How Safe Are Walk-in Tubs?

Bathroom safety is important. In fact, it is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It not only boosts the overall value of your home but it also protects your wellbeing. One of the ways to enhance bathroom safety is by installing a walk-in tub. You probably heard so many reasons why people install this kind of bathtub. Have you been wondering if walk-in tubs are safe enough for yourself or your loved one?

Easy Entry and Exit

Walk-in tubs are certainly safer than traditional bathtubs. One of the main features that makes these tubs safe is the low step-in height. Many injuries that occur in the bathroom happen as a result of the high step-in height of traditional tubs. Stepping up more than 7 inches when trying to get into a tub can be straining to anyone, not just to people who have mobility challenges. That’s why walk-in tubs have a very low entry point. The step-in height can be as low as 2 inches depending on the bathtub you choose. There are even models with wheelchair access allowing you to get into the shower more easily.

Safety Grab Bars

Walk in tubs also come with grab bars which are strategically fitted to give the user adequate support. In traditional showers, most people rely on the towel bars for support, and some of them are not designed to support your weight. Towel bars are also slippery, so you can’t rely on them for support. However, the grab bars in walk-in tubs are designed with anti-slip features to give adequate support. They are low enough for easy access, so there’s no chance of getting stranded when using the bathroom.

Preventing Wet Bathroom Floors

The other crucial safety feature of a walk-in-tub is the external drain. It’s important to ensure that the bathroom floor remains dry. Unlike traditional bathtubs which come with no special drain facilities, walk-in tubs have that extra special feature that prevents water from going to the bathroom floor. A drainage system is important because it ensures your tub doesn’t leak.

Walk in tubs also come with a watertight door. Whenever you close the tub door, it seals completely. The weight of the water adds more pressure and compresses the door to seal even further. This is what makes walk-in tubs highly leak-proof. Some models can even be used as a shower. They come with a retractable showerhead, or you can install a handheld showerhead on the wall.

Check for Adequate Safety Features

The tub finish also enhances safety. Most tubs are made of acrylic because of its pleasant look and the fact that it’s scratch resistant. The bathtub floor can be designed to be slip resistant. Some models come with very high-end finishes to improve their physical appeal. When choosing a walk in tub, you need to check its safety features. Find out if the tub comes with the right safety features. Remember that every walk-in tub must fulfill certain safety standards.