A walk-in bathtub is one that you can walk into just as you are walking into a door. This allows you to get in and out of the but without the danger of slipping and falling or losing your balance trying to step over the high side of a traditional bathtub. Often, a walk-in tub uses a more vertical design than the horizontal design of a traditional tub. In addition, it is possible to get handlebars, footholds and seats that also make it easier in the tub.

If you or a loved one is a senior living alone, walk-in tubs are often safer than traditional tubs. Most walk-in tubs offer slip resistant surfaces, handles and seats that make them far safer. Keep in mind that walk-in tubs are much deeper than traditional bathtubs so if you or your loved one has severe mobility issues, they may need assistance while bathing so they do not slip under the water. If you have small children living in the home, they should also be monitored closely if they use the walk-in -tub.

Like most bathtubs, it is recommended that you clean your tub after each use by wiping down the fixtures and the walls with warm water to remove any oils or soap. Set the shower wand on warm to rinse any residue. If your tub has shiny surfaces, use a squeegee to remove any excess water. Weekly or monthly, use mild soap and a soft cloth to clean the surface of the tub. If your tub has jets, fill it with hot water and two or three tablespoons of dishwasher granules, run the jets for 10 minutes and then drain the water. Fill the tub again and run the jets again to rinse them. Every month or two, deep clean your walk-in tub by filling it with warm water and adding a cup of bleach mixed with a spoonful of dishwasher soap. Run the jets for 15 minutes and then drain the water. Refill with warm water, run the jets for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse the surfaces.

There are several types of walk-in tubs available. A walk-in soaking tub is deep enough for your lower body and torso to be submerged fully in water. Most have a built-in bench, but they often do not have jets, so the water is not moving. Aerotherapy tubs release air bubbles into the water, providing a gentle massage while hydrotherapy tubs have water jets that can be used to massage muscles. Bariatric tubs have a wider seat design for those who are larger, and wheelchair accessible tubs allow you to transfer someone safely from a wheelchair to the bench.

Several options are available in walk-in tubs. You can choose the height of the threshold which may range from three to seven inches. Grab bars and handrails are often included but you may be able to add extra should you need them. Textured surfaces are also available to provide slip protection, but keep in mind not all textures are the same. Be sure to choose one whose texture is rough enough your feet can grip easily. Drain time is also important as you cannot open the door to the tub until the water level has dropped below the threshold. You may be able to install a seat heater or overhead heater to keep warm until the tub finishes draining. It is possible to find walk-in tubs with a self-cleaning option as well. If others will need to use the tub or you are more comfortable taking a shower, you can also get shower wands installed.

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