If you’ve found your dream home and are now in the process of making it your castle for life, a bathroom remodel is likely on your project list. You might even think about upgrading your bathtub. While you’re in the planning stage, consider the advantages of installing a walk-in tub.
Laimonis Magone owns Ella’s Bubbles, a Chicago company that manufactures high-end handicap accessible tubs and showers. Naturally enough, he has some insight to share concerning why people buy these kinds of tubs and the features they should look for. Laimonis realizes that, at first glance, his customers assume that bathtubs with doors are for the wheelchair-and-walker crowd. The truth is, though, any adult who has spent a few hours on a racquetball court would appreciate the easy access, comfortable seating, and hydrotherapy jets.
A Walk-In Tub Primer
Some features of these tubs will appeal to homeowners well before arthritis becomes an issue. Water and air jets are appreciated by everyone, which explains the continued popularity of whirlpool tubs in newer homes. Many easy-access tubs include an adjustable air flow rate control, which allows the occupant to choose how gently or aggressively they need to be massaged.
Non-slip surfaces are important for users of any age; this feature obviously becomes more important as we become less sure on our feet. Users should also have the option of mounting a right-handed or left-handed door on the tub. This feature should be a no-brainer even for young and fit homeowners; if you are buying a new bathtub, it should be the most convenient tub you’ve ever owned. Besides, lefties already put up with enough annoyances.
Purchasing ADA compliant faucets along with walk-in tubs could initially seem superfluous, especially to someone in perfect health. Keep in mind, though, that adjusting these faucets requires less grip and dexterity than needed with a standard faucet, which could be important whether your hands are arthritic or simply covered with bath oil.
Speed drains are incredibly convenient for the deeper walk-in tubs. Obviously, you shouldn’t open the door until the water is completely drained, and it is not comfortable to sit in place and catch a chill as the water slowly drains around you. Some higher-quality tubs of the sort you’ll find at Ella’s have dual-drain assemblies which can empty a standard tub in as little as 80 seconds.
Fiberglass vs. Acrylic Walk-In Tubs
Finally, if you would like to enjoy your state-of-the-art tub for many years to come, you will want to pay attention to the material from which it is made. Many standard tub and shower enclosures are made from fiberglass, and quite a few walk-in bathtubs on the market are fiberglass as well. Ella’s Bubbles is one of a handful of companies that produce acrylic tubs, and Laimonis feels that the difference in quality more than justifies the difference in price.
Fiberglass is porous and acrylic is not. From this one difference comes many reasons to opt for an acrylic surface. Specific to bathrooms, porous surfaces are harder to clean as they can harbor mold, mildew, and other bacteria. Fiberglass also has a matte finish and a tendency to fade over time. Acrylic, being non-porous, is easier to clean and the gloss finish makes it look and feel cleaner, as well. Acrylic walk-in baths will keep their color and finish better, so your investment will last that much longer.
You shouldn’t wait until you “need” a walk-in bathtub to begin shopping for one. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, or if you just don’t know when to end a racquetball game, one of these tubs could be a smart option for your next bathroom makeover.
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