5 Myths and Misconceptions About Walk-In Tubs
If you're an older adult with limited mobility, having a walk-in tub installed in your bathroom can open the door to a world of convenience and enhanced safety. However, there are plenty of misconceptions and myths that could dissuade you from purchasing a walk-in tub. The following dispels five common myths and misconceptions surrounding the walk-in tub.
Walk-In Tubs Are a Pain to Install
One common misconception about walk-in tubs is that they require an extensive amount of custom work to accommodate your current bathroom layout, so they are exceptionally difficult to install when compared to a traditional tub or even a walk-in shower. In reality, walk-in tubs aren't any more difficult or time consuming to install than their conventional counterparts.
You'll Need a Second Hot-Water Tank
This myth stems from the fact that many homeowners tend to purchase walk-in tubs that are too large for their current hot-water tanks to handle. As a result, many installers often recommend installing a second hot-water tank, and this is actually unnecessary when you choose the right tub size. It's a good idea to have your installer compare your current hot-water tank's capacity to that of your desired walk-in tub and make adjustments accordingly.
Tankless water heaters offer a novel way of mitigating hot-water capacity issues. As their namesakes suggest, tankless water heaters forgo the conventional hot-water tank in favor of heating elements that heat the water on demand as it travels through the pipes. This way, you won't risk running out of hot water when filling up your walk-in tub.
Walk-In Tubs Take a Long Time to Drain
Another common misconception about walk-in tubs is that they can take a long time to drain out. Since you won't be able to open the tub door until the tub is completely empty, you could be left waiting for several minutes as the tub slowly drains its contents.
Nowadays, many walk-in tubs offer a variety of features that significantly cut down the draining time. Some models feature enlarged drains and modified p-traps that allow greater volumes of water to escape. Other models come equipped with electric pumps that are capable of draining a tub in under a minute. Some tubs are even equipped with two or more drains.
You Can't Stand Up and Shower in a Walk-In Tub
Yet another common misconception is that a walk-in tub precludes the option of taking a shower while standing up. Most walk-in tubs feature showerheads mounted on the tub itself, suggesting that users sit down and use the flexible showerhead to wash.
However, walk-in tubs can also be installed with the showerhead mounted on the wall, similar to a traditional shower. This option offers the flexibility that many older adults want when it comes to installing a walk-in tub.
Walk-In Tubs Are Difficult to Get In and Out Of
This is perhaps one of the most surprising myths, seeing as walk-in tubs are often marketed as an easier way for older adults to bathe. The difficulty lies in the design of the typical walk-in tub. On most models, the seat may be partially blocked by the tub wall, making it difficult for some older adults to comfortably slide in and out of the tub. This can prevent some wheelchair users from being able to access the tub without assistance.
However, there are models available that rectify this design flaw. So-called "slide-in" tubs share the same overall design and appearance as their walk-in counterparts, except the tub door opens outward, completely exposing the bath seat. This allows users to comfortably slide in and out of the tub with little to no effort.
Talk to a company such as Herl's Bath Solutions for more information.