Types of Walk-In Tubs

Walk-in tubs are a game-changer for in-home care, providing seniors with mobility issues and their loved ones with a safer bathing experience when compared to traditional bathtubs. If you’re thinking about an upcoming bathroom remodel, there are seven primary types of walk-in bathtubs to choose from.

Whether you need basic ADA-compliant functionality or therapeutic features, each tub has different parts and installation costs. Tub features can also impact financing options, so it’s important to know what you’re investing in. Read on to learn about the different types of tubs, their features, costs, and the availability of financial assistance.

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The Different Types of Walk-In Tubs: Side-By-Side Comparison

Type of walk-in tub	Features	Installation costs
Soaker walk-in tub	Standard walk-in tub with a low step-in height, but no jets	$2,300 – $7,500
Bariatric walk-in tub	Larger tub with handrails and grab bars, designed for seniors over 300 lb	$4,200 – $11,500
Walk-in tub/shower combo	Standard tub featuring a handheld showerhead for showering	$3,300 – $8,500
Wheelchair accessible tub	Features a wide door and built-in seating to accommodate wheelchair users	$4,500 – $11.500
Lay down walk-in tub	A slightly longer tub with a low entry, allowing users to lie down	$5,000 – $8,000
Hydrotherapy walk-in tub	Includes hydromassage features like whirlpool jets	$4,400 – $12,500
Two-person walk-in tub	A larger option for caregivers that can fit two bathers at the same time	$5,500 – $12,500

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1. Soaker Walk-In Tubs

Soaker tubs are the most basic option, and are the typical starting price you’ll see for most brands’ primary walk-in tub model. For example, you can purchase a standard walk-in tub from Boca without massage jets, heated seats, aromatherapy, or chromotherapy features at a more affordable price.

Overall, standard soakers are deeper and taller than your average bathtub, making it easy to submerge comfortably to the shoulders. They also include a few basic safety features, such as grab bars, ADA-compliant seating, anti-slip floors, and temperature controls.

Walk-In Tub	Dimensions	Capacity	Luxury features
Boca Standard Soaker	30″ x 51″	80 gallons	Slip-resistant floor, ADA-compliant seat
Safe Step Soaker Base	Multiple	50–70 gallons	Quick-fill/quick-drain, grab bars
American Standard Gelcoat Premium	Multiple	70–80 gallons	Ergonomic chair-height seat, textured floor, watertight door

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2. Bariatric Walk-In Tubs

Designed to accommodate seniors weighing 300 to 600 lbs, bariatric walk-in tubs can be up to 50% larger than traditional tubs. They often feature low thresholds, grab bars, backrests, and other support systems for those with limited mobility. Their larger size generally means they cost more than basic soaker options.

Walk-In Tub	Dimensions	Capacity	Luxury features
American Standard Safety Tub 6032	32″ x 60″	70 gallons	Dual massage system, heated seat, slip-resistant floor, grab bars
Kohler Walk-In Bath	32″ x 60″	80 gallons	Air and hydro jets, chromotherapy lighting, anti-slip floor, ergonomic seat
Ella’s Bubbles Big4One	33″ x 66″	127 gallons	Air and hydro jets, dual drains, textured seat, therapeutic backrest
Boca Wide/Deep	32″ x 56″	80 gallons	Water jets, reinforced frame, grab bars, textured floor

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3. Walk-In Tub/Shower Combo

When you want the peace of mind and functionality that comes with a walk-in tub, while still having access to regular showers, these models are the perfect solution. Many brands have their own unique hybrid models, using clear acrylic walls as the shower surround or simply installing a handheld showerhead.

In other cases, you may need a custom walk-in tub installation, costing a few thousand dollars more on average when compared to basic soaker options.

Walk-In Tub	Dimensions	Capacity	Safety Features
Boca Tub/Shower Combo	Multiple	40–80 gallons	Slip-resistant floor and seating, grab bars, low step entry
Safe Step Hybrid Tub	Multiple	50–70 gallons	Fast fill/drain, safety handrails, textured seat, quick-drain system
Ella’s Bubbles Acrylic Bathtub	Multiple	45–75 gallons	Dual-use faucet, textured floor, grab bars, built-in seat
Kohler Walk-In Bath	Multiple	50–70 gallons	Anti-slip flooring, ergonomic seat, hand-held shower wand, grab bars

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4. Wheelchair Accessible Tubs

One of the more expensive walk-in tub options, but also necessary for seniors who use wheelchairs, these tubs feature wider entryways and flat surfaces for wheelchair accessibility. They also tend to have lower and wider tub seats—along with the usual safety features—for safer wheelchair transfers.

Wheelchair accessible tubs are one of the models that Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicaid are most likely to cover as a medically-necessary home modification.

Walk-In Tub	Dimensions	Capacity	Safety features
Ella Transfer Tub	Multiple	75–90 gallons	Outward-swing door, grab bars, slip-resistant floor, ADA-compliant seat, low step entry
Safe Step Wheelchair Tub	Multiple	50–70 gallons	ADA-compliant seat, slip-resistant floor, textured seating, hand-held shower, grab bars
American Standard Wheelchair Tub	30″ x 60″	75 gallons	Contoured seat, textured flooring, grab bars, outward-swing door, ergonomic seating
Boca Wide Access	32″ x 56″	80 gallons	Low entry, anti-slip surface, reinforced frame, grab bars, built-in seat, quick-drain system

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5. Lay-down Walk-In Tubs

Longer than other options and with convenient reclinable or detachable seats, lay-down walk-in tubs offer a safe way for seniors to sit back and relax. They can have multiple finishing options, including classic white porcelain, fiberglass, and more. However, do note that because they’re larger than standard tubs, the cost of a walk-in tub installation will likely be higher.

Walk-In Tub	Dimensions	Capacity	Safety features
Ella Laydown60 Tub	30″ x 60″	30–60 gallons	Safety grab bars, anti-slip floor, low step entry, handrails, ergonomic reclining seat
Boca Wide Tub	32″ x 56″	80 gallons	Anti-slip floor, grab bars, low threshold, textured seating, fast-drain system
Independent Home Lay-Down Tub	Multiple	70–85 gallons	Reclining seat, low threshold, slip-resistant floor, grab bars, handrails, dual drain system

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6. Hydrotherapy Walk-In Tubs

Hydrotherapy tubs, also known as whirlpool tubs, are a great choice for seniors with chronic pain, including sore muscles and joint problems. Think of them as a traditional jacuzzi or massage tub, with the added safety features of a walk-in tub. Dedicated jets force either air or water into the tub for a luxurious and relaxing experience.

Of course, you can expect these options to have a higher price tag. They typically start at just over $4,000, but the most advanced models can be well over $20,000 for parts and installation. You may be able to get part or all of the cost covered by insurance, but only if the tub is deemed medically necessary by your doctor.

Walk-In Tub	Dimensions	Capacity	Features
Safe Step Hydrotherapy Tub	Multiple	50–70 gallons	Dual hydro and air jets, heated seat, slip-resistant floor, grab bars, low step entry, quick-drain system
Ella’s Bubbles Dual Massage Tub	Multiple	45–85 gallons	Hydro and air massage, ozone sterilization, anti-slip flooring, grab bars, ergonomic seat
American Standard RevitaJet™	Multiple	40–70 gallons	44-jets, ergonomic seat, grab bars, textured floor, slip-resistant surface
Kohler Hydrotherapy Tub	Multiple	50–70 gallons	Whirlpool jets, chromotherapy lighting, heated backrest, grab bars, low threshold, anti-slip flooring

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7. Two-Person Walk-In Tub

For homes with multiple older adults, two-person tubs can make bathing easier. Depending on the brand and model, some walk-in tubs can even have different features split across both sides of the tub. Unsurprisingly, the larger size and more complex installation increase the overall cost.

Walk-In Tub	Dimensions	Capacity	Luxury features
Ella’s Bubbles Big4Two	36″ x 80″	90 gallons	Hydro and air jets, ozone sterilization, slip-resistant floor, dual seats, grab bars
Boca Two-Seater	32″ x 72″	85 gallons	Wide two-seat design, water jets, ADA-compliant seating, quick-drain, textured floor
American Standard Companion	Multiple	80-90 gallons	Dual seating, hydro and air jets, grab bars, ergonomic contoured seats, anti-slip flooring
Independent Home Companion	36″ x 72″	95 gallons	Large dual-seat design, hydrotherapy jets, quick-fill/drain, slip-resistant surface, grab bars

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Choosing The Right Type of Walk-In Tub for Your Home

The best walk-in tub for your home depends on your current medical conditions, bathroom layout, and budget. Here are some of our top tips for choosing the right tub:

• Consider Your Needs, including whether you have a wheelchair, struggle with sitting up, or require additional space due to your weight and/or height. These factors will help you determine the right type of walk-in tub.
• Set a budget based on both your needs and your financial situation. For instance, if you can’t get insurance coverage, you may need to reduce the number of add-ons that come with your new tub.
• Determine coverage by taking note of your current insurance, whether Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or private insurance. Ask if the walk-in tub you need is covered by both the provider and your insurance.
• Compare brands using reviews and referrals to determine which brand offers the configurations and safety features you need.

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The Bottom Line

With a variety of different walk-in tub models to choose from, it’s important to analyze both your needs and what popular brands offer. All seven tub types listed above have their own unique pros and cons, with additional features usually adding to the overall pricetag. However, while upfront costs can be significant, many homeowners find the therapeutic benefits worthwhile for independence, comfort, and peace of mind.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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