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.
