Whether you’re looking for a walk-in bath for yourself, your friends or family, they can be an absolutely fantastic option for anyone who suffers from mobility issues. If the bather has problems getting in or out of the bathtub, then they can really make a practical difference to their everyday life.
There are so many designs of mobility-friendly bathtub available today, choosing the right one for your specific requirements can be extremely challenging.
The Basics Of Accessible Bathtubs
Walk-in bathtubs are speciality products that have watertight, hinged doors built into the side of the tub itself and provide a much lower threshold for the user to step over. A standard, low-edged tub can require a ground clearance and stable balance of as much as 15 inches whilst a door would lower that to as little as 3-inches and, in certain designs, even less.
Typically, walk-in tubs will have anti-slip floors as standard, a handheld shower head and built-in seats to ensure a safe and comfortable bathing experience from start to finish. In fact, many higher-end models include a range of extra, incredible features which can really enhance the bathing experience. Whirlpool and other spa-like modes or features are great options for those who suffer from arthritis and other illnesses.
Of course, the type of walk-in tub that you will need will depend on the user’s requirements and physical capabilities, the size and layout of your bathroom and your overall budget. Most walk-in baths are extremely affordable, and can be a great way to personalise your home to make it that much more comfortable to live in, particularly as you start to get older.
What Should You Think About When Picking Out Your Perfect Walk-In Bath?
Quality Check – There are a diverse range of models available. If you can, try to see them in person and get some hands-on time before they are installed. It is also a good idea to read up on the bath model itself and enquire about the bathroom feature’s warranty.
Tub Size – Whilst walk-in models do vary in size and shape, they will typically have fairly high walls – often much higher than those of a traditional bathtub. They will usually fit into the same space as your pre-existing bathtub however, and will often be much more compact, length-wise. Of course, if the walk-in design is too small to effectively fill the current space, you can use dedicated extension kits to ensure a good fit.
Door Options – Most tubs like these will have inwardly opening doors, which are extremely useful when it comes to preventing leaks or stopping the door from opening during the bath itself.
However, if the bather is wheelchair bound, or is quite a large person, then an outward opening door might be the better option as they are easier to enter and exit. They will also require more bathroom space to allow the door to swing outwards.
One style which seems to be growing in popularity is the rising-wall design, which sits a few feet off of the ground, and has a side panel that slides up and down. These can usually be entered from a sitting position, thereby making them ideal for wheelchair users.
Tub Type – Walk-ins are widely available and, here at Bathtime Mobility, we have a huge variety to ensure that you can find the perfect design for you. The most basic type is a soaker tub, but there are models which make the most of the latest technology, to offer a range of different features and settings.
Bathtime Mobility – A Diverse Range Of Walk-In Baths And Accessibility-Focused Accessories
Here at Bathtime Mobility, we are able to offer a diverse range of walk-in baths and other bathroom features, all of which are ideal for a range of different bathroom designs and for users suffering from mobility issues. From electrically-assisted models to walk-in designs, you will be able to find the perfect walk-in for your needs amongst our extensive range.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today on 0800 29 22 110. You can also arrange to visit our showroom in Henley-on-Thames and enjoy some hands-on time with our diverse range.