In a home with multiple residents, the idea of a good bath varies from one person to the other. While some may prefer to stand under the water for a steamy shower, others will love a complete soak in a bubble bath.
The apparent solution includes a shower and a bathtub, but what if there’s no space for both? What if you want an inclusive solution for your elderly or disabled family member? Say hello to the walk-in shower tub.
What is a Walk-In Shower Tub Combo?
As the name implies, a walk-in shower tub has a shower component and a tub. Most importantly, it has a door for users to walk through instead of climbing over an edge. Once in the tub, you can close the door and use the shower or wait until the tub is full to enjoy a complete soak.
The walk-in shower tub offers an excellent solution because it takes care of three demographics:
- People who prefer shower baths
- People who like sitting in a tub
- Individuals with mobility issues
Walk-in shower tubs come in many sizes, and different models offer unique bells and whistles. For example, you can go with models with hydromassage, whirlpool jets, therapeutic jets, and other great features. You can also find safety features like grab bars and built-in seats.
What Are the Pros & Cons of Walk-In Shower Tubs?
Before installing a walk-in shower tub, carefully consider the pros and cons. Below, we have listed some of the major ones.
Pros
Enhanced Accessibility
One of the most significant advantages of walk-in shower tubs is that they are easier to enter and exit. Individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and children can enjoy a bath without struggling to get in and out. The built-in seats and grab bars make walk-in shower tubs less challenging to use for everyone.
Improved Safety
Most walk-in shower tubs generally feature designs that limit slips and falls. Apart from the built-in grab bars, the surfaces are typically grippy and non-slip. Users often use the tub in a more vertical position, reducing the risk of falls and slips when trying to leave the tub.
Flexibility and Comfort
Walk-in shower tubs allow you to choose your type of bath. You can take a quick shower before rushing out for your early morning commute. You can also decide to take a nice long soak on Saturday evening to round off a busy week. You don’t have to miss out on any comforts.
Small children will find bath time more pleasurable if they choose the type of bath.
Improved Home Value
Walk-in shower tubs are an excellent feature to include in any bathroom. They can improve the home’s value if it’s on the market for sale or rent. Renters or buyers with older family members will be willing to pay more for walk-in shower tubs than for houses with standard bathroom fixtures.
A bathroom with a shower and a tub will always attract more attention, even in the conventional property market.
Better Space Management
Walk-in shower combos are a fantastic option for bathrooms without adequate space for separate showers and tubs. There are many shower tub combo ideas to choose from, so you’re sure to find what works for your space.
Cons
Lengthy Fill and Drain Time
Taking a bath in a walk-in shower tub takes longer. You have to wait for the water tub to fill to take a bath in the tub. You also have to wait for the water to drain before opening the door.
Water Temperature Concerns
Sitting in the tub while the water drains can quickly become uncomfortable if the water starts getting too cold. Similarly, waiting for the tub to fill up can be unpleasant for hot water baths. Of course, these first two disadvantages only apply to users with mobility issues who must walk through the door.
Bathroom Flooding
The doors on walk-in shower tubs prevent leaks. However, poor installation or failure to appropriately secure the door can lead to leaks and flooding.
Exorbitant Cost
Walk-in shower tubs cost thousands of dollars, even entry-level models. Many homeowners may find justifying the price a bit difficult.
What Is the Cost of Installation for a Walk-in Shower Tub?
A walk-in shower tub costs between $2,500 and $6,500 to install. However, as you’d expect with other home improvement fixtures, the exact price will vary between projects. Models compatible with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) standards cost more.
Factors that Determine the Cost of Your Walk-in Shower Tub
Design and Size
If you choose a basic walk-in tub with few features, you can expect to pay as little as $1,500 for the unit. However, a long tub big enough to allow full stretching will cost more. They may also require some bathroom modification to fit.
You should also expect to pay a bit more if you want a two-seater walk-in shower tub to share bath sessions with a partner. These unique designs require more space than basic models and use more water.
Material
Walk-in shower tubs are typically either made of acrylic, porcelain, or gelcoat. Gelcoat tubs are the cheapest overall. However, they scratch, fade, and crack faster. Porcelain offers durability, but it will chip over time. Acrylic tubs are the most popular. They often cost the most but prove easy to maintain and clean.
Labor Costs
Homeowners installing new walk-in tubs for the first time should expect to pay around $1,000 for the installation costs. However, that number can easily double or triple if your tub requires electrical connection, plumbing upgrades, or extra renovation.
Product Brand
Different walk-in shower tub manufacturers sell their products at different prices. The model’s material quality, warranty, and features all determine the unit’s price.
Professional Walk-in Shower Tub Installation in Tucson
Are you thinking about getting a walk-in shower tub but unsure if it’s right for you? Frei Remodeling and Construction, LLC, is here to help. We are one of the leading remodeling contractors in Tucson, AZ, and nearby areas. Fill out our contact form for your free phone consultation.