Thinking about remodeling your bathroom and unsure if you want to go with a walk-in tub versus a walk-in shower.

If you go with a walk-in bath tub, you can customize it to include hot water jets or ways in which to better control the temperature while you are using the tub. You can also have custom seats installed so someone who may not be able to stand for lengthy periods of time – or at least long enough to bathe – can still clean themselves.

Of course, the benefit of using a tub is the way in which you can create a home spa experience. Want to soak for a while? Here’s the best way to do it. And you can choose the bells and whistles to add on.

Going with a walk-in shower means you have other options to consider. Do you want a fiberglass shower? Or do you want to use tiles?

The plus side of fiberglass is it is easy to clean and maintain; has a very modern look; and is easy to use. Down side? You may have few options when customizing a walk-in shower for your needs.

Going with tiles means you have endless possibilities in terms of color and design, so if matching the rest of your home’s décor is important to you, then a tiled shower may be the best way to go. Tile will probably cost you more than a fiberglass shower, but depending on what you want, may be your best option.

Your choice may affect your resale value. Depending on the space in which you live, a tub may give you the biggest bang for you buck, at least in terms of tempting a future to pick your home over someone else’s home. A walk-in shower may also be what someone is looking for, but describing the bathing experience as a spa-like experience may be worth its weight in gold.

You’re going to get the benefits of using a hydrotherapy system (for more on hydrotherapy, see other blog posts) whether you go with a walk-in bath tub or with a walk-in shower. Hydrotherapy can help you soothe and muscle or joint aches and pains you have, relax after a stressful day, and help you sleep better at night. The heat, pressure, and buoyancy present in any hydrotherapy system is worth the investment alone, though the benefits for someone living with a mobility impairment or someone who needs a little help living independently are countless.

When deciding between a walk-in shower or a walk-in bath tub, make sure you have a warranty, especially one that covers the door. The door should have a seal that ensures no water leaks when someone is using the tub or shower. Also, does the company you choose have a local installer or contractor? Ask for testimonials or references from local customers. Finally, pick a manufacturer with a solid reputation. They should be willing to back up their produce with ongoing support, because you never know what you may need in the future.

Studies show, and experts agree, that using water as a means to heal (called hydrotherapy) can help you get and stay healthy and address some chronic (ongoing) conditions. Hydrotherapy can include a soak in a hot tub, cold water treatment, use of an ice pack or packs, a sauna, swimming or sitting in mineral or hot springs, water exercises and massage, and using wet towels on aching muscles and joints.

For most people, hydrotherapy has few or no side effects, especially if you remember not to expose yourself to too much heat or cold for lengthy periods of time. You should also make sure you stay hydrated. However, some people should talk to their doctors before starting any form of hydrotherapy treatment. These people include:

• Anyone with a condition that could be worsened with exposure to extreme temperatures (hot or cold), including anyone with heart disease, lung disease, circulation disorder, Reynaud’s phenomenon, or chilblains

• Anyone whose injuries could be further aggravated by exposure to water jets
• Anyone with nerve damage who may not be able to tell if they are using water at an extreme temperature
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with an implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker

So why water? You’ve probably heard that we should drink around 8 glasses of water a day, and that we are primarily comprised of water, but using water externally can increase your blood circulation, including circulation of white blood cells, which are an integral part of your immune system. Water therapy can also increase your endorphins, which, when combined with increased circulation, can strengthen your immune system, heal injured tissue, decrease inflammation, and boost your overall energy and well-being.

Along with helping your overall health, hydrotherapy has been used to treat people who have injured one or more parts of the body, who have had a stroke, and who have had or currently have a respiratory infection. This form of therapy can also help people who have arthritis and other similar conditions. You can also reduce your stress levels, sleep better, and have fewer headaches if you regularly use a form of hydrotherapy.

Perhaps surprisingly, soaking in a hot tub has been found to improve blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes, decrease blood pressure, and help people with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, scoliosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis. Doctors are also beginning to suggest hot tub therapy for people who have been diagnosed as having depression and for people who have pain.

In a whirlpool spa, you’re going to get the benefits of heat, buoyancy, and massage, which, when combined, can give you a unique relaxing and soothing experience. Walk-in tub immersion in hot water is a sure way to increase your circulation. How? Well, spa jets will massage you with a combination of water and air, which will help improve circulation, relieve muscle tension and stiffness, release trigger points, increase motion range, release pressure on the nerves, and promotes overall relaxation.

And because in water you are practically weightless (buoyancy can help you feel as if you are 90 percent lighter), and pain or pressure you feel in your joints or muscles will feel better.

According to The State of Home Safety in America, a study that the Home Safety Council conducts, the leading cause of unintentional deaths caused by injuries in the home is falling. About 5.1 million injuries are caused in the home by a fall, and of those injuries, nearly 6,000 lead to someone dying.

The bathroom, says the Council, even if the smallest room in your house, may have the most hidden (and sometimes not-so-hidden) dangers. Think about it. In the bathroom, there is the possibility of drowning, getting burned, falling, getting poisoned, and getting shocked. No matter the age of the person or people using the bathroom, the Council has put together a list of safety tips to keep in mind. The tips range from quick and easy to implement to completing a total bathroom renovation.

To safety-proof your bathroom:

• Install a grab bar by the bathtub, shower, and toilet
• Put non-slip strips in your tub and shower
• Put a bath mat next to the tub and shower (preferably a bath mat with a non-skid bottom)
• Make sure your bathroom floor stays clean and dry
• Clean up spills immediately
• Use a nightlight (consider getting one that turns on automatically when it is dark in the room)
• Know what in your bathroom are poisons (e.g., cleaning supplies, medicines)
• Read labels on boxes and bottles you have in your bathroom, and look for words like caution, warning, poison, and danger
• Never take medicine or cleaning agents out of the containers in which they came and put in a different container
• Set your water heater at no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Never leave a lit candle burning unattended
• Remodel your bathroom, including installing a walk-in bathtub

Implementing some of these tips will be easy, but others may require you to seek professional help. If you’re thinking about remodeling your bathroom so that an elderly adult has an easier time using the shower/tub, keep in mind that the easiest fix is your tub itself.

The higher the tub, the more likely someone can get hurt getting in and out of it. The lower the tub (and the lowest would be a walk-in tub or shower), the more likely you can prevent a fall from occurring.

What we at Independent Home can do is make sure your aging loved one never has to worry when he or she steps into the tub again, which means you never have to worry. Our walk-in tubs are designed to make sure the elderly, and men and women with mobility handicaps, can safely enter and exit the bathtub. Call us at 800-373-4322 any time or fill out this form and we can get back to you when it’s convenient for you.

Let’s face it: walk in bathtubs do not come cheap. When you purchase a walk in tub, you should consider it as a major investment not only in home improvement, but an investment for the safety, protection and comfort of your loved ones.

Walk in tub prices can range from $1,500 to as high as $10,000 or even more. Considering these figures, choosing a tub to buy must not be taken for granted. Add this to the fact that these walk-in tubs will be used by loved ones with special needs – you generally have an idea how important this decision will be for the entire family.

Much like other bathtubs, these safety tubs come in a wide range of sizes, materials and design. In terms of material, most step in tubs are made from acrylic material, fiberglass, steel or porcelain. Let us find out what to expect from each of these materials:

Acrylic Walk In Bathtubs

Acrylic walk in tubs are the most durable. They insulate well and since they are made of non-porous material, they are easy to maintain and repair. Acrylic tubs have life spans of over 30 years. However, with excellent quality comes high price. Acrylic tubs are expensive, but are worth-it investments if you want a tub that can last you decades of use.

Fiberglass Walk In Bathtubs

Many elderly tubs now are made of fiberglass with gel coating. They are very inexpensive and light-weight. However, since they are made of porous materials, they are difficult to clean. They are quite fragile and last only up to 8 years in average.

Porcelain Walk In Bathtubs

Porcelain-made tubs are not as durable, but they are resistant to corrosion and very easy to clean. They are also relatively inexpensive but can come in heavy packages.

Steel Bathtubs

Steel tubs are oftentimes sturdy, but are not aesthetically pleasant to some.

Most walk-in tub designs you see today are made of the first two materials stated above. But which one would you choose?

An acrylic walk in tub would be a reasonable investment. They last up to more than 3 decades of use, and make a beautiful addition to your bathroom. Fibreglass tubs are also a good choice if there are budget constraints to consider, and if you don’t expect long years of use. It also comes in a wide variety of colours for gel coating. They are the economic choice of many, especially for elderly tubs.

Finally, note that not all tubs made of the same material are created the same. You also have to consider the trustworthiness of the brand, as well as the functionality and durability of the design. Make sure that your brand of choice has been in the market for many years, and is considered reputable by many. These special tubs are expensive, it is but right that you choose one that is made of quality materials that will meet the needs of your loved one and of the entire family.

Finally decided on buying a walk in tub and already did your shopping? Whether you are buying one as an elderly tub, as a handicapped tub, or a safety tub for everyone at home, one of the most important things you should arrange for installation. How can you get your walk in bathtub of choice installed?

There are actually 3 ways of getting around the installation, and this includes:

Installing The Walk in Bathtub Yourself

Installing your tub yourself can save you a great deal of money and is the least inexpensive way to have your new tub installed. Of course, before you go ahead, you must make sure that you have some installation and plumbing know-how to get things working. Although you are armed with the user’s manual, you may also need some extra hands to assist you. Installation of a walk-in bath tub should not be more difficult than installing a traditional tub. In fact, most step in tub models today simply have to be put into place, tacked and locked in – that is assuming you have done the proper alignment of the drain hole and all the measurements have been pre-determined. After securing the tub, all you need to do is connect the faucet and do a final check for possible leaks.

Hiring a Professional Installer To Install the Walk in Tub

If you want to free yourself of the mechanical and physical burden of installing a step-in tub or if you want to ensure perfect installation by a professional, you can hire a plumber or even an electrician to perform the work in your behalf. Your local plumber will surely know the basics of installing walk-in bathtubs. Make sure to look for one who has some experience with tub installations.

Allowing Your Tub Provider to Install the Tub You Purchased

This should be easy if the home improvement shop you purchased your walk in tub from provides such service. There are even certain stores which offer free installation. However, if your purchase does not come with free installation, ask whether they can furnish your tub of choice for you. Hiring one who services the store or manufacturer may be more expensive than looking for one yourself. However, a professional installer working with the tub company will ensure hassle-free, more seamless service and may actually save you in the long run. These professional installers have the most training, experience and expertise to ensure that your bathtub is installed perfectly as it should.

You can choose from either of these three choices when installing a walk in tub. Note that before having your tub installed, you must make sure that your bathroom is ready to accommodate your newly-purchased tub. Since walk-in bathtubs may be different in size compared to traditional tubs, you may have to do some remodelling when necessary. Although this will take another set of expenditures, know that you are investing in the security, protection and comfort of your loved ones and yourself.

At the end of a long tiring day, many people look forward to a nice warm soak in a bathtub. However, as positive as this idea may be, there are certain individuals – such as the seniors and the handicapped, who do not look forward to bathing the way most of us do. For these people, a soak in the bathtub means a great deal of excruciating pain or a great deal of embarrassment and helplessness. It is for these people that we need a walk in bathtub for. And if your loved one needs it, then a bathroom makeover becomes necessary.

A bathroom makeover to include a walk in bathtub is an excellent opportunity to show our care to our loved one in most need. Unlike traditional bathtubs, step in tubs feature doors that swing open for easy entry and exit. They also feature built-in seats and non-slip surfaces that ensure least risk yet more convenience and least pain during bathing. With a walk-in bathtub, your elderly loved one may safely soak in the tub on their own with minimal help from you – so you preserve their self-esteem.

Now, how do you go about with a bathroom renovation to accommodate a walk in bath tub? Well first of all, before you go ahead and buy the tub, you first have to consider to which extent you will be remodelling your bathroom. Renovating the bathroom can cost a lot of time and money, so you will have to consider the budget you can afford. Bathroom remodelling does not have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, there are a wide range of sizes for walk-in tubs that will go well with any space. There is space saving models just as there are luxurious, spacious ones. Consider the space you have to work with, get the measurements, and then go shop for the walk in bath.

Elderly bathtubs or handicap tubs now also come in a wide range of designs and colours that should complement the existing interiors of any bathroom. They are oftentimes plain in colour, so they could go well with vivid, bright colours even in small bathrooms. There are also a variety of options in terms of bathroom fixtures, so you can choose those that best complement the space available.

When remodelling your bathtub to fit a walk-in tub, you must always bear in mind the needs of your loved one who needs the functionalities of this special tub the most. Consider a new bathroom design that will work best to what he or she is accustomed to, and will give her most comfort when bathing. You must make the concept of bathing most appealing to them, not only for their good, but for yours as well.

You do not have to break your bank in order to remodel your bathroom and include a walk in tub. There are ways to cut down costs, yet still ensure the maximum protection of your loved one in need.

Walk in bathtubs today are the most popular tubs. They are touted as elderly bathtubs, handicap tubs or simply safety tubs because they offer the ultimate bathtub safety, thanks to its unique design and features. Walk in tubs have swinging doors for convenient and safe entry and exit, features built-in seats and non-slip surfaces, and may optionally have air massage and hydrotherapy jets for added health benefits.

While walk in tubs are great to have, one of the most important considerations that homeowners might have to consider before remodelling their bathrooms is the price. Walk in tub prices are generally not cheap, but if one considers the advantages, it is easy to see how they’re worth spending on. But how much really do you have to pay to have a walkin bathtub at home?

Generally, walk in tub prices can range from $1,500 to $8,000. The off the shelf price would generally depend on where you are purchasing the tub from. Prices will vary greatly if you were to buy from a local retailer, a reseller, a third party dealer or the manufacturer. It can also differ depending on exactly the kind of tub you are buying. You can purchase a regular soaker tub with door for as low as $1,500 to $2,500 and enjoy the convenience of having it shipped directly to your home.

You would surely know that added optional features can multiply these costs by a few numbers. For instance, a walk in tub with hydrotherapy system goes for at least $5,000 or even more. Aromatherapy systems, air bubbles, chromotherapy lights – these are also great to have in your new tub – but prepare to shell out a couples of thousands of dollars more. Getting additional fixtures and plumbing will raise these figures even higher.

The price of the walkin bath may also differ depending on your particular material, model, or colour of choice. The brand name, the size, the location of the store or outlet can make the cost fluctuate as well.

Now, remember that the cost of walkin bathtubs do not stop when you’ve already taken one home. You will also need to worry about walk in tub installation, which can also become a significant figure depending on who does the installation. If you choose to install one yourself, the cost would surely be lower – but note that if something goes wrong, you might end up actually paying more. As for installation, the prices can vary depending on the type of services you need – whether the electric wirings have to be moved, tile work has to be done, doors need to be widened, system installations, new floorings, and so on.

Hopefully by now you already have an idea on the figures needed when getting a walk in tub installed in your home. If you don’t mind paying these amounts, then there is one thing for sure – your investment is surely worth the comfort, safety and protection that a safety bathtub can offer your loved ones – and these are way more than what money can buy.

There are a good number of people who can enjoy the tremendous benefits that a walk in tub can provide. People who are mobility-challenged, seniors, and even the handicapped – they all can enjoy every benefit that a tub with door can provide.

However, one of the drawbacks of having a swinging door in your bathtub is that a bather will need to be in the tub before the water fills and while the water drains out. This brings about a few minor problems – such as, what if the bather feels chilly during these waiting times? Here are some effective suggestions on how you can stay warm and comfortable in your safety bathtub whenever you are in it.

Choose a model that requires low water volume

While bigger tubs look more luxurious and inviting, they are not, in all actuality, practical in many ways. These bigger tubs require large volumes of water to fill and thus, require longer waiting times. If you want to stay comfortable for longer periods and be assured that you are not using more water than should be, look for a walkin bathtub model that allows low water volume. You will be surprised that even small, space-saving models of step-in bathtubs can well accommodate 6-feet tall or over-300 pound bathers. They are not only very practical and less costly to maintain, they do not require long waiting times to fill and drain.

Invest in rapid fill and drain accessories

Bathtub manufacturers are well aware that long waiting times may make bathers feel uncomfortable – which is why they have optional rapid fill and drain accessories separately available. These accessories can shorten the filling and draining time significantly to 3 minutes or even less (think about speeds of 20 gallons per minute). This way, you stay warm and comfortable; you definitely won’t mind the short wait.

Keep yourself warm with warm towels

To increase comfort, you can also buy warm, plush towels to keep you comfortable as soon as you have finished bathing. It will be a good idea to heat these towels before using them. You can also think about investing in heated towel bars which will make a great addition to your bathroom. They come in a wide range of materials, designs and finishes – ask your local home improvement shop about it today and thank us later!

Walk in tubs offer the ultimate bathroom safety and comfort. Despite one minor drawback, these special tubs touted as elderly bathtubs or handicap tubs are surely well worth having.

You surely know by now what walk in tubs are. These walk in bathtubs use pretty much the same concept and
functionality as traditional tubs. However, they offer a few extra safety features that our regular tubs don’t. For one,
these so-called step in tubs feature a swinging door that makes it a whole lot easier for a bather to walk in and out of the
tub. But what about these swinging doors make these tubs oh so special? Let us find out what “easy in, easy out” really
means in relation to walk-in tubs.

As people age, or when someone is struck with a debilitating disease affecting the nerves of hormones of the trunk or
the legs, one will find it more and more difficult to carry the weight of their entire body on one leg, life the other and
climb onto the regular bathtub. Add this with the fact that when you balance on one foot, it can be very easy to get
outbalanced. And when you climb into a tub that is slippery, you will have to say that bad luck definitely come in three’s.

Now, even if you successfully climb over the regular tub, the ordeal does not stop there. You will have to gather effort to
lower your body down and sit on the floor. And depending on what your bath routines are, sooner or later, you will have
to raise yourself again and stand. And afterwards, the entire climbing over step will have to be repeated when you’re
done.

Through these steps, it is not very unlikely for one to slip with one false move. One slip or fall can lead to serious injury -
and can prove to be fatal.

Now that you can imagine how difficult it is to climb in and out of the regular tub, let us now see how a walk in bathtub
can minimize all the risks (and pain) involved in bathing.

A walkin bathtub basically makes bathing a lot safer through 3 important ways:

1. Through its swing doors, these safety tubs offer very low step-in height. With a step-in height of only a few inches, you
literally only walk into the tub.

2. The walkin bath tub features a door that opens easily and closes tight shut easily as well. The door may be outward or
inward. These doors often have grab bars to ensure safety even only while shutting or opening the door.

3. Walkin baths also feature a built-in seat that may be customizable. This minimizes the need to sit on the floor so you
don’t have to gather up all your energy to be able to stand back up again. With the built-in seat and non-slip surfaces,
bathers can easily sit down and stand up with the least risk of slipping, getting outbalanced or falling.

The walk in bathtub is remarkable for the relaxation, comfort, safety and protection it provides. It offers a lot of benefits
to the whole family, most especially the elderly, the immobile, and the injured.

Walk in tubs do not just feature a swinging door for convenient entry, there are still many more you can affix to ensure maximum safety of your loved one with health and mobility problems. Here are some optional walk in tub accessories that can provide fine bathing experience and support to every bather:

Faster Fill and Drain Accessories

As you may already know, unlike traditional bathtubs, walk in bathing requires that the bather be in the tub before it is filled and drained. The wait can take a while, and most manufacturers of these elderly tubs do not provide information as to how long the wait will be. Fortunately, they do provide valves and drainage systems that deliver rapid flow. By rapid, we mean more than 20 gallons of water per minute, and drainage within 3 minutes or less!

Protection from Scalding and Shock

Aside from slippage, shock due to cold water or scalding is also frequent sources of injury in the bathroom. To avoid this, there are available Thermostatic Mixing Valves that have been designed to limit and maintain the appropriate blending of hot and cold water to a set temperature. This ensures maximum comfort of the bather and avoids temperatures that may be too hot or too cold. These mixing valves can be pre-set to provide maximum health benefits for walk-in tubs with hydrotherapy jets.

Grab and Stabilization Bars

Walk in bathtubs can be made even safer with the installation of stabilization or grab bars. When installing these grab bars, it is important that they be positioned in strategic positions that best fits the needs of the bather. Grab bars are usually positioned not only at the door area and at the sides of the tub, but around the bathroom area as well.

Shower Curtain Rack

To provide the bather the ultimate privacy, a shower curtain rack that works well with the size of the tub can be installed. These curtain racks do not only ensure privacy, but they actually offer optimal safety. Remember that any feature in the bathroom that leads one to get distracted from stabilizing themselves can lead to unwanted accidents. These distractions can be well minimized by shower curtains fixed through tracks or rods.

Warm Air Massage or Hydrotherapy Systems

When buying a tub with door, you can also opt to purchase air massage or hydrotherapy systems that consist of therapeutic air bubble jets placed all throughout the tub. These jets release air bubbles through jet swirling action that can ease a bather’s tired body. This is especially useful for elderly or the handicapped who suffer from pains and discomfort. The warm air system allows a gentle yet effective massaging motion that can stimulate the muscles and improve blood circulation. These hydrotherapy systems can relax you physically and mentally as well.

Maximize the protection and comfort of your loved ones by ensuring that your walk in tub has all the important accessories available. These optional accessories can mean additional expenditures, but the added safety and convenient they bring are well worth the investment.