walk-in tub
and shower combo
If you are looking for an easy-entry bathing area that you can comfortably sit down in, then a walk-in tub and shower combination may be a good solution for you. A walk-in tub shower combo has excellent benefits for people with physical limitations that make moving around difficult or painful. They are also great solutions for athletes or people with aching muscles that could benefit from the spa-like massaging jets.
On this page, we’ll go through everything you need to know about walk-in tubs with shower combos to help you determine if it’s a good fit for you or your loved one.
What is a walk-in tub with a full shower combination?
The most common type of walk-in tub/shower combo unit combines the best of both features into one product. Walk-ins usually come in sizes ranging from 4 feet by 8 feet up to 6 feet by 12 feet. These units have a large roomy entryway where the user enters and has the option to sit down on a high seat or stay standing.
See our page on Who Needs a Walk-in Tub for more information on why someone may benefit from getting one.
How does a walk-in tub with shower combo work?
Most walk-in tubs use gravity to fill the water tank located at the top of the unit. This means that when the faucet is turned off, the water will slowly drain back down into the tank until the level reaches its lowest point. When the desired amount of water is reached, the pump kicks in and fills the entire system.
Some walk-in tubs feature built-in pumps instead of relying solely on gravity to fill the tanks. Pumps are generally quieter than gravity systems, and some users prefer them over gravity systems due to the fact that they don’t require any extra maintenance. However, pumps tend to cost significantly more than gravity systems.
The addition of the shower head in these units, and typically a raised wall to prevent water from spraying out onto the floor, allows an individual to remain standing and utilize the shower function if they choose to.
What are The
Benefits
of a Walk-in Tub With Shower Combo?
There are many reasons why people choose to install a walk-in tub/bathroom combo.
1
Convenience
The first reason is simply convenience. Having access to a larger shower area allows those who have arthritis or other conditions that limit movement to easily wash without having to step over a large tub wall or risk standing on a slippery surface for extended periods of time.
2
Safety
As mentioned above, there are many potential hazards involved in simply stepping into a regular bathtub. Not only could you fall, but you could hurt yourself by hitting your head on the side of the tub. With a walk-in tub shower combo, you won’t have these issues. Since a walk-in tub doesn’t require any steps, anyone suffering from balance issues or limited mobility can use them comfortably. Instead, you can step right in and sit back until you finish washing yourself. When you’re done, you can easily exit the tub and dry yourself off completely.
3
Ease of Use
Getting in and out of a traditional bathtub requires a lot of effort. Standing on a wet tile floor isn’t easy either, especially if you’ve got arthritis or other conditions that limit your ability to move around freely.
4
Low maintenance
Another advantage is that since the shower portion of the unit is completely enclosed, it helps prevent germs and bacteria from spreading throughout the rest of the home. In addition, the enclosure keeps moisture levels low, making the overall environment drier and less likely to cause mold growth.
5
Comfortable
Finally, walk-in tubs provide added comfort for older adults and others who find sitting in a traditional bathtub uncomfortable.
What Are the
Cons
of a Walk-in Tub Shower Combo?
What are the drawbacks of having a walk-in tub with shower combo? While there are several advantages to installing a walk-in tub, there are still disadvantages associated with using such a bathroom setup.
Cost
The price tag attached to a walk-in tub installation can add up quickly. Depending on the size of the walk-in, the materials needed to construct it, and whether or not the homeowner chooses to include additional amenities like massage therapy jets, the total cost can range anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000+. While this might seem expensive compared to buying a regular bathtub, keep in mind that once installed, a walk-in bathtub will last much longer than a standard bathtub.
See our cost pages for more information on specific brands, including: Average Cost of American Standard Walk-in Tub and Average Cost of Kohler Walk-in Tub.
Space
A walk-in tub shower combo can end up taking up space inside your bathroom. This may mean you need to reconfigure your bathroom to ensure that it fits properly in the space, which can also add to the overall cost.
See our Walk-in Tub Pros and Cons page for a more in-depth breakdown of why a walk-in tub may or may not be a fit for you.
Walk-in Tub Shower Combo
FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions that people have about walk-in tubs with shower combos:
Is a walk-in tub safe?
Yes! There are no health risks associated with using a walk-in tub. It’s important to note that while getting in and out of a regular bathtub poses certain dangers, a walk-in tub actually makes bathing much safer and offers better protection against falls.
Are walk-in tubs expensive?
The initial investment required to purchase a walk-in tub depends largely upon how big it needs to be. If you’re looking for an entry-level model, expect to pay between $1,500 -$3,000+ depending on what features you want to be included. Larger models can run upwards of $10,000+, but if you plan on keeping the tub long-term, then the upfront costs aren’t nearly as high.
How much water does a walk-in tub hold?
Walk-ins typically hold about 1/4 – 1 gallon per minute, although some units have been known to exceed 2 GPM. Keep in mind that most manufacturers recommend at least 3 gallons of water per person every 30 minutes.
Do walk-in tubs with shower combo companies offer an in-home consultation?
Yes, they do! Most reputable companies offer free consultations where they’ll come into your house and show you all of the different options available before recommending one over another. They also make sure that everything works correctly prior to leaving the premises.
Do walk-in tubs with shower combos have warranties?
Yes, however, if you attempt to install the walk-in tub shower combo yourself, you may void the warranty.
Which type of walk-in tub shower combo should I choose?
That really comes down to personal preference. Some homeowners prefer smaller walk-in tubs because they feel that they look cleaner and don’t take up too much room. Others prefer more oversized walk-in baths because they think that they give off a bigger impression when guests enter the home. Either way, it’s always best to consult with a professional installer first to help determine which option would work best for your specific situation.
Why should I get a walk-in tub with shower combo?
The benefits of having a walk-in tub with a shower combo go far beyond just being able to stand comfortably in the tub without worrying about falling. See the benefits of having a walk-in tub with shower combo section above.
What safety features are important in a walk-in tub with shower combo? Safety is paramount in any piece of equipment used around children or those with special medical conditions. The following items are considered essential:
- Safety locks should prevent accidental operation.
- Properly placed grab bars should provide support during use.
- An emergency stop button should be located near the controls.
- A low threshold to clear when stepping into the tub to avoid tripping and falling.
Are walk-in tubs covered by Medicare?
No, Medicare will not cover the cost of installing a walk-in tub unless there is a documented need for them due to a disability. However, many insurance providers will cover the installation of this product.
Is a walk-in tub safe for my kids?
Yes, walk-in tubs are completely childproofed and pose absolutely no risk to young ones. Even though they are designed specifically for adults, they are still very sturdy and stable enough to withstand even small toddlers.
In conclusion, walk-in tubs with shower combos provide a safer and more physically comfortable bathing option for people who may need it. So it’s easy to see why they’re becoming increasingly popular among seniors and other individuals who require assistance while taking a bath or shower.