Types of Walk In Tubs: Which One Fits Your Life?
Nine kinds of walk in tubs, from wheelchair transfer tubs to bariatric and two-seat models. Match the tub to the person, and we install it, usually in one day.
Accredited since 2012★ 4.9 Google (35 reviews)In business since 2012Tech site visit before installWhat are the different types of walk in tubs?
There are nine main types of walk in tubs: standard soakers, hydrotherapy (jetted) tubs, wheelchair transfer tubs, bariatric tubs, large and deep tubs, lay-down tubs, two-seat tubs, compact tubs for small bathrooms, and walk in tub and shower combos. The right one depends on how the bather gets in, their size, and the space you have.
| Type | Size / key feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (soaker) walk in tub | 28-32" x 48-60" | Most people who can step over a 3 to 7 inch threshold |
| Hydrotherapy (jetted) walk in tub | Same sizes, adds air and/or water jets | Arthritis, back pain, circulation, anyone who wants a daily soak |
| Wheelchair transfer bathtub | Door cut down to seat height | Wheelchair users who slide across from the chair to the seat |
| Bariatric walk in tub | 33-36" wide, wider seat and door | Larger bathers who need room at the hips and a wider entry |
| Large and deep walk in tub | Longer and/or deeper soak | Tall adults and anyone who wants water to the shoulders |
| Lay-down walk in tub | Long, reclined soak with a door | People who want to recline, not sit upright |
| Two-seat walk in tub | 60-80" long, two seats | Couples, or a bather plus a caregiver |
| Small / compact walk in tub | From about 26 x 45" | Small bathrooms, condos and tight alcoves |
| Walk in tub with shower | Tub plus handheld or wall shower | Households that want to bathe and shower in one fixture |
Pick the walk in tub that fits the person, not just the room
Standard (soaker) walk in tub
Most people who can step over a 3 to 7 inch threshold.
See standard walk in tubs →Hydrotherapy (jetted) walk in tub
Arthritis, back pain, circulation, anyone who wants a daily soak.
See hydrotherapy walk in tubs →Wheelchair transfer bathtub
Wheelchair users who slide across from the chair to the seat.
See transfer bathtubs →Bariatric walk in tub
Larger bathers who need room at the hips and a wider entry.
See bariatric walk in tubs →Large and deep walk in tub
Tall adults and anyone who wants water to the shoulders.
See large walk in tubs →Lay-down walk in tub
People who want to recline, not sit upright.
See lay-down walk in tubs →Two-seat walk in tub
Couples, or a bather plus a caregiver.
See two-seat walk in tubs →Small / compact walk in tub
Small bathrooms, condos and tight alcoves.
See small walk in tubs →Walk in tub with shower
Households that want to bathe and shower in one fixture.
See walk in tub shower combos →Which type of walk in tub do I need?
Start with the bather, then the bathroom. Four questions narrow it down fast:
- How do they get in? If they walk in with a cane or walker, a standard or hydrotherapy tub works. If they use a wheelchair and slide across, they need a transfer bathtub, where the door is cut down to seat height so they never stand up. If they cannot sit and stand at all, a roll in shower is usually the better choice.
- How big are they? Bathers who feel squeezed in a standard 30-inch tub do better in a bariatric walk in tub (33 to 36 inches wide) or a large walk in tub. Tall adults should look at seat height and water depth, not just width.
- What will they actually use? Jets are wonderful for arthritis and sore muscles, but every option adds cost. If they will only soak, a soaker tub saves money.
- What fits the room? A 30 x 60 tub drops into a standard 5-foot tub alcove. Smaller spaces take a compact walk in tub. Our walk in tub size chart lists all 69 models we supply and install.
Every type comes from the same name brands the national companies sell (Hydro Dimensions, Ella and Meditub), with the same factory warranties. The difference is price: national TV brands commonly quote $25,000 to $30,000 installed, while most of our installs come in well under $20,000. See what a walk in tub really costs.
Most-asked types
- Transfer bathtubs for wheelchair users
- Bariatric walk in tubs up to 36" wide
- Large walk in tubs for tall adults
- Jetted hydrotherapy tubs
- Roll in showers if a tub is not right
- Product finder: filter all models
Options available on most walk in tub types
| Option | What it does | Worth it for |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-fill faucet and quick drain | Cuts the time you sit waiting while the tub fills and drains | Almost everyone (fill and drain times) |
| Heated seat and backrest | Keeps you warm while the tub fills and drains | People who get cold easily |
| Water jets | Targeted massage at back, hips, calves and feet | Arthritis, back pain, sore muscles |
| Air jets | Gentle full-body bubbles | Relaxation, sensitive skin |
| Inline heater | Holds the water temperature during a long soak | Long hydrotherapy sessions |
| Inward vs outward door | Outward doors give more room to step in; inward doors seal with water pressure | Wheelchair and walker users usually prefer outward |
| Handheld shower | Rinse hair and body without standing | Nearly everyone |
Not sure which options are worth it for your situation? Ask when you call; we will tell you which ones to skip.
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.
Types of Walk In Tubs FAQ
What are the main types of walk in tubs?
Standard soaker, hydrotherapy (jetted), wheelchair transfer, bariatric, large and deep, lay-down, two-seat, compact, and walk in tub and shower combos.
What is a transfer bathtub?
A walk in tub built for wheelchair users. The door is cut down to seat height so the bather slides across from the wheelchair onto the seat instead of stepping in.
What is a bariatric walk in tub?
A wider walk in tub, usually 33 to 36 inches wide, with a wider seat and door for larger bathers.
What type of walk in tub is best for seniors?
It depends on mobility. Seniors who walk with a cane or walker usually do well in a standard or hydrotherapy walk in tub; wheelchair users need a transfer tub or a roll in shower.
Do all walk in tubs have jets?
No. Soaker walk in tubs have no jets and cost less. Jets are an upgrade on most models.
Can I get a walk in tub with a shower?
Yes. Most walk in tubs can add a handheld shower, and combo models include a shower set up for standing or seated use.
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.