HOME

ABOUT US

CONTACT

FAQ

CLEARANCE PRODUCTS

 * Home    

 * Renovation Tips 

 * Clearance Products

 * Free Home Renovation eBooks

* Bathroom Remodeling

 - Remodeling Support 

 - Accessible Bathtub 

 - Tub to Shower

 - Walk in Bathtub

 - Wheel Chair Accessible 

 - Customer Testimonial

Do You Really Know Which Walk in Bath Tub is Best for You?

A walk in bathtub is a great product for universal bathroom design. You can use the whirlpool massage jets for hydro-therapeutic and it also provide senior a safer way to walk into the tub.

Their compact design and added features have proven appealing to a wide range of customers. The small and compact size of some walk in tub is great for trailer as well and also used it as an in home spa.

What is a walk in tub or walk in bathtub?

“This invention relates to a bath tub construction primarily designed for use by those who may be handicapped, ill, or otherwise limited in activities and strength, and which also may be used in the ordinary conception of a bath tub. A primary object of the invention is to provide a structure which may have a door opening through a side or an end of the tub, and toward which opening a seat may be moved over the floor of the bath tub, the floor of the tub being at that elevation above a room floor so that the bather may turn around and sit down on the seat of the tub through the opening, the same as though sitting down in a chair….” The above is a description of the invention of a “walk in bathtub” invented by William C. Brass and file with the United States Patent Office on November 1, 1960 and was patented on July 11, 1961. Walk in bathtubs, also called safety tubs or walk-in tub. The design of the walk in tub did not change much since then, basically it is still a bathtub with a door opening through a side or an end of the tub; but the features and comfort of the Tub has greatly improved over the last 47 years.

Some of the improvements include a water tight door which swings open when the tub is empty; creating a low step in threshold, usually range from 5’ to 10’, depending on the model. Another improvement feature an integral molded seat built into the tub.

Once the bather is properly seated, a pressure balanced or thermostatic controls faucet makes water temperature adjustments much easier than in a traditional bathtub.

A walk in tub may also contain a hand held shower, and/or Jacuzzi-style therapeutic water jets. Therapeutic jets can sooth aching muscles and restore some mobility.

Walk in bathtubs are primarily marketed towards the elderly or disabled population. Walk-in tub comes in different sizes; some are taller and narrower, making them ideal for smaller spaces such as laundry rooms and converted closets. If a homeowner should become a caretaker for an elderly or infirmed relative, a walk-in bathtub may be a good option for a second bathroom.

For more independent living, some walk in tubs includes a transfer bar and side rails.
Their compact design and added features have proven appealing to a wide range of customers. The small and compact size of some walk in tub is great for trailer as well and also used it as an in home spa.

Door Types:

Inward Swing Door:

An inward-swinging door allows the user to walk directly into the tub, but he or she must maneuver around the door once inside the tub. This may not be easy for a handicapped user. As the tub fills, the pressure of the water keeps the inward-swinging door closed tightly. Until the water is completely drained, the door will not open easily. This could be troublesome in an emergency. Most walk-in bathtubs sold today use an inward-swinging door because the design is cost effective.

Outward Swing Door:

Some manufacturers believe that an outward-swinging door is preferable. As long as there is enough clearance for the door, the user can enter the bathtub and close the door without excessive maneuvering. A walk-in bathtub with outward-swinging doors uses mechanical means to insure a tighter seal. The main advantage of an outward-swinging door is a quicker escape during an emergency, because the door can still be opened quickly when the tub is fill Walk-in bathtubs with outward-swinging doors may be more expensive, but for certain types of physical conditions they may be a better choice.

Sliding Door:

The door slides opens and closes by sliding door in its track. It usually have no bulky levers or drop pins. The door easily glides to open when the tub is empty. It has a unique seal design that uses water pressure to increase seal integrity, preventing leaks and accidental opening. Sliding door doesn't get in the way of legs, walkers or wheelchairs.

Upward Swing Door:

The door swings upward to open & swings down to closed. It has the same advantage as the sliding door type; the door doesn't get in the way of legs, walkers or wheelchairs.

Two type of walk in Bathtub available for a bather.

There are two types of walk in tub; they are the “Step-in” type and the “Slide-in” type.

Choosing which type of tub is depending on the bather’s needs.

“STEP-IN” type

The general criteria for using a “step-in” type walk-in tub is that the bather be capable of taking one or two steps (with or without assistance), and can stand on one leg and raise one foot the height of a standard stair step to clear the threshold, and then stand on that leg while moving the other foot into the walk-in bathtub.

“SLIDE-IN” type

If standing and stepping into a walk-in tub is not practical for any reason, the “slide-in” type is designed specifically for transferring directly into the bathing environment. Most “slide-in” type tub are design for easy wheel chair transfer and also compatible with most patient transfer device.

Tub shell construction.

Gel-coat fiberglass.

Because of their depth, walk-in bathtubs are typically made from gel-coated fiberglass, including the side doors. The reason for using fiberglass in manufacturing walk-in tubs lies in the technical difficulties and cost in forming the deep basin of the tub with a single sheet of acrylic.

Acrylic Sheet.

New manufacturing methods are now making it possible to vacuum form deep walk-in tubs using acrylic sheets.
Acrylic is the material of choice for leading bathtub manufacturers and trade professionals throughout the world and offers many advantages over fiberglass:

• Non-porous germ and stain resistant surface provides a healthier bathing environment.
• Increased durability means the surface resists fading, staining, chipping and cracking.
• High-gloss finish is easier to clean and keeps its luster longer.
• Better heat retaining properties for warmer water.

Things you need to know before you purchase a walk-in tub.

1. Which type of walk-in tub meets your needs?
2. Safety feature of the walk-in tub.
3. Do you need a whirlpool in the tub?
4. The layout of your existing bathroom or the room you intend to install the walk-in tub.
5. The opening of door way and hallway, can the walk-in tub passed through the door & hallway?
6. Make sure you have are the materials needs for your project before you start the remodeling work.

Walk in tub (Accessible Bathtub With Door)

The "Walk in tub", also known as "Accessible Bathtub with Door".  This walk in tub is an exceptional solution to the safety and mobility concerns folks with disabilities have in using a conventional bathtub. People often try to convert their traditional bathtub into a tub for the disabled by adding grab bars and benches, however, conventional bathtubs were never designed to be safety baths or bathtubs for the disabled even with these band-aid style solutions. These walk in tubs enhance the opportunity for independence in lifetime bathing.

Trinity Walk in Bathtub

We have been working with clients with special needs for the last few years, we have discover that most walk in tub are too big to go through a standard 30” door opening since the actual opening of most door in less than 30” (usually 29 ¼” to 29 ½”) and because most tub are inward swing door, user have to maneuver around the door once inside the tub.

Based on our experiences with the current walk in tub in the market, we have design the Trinity walk in bathtub.

Advantages of our design:

Compact size: -

The compact design and features have proven appealing to a wide range of customers. The small and compact size of this walk in tub makes them ideal for smaller spaces such as laundry rooms and converted closets and is great for trailer, mobile home and also used it as an in home spa. The size of this model makes it possible to fit in a small bathroom easily.

This compact design also makes filling and draining of the tub faster compare to other full size walk in bathtub. There is no need to remove the door frame just to bring the tub into the bathroom.

Depth of the tub: -

This feature allows the user to enjoy a deeper bath; unlike other walk in tub currently in the market that only have a few inches of water above the users’ tight.

Outward Swing door: -

The user can enter the bathtub and close the door without excessive maneuvering. This door uses a spring-assisted stainless steel mechanism to insure a tighter seal.

The main advantage of the outward-swinging door is a quicker escape during an emergency, because the door can still be opened quickly when the tub is filled.

Safety Features: -

This tub comes with a multi-function hand held shower and a thermostatic single control valve (anti-scalding). We uses a water fall fixture for the tub filler, which means there is no protruding spout inside the tub. The low entry, built-in handrail inside the tub that works like a grab-bar, and a pillow (back rest) to provide comfort for the user. We also use textured finish for the tub floor. All these fixtures make bathing safe with our Trinity Walk-in Bathtub.

Acrylic finishes & stainless steel frame: -

This tub is made of Acrylic material, a non-porous, germ free and stain resistant surface that provides a healthier bathing environment. Acrylic material is also UV stable. The increased durability means the surface resists fading, staining, chipping and cracking. High-gloss finish is easier to clean and keeps its lustre longer. Baths are warmer because acrylic has a better heat retaining properties.

The acrylic shell is reinforced with hand-laid fibreglass backing and supported with stainless steel frame with levelling feet. The stainless steel frame and fibreglass backing provides the overall strength and eliminates flex, thereby preventing leaks.

Safety Bath Walk in Bathtub

Easy Access Side Entry Walk-in Bathtub.

Unique Features:

• Outward swing door. Provides for Emergency access.

• The tub size makes installation possible in any bathroom and ensures lower water usage.

• A low Entry Step for Accessibility.

• All controls are within easy reach.

Choice of 2 Hydro-Therapy Whirlpool Systems • 4 jets water recirculation or • 12 jets warm air system. THE SERENITY The Serenity Soaker. ---- $4680 • The original walk-in bathtub, 33 ½“ wide, 29 ½“ high, 36 ½” long, with an integral molded seat 10 ¼” high, removable booster seat 4 ½” thick, pop up drain with waste and overflow, external drain kit, one grab bar mounted on door and trim boards.

Serenity with Water Jets. ------- $4980

• Adds 4 adjustable and directional Water Jets, 2 air volume controls,

a ¾ hp water pump, and an air on/off switch.

Serenity with Warm Air Massage. ------ $5680

• The Warm Air Massage System replace the Water Jet System with 12 air jets,

check valves, warm air blower and touch pad control.

Options:

 

• Fixtures:- Moen pressure balanced non scald faucet and tub spout with diverter,

plumbed into a custom panel. --- $280

• Heated Seat:- Heating pads that warm the seat and back of the bathtub

provides more comfort while waiting to fill. --- $650

• Molded Corner Skirt:- Used to finish off the area in front of the door

where an existing bathtub was removed,

comes with trim boards to complete the bathtub profile. --- $500