Walk-in tubs are an excellent investment if you’re looking to add a little bit of luxury to your home. Not only are they convenient for people who may struggle to get in and out of an ordinary bath, but they’re also ideal for those who want a spa-like experience at home.
A walk-in tub should cost anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on your needs. This total may not include extra installation fees. So, you may want to budget a little extra for additional costs.
In this article, I’ll be taking you through everything you need to know about the expenses of getting, installing, and maintaining a walk-in tub. So, if you’re considering adding one to your bathroom, make sure to keep reading until the end.
Walk-In Tub Costs
Purchasing a walk-in tub can be challenging if you don’t know what to expect. Not only is the cost of the tub itself important, but there are other costs associated with a walk-in tub that you should consider carefully before deciding which one is right for you. So, let’s break down those costs and see what you’re likely to pay in total for a walk-in tub.
Cost of the Walk-In Tub Itself
As discussed above, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000 for a new walk-in tub. This is a very wide margin. So, let’s help narrow down the cost for the features and design you want.
Cheapest
The cheapest option for a walk-in tub is a more basic tub, sometimes referred to as a soaker. A soaker is a walk-in tub that does not have any extra features like jets. It also doesn’t offer additional space for more than one person or any type of hydrotherapy.
Soakers tend to range from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the size and any extra add-on features. So, it is the cheapest kind of walk-in tub that you can find. If you’re only looking for a tub for soaking without any jets or hydrotherapy, then this is a perfect option for you. You can save yourself a lot of money by avoiding those extra features if you don’t want them.
Mid-Range
One step up from the cheapest walk-in tubs are the mid-range options. These come with some cool features like air jets or hydrotherapy for those who want a spa-like experience in their homes. Mid-range pricing also covers special accommodations you may need, such as wheelchair accessibility or larger sizes for people who require more space.
Mid-range prices can vary depending on what you need, but they usually start around $3,000 and can go up to about $8,000. It is important to note that mid-range pricing does not include all of the features listed above, but you can get a tub for this price range by choosing one of the features listed. If you need a tub that has everything mentioned above, consider splurging on a high-end option instead.
High End
Finally, high-end walk-in tubs can open up a lot of possibilities for you. This price range can get you any of the features listed above in combination with other options as well. Because there are so many features available, the high-end price range varies anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000.
High-end pricing can get you a walk-in tub with any of the features listed above, along with some new ones like shower combinations or double seating. Combining a bath and shower can be a great space saver, but it is not an option with every walk-in tub. Because of their design, you need high walls on the walk-in tub for a shower option.
Therefore, having the option to shower can raise the price of the tub significantly because it requires more walls around the tub. High-end prices can also get you tubs with room for more than one person. This can be great for couples or even for people who require assistance when bathing. Whatever your needs may be, high-end tubs can certainly accommodate them.
Installation
The installation costs for a walk-in tub can vary greatly depending on the tub you choose and the complexity of the installation process. Elements like electrical redirection and plumbing can cause installation costs to skyrocket. Overall, installation can cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000, depending on the specifics.
The low end of the installation cost will cover basic services. This is the cost of carrying the tub to your home and placing it where it needs to go. In most cases, this will also cover connecting the tub to your water line and ensuring it is ready to use. However, it may not always be that simple.
Installation costs can rise unexpectedly for a number of reasons. As you go higher in the price range for the tub itself, you can expect that it may cost more to install. For example, a walk-in tub with hydrotherapy will require an electrical connection to allow it to work properly. So, the professional you hire may need to rewire some electricity when it comes time to install the tub.
Installation can also get costly if you plan to put the tub in a place that didn’t previously have a tub or shower. This means that the plumbing will need to be redirected to the appropriate spot, causing more work during installation. So, the installation price can vary greatly depending on what they need to do to get your walk-in tub working.
Add-Ons
Let’s discuss the final cost you must consider before purchasing your walk-in tub. Add-ons are some additional features you may not consider when thinking about purchasing your tub, but can certainly add to the overall total.
There is no average price range for add-ons simply because they are entirely subjective and vary based on your needs. Some examples of add-ons that you may want to consider for your walk-in tub include handlebars for safe entry and exit, a slip-free surface installed on the bottom, or a built-in laptop holder. You may also need to consider towel bars to keep your towel close by for the end of your bath.
As mentioned, another important add-on feature for walk-in tubs is non-slip flooring. This is absolutely vital for those at risk of losing their balance when walking in and out of a wet tub. While walk-in tubs can be a fun addition to your home, you may want to consider some additional features to add on to your tub to ensure it is safe for everyone who uses it.
Cost of Maintenance for a Walk-In Tub
Walk-in tubs tend to require a small amount of maintenance to keep them going for years. Most maintenance for a walk-in tub comes from jets and other electrical features. Plumbers may need to provide upkeep for these features every couple of years. The main form of maintenance that you should worry about is cleaning the tub.
Cleaning your walk-in tub is vital when it comes to ensuring it lasts as long as possible. This is especially important if it has jets that can hold and trap dirt. If you don’t clean your walk-in tub jets regularly, they can become quite dirty and even stop working over time. So, clean your tub and jets regularly to prevent this from happening.
One thing that really helps with walk-in tub maintenance is your warranty. Most tubs come with a warranty, lessening your burden when it comes to repair and cleaning costs. So, read your warranty carefully before purchasing your tub, as it can save you a lot of money with any issues that may arise while you use your new purchase.
If you have your walk-in tub and have noticed some issues with it, then you should consider checking your warranty for coverage. Some companies offer cleaning and repairs for free while the tub is still under warranty. So, always check with the company you purchased the tub from first and only consider an out-of-pocket expense if there is no other option.
Will Insurance or Medicare Cover the Cost of a Walk-In Tub?
While some people may choose to install a walk-in tub for a spa-like experience, others need a tub like that to bathe themselves. For those who require a walk-in tub, you may wonder if Medicare can cover the cost of the tub. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Let’s talk about why and what other options you have.
Medicare will not cover the cost of a walk-in tub no matter your situation because Medicare officials do not consider walk-in tubs as medically necessary. While walk-in tubs can certainly make life easier for those who may struggle to get in and out of an ordinary bath, they do not qualify for coverage.
What can really make walk-in tubs challenging to cover with Medicare is all of the extra features you can get. Hydrotherapy may help with circulation and give you that spa day feeling, but it isn’t medically necessary for everyday life for most people. So, Medicare tends not to cover these tubs as there are too many expensive add-ons.
But don’t lose hope just yet. There are some options to consider for getting help with financing a walk-in tub. Some Medicare plans may offer partial reimbursement for a walk-in tub for those who are unable to use an ordinary bath or shower. However, Medicare will not cover installation costs or other expenses they deem unnecessary.
Before making any decisions regarding your walk-in tub, make sure you check with your medicare provider to see if you have any options available for possible reimbursement. There may be specific regulations to need to follow. So, always check first.
If you’re like most people and your medicare plan won’t cover a walk-in tub, there is still hope for some help with the cost. If you’re a recipient of Medicaid, you may have a better chance of having your walk-in tub cost covered. You need to follow many rules for this to happen, and you will need explicit permission from your doctor.
If Medicare and Medicaid are off the table, you have some other options. There are many programs for disabled veterans that can help with costs like this. Home improvement and other similar grants are available for veterans who need to ensure their home is more accessible to them. Walk-in tubs can certainly be part of those grants.
If these options don’t apply to you, you should check with your doctor to see if there are any other programs you may qualify for to help cover the cost of the tub. There are some accessibility programs and other similar organizations that can help you manage the cost of your walk-in tub.
What Are Some Alternatives for a Walk-In Tub?
There are a few alternatives to consider if you or a loved one are having trouble getting in and out of the bath or you just don’t want to risk injury. For example, there are a few options for bathtub chairs that can help you get in and out of the tub safely without risking a fall.
Bathtub Transfer Bench
This option is especially useful for those who are worried about getting in and out of the tub rather than standing for long periods. You can find a bathtub transfer bench for a reasonable price, and it allows you to simply slide across the side of the tub rather than stepping over.
They work very simply by being half in and half out of the tub. This allows you to sit on the bench when you want to get in and lift your legs over the tub while already seated. This helps prevent slipping while entering or exiting the tub. One downside to this option is that it doesn’t lower you into the bath water. So, you will need to lower yourself down or just put your feet in the water.
You can get a bathtub transfer bench for anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the specifics of what you want. Some designs require you to slide across the bench, while others can help you slide easier. Overall, this option is a lot cheaper than a walk-in tub and allows you to get in and out of the tub more safely without the steep cost.
Bathtub Chairs
Bathtub chairs are another possible alternative for walk-in tubs. These chairs sit completely in the bathtub rather than half in and half out. So, you can step into the bathtub if you’re comfortable doing so, or you can sit in the seat first, then bring your legs over the side of the tub.
Whichever method of entry you choose, this option is riskier than the bench because it does not allow you to sit down and slide. Rather, it requires you to step into the tub or sit down in the tub for entry. However, one major benefit to choosing this option over the transfer bench is that it allows you to sit in the water without being all the way down in the tub.
Bathtub chairs run at a similar price to benches and can cost more depending on your desired features. Remember that sitting in the chair and bringing your legs over the tub afterward can increase your chance of losing your balance compared to the transfer bench. So, only choose this option if you’re comfortable sitting down and getting in and out of the tub.
Walk-In Shower
While this may not be ideal for bath fans, a walk-in shower can provide a safer way of entering your bathtub because you will not need to step over the side. A new walk-in shower can cost anywhere from $700 to $7,000, depending on the features you want. So, you can certainly save some money by choosing a shower instead of a bath.
A walk-in shower is similar to a typical shower without the option of taking a bath. This eliminates the side of the tub that you would normally need to step over to get in and can reduce the risk of a fall when getting in and out. These showers tend to come with a door that you open and close to keep the water out while you shower.
If you’re considering a walk-in shower because you have trouble getting in and out of the bath safely, you should also consider a bench in your shower. This will help you be able to rest and relax while showering without needing to sit all the way down like you would in a bath.
No matter which special features you choose for your walk-in shower, it is important to remember that you will not be able to take a bath in a walk-in shower because they can’t accommodate a bath. So, you will need to shower every time. Consider this before deciding on which option you want, as some people may prefer baths over showers.
How to Purchase a Walk-In Tub
If you’re ready to start the process of purchasing a walk-in tub, let’s talk about the best way to go about it. First, it is important to know that there are many different elements to consider. Determine your budget before you start looking and decide which features are most important to you. Now, let’s break down how to purchase a walk-in tub.
Free Estimate
Considering the major investment that is a walk-in tub, many companies will offer free services to get you started. For example, many bath companies will come to your home, survey the location, and give you a cost estimate completely for free. Taking advantage of these free offers can make a huge difference when it comes to the overall tub cost.
Bath companies offer these services for free in hopes that you’ll take them up on their estimate and choose their company for your installation. So, take advantage of this and get a few estimates for potential costs to get a ballpark idea of how much you can expect to spend.
Warranty
Before you decide which walk-in bathtub is right for you, you should always check out the warranty options. Walk-in tubs, just like anything else, can break over time. This is especially important if you plan to include jets and other electrical components, as these may need maintenance over time.
Finding the best warranty can ensure that you’ll get your money’s worth and won’t need to put more money into your bathtub after your purchase. So, if you find two companies offering a similar bath for a similar price, always choose the one with the better warranty so that you aren’t financially responsible for maintenance and can ensure it will last.
Add-Ons
A walk-in tub is a major purchase that you should carefully think about before making a decision. However, one small detail to look for is the add-ons that some companies may offer that others don’t. Many companies have similar pricing and similar warranties, so the decision may come down to extra features that they offer you with your purchase.
If one company is willing to add something special to your order, like an additional towel rack or a unique feature or color, then you should consider it. Any time you can save money during this process is vital. With larger purchases like these, companies tend to be generous with additional features that they mark down or offer for free.
So, take advantage of these special offers, like warranties, cool features, and rebates, to get the most out of your experience. Overall, consider the quality of the bathtub and the warranty before making your decision, but there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of a free offer as well.
Conclusion
While a walk-in tub can vary greatly in price and overall quality, you should consider your needs carefully before deciding. If jets or hydrotherapy is important to you, then you should prepare to spend more money when choosing your tub.
Consider the free options offered by bath companies like installation or estimates before making a final decision, as these can help you get the best possible deal. A walk-in bathtub is a major purchase. So, you should consider your options very carefully before investing, but once you find the right one, I can guarantee it’ll be worth the trouble.