Updated on March 13th, 2023 at 06:04 pm
Taking a shower or a bath should be a pleasant and relaxing experience that we always look forward to. However, for many seniors and people with disabilities, taking a bath can be a source of fear and dread. If you or your family member struggle to get in and out of the tub, you should consider getting a walk-in tub.
Walk-in tubs have a lower entry barrier, and depending on the model, it may only require someone to raise their foot less than 3 inches to get in or out. Walk in tubs are a great way to minimize the risk of injuries in the bathroom that are often caused by slips and trips, and even trips to the emergency room.
We have reviewed almost a hundred walk-in tubs and choose our top picks. Take a look at our selection of the best walk-in tubs.
Walk-in Tubs Review
Ella Deluxe Massage Walk In Tub
We are aware you might be busy, so instead of scrolling all the way to the end, you can take a look at our number one choice right now.
Our winner is Ella Deluxe Walk-In tub because it simply ticks all the right boxes.
Not only does it provide a safe and independent bath experience for the user; it also provides a luxurious spa-like treatment that will help you relax and relieve any painful areas of your body. This premium bathtub has a stainless-steel door with tempered glass, a premium white gloss acrylic finish with fiberglass reinforcement, and a steel frame with adjustable leveling legs.
Two wall-mount grab handles, a slip-resistant floor, and ozone sterilization options enhance your safety while in and out of the bath, while a 20-inch wide heated seat with a rubber backrest and a massage system with 10 air jets and 12 whirlpool jets provides the ultimate luxurious spa-like experience. Lastly, the price is average considering all the features and high-quality materials.
There is nothing else you could possibly desire from a tub. The safety features are all on point and we love this tub as our favorite Walk-in tub for seniors. It’s a fantastic product you’ll adore and look forward to using every day.
Mecor Walk-in Rectangular Whirlpool Bathtub
The Mecor walk in tub is an excellent option for people who struggle to rise their foot to get into the tub. This walk in tub has a 5-inch low threshold, a stainless-steel grab handles, and a slip-resistant floor to ensure maximum safety during usage.
This tub is made of high-quality materials, and it features a massage system with 8 water jets and options for “legs only massage” It also comes with a generous warranty. Overall, this product will definitely satisfy more than the average needs of a buyer.
Pros
- 5-inch low threshold (safe step walk)
- Grab handle made of stainless steel
- Anti slip floor
- One handheld showering wand
- Massage system that features 8 water jets
- Has a special program for “legs only massage”
- Has a heater that keeps the tub hot
- Full-sized door seal
- Made of ultra-durable hi-gloss Gelcoat
- Easy touch push-button controls
- Full-sized door seal
- Wheelchair accessible bathtub
- Lifetime warranty on the door seal, a 10-year warranty on the tub shell, and a 5-year warranty on other tub components.
Cons
- None
American Standard 3060.109.CLL Gelcoat Whirlpool and Air Spa Walk in Tub
The American Standard Gelcoat Whirlpool and Air Spa walk in tub is a high-end product that will certainly meet all your safety and comfort needs.
This tub has a low threshold that makes it an excellent choice for adults and seniors who can’t raise their foot high above the ground; it features an Air Spa System with 26 air jets and a massage system with 13 water jets for relaxing or therapeutic massages.
Lastly, the American Standard walk in tub has heaters that keep the water warm and advanced self-draining and self-cleaning systems.
Pros
- Full-sized, watertight door
- Low threshold for easy entry
- Features an Air Spa System with 26 jets for relaxing or therapeutic massage
- A heated blower with variable speeds makes bubbles that gently encourage the circulation of the bather
- A quick-draining system ensures the bathtub always stays clean
- Features a massage system with 13 water jets, an in-line heater, and Legs-Only Massage option
- Has a self-cleaning system
- Lifetime warranty on the door seal, a 10-year warranty on the shell, and a 5-year warranty on other components
- Anti slip floor
- Made of hi-gloss Gelcoat
- Easy-to-use push-button controls
- One handheld showering wand
- One safety grab handle
Cons
- Considering tub price, this model has a higher base price
Meditub MT2646RWS 3-Side Enclosure Walk In Soaker Bathtub
The Meditub walk in soaker tub is designed for people in need of accessible and independent bathing. This model features a free-standing design, which means you can place it into your existing bathtub opening. It has a comfortable 17-Inch high contoured seat, a slip-resistant floor, and safety grab bars.
This model doesn’t have advanced options (such as water jets for massage) like some of the walk in tub models we reviewed, but it satisfies all your basic needs and ensures you have a safe and independent bathing experience.
Pros
- Free-standing walk-in tub design
- 17-Inch high contoured seat
- Anti slip surfaces
- Grab bar
- Easy to remove side-covering access panels
- Triple gel coat fiberglass construction
- A stainless steel frame
- The super-fast drain system disposes of water in less than 3 minutes.
- 46-gallon maximum water capacity
Cons
- Considering tub prices, and lack of advanced options that many walk in tubs have, it’s a bit expensive.
Companion Massage Walk In Tub
If you are looking for a walk in tub for two, look no further than this model. I haven’t come across many companion walk in tubs, so I was absolutely amazed by this one, especially since it also has massage jets.
This two-person walk in tub features a centered inward swinging door with seats facing each other. It has an air therapy system with 3-speed airflow settings and a hydrotherapy massage system with 18 water jets. Overall, it’s a wonderful product that is aesthetically pleasing, safe to use, and super easy to clean—a big upgrade for every home.
Pros
- A walk in tub suitable for 2 people
- Centered inward swinging door
- Both seats have removable back support for extra comfort
- Scratch-resistant shell
- Easy to clean
- Air therapy system with 3-speed airflow options
Cons
- Heavy to carry and maneuver
- Requires hiring a professional to install it
And Our Favorite Walk-in tub is…
Ella Deluxe Massage Walk In Tub
Not only it provides a safe and independent bath experience for the user; it also provides a luxurious spa-like treatment that will help you relax and relieve any painful areas of your body.
Additional reviews from XL Living:
- Extra large bunk bed
- Chair vs Comfort height toilet
- Heavy duty toilet seat
- Bed frame
- Walk-in bathtub
- Oversize bath towel
- Heavy duty step ladder
- Air mattress
Things to Consider When Buying a Walk in Tub
What Is the Cheapest Walk in Tub?
Walk in tubs come in different price ranges; depending on what you’re looking for, this product can cost from $1500 to over $9000. We always include a best on a budget option in our reviews, and our top on a budget is Empava EMPV-WIT373 52.5″ Acrylic Freestanding Walk-in Bathtub.
This product doesn’t have some advanced options such as massage systems with air and water jets. Still, it will definitely satisfy all your basic bathing needs, especially if you struggle to get in and out of the tub comfortably.
Are Walk in Tubs Covered by Medicare?
Unfortunately for most people, walk in tubs are not covered by original Medicare, because they are not considered to be a durable piece of medical equipment like a Transfer bench, Bath chair. Medicare doesn’t pay for the cost of a walk in bath, and they won’t contribute to the cost of installation either.
Are Walk in Tubs Worth It?
Extra Large Living believes that walk in tubs are definitely worth the price. Unlike regular tubs, walk in baths come with a variety of features, starting from super-fast drains, grab handles, heated seats, and slip-resistant floor to therapeutic massage systems with air and water jets. Yes, a walk-in bath is well worth its price, and must have for any independent home.