Walk in bathtubs??

[pmanton]

We're 85 & 87 and we're curious about the walk in bathtubs we see advertised. Has anyone had one installed? If so would you be kind enough to tell me about it.

I'm curious about price, utility, satisfaction, brand etc etc.

Thanks.

 

[Nightowl]

I have only seen the ads on tv. My feeling is that one would have to walk in and then run the water and when ready to exit, wait while the water drained. How to control water temp during these periods? I would not like to wait until the water drained to get out and dry off!
Just my observation and something to question dealers about.

 

[Greyman50]

We had a walk in shower built by plumber/ tile guy at old house. Big issue is turning on water and getting right temp without getting froze or scalded.Have to turn shower head to the side.
As for the ones on tv, no clue.

 

[S-W4EVER]

Used one in a hotel recently and it was pretty nice, a real improvement for us old guys.

 

[cougar14]

Post #2 is going to be the 800 lb gorilla, along with the fully installed cost (actual vs. original estimate).

 

[grover99]

Went with a walk-in shower in place of my tub and added a shower chair in it. Get the temp right before I get in it and have the chair to use while I shave. The cost was $2400 parts and labor. Just love it.

 

[bgrafsr]

We had a barrier free wet room bathroom installed. We love it. There's a bench for me to sit on while I shower, a handicap toilet, and a pedestal sink. Walls are tiled and the floor is slip resistant tile and heated. Our contractor did an excellent job. Pricey, but well worth it.

 

[444 Magnum]

The first time I saw the ad, I had the same thoughts as Nightowl. Sit in it while it fills up and then drains?

As mentioned above, a shower with a seat (either built in or placed) with a hand held is my suggestion.

My father had the side of his cast iron tub cut out to make for easier access. There are people who specialize in refinishing porcelain tubs who can do this type of work. Depending on your budget and wants, this is cheaper than a complete tear out.

Picture from the web:

 

[Smoke]

I have only seen the ads on tv. My feeling is that one would have to walk in and then run the water and when ready to exit, wait while the water drained. How to control water temp during these periods? I would not like to wait until the water drained to get out and dry off!
Just my observation and something to question dealers about.

A lot of the companies that make those tubs advertise "Quick Draining".

I would be interested in one just because it would be like a full body hot tub

 

[pmanton]

Wow Thanks. Lots of stuff I didn't even think about. They don't look so inviting anymore.

 

[erikpolcrack]

My wife and son fixed up our downstairs bathroom shower stall by getting a shower chair and converting the showerhead to a removable one on a segemented hose. You can sit on the chair and adjust water temp with showerhead down towards the drain between your legs and get the temp right. You can then shower with or without remounting the showerhead.