in safety grab bar
Cable-operated polished chrome waste and overflow drain
Medical-grade ultraviolet (UV) light to combat bacteria build-up
Ozone sanitation

Therapeutic features:

20-color LED chromotherapy add-on
Aromatherapy add-on
PureBubbles skin therapy systems

Important Walk-In Tub Features for Seniors

Everyone has unique needs, so there is no one-size-fits-all tub model for seniors. Some brands will better suit your requirements than others based on the components they offer. Our research determined that these are the most important features for seniors to consider when shopping for a walk-in tub:

Handheld Showerhead

We recommend choosing a walk-in tub model that includes a handheld showerhead. This showerhead gives seniors extra flexibility by allowing them to rinse hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, a handheld showerhead doubles as a cleaning instrument for the tub.

Handrails and Grab Bars

Consider a walk-in tub brand that offers ergonomically placed handrails and grab bars. Some brands follow the ADA compliance section 4.20 standards when designing the placement of grab bars around the tub. We suggest choosing a walk-in tub company that meets or exceeds ADA compliance standards and can customize the placement of grab bars based on your needs.

Hydrotherapy Massage Jets

Depending on your condition, a walk-in tub with hydrotherapy massage jets can provide muscle and joint relief while you bathe. We suggest consulting with your doctor before purchasing a model with hydrotherapy jets to ensure it is right for your condition.

In-Line Water Heating

Due to the large amounts of water needed to use a walk-in tub, we recommend purchasing a model with an in-line water heater. It provides a steady hot water supply without using your home’s water heater.

Nonslip Surface

Most walk-in tub models have nonslip floors and seating surfaces. We recommend choosing a model with textured nonslip surfaces since those are more effective in preventing accidental slips.

Quick-Draining System

To increase the comfort of your bathing experience, we suggest purchasing a walk-in tub with a quick-draining system. Due to the tub’s design, its door must remain closed when filling or draining water. A quick-draining system ensures you don’t spend excess time inside your tub after you bathe.

Step Threshold

Step thresholds range from 3–7 inches. We recommend a walk-in tub with a low entry step threshold, especially for seniors with limited mobility. A low step threshold reduces the chance of tripping while entering or exiting the tub.

How Can I Save on a Walk-In Tub?

Due to the immense cost of buying and installing walk-in tubs, they may not be as accessible for some to own. Here are some tips to reduce the total cost of a walk-in tub:

Exclude unnecessary features: Consider features that best fit your needs. Additional features, such as aromatherapy, can increase the total cost of a walk-in tub.
Minimize installation costs: Instruct your contractor to install your walk-in tub where your old tub used to be. Adding additional plumbing and draining to fit your tub could increase costs.
Request several quotes: Some walk-in tub companies send agents to inspect your home before providing costs and installation fees. We recommend pulling at least three quotes from different companies to compare costs and features.
Use Medicare benefits: If you own a Medicare plan, some plan variations may cover part of the walk-in tub cost if you meet specific requirements. Contact medicare.gov for more information.

Are Walk-In Tubs Worth It for Seniors?

Walk-in tubs can provide unparalleled comfort and independence for seniors when bathing. However, the high cost of a walk-in tub plus the intricate installation process requires consideration.

We recommend consulting with your doctor to understand if the benefits of a walk-in tub can improve your lifestyle. Also, consider your budget. Many walk-in tub companies offer financing for both the tub and installation costs. In addition, there are grants specific to seniors that may help cover costs, such as the USDA Rural and Rehabilitation grant program.

Our Conclusion

Walk-in tubs are a solid option for seniors who need a safe and relaxing bathing experience. For those with limited mobility, walk-in tubs grant a level of independence that traditional bathtubs cannot. Our team chose Ella’s Bubbles as our top pick due to its extensive list of therapeutic features and available clearance models. Our second choice is Kohler for its customizable features and wall surrounds. Finally, Leaf Home Safety Solutions is worth considering due to the comfort features it includes in all tub models.

FAQ About Walk-In Tub Brands

What are the disadvantages of walk-in tubs?

There are several disadvantages to purchasing a walk-in tub. The first is the high cost of buying and installing the tub. Another disadvantage is the complex nature of the installation. Finally, walk-in tubs consume more water than normal bathtubs.

How many gallons of water does it take to fill a walk-in tub?

The total water needed to fill a walk-in tub varies by brand, type, and model. For example, standard walk-in tubs hold at least 40 gallons of water. Bariatric tubs, however, can hold more than 90 gallons.

Does a walk-in tub need to be installed by a professional?

Yes, a professional should always install your walk-in tub. These tubs sometimes require custom fittings and plumbing. A professional contractor can limit installation mistakes and improve the longevity of your tub.

How much does it cost to install a walk-in tub?

Our research shows that a walk-in bathtub installation costs from $1,400 to $10,750. Depending on your bathroom’s plumbing, tub model, and decorative components you choose, installation costs can increase or decrease.

Our Rating Methodology

We objectively scores each walk-in tub brand using our in-depth rating methodology. Our team analyzes each brand by pulling quotes from company websites, calling company representatives, and comparing their standard safety and therapeutic features with our review standards. Using our review standards, we score each brand for average cost, ergonomics, extra features, safety features, warranty options, and walk-in tub type. We tally up a brand’s points out of 100, then divide its score by 20 to obtain its 5-star rating.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.