Walk-In Shower Tub Combo: How to Choose the Right One

Add Safety with a Touch of Luxury to Your Bathroom

What is a Walk-in Shower Tub Combo?

The walk-in shower tub is a bathroom modification for seniors and people with limited mobility. It contains a shower door at the front or side with a low threshold to step over. The door will include a watertight seal to prevent leakage and an automatic lock when closed. Likewise, the walk-in tub with shower will have the same door but with a shower enclosure and showerhead.

Adding a walk-in tub shower combo to your bathroom gives you the advantage of safety without removing the convenience of showering vs. bathing. Most walk-in tubs available today will also contain handrails and seats to improve safety and comfort, which is vital if you struggle to stand up from a sitting or lying position.

How Does the Walk-In Shower with Tub Work?

The walk-in shower tub is a bathroom modification for seniors and people with limited mobility. It contains a door at the front or side with a low threshold to step over. The door will include a watertight seal to prevent leakage and an automatic lock when closed. Likewise, the walk-in tub with shower will have the same door but with a shower enclosure and showerhead.

Adding a walk-in tub shower combo to your bathroom gives you the advantage of safety without removing the convenience of showering vs. bathing. Most walk-in tubs available today will also contain handrails and seats to improve safety and comfort, which is vital if you struggle to stand up from a sitting or lying position.

How Does the Walk-In Shower with Tub Work?

Usually, you would step over the wall of your tub to get inside, but with a walk-in, you step over a low threshold and close the watertight door behind you before filling up the tub.

Many seniors may find this inconvenient because they must wait in the tub to fill up. But by purchasing a combo that includes a showerhead, you don’t have to wait for the water to run. Just step inside and shower as you usually would.

Note that most packages will include the shower as an added feature. If you’re working with a contractor like Bordner Home Improvement, you can choose from numerous options to get the shower you prefer.

The Benefits of a Walk-in Tub with Shower

Safety is at the forefront of why you want a walk-in shower tub. Fall risk increases as you age, so it’s common to want to modify your current bathroom arrangement over time.

It’s also worth mentioning that bathroom falls are hazardous due to the presence of slippery surfaces, with these falls doubling the chances of injury.

However, installing a walk-in tub and shower has other benefits to consider.

Different Types of Walk-In Tub

Since walk-ins were designed for seniors with limited mobility, designers have created a range of tubs for various purposes. Working with a home improvement expert and discussing the issue with your doctor will help you arrive at the ideal walk-in tub.

Walk-in Soak

By far the most common type of walk-in tub, this option is deep enough to submerge you from the torso down. While enjoying your soak, you sit on a bench or seat built into the tub to keep you safe. That is the most basic tub available, containing only the required safety features and a showerhead.

Aerotherapy Tub

The aerotherapy tub is the same as a soaking tub, only that there are air bubbles within the water. Air bubbles provide a gentle massage, offering therapy to those who experience chronic muscle pain, tightness, aches, and spasms. That is ideal for fragile seniors who may find options like hydrotherapy uncomfortable.

Hydrotherapy Tub

Hydrotherapy involves using water to soothe pain and treat specific medical issues. These walk-in tubs have a whirlpool feature that shoots water to relax and treat the body. Like many hot tubs and spas, you can switch on the water jets for a therapeutic massage while you soak, which is beneficial for chronic muscle pain.

Bariatric Tub

Bariatric tubs are super-sized tubs made for larger individuals. These tubs will typically hold a total capacity of up to 600 pounds. You will notice that the door is wider to make it easier to get inside, and it offers a larger seat to accommodate heavier individuals.

Wheelchair-Accessible Tub

Wheelchair-accessible tubs have a much wider door, a lower threshold, and a chair-height seat adjacent to the door, making it easy to transfer yourself from your chair to the tub.

Increased Accessibility

The primary advantage of a walk-in shower tub combo is improved accessibility. Maintaining good hygiene habits becomes extra challenging as we lose mobility due to age or medical conditions.

An estimated 35% of Americans over 70 suffer from some form of mobility issue, with a decline after age 85.

While stepping over the relatively low bathtub wall may seem simple, it can be surprisingly tricky later in life. But by adding a walk-in tub to your bathroom, you can make your life safer. Many retirement homes feature walk-in tubs for this reason.

Lower Water Depth

Another of the benefits of a walk-in tub is the added depth. These tubs can accommodate up to 48 inches of water depth, whereas a standard tub may have as little as 13 inches.

If you want to submerge yourself in a traditional tub, you must lie down, whereas you can submerge yourself up to your neck while sitting in a walk-in tub.

The depth also pays off in other ways because of the extra space. You can enjoy hydrotherapy jets, heated seating, and more.

Increases Home Value

Installing a walk-in shower tub can enhance the value of your home in certain circumstances. Sometimes, you won’t experience any increase in your home’s value, but it depends on your market.

For example, walk-in tubs may be considered less desirable if you live in a neighborhood aimed at young professionals. On the other hand, if you reside in a market popular with senior citizens and families with young children, a walk-in shower tub is a handy selling point.

But demographics alone aren’t enough to determine whether your walk-in tub offers a significant value increase for your home. Other considerations include the following:

• Separate Showers – Not everyone finds it convenient to shower in a walk-in tub. Installing a separate shower enclosure provides convenience for people of all ages. If you don’t have the space, get a walk-in tub with a shower slide bar to convert the tub into an instant shower at will.
• Targeted Bathroom Renovations - Adapt your bathroom to accommodate the walk-in tub. Updating your bathroom’s lighting, tilework, and fixtures will make your space more valuable. Many seniors will also opt for a complete bathroom renovation during the installation process to maximize the value of their homes.
• Additional Tub Features – Walk-in tubs include a range of optional add-ons, including showerheads, ergonomic seats, and anti-slip pads to increase appeal.

Speak to a local real estate agent for more information on how much a walk-in bathtub with shower could increase the value of your home in your neighborhood.

Safety Features

Regardless of the type of walk-in you choose, it’s vital that you feel safe when entering, sitting, and exiting your tub.

Some extra safety features to research include:

• Secured Seating – Look for an ADA-compliant contoured seat for extra security while bathing and showering.
• Watertight Doors – Doors should be leak-proof and contain a robust watertight seal to prevent water from leaving your tub.
• Auto-Drain System – A quick auto-drain system is a feature you can turn on to avoid drowning if a fall should occur.
• Textured Floor – Textured flooring in the tub will minimize slipping.
• Grip Bars/Handrails – If you struggle to keep your balance, look for grip bars or handrails to support your balance and coordination.
• Pillows – These neck and headrest pillows are a great option to improve comfort for seniors who struggle with back and neck pain.

Since most people looking for a walk-in bathtub shower combo suffer from one or more medical conditions, please consider the above safety features when installing a walk-in shower tub combo.

Special Features

Walk-in tubs provide an array of customization options. Whether you’re looking for a simple tub or a luxury, spa-like tub and shower, work with your home modification contractor to discuss your options.

Walk-ins are highly customizable, allowing you to add a touch of luxury to any tub. Some therapeutic features include:

• Water Jets – Powerful water jets for hydrotherapy sessions.
• Air Jets – These jets provide gentler massages than hydrotherapy, ideal for more fragile individuals.
• Aromatherapy – These jets pump out essential oils to soothe and relax the body. You can mix and match fragrances based on your preferences.
• Chromatherapy – Chromatherapy utilizes soft colors within the tub to enhance mood and create a relaxing environment. It’s far safer than lighting candles and dimming your bathroom lights.

Save Water

At first glance, you may think walk-ins are bad for the environment because of how much water they hold. Like many things, looks can be deceptive.

Despite their visually large size, the average walk-in will hold just 42 gallons of water when filled to the brim. Contrast this to a traditional bathtub that holds 50 gallons of water.

Solid Warranties

Walk-in tubs often have warranties covering the entire tub or its critical components.

For example, it’s not uncommon for companies specializing in walk-in tubs to offer lifetime guarantees to the seniors they serve. If the tub experiences any problems, they’ll repair or replace it at no charge.

Sometimes, only certain aspects of the tub may be covered. For example, your warranty may only cover things like the watertight seal around the door or the function of your aromatherapy jets. Scrutinize your warranty, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

How Much Do Walk-In Shower Tubs Cost?

Like other home improvements, there is a range of pricing available. 

According to Forbes, you could spend as little as $2,000 on the most basic tub, whereas the best walk-in tub shower combination providing a spa-like experience and accommodating multiple people could cost up to $20,000. The wide variation in pricing means you’re sure to find something that fits your budget.

But the cost of the tub alone is only part of the final invoice. Other factors will determine the final installation cost. So, here’s a rundown of what else can impact your bottom line.

Added Features

Every added feature will increase your expenses. Expect to spend more if you want luxury touches like aromatherapy, heated seats, or hydrotherapy.

Most safety features are included automatically in even the most basic models, so you shouldn’t worry about paying extra to install things like handrails.

Tub Size

Most walk-in tubs will fit the same space as a standard tub. However, you’ll also notice larger and longer tub options. These could cost more because additional renovation may be required to fit them in your bathroom.

Tub Material

Acrylic, fiberglass, and enameled steel are the three most common materials used to manufacture walk-in tubs.

Each material has pros and cons, but acrylic is considered the most durable, which is also why it’s the most expensive. Fiberglass and enameled steel are cheaper but more prone to mildew and cracking. The former can often be unsalvageable, with deep cleaning not resolving mold and mildew, which gives fiberglass tubs a limited lifespan.

New Water Heater

Additional water capacity can mean your current water heater is unsuitable for your new tub. If you need a larger water heater, your installer will notify you immediately. Anticipate that the cost of new water heaters ranges from $600 to $3,000.

Plumbing and Electrical Work

Installing a new bathtub type could mandate alterations to your existing plumbing or electrical system. These changes may cost a few hundred or a few thousand dollars to accommodate new features, such as quick-drain and jetted tub features.

Removal Costs

Demolition and removal costs for your old shower enclosure or bathtub will add a few hundred dollars to your quote. Most contractors will include the removal costs within your installation quote, so there are no nasty surprises later.

Local Labor Costs

Local labor costs vary wildly across the country for building and maintaining homes. Where you live will determine how much installing a walk-in tub will cost.

So, what are the most expensive states to install a walk-in tub in?

It should come as no surprise that Hawaii is the most expensive state, with an average hourly labor cost of $27. California is the second most expensive state, with $21 per hour labor costs.

On the other hand, if you live in Oklahoma, you can enjoy labor costs nearly half those of Hawaii. The same goes for Mississippi, one of the country's least expensive places to build a house.

Unfortunately, there’s little you can do to negate the labor costs in your state, as they are linked to the cost of living, but familiarizing yourself with the local market in advance can prevent sticker shock.

Install a Walk-in Tub and Shower with Bordner Home Improvements

At Bordner Home Improvement, we know how intimidating significant bathroom renovations can be. Let us get your project off the ground the right way with our team of friendly and professional contractors.

Whether you’re looking to replace an existing walk-in or install one for the first time, Bordner can handle any bathtub installation. Make your dream bathroom a reality by getting in touch with us or calling on 816-852-3745.