What You Need to Know About Walk-in Bathtubs
Walk-in bathtubs help decrease the risk of slipping and falling in the shower. Generally, they have a water-sealed door that allows easy access to the tub. These new and used walk-in bathtubs on eBay offer features similar to a spa and you can customize them to your needs.
What types of walk-in tubs are available?
- Soaker: This style will include features such as a built-in seat, slip-resistant floors, and hand rails. The primary purpose of these tubs is safety. They are deeper than a typical tub.
- Bariatric: These tubs offer a wider door opening and a larger built-in seat. Typically these will have a width of at least 30 inches and include many of the same safety features as other walk-in bathroom tubs.
- Wheelchair accessible: This type will be similar to a bariatric walk in. The swinging door will be located on the side with the built-in seat so that you can transition from a wheelchair to the tub easier. These will typically be ADA compliant and can hold up to 65 gallons of water.
- Whirlpool: These will function similar to a hot tub. They use a series of water jets to create tiny bubbles. Many whirlpool walk-in tubs will feature an in-line heater to keep the water warm.
- Combination: Combination walk-in tubs have either a permanent shower head or a handheld wand. This allows you to take either a bath or a shower and save space for the bath.
How do you select a walk-in tub?
When selecting affordable walk-in bathtubs from eBay, here are some features to consider:
- Select a material: You can choose from acrylic, cast iron, fiberglass, and stainless steel.
- Choose a shape: These tubs generally come in a rectangular, oval, or corner bathtub shape.
- Select features: The style will determine the types of features available for your walk-in.
- Choose a size: The door opening will come in a variety of widths and are self-sealing.
What are some features of a walk-in tub?
- Step-up: Many walk-in tubs will have a step-up height under 5 inches. Lower options are available to require less leg lifting.
- Handheld shower head: This allows you to take a shower while you?re in a sitting position. These are easy to hold and generally lightweight.
- Built-in chair: These chairs feature anti-slip coatings for added comfort.