Best Walk In Tubs in 2023

For those who want to age in place, there are different types of aids that can help make living in your home easier.  Walk-in tubs are one of those aids that can make daily routines within the home much easier and safer.  personal care becomes easier, comfortable, and allows for a more independent lifestyle for the senior who wants to age in place within the comfort of his or her home.

We have created an in-depth guide on what the best walk-in tubs should have and what to look for before purchasing a tub.  You will find all types of information such as customer service, safety features, upgrades, tub styles, and more so you can make a very informed and accurate decision. 

What is a walk-in tube?

Walk-in tubs are accessible bathtubs are tubs that are designed so that people with limited mobility or disabled people can still use a tube safely because the tub is more accessible to enter, may have grab bars, or even has a way that lifts or lowers the person in the water.

These walk-in rubs use a water-tight door that allows the person to step directly into a tub with a very low threshold to help increase safety measures.  When the door closes the tub then can fill up allow the person to enjoy a bath.  After the tub drains then the door can open and the person can then safely get back out of the tub.

Who should use a walk-in tube?

Anyone can use a walk-in tub.  For the most part, it is people that have mobility issues and have trouble safely entering and exiting a tub or shower.   These could be anyone who is aging and losing muscle, stability and balance issues. 

It could also be younger people who have suffered an accident and lost mobility.  Anyone that cannot safely enter a tub on their own could benefit from a walk-in tube.

What Types of Walk-In Tubes are there?

There are different types of walk-in tubs that can fit the needs of just about anyone looking for a safer and easier way to bathe.  Below are some tub styles you may choose from when looking. 

• Prefer Shower type:  These types of walk-in tubs allow for a traditional shower and a walk-in tub.
• Bariatric tub:  These are tubs that have extra room and larger bath seats.  These models can safely accommodate larger individuals providing more room and a more comfortable experience. 
• Limited Space:  For those with tighter spaces a cube or hybrid shower model may be for you.   Be sure to measure your space against the size of the tub you are interested in.
• Hydrotherapy walk-in tub:  For those that want or need a spa treatment you will want to look for walk-in tubs that have spa jets.  Keep in mind a lot of models are equipped with spa treatments. 
• Deep soaking tubs:  These tubs offer more water capacity so that more of your body can be submerged into the water.

Benefits of using a walk-in tube

There are a lot of benefits to using a walk-in tube, especially for those with mobility issues.    For those with limitations with movements, a walk-in tube may provide you with the following benefits. 

• Hydrotherapy: A lot of walk-in tubes offer hydrotherapy jets that can be used for soar joints and muscles.   What is great about this is that you can get the same jet therapy but without chlorine or the need to go outside into a hot tub. 
• Independence:  As we get older and lose the ability to walk or move without the need for help using the shower can be something that a lot of seniors shy away from when help is needed.  The use of other mobility aids in the shower can help with gaining safety and independence.  A walk-in tube can help with showering alone and bring back independence and personal hygiene care. 
• Safer hygiene experience:  A walk-in tub allows for a safer, easier shower experience.  This leads to better hygiene.  The tubs have swinging doors and very low thresholds so getting in and out is much easier than a standard tub.  These tubs can also be installed with handrails, anti-slip flooring, and other safety features that allow for a really safe bathing experience. 

Will Medicare cover the cost of a walk-in tub?

Because aging men and women prefer to age in place this means that most likely there will need to be some home modifications that take place in order to make staying in the home safer and easier as we get older.   One of those medications might be a walk-in tub.  Because updating your bathroom inexpensive a lot of us ask if insurance would cover the cost of a walk-in tub.  

Most seniors will turn to medicare at one time or another to help afford different types of mobility aids.  Durable medical equipment is typically covered in some fashion when it comes to certain types of aids.  Walkers, wheelchairs, and the like often get covered.  Walk-in tubs however typically are not covered by Medicare because they are not considered to be durable medical equipment in Medicare’s eyes. 

How to find the best walk-in tubs for your home

We research a lot on mobility products that make life easier for seniors or anyone that needs help because of mobility issues.  We looked at a series of buying metrics, what to look for, and made our recommendations below.  What we looked at:

1. We looked at a lot of walk-tubs and started to narrow down our search to the top 5 best tubs for low thresholds, standard size walk-in bathtubs, and smaller tubs when space is limited to create our list. 
2. We looked for some standard safety features:  The tubs we recommend all use anti-slip flooring and grab bars as standard features for safety.
3. Narrow down our list:  After researching we narrowed down our list to the top 5 walk-in tubs that we feel bring the best value and features into a tub. 

Best Walk In Tub Comparison Charts

Key Specs	Basic Walk-in Tub 52″ x 30″ x 40 Low Threshold	Slide-in Tub 52″ x 32″ x 41″ Wheelchair Accessible	Basic Walk-in Tub 48″ x 28″ 40″ Low Threshold	Acrylic Walk-in Tub 55″ x 30″ x 38″	Acrylic Walk-in Tub 52″ x 30″ x 38
Water capacity:	63 gallons (Unoccupied)	65 gallons (Unoccupied)	52 gallons (Unoccupied)	90 gallons (Unoccupied)	63 gallons (Unoccupied)
Anti-Slip Floor:	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Made from:	Premium grade fiberglass and gel coat	Premium grade fiberglass and gel coat	Premium grade fiberglass and gel coat	High grade cast white acrylic	High grade cast white acrylic
Step-in height:	3.5″	N/A	3.5″	N/A	N/A

Top 5 Best Walk-in Tubs

Our Score	Walk-in Tub	Our Rank1.
1.	Basic Walk-In Tub (Low Threshold)	4.7/5
2.	Slide-In Tub 52″ X 32″ X 41″ Wheelchair Accessible	4.6/5
3.	Basic Walk-In Tub 48″ X 28″ X 40″ Low Threshold	4.5/5
4.	Acrylic Walk-In Tub 55″ X 30″ X 38″	4.5/6
5.	Acrylic Walk-In Tub 52″ X 30″ X 38″	4.5/5

1. (Best Overall) Basic Walk-In Tub 52″X 30″ X 40″ Low Threshold

This low-threshold walk-in bathtub is ranked as our top choice and best walk-in tub for anyone who has mobility issues and needs a tub that he or she can easily get it and out of.   We love the low profile of this tub at only 3-1/2 inches it is great for anyone who cannot step high to get in or out easily.

Constructed of very high trade fiberglass composite with a gel coat high gloss finish.  There are great features for safety for this tub as well.  Anti-slip floors and built-in safety grab bars.  This tub is also Iapmo and UL Certified.

This walk-in tub will make an excellent investment for those looking to age in place and remodel their home for easier access as they age or for anyone with mobility issues. 

2. Slide-in Tub 52″ x 32″ x 41″ Wheelchair Accessible

For those that are looking for a wheelchair-accessible slide-in tube this tub below may make a great choice.  This particular model also for easier wheelchair transfers to the slide-in tube because of the socially designed 34-inch doorway.   

This ADSA compliant ergonomic tub is very comfortable and with smartly placed grab bars it makes getting in and out of the tub easier for those with mobility issues. Easily maintain your independence by using a walk-in tub.

This tub has an unoccupied water capacity of 65 gallons and an anti-slip floor.  Made from Marine grade fiberglass and gel coat for long-lasting use. 

Options include speed rains, aromatherapy, chroma lights, Omni air jets, microbubbles, and more

3. Basic Walk-in Tub 48″ x 28″ x 40″ Low threshold

This bathtub has a very low profile in terms of threshold walk-in tubs at 3 1/2 inches.  This makes anyone that has difficulties lifting their feet or legs up to get into a tub difficult a good choice in tubs. 

Made with excellent built-in safety features like anti-slip flooring, low step-up profile, and an easy entrance because of the extension pane that can fit up to a 60-inch opening.

We also love the idea of a hand shower for extra comfort when movements of the arms may be impacted by mobility issues.  Choose either from a right or left-hand side door and drain. 

Additional options are also available like a speed drain, aromatherapy, chroma lights, microbubbles, Vibrosnoic system, heated Omni air jets, pressure point whirlpool system, and more. 

4. Acrylic Walk-in Tub 55″ x 30″ x 38″

For those that need a smaller walk-in bathtub because of space issues, this Acrylic Walk-in tub may be just what you are looking for.  Made from Acrylic it has everything you would need in a larger tub but just in a smaller size.  

Equipped with 2″ drain and two overflows instead of just one 1 1/2 drain and one overflow.  The dial-style drain is really easy to open and is ADA compatible extension handle that makes for really easy turning and gripping.  This tub excels for users that suffer from arthritis or weak hands. 

Because of the way the drains are designed and installed it allows for fast gravity draining of approximately 80 seconds when ideal plumbing conditions exist. 

We love the construction of this tub as well.  The shell is supported by stainless steel frames while the acrylic tub is constructed of the highest grade cast white acrylic.  This makes for a really smooth and clean gloss look and finish. 

5. Acrylic Walk-in Tub 52″ x 30″ x 38″

This acrylic walk-in tub is equipped with two 2″ drains and two overflows with two stainless steel operated openers.   Designed with a wider seat than the Ella premium model this walk-in tub would make an excellent addition to aging in place.

Constructed of very high-grade cast white acrylic it is easy to clean and maintain.   This tub also has a lot of options that cal also is added to the purchase. 

For instance, users can opt to get a heated backrest, speed drains, aromatherapy, 18 heated Omni air jets, a whirlpool system, and a little more for those that want to max out their tub.

Best Walk-in tube buying guide

Purchasing a walk-in tub can be complex and overwhelming we put together this comprehensive buying guide on what to look for before making a purchase.   Did you know that the bathroom is of the most dangerous places for seniors to be in the house? 

There are more than 234 thousand people a year that have to go to the emergency room every year because of falling in the bathroom.  Seniors are especially at risk and bathing represents a high percentage of these accidents. 

Know your dimensions

It is important to know what space you will be working with.  Make sure you have enough room in the current space you want to add the walk-in tub at.  Typically a walk-in tub will be around 60 inches long.  This is roughly the same size as a standard bathtub. 

The width will range from 25 to 60 inches.  But the most common width will be from 30 to 32 inches with heights that are around 40 inches.

There are smaller more compact walk-in bathtubs so be sure you have the room before ordering. 

Is your hot water heater large enough?

A lot of people do not take into account the size of the hot water heater compacted to the size of the water capacity.  Most walk-in tubs have about 50 gallons of water to fill some more some a little less.  Check the size of your water heater to see if you can fill up the walk-in tub or if you will have to let the tank reheat then fill to capacity. 

Walk-in tub upgrades and features

There are excellent features that can be added to a walk-in tub.  In some cases, a walk-in bathtub may have some of these features or you may need to add them.   Here are some excellent features that you might want to invest in when getting a walk-in tub.

• Whirlpool system:  A whirlpool system allows for sore muscles to be soothed while getting a deep tissue type massage when using the jets. 
• Step-in height:  Some walk-in bathtubs have a low threshold walking in height to make anyone with mobility issues that cannot lift their legs to heigh a way to enter and exit a bathtub safer and easier.  A lot of top tubs with low thresholds will have around a 3 1/2 inch height. 
• In-line heating system:  Even after filling the bathtub with warm water after time it will cool.  Adding an in-line heating system can help keep the water warm the donation you are using in the tub. 
• Speed drains:  Draining the tub quickly might be necessary.  Speed trains help to quickly train the tub typically in under a minute with a touch of a button.

What safety features are important for a walk-in tub?

A top walk-in-tub should have the following safety features.  Be sure to check if they have these features as standard or as an option.

• Built-in handrails:  A lot of the best walk-in tubs already have these build into the tub.  If they do not it would be wise to have them as an upgrade feature.  These handrails can help with balance and stability when getting into and out of the tub. 
• Anti-slip flooring:  This feature is another great safety feature that allows for a more stable time in the bath.  A lot of the top walk-in tubs already have this feature. 
• Anti-scald systems:  These systems may not be part of the package it is important to get one installed.  This will ensure the water temperature is regulated so if someone flushes a toilet or puts on another shower instant hot water does not come out burning that person.