What is the Best Walk-in Tub? (for older people and those wanting luxury)
What is the best walk in tub for seniors? Senior In-Home Care Services are blowing up in 2023, from state-of-the-art hearing amplifiers, to home elevators, walk in tubs and medical alert systems. This is great news, because if it allows our older people to stay living independently in the comfort of their own homes, staying out of nursing homes!
For luxury, Kohler walk in tubs is a great choice. If you want a walk in tub with a shower, SafeStep walk in tubs offer that and at decent prices. However, if you don’t care about the money and just want good service and a high quality tub, American Standard is the right choice.
However, when it comes to prices, walk in tubs can cost over $25,000 with installation. And that’s why it’s important to choose a brand that includes installation in the price. Also, another thing to be aware of is a sales tactic that walk in tub companies use. They won’t give you a price over the phone. Instead, they offer to come to your house and give you a free assessment, allowing them to get measurements and then give you a quote on the spot. According to customer reviews, walk in tub companies that operate in this way, do so because it gives them a higher chance of closing the deal when they come to your house and get you face to face. They pull out all the bells and whistles at that point, using a high-pressured sales pitches, offering discounts, add on features for no extra cost, low interest financing and probably the coat that the sales rep is wearing if that’s what it takes.
Companies like Boca walk in tubs will offer you a quote right over the phone, with no strings attached. And they even include installation for $2500, no matter what renovations are required. Althought $2500 isn’t cheap, walk in tubs can often cost more than $10,000 for installation, so consider that a good deal. For a top of the line walk in tub with Boca, you’re looking at a total price of $17,236.
According to TrustedCompanyReviews.com, there are several factors one must consider.
Review this 15 point checklist to help choose the best walk in tubs:
15-Point Walk-in Bathtub Rating Criteria:
- Cost: Comparing prices of walk-in tubs, favoring lower prices for equal quality.
- Average customer review rating: Assessing customer reviews from reputable sources like BBB, Consumer Affairs, Home Depot, and Google.
- Reputation: Considering time in business, positive-to-negative review ratio, and BBB complaints. Manufacturers with many complaints, like Meditub, receive lower scores. Ella’s Bubbles, with 17 years in business, over 220 reviews at BBB and Consumer Affairs, and an average rating of 4.7/5, earned a high reputation score.
- Accessibility and Step-in threshold: Evaluating wheelchair user entry and exit ease, including low step-in thresholds and wide door entry.
- Safety features: Assessing grab bars, handrails, wheelchair support, ADA compliance, slip-resistant surfaces, low step-in height, secure doors, and temperature controls.
- User Experience: Evaluating the user experience involves considering various factors such as fast-fill and quick-drain capabilities, maintenance and cleaning convenience, dual-drain technology, jetted tub technology, easy-to-reach controls, ergonomic seating, noise level of operation, ability to customize the tub, in-line heaters, and overall ease of operation tailored to seniors’ needs.
- Ease of installation: This includes evaluating factors such as clear installation instructions, compatibility with existing bathroom setups, and the availability of manufacturer-certified installers for professional assistance. A seamless and hassle-free installation process ensures that seniors can quickly and safely start enjoying their walk-in tubs.
- Expensive Renovations: Evaluating the availability of customization options that do not require costly renovations.
- Comfort: Evaluate the comfort level of the walk-in baths by considering factors such as seat design, armrest support, jet comfort, and tub size to ensure they can accommodate individual preferences.
- Spa and Therapeutic Features: Evaluate the presence and effectiveness of whirlpool jets, air jets, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, heated surfaces, in-line water heaters, and hydrotherapy options. Assign higher points for stronger jets, higher horsepower, and enhanced functionality of these features.
- Warranty: Examine the length of the warranty, coverage details (including the shell, door seal, frame, pumps, and heaters), transferability, low deductibles, and the convenience of the claims process.
- Guarantees: Evaluate whether the walk-in bath companies offer guarantees such as money-back guarantees, leak-proof guarantees, structural and electrical guarantees, or installation guarantees.
- Luxury Wall and Design Options: Consider the availability of customization features, built-in lighting options, sound systems, and the use of high-end materials such as acrylic or fiberglass. These materials should be selected for their durability, ease of cleaning, and heat retention properties, enhancing the overall luxurious feel of the walk-in baths.
- Customization Options: Evaluate the range and extent of customization options offered by walk-in tub companies. This includes assessing the ability to choose finishes, colors, accessories, and additional features to tailor the walk-in tubs according to individual preferences and needs.
- Overall purchasing experience: Evaluating the smoothness of the sales process, customer service responsiveness after the sale, and whether walk-in tubs get installed in a timely fashion or if there are known delays associated with the manufacturer’s installation.