Do you know what a walk-in bathtub is? It's a tub that gets installed into an alcove where the user can walk in without a barrier in their way, whereas many tubs require the person to step over the side. Instead of having the fixed front wall that a standard tub would have, walk-in tubs have doors that open outward for easy entry.
The occupant then either sits on the tub's floor or alternatively on a single-person seat that's built in. When the door gets closed and sealed, the tub can get filled full of water. Some walk-in tubs are just for soaking, and others might have therapeutic options like whirlpool or airbath jets.
Walk-in bathtubs are ideal additions to many bathrooms for anyone that has mobility issues. If they can't enter a standard tub safely by stepping up over the edge or can't seat themselves on that edge to swing their legs in, then a walk-in tub is much safer. The elderly, those with dementia, folks with disabilities, and anyone with mobility issues from conditions like obesity can take advantage of walk-in tubs, as can caregivers.
The average or typical cost of a standard model walk-in tub runs in a normal range of $5,000 up to $7,000. If you want a tub installed with additional options like hydrotherapy, then the cost might be as high as $10,000. The total cost you pay can be impacted by the kind of tub, the size, whether a surround is included, whether you make room for a new tub or replace an older one, or if an electrician is necessary to place and hook up a motor.
Soaking tubs are good for just regular bathing, and will usually run from $2,500 to $5,000. An airbath is ideal for anyone with circulatory problems or diabetes, and they run from $5,000 to $7,000.
A whirlpool for hydrotherapy works well for muscle aches and deep-tissue massage; they run the same price range as airbaths. Bariatric tubs are wider, so they're good for anyone finding standard sizes too confining or tight, and those with mobility issues might also like them; these run from $5,000 up to $10,000.
Combination walk-in tubs let the user switch between water jets or air jets as they need to, and they typically average between $7,000 and $10,000.
Labor rates in many but not all markets run from $45 to $65 per hour. $700 is a normal installation cost. If an airbath or whirlpool is getting installed, then the cost might be much higher, with $1,500 being the charge for a motor placement and electric connections. That's because the motor has to be set up close by, and the hook-up needs to happen properly for safety reasons.
A standard heater that gives you 50 gallons of stored up hot water usually runs from $600 up to $800. You can also go for a tankless heater that provides endless hot water for $1,500 to $2,000.
The occupant then either sits on the tub's floor or alternatively on a single-person seat that's built in. When the door gets closed and sealed, the tub can get filled full of water. Some walk-in tubs are just for soaking, and others might have therapeutic options like whirlpool or airbath jets.
Walk-in bathtubs are ideal additions to many bathrooms for anyone that has mobility issues. If they can't enter a standard tub safely by stepping up over the edge or can't seat themselves on that edge to swing their legs in, then a walk-in tub is much safer. The elderly, those with dementia, folks with disabilities, and anyone with mobility issues from conditions like obesity can take advantage of walk-in tubs, as can caregivers.
The average or typical cost of a standard model walk-in tub runs in a normal range of $5,000 up to $7,000. If you want a tub installed with additional options like hydrotherapy, then the cost might be as high as $10,000. The total cost you pay can be impacted by the kind of tub, the size, whether a surround is included, whether you make room for a new tub or replace an older one, or if an electrician is necessary to place and hook up a motor.
Cost Varies By Kinds
Soaking tubs are good for just regular bathing, and will usually run from $2,500 to $5,000. An airbath is ideal for anyone with circulatory problems or diabetes, and they run from $5,000 to $7,000.
A whirlpool for hydrotherapy works well for muscle aches and deep-tissue massage; they run the same price range as airbaths. Bariatric tubs are wider, so they're good for anyone finding standard sizes too confining or tight, and those with mobility issues might also like them; these run from $5,000 up to $10,000.
Combination walk-in tubs let the user switch between water jets or air jets as they need to, and they typically average between $7,000 and $10,000.
Labor Costs
Installing a typical walk-in tub is usually a straightforward process in a normal bathroom refit. The older tub gets taken out, and possibly also a row of tile adjoining it to the walls. Walk-in tubs usually are higher or deeper than normal tubs, so some tile work has to be done. In the majority of cases, the costs of this run the same as installing a standard bathtub, meaning it's 6 to 8 hours of work.Labor rates in many but not all markets run from $45 to $65 per hour. $700 is a normal installation cost. If an airbath or whirlpool is getting installed, then the cost might be much higher, with $1,500 being the charge for a motor placement and electric connections. That's because the motor has to be set up close by, and the hook-up needs to happen properly for safety reasons.
Plumbing Considerations
Upgrading your available pipes up to a 0.75-inch diameter might be appealing, since it means the tub can fill up faster. However, the cost might run from $4,000 up to $6,000. Additionally, you might also need an upgrade in terms of your hot water heater, because walk-in tubs can typically hold from 50 to 80 gallons of water.A standard heater that gives you 50 gallons of stored up hot water usually runs from $600 up to $800. You can also go for a tankless heater that provides endless hot water for $1,500 to $2,000.