Are Walk In Tubs Worth It? An Honest Answer From People Who Sell Them
When a walk in tub is worth every penny, when it is not, and what it should really cost.
Accredited since 2012★ 4.9 Google (35 reviews)In business since 2012Tech site visit before installIs a walk in tub worth the money?
A walk in tub is worth it when someone in the home has trouble stepping over a tub wall, wants to keep bathing instead of switching to a shower, and plans to stay in the home for years. It is usually not worth it for someone who cannot sit and stand safely, does not like waiting while the tub fills and drains, or plans to move soon. For many wheelchair users, a roll in shower is the better fit.
We sell and install walk in tubs, so we have a stake in the answer. That is exactly why this page tells you when not to buy one.
Short version
- Worth it: trouble with the tub wall, loves to soak, staying put
- Maybe not: cannot sit and stand, hates waiting, moving soon
- Wheelchair user? Compare a transfer tub and a roll in shower
The real cost of a walk in tub
National TV brands commonly quote $25,000 to $30,000 for a fully installed walk in tub, largely because of in-home sales presentations, commissions and advertising. The same name-brand tubs, installed by factory-certified crews, start around $15,000 installed with us, and most of our installs come in well under $20,000. The final number depends on the model, the options you choose, whether a door needs widening, and plumbing and electrical. See walk in tub cost, itemized.
Ways to lower the cost: skip options you will not use, choose a soaker instead of jets, buy supply-only if you have a trusted contractor, and check VA HISA grants, Medicaid waivers and other grants and programs. Original Medicare generally does not cover walk in tubs; see what Medicare covers.
Walk in tub pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low 3 to 7 inch threshold instead of a 15 to 20 inch tub wall | You sit inside while it fills and drains |
| Built-in seat at chair height and grab bars, designed to reduce fall risk | Costs more than a standard tub or a basic shower conversion |
| Keeps a daily soak, which many people do not want to give up | Needs enough hot water; some homes need a bigger water heater |
| Hydrotherapy jets can ease arthritis and sore muscles | Jets and heaters need a dedicated electrical circuit |
| Usually fits a standard tub alcove and installs in a day | Not ideal for someone who cannot sit down and stand up |
The most common complaints and how to avoid them are in walk in tub problems.
Weighing it against the cost of a fall
About one in four Americans 65 and older falls each year, and older adult falls lead to roughly 3 million emergency room visits a year, according to the National Council on Aging and CDC data. The total health care cost of non-fatal older adult falls was about $80 billion a year based on 2020 data. No bathtub or shower can eliminate fall risk, but replacing a high tub wall with a low threshold, a seat and grab bars is one of the most common home changes families make. See the numbers, with primary sources, in bathroom fall statistics and the cost of a fall vs the cost of a safer bathroom.
Walk in tub vs roll in shower vs tub cutout
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Walk in tub | People who can sit and stand and want to keep soaking | Fill and drain wait; higher cost |
| Roll in shower | Wheelchair users and people who cannot sit and stand safely | No soaking |
| Tub cutout | Tight budgets, short-term needs | Still a tub-height bath; less support |
Still deciding? Read walk in tub vs roll in shower.
Does a walk in tub hurt or help resale value?
It depends on the buyer. In markets with many older buyers, an accessible bathroom can be a selling point; other buyers may prefer a standard tub. If resale is a concern, keep the rest of the bathroom neutral, and consider a model that fits the existing alcove so it can be swapped back later. More in walk in tubs and home value.
Two easy ways to start, and we handle everything from there
1. A virtual estimate in minutes
Send a few photos and measurements from your phone. We match you with the walk in tub or roll in shower that fits your space and needs, and give you a written, itemized price.
Start a virtual estimate2. We come to you
Once you have picked the tub or shower that is right for you, a factory-certified tech visits your home to measure everything, check plumbing and electrical, walk through options and answer every question. We always measure in person before anything is ordered.
See how it worksThen our white-glove crew installs it, usually in one day, and hauls the old one away. Prefer your own contractor? Buy supply-only with the same factory warranty when installed per the manufacturer's guidelines, plus free tech support, or order online at Showers4Less.com.
Are Walk In Tubs Worth It? An Honest Answer From People Who Sell Them FAQ
Are walk in tubs worth the money?
They are worth it when the bather struggles with the tub wall, wants to keep soaking, and plans to stay in the home. They are usually not the right choice for someone who cannot sit and stand safely or plans to move soon.
How much does a walk in tub cost installed?
National brands commonly quote $25,000 to $30,000. The same name-brand tubs start around $15,000 installed with us, and most installs come in well under $20,000 depending on the model and options.
What are the downsides of a walk in tub?
You sit inside while it fills and drains, it costs more than a standard tub, it needs enough hot water, and jetted models need a dedicated electrical circuit.
Does Medicare pay for walk in tubs?
Original Medicare generally does not. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid waivers, VA HISA grants and local programs may help; check each program.
Is a walk in tub or a roll in shower better?
A walk in tub suits people who can sit and stand and want to soak. A roll in shower suits wheelchair users and people who cannot sit and stand safely.
Do walk in tubs add value to a home?
It depends on the market and the buyer. Accessible bathrooms can appeal to older buyers; others may prefer a standard tub.
Let's make your bathroom a safer room in the house.
Talk to a real person about walk in tubs, roll in showers, installation in your area and pricing. Veteran & senior discounts included.