HEALTH Walk-In Bathtub Advice Needed

[DennisD]

An elderly family member will soon need a walk-in bathtub to replace the existing old claw foot. Need easier access, safety; need to avoid falls. Don't need the shower.

I'd like to do the switchout myself. In my best-case scenario, I would (with some help) pull out the old tub, slide a new self-contained model into place, screw on the water fittings, attach the drain and: DONE!

Maybe I'm dreaming.

I don't want to do a whole bathroom remodel (tiles, caulking, paint). I just want a tub switchout.

At Home Depot's website I see models (with fixtures) for around two grand that theoretically would do the job, but they're not in stock locally. It's hard for me to make that kind of purchase without seeing the product.

Anybody here have any experience buying/installing a walk-in tub?

Where did you buy?

How much?

How heavy?

Are there self-contained models (i.e. sealed on the ends) that would just switch in as I imagine?

Any input appreciated.

 

[mzkitty]

Good luck, Dennis. I've seen ads on TV for those, and they do look really nice for old people. I assisted in taking care of my sister's mother in law for a while years ago, and it would have been so helpful for her to have instead of a regular tub. I'd love to have one of those. Luxury.

 

[xtreme_right]

I don’t have any experience with walk in tubs but my parents took out their tub and installed a prefab shower that was the dimension of the original tub cutout. My Mom uses a shower seat and a shower head that is removable. I got the impression it was a lot cheaper than walk-in tubs are.

 

[DennisD]

I don’t have any experience with walk in tubs but my parents took out their tub and installed a prefab shower that was the dimension of the original tub cutout. My Mom uses a shower seat and a shower head that is removable. I got the impression it was a lot cheaper than walk-in tubs are.

That's a possibility I hadn't considered. Thanks.

 

[sjhenderson]

We have a crawl in tile shower for our disabled son. They are popular in Florida. Reg shower with like a 1 inch lip on front edge, you can get wheelchairs, bath chairs and such in. Also crawl in as he does.

 

[raven]

You say you do not want a huge remodel.
How wide is the bathroom door?
Because a 30 inch wide tub is not going through a 28 inch door.

 

[Macgyver]

If your taking out a claw foot tub than my guess is that it does not touch the wall and could be a really random size.
Regular tubs are usually 5' long.
Your not going to be able to just slip it out. Tubs usually touch the studs and then they have the cement board (or other substrate) installed then tilled.
Your going to have to get the opening to proper dimensions redo the wall board and if you don't want to tile you can always use a 3 piece acrylic surround.
Never done a walk in, but whirlpool tubs are heavy I imagine those are just as heavy, so plan on getting help.

 

[Macgyver]

You say you do not want a huge remodel.
How wide is the bathroom door?
Because a 30 inch wide tub is not going through a 28 inch door.

Turn it 90 degrees. But may not be an option with the walk in they seem tall.
You can gain 2 inches usually if you remove the door and frame.

 

[DennisD]

I'm encountering new concepts here that are interesting.
My original idea (I'm an optimist) is just pull out the old tub, slide in the new - Voila!
I'm thinking ease of installation.
If it's possible.
I don't see how these showers would just "slide in" without

You say you do not want a huge remodel.
How wide is the bathroom door?
Because a 30 inch wide tub is not going through a 28 inch door.

32 inch doorway. Existing tub is 30 inches. Some of the Home depot models are 30 in. This is definitely a consideration.

 

[DennisD]

Turn it 90 degrees. But may not be an option with the walk in they seem tall.
You can gain 2 inches usually if you remove the door and frame.

Yeah, too tall to turn. The walk-ins all have a seat built in. But some are narrow enough to get in.

 

[Scrapman]

I plumb new houses for a living and its not that easy. You would need a plumber to install.
Consider a walk in shower with seat lowered valve and hand held shower head.

 

[TerryK]

The walk in tub you're looking at at HD is 48" x28", so you could probably get it into the bathroom.
It looks like the base model with no spa jets etc. I think the weight is around 160 pounds. It's basically a fiberglass shell finished on one side.
If you look at the installation manual you will see that 3 sides are not finished and would require you to do some kind of a frame out and backer board and tile to close all the open sides.

Also it looks like gravity drain. Sitting in the tub for a long time while the water drains before you can open the door to get out is one of the biggest complaints people who use these tubs have.
They do make a power drain accessory that you can buy but it requires an electric line etc.

I would seriously look at what another poster suggested. A nice shower with a comfy seat and a low lip so it would be very easy to walk in or out. Much more conventional looking and doesnt scream Old Person House, later on if the house is sold.

 

[Terrwyn]

As long as they don't have a big bum. Anybody my size cant sit on their seats. I love my walk in shower. I have safety rails to hang onto and a safety mat to stand on and as long as you can still get around at all I think it is the better option. . And a whole lot cheaper. But I can see the advantages of one also. I think she should sit in one first though.

 

[DennisD]

The walk in tub you're looking at at HD is 48" x28", so you could probably get it into the bathroom.
It looks like the base model with no spa jets etc. I think the weight is around 160 pounds. It's basically a fiberglass shell finished on one side.
If you look at the installation manual you will see that 3 sides are not finished and would require you to do some kind of a frame out and backer board and tile to close all the open sides.

Also it looks like gravity drain. Sitting in the tub for a long time while the water drains before you can open the door to get out is one of the biggest complaints people who use these tubs have.
They do make a power drain accessory that you can buy but it requires an electric line etc.

I would seriously look at what another poster suggested. A nice shower with a comfy seat and a low lip so it would be very easy to walk in or out. Much more conventional looking and doesnt scream Old Person House, later on if the house is sold.

On my HD page there are dozens of models (none in stock). I'll add a link with one I think would work.
Don't need spa jets. Family member doesn't mind bath time so slow drain = OK.
Saving the old tub for possible later re-install.
On the attached HD tub example, why couldn't I just snuggle it up to one side and the back wall; leave the left side open for the plumbing?

Here's what we got:



Here's one Depot possibility:

Universal Tubs Builder's Choice 53 in. Left Drain Quick Fill Walk-In Soaking Bath Tub in White-B2653LWS - The Home Depot

Visit The Home Depot to buy 4.4 ft. x 26 in. Left-Drain Walk-In Soaking Tub in White B2653LWS

www.homedepot.com

 

[Meemur]

I'm going for a walk-in shower, as well, so this thread is interesting. I can't lift worth a darn, so I'll be hiring mine done, but I'm looking for someone local. I have a one-piece shower surround already. I just need to lose the tub.

 

[etdeb]

DON"T DO IT. Just like you are sitting in the tub waiting on it to fill shivering ,then to empty
to you sit there as it empties again shivering.
I thought it was perfect for my mom she loved a hot bath, but after using it a few months it sat unused until she passed away and the house was sold.

 

[Meemur]

I want a shower. Soaking in tubs can lead to UTIs. I use a heating pad when I need heat on muscles.

 

[FireDance]

DON"T DO IT. Just like you are sitting in the tub waiting on it to fill shivering ,then to empty
to you sit there as it empties again shivering.
I thought it was perfect for my mom she loved a hot bath, but after using it a few months it sat unused until she passed away and the house was sold.

I agree on this. Older people get cold FAST! Plus if you had some kind of emergency you’re in a bad way.

Go for the shower with plenty of bars. Find a seat with a back and MAKE SURE the shower head will fit into the seat to hold it in place.

It’s not a bath, but much safer. Also make sure you put a grab bar outside the shower entrance so she can balance on that as needed.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

outside shower with a bench
Hot and Cold
I know someone that has this.
Perfect for some situations and not for others

 

[Meemur]

outside shower with a bench

Yes, separate bench for me. Will have a friend make one from bamboo. I don't like those built-in seats.

 

[DennisD]

Not sure what is meant by "outside shower".
Not out on the patio - outside the tub, yes?

 

[Millwright]

For a walk-in, they make 4 piece fiberglass units that are designed to replace a tub. You may be able to squeeze a little bit more width in.

Usually the easiest and cheapest.

No tile work, the worst part is having caulked seams to deal with.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

Not sure what is meant by "outside shower".
Not out on the patio - outside the tub, yes?

literally outside in the fresh air and sunshine (or rain)

 

[DennisD]

literally outside in the fresh air and sunshine (or rain)

If the locale was say, California, I could see it.
Up here in Oregon? Nah. Good idea though.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

If the locale was say, California, I could see it.
Up here in Oregon? Nah. Good idea though.

Oregon? well summer. For some reason i thought you were in the South...
This is a great setup for someone who gets REAL dirty and for washing animals.
for Oregon would be good for washing off teargas after a Portland riot...........

 

[anna43]

My dh was considering having one installed until he heard the price. We removed the tub and installed a walk in shower. Later when he required bathing assistance we were informed that unless an individual can get into and out of the tub without assistance they cannot be used. Also it is not possible for anyone to assist the person in the unit with bathing.

I believe the he newer ones come with a heated seating area to keep person from getting chilled.

Anyone that I know that put one in regretted doing so. I sincerely wish that I would stop getting 16 calls a week saying a medical person has recommended a unit for me!

 

[OldMan]

Concerning grab bars. When I renovated our guest house I installed an oversized tub that had a built-in step, and knew I needed grab bars.

While doing the rough framing I ran a belt of 2x6 boards between the studs about 3ft high around the perimeter. This provided a consistent “target” for securing the grab bars with lag bolts. And gave me freedom of bar placement. Ended up with 3 grab bars that will not pull out.

 

[Pinecone]

You do know the universal LAW that says you can't do a plumbing project without going back to the store at least three times, don't you? There is no easy in plumbing. Ask me how I know.

(I HATE, HATE anything to do with plumbing! so I don't have an unbiased opinion. )

 

[packyderms_wife]

I don’t have any experience with walk in tubs but my parents took out their tub and installed a prefab shower that was the dimension of the original tub cutout. My Mom uses a shower seat and a shower head that is removable. I got the impression it was a lot cheaper than walk-in tubs are.

Already got the shower, just need the shower seat and the shower wand. Yeah, walk in tubs are expensive and are prone to leaking from what I'm told.

 

[DennisD]

You do know the universal LAW that says you can't do a plumbing project without going back to the store at least three times, don't you? There is no easy in plumbing. Ask me how I know.

(I HATE, HATE anything to do with plumbing! so I don't have an unbiased opinion. )

Point taken. I'll fill up the gas tank.

 

[packyderms_wife]

DON"T DO IT. Just like you are sitting in the tub waiting on it to fill shivering ,then to empty
to you sit there as it empties again shivering.
I thought it was perfect for my mom she loved a hot bath, but after using it a few months it sat unused until she passed away and the house was sold.

Freezing my bum off was a major concern of mine, plus the walk-in tub can hurt the resale value of a home. The walk-in zero clearance shower with a nice seat and the shower wand is the way to go.

 

[inskanoot]

There are some nice pull down teak shower seats that attach to the wall. You could also install a separate wand and controller near the seat. Years ago, I saw an inflatable cushion that could be placed in a bathtub. Once you’re in, you deflate the cushion and it takes you down to the bottom of the tub. There are similar devices. Kohler had a cool looking tub that rode up on the wall so you could just hop on and swing your legs over. According to the reviews, it doesn’t work unless it’s installed properly.

 

[packyderms_wife]

I agree on this. Older people get cold FAST! Plus if you had some kind of emergency you’re in a bad way.

Go for the shower with plenty of bars. Find a seat with a back and MAKE SURE the shower head will fit into the seat to hold it in place.

It’s not a bath, but much safer. Also make sure you put a grab bar outside the shower entrance so she can balance on that as needed.

They can always have a pan of warm water on the floor to soak the feet while sitting on the shower seat. And I agree about emergency situations.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Yes, separate bench for me. Will have a friend make one from bamboo. I don't like those built-in seats.

My big butt wouldn't fit on those seats, it'd be more of a falling hazard than taking a shower in the tub! When the time comes I'll have OC make me a seat out of teak or look at Habitat in Des Moines I noticed a couple of them there the last time I was there... east DM store.

 

[TerryK]

On my HD page there are dozens of models (none in stock). I'll add a link with one I think would work.
Don't need spa jets. Family member doesn't mind bath time so slow drain = OK.
Saving the old tub for possible later re-install.
On the attached HD tub example, why couldn't I just snuggle it up to one side and the back wall; leave the left side open for the plumbing?

Here's what we got:

View attachment 221019

Here's one Depot possibility:

Universal Tubs Builder's Choice 53 in. Left Drain Quick Fill Walk-In Soaking Bath Tub in White-B2653LWS - The Home Depot

Visit The Home Depot to buy 4.4 ft. x 26 in. Left-Drain Walk-In Soaking Tub in White B2653LWS

www.homedepot.com

Looks like it could work if you snugged the unit against 2 walls. you still have to worry about the 3rd sidel but that shouldn't be too hard. Also need some kind of waterproof barier on the side up against the walls.
Drain is on the correct side, but the door would also be about even with the toilet. That could be a problem

 

[DennisD]

Looks like it could work if you snugged the unit against 2 walls. you still have to worry about the 3rd sidel but that shouldn't be too hard. Also need some kind of waterproof barier on the side up against the walls.
Drain is on the correct side, but the door would also be about even with the toilet. That could be a problem

That's a good point about the door. It opens "in" but I have to make sure there's access.
I'm wondering about that waterproof barrier. There's nothing there now around the tub. But with the walk-in (especially with the spray handle) more splashing is to be expected. Can I just butt it to the wall and caulk? Or maybe an inexpensive stick-on molding. After a period of time, we'll probably switch back to the old tub.

 

[FireDance]

They can always have a pan of warm water on the floor to soak the feet while sitting on the shower seat. And I agree about emergency situations.

That’s a great idea as long as they remember to move it out of the way getting out of the tub.

You could slide it under the chair. My idea on that is it would need to still be full so the water didn’t wash it out. Then you’d have to bend over to empty.

If you empty first you might be able to hang it on something in the tub to keep it out of the way.

Stuff in the tub scares me. But a good thing you could have is a short terry cloth robe to put around you while you finish up. I’d probably cut the sleeves off and hem them to a mid length sleeve so it keeps your back warm and sleeves dry. It really is going to depend on the person’s mobility.

No really great answers from my side.

 

[packyderms_wife]

That’s a great idea as long as they remember to move it out of the way getting out of the tub.

You could slide it under the chair. My idea on that is it would need to still be full so the water didn’t wash it out. Then you’d have to bend over to empty.

If you empty first you might be able to hang it on something in the tub to keep it out of the way.

Stuff in the tub scares me. But a good thing you could have is a short terry cloth robe to put around you while you finish up. I’d probably cut the sleeves off and hem them to a mid length sleeve so it keeps your back warm and sleeves dry. It really is going to depend on the person’s mobility.

No really great answers from my side.

Someone needing assistance with a walk in shower or tub is probably going to have someone there to help them dry off lest the fall and injure themselves.

 

[packyderms_wife]

That's a good point about the door. It opens "in" but I have to make sure there's access.
I'm wondering about that waterproof barrier. There's nothing there now around the tub. But with the walk-in (especially with the spray handle) more splashing is to be expected. Can I just butt it to the wall and caulk? Or maybe an inexpensive stick-on molding. After a period of time, we'll probably switch back to the old tub.

There's a rubber liner that you can glue, I don't remember the name of the glue, to the wall behind the shower and under the shower pan/floor. I highly recommend going that route if you don't have that board that the pro's install when making new bathrooms.

 

[FireDance]

Someone needing assistance with a walk in shower or tub is probably going to have someone there to help them dry off lest the fall and injure themselves.

Truth. But I read the OP as they didn’t need assistance at this point in time. Reading comprehension. Maybe I need to work on that.