If you think a long soak in a standard bathtub gives you a luxurious feeling, wait until you experience the comfort of using a walk in bath. The walk in bath has a side door, making it easier to go in and out of the bath. The door allows the elderly and someone with mobility issues to enter and exit the bath easily. Moreover, the door is watertight, preventing leaks that can flood your bathroom.
Factors to consider
You can choose from several bathroom products to make your bathing experience better. Still, there are several things to consider to determine if a walk in bath is right for you. Here are some things you should know.
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Cost
Walk in baths come in different materials, designs, sizes, shapes, depths, and features. These things affect the price of the products. Moreover, you should look for a supplier that offers high-quality products from well-known designers and manufacturers at affordable prices. Doing research will help you find one that fits your needs and budget.
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Safety
The safety features included in walk in bathtubs are one of the reasons why they are popular. You do not have to climb over to enter the tub. It comes with a side door that makes entry and exit quicker. The low step benefits everyone, from young children to people with weaker legs and mobility problems. Moreover, it includes handrails, tub seats, non-slip flooring, and anti-scald valves.
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Water usage
Despite its compact shape, a walk in bath still takes in almost the same amount of water. Some models even use less. Thus, you do not have to worry about an increase in your water bill. Further, you will still enjoy the comfort of having a long soak in a more convenient position, as the bath has a built-in seat.
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Comfort
Comfort while bathing is beneficial to most people. A walk in bath looks smaller because of its compact design, but it is easier to submerge more of your body in it because of its depth. With the built-in seat, seniors and family members with mobility issues can enjoy a comfortable, deep soak without slipping.
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Maintenance
Walk in baths have several features. Since manufacturers design walk in baths primarily for seniors and those with physical disabilities, they must adhere to stricter rules and regulations. They have to meet higher standards than a step-over bathtub. Thus, the moving parts and other built-in features are of higher quality, making them easier to clean and maintain.
Further, with its smaller and compact design, the surface to clean is minimal, and cleaning the tub once a month will suffice. Clean the pump’s inlet cover by removing debris, like hair that collects there, and flush the pump circulation system monthly. If you do not have a commercial cleaning solution for walk in baths, mix one part water and one part white vinegar. Fill the bath with water, add the homemade solution, and run the tub for ten minutes to remove grime and body oil residues.
Only you can decide if a walk in bath is right for you. However, consider the convenience it offers all family members, whether young, older, senior or with a disability.