Walk-in bathtubs provide people with limited mobility or senior citizens an option to enjoy the luxury of a bathtub without the fear of stumbling over the high threshold of a traditional bathtub. But, an important element to consider before buying a walk-in bathtub is the size of the unit and the ease with which it can be installed in your bathroom. In this article, we discuss all the important point you need to consider before buying a walk-in bathtub.
Size matters: You must be aware that all bathrooms are constructed in accordance with standard dimension. Before, purchasing a walk-in bathtub, you need to know the exact length, breadth and layout of your bathroom. It is also advisable to have a fair idea of the plumbing in your bathroom.Walk-in bathtubs are available in different shapes and sizes, however, most models have are 26 to 32 inches wide and have a 3 feet wall all around them. They can easily fit into 60-inch space which may have been occupied by your previous standard tub.
Use space wisely: Extension kits available in the market can resolve any space-related issue. If you have additional space left after the installation of your walk-in tub in place of your conventional tub, you can try matching panels available with extension kits or you could add shelves or drawers in that area.Apart from inward swinging and outward swinging doors, you can consider a sliding panel door which can be raised up to allow the bather to slide into the bathtub seat. This feature is especially useful for individuals using a wheelchair.
Mind the details: Most walk-in bathtubs have built-in seats much like a chair. However, the height of the seat can vary in different models. You should check under the product description to get an idea about the height and select one which meets your requirement. If you do not want a seat, you have the option of sloped backs with arm rests.Some high-end models feature powered seats which can be lowered and raised according to the bather’s preference. Still, other models have belts instead of seats for this purpose. You can also have a cushioned seat if you please.
Take care of the fittings: You may need to change your plumbing for a better experience. Ideally, you would choose the fast filling and the suction drainage options to avoid having to wait while the tub fills and drains out. But if your waterline has the standard half inch pipes the fast fill or drains option may not work as desired. To overcome the issue you may need to replace the existing pipes with ¾ inch pipes. A walk-in tub requires around 50 gallons of water to fill-up; ensure that you have an adequate supply of hot water.Ground-fault-circuit interrupters (GFCI) with a dedicated 25-30 amperes of current are required for the smooth operation of a walk-in bathtub.For a hassle-free installation, you may want to hire a licensed plumber, electrician and maybe, a carpenter
