Walk-in tubs are no longer a luxury for the most privileged. They are a necessity if you want to boost safety while enjoying the relaxing benefits of a hot bath. Up to 97 percent of American homes have at least one bathtub.
As the population ages, more homeowners are converting their standard bathtubs into walk-in tubs to decrease their risk of injury. Walk-in tubs can be a game-changer for those with limited mobility.
If you’re thinking about a bath conversion project to changeover your standard tub into a walk-in tub, this article includes the following valuable information:
Most children love taking a bath. It’s the perfect opportunity to play with some favorite toys, splash around like a killer whale, or see how long they can hold their breath under the bubbles. On the flip side, most adults insist they don’t have time to take baths and prefer quick showers instead.
Those adults are missing out on some health and wellness benefits of taking a nice soak in the tub that extends beyond simply getting clean. Here are some of the reasons you should slip a hot bath into your schedule a few times a week.
Lighting a few candles, playing some soothing music, and putting a few drops of your favorite essential oil into a tub full of warm water is the ultimate way to unwind. Taking a 30-minute soak in water temperatures of at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit can improve depression and anxiety. Warm baths also help balance serotonin levels, which means you can get a better night’s sleep.
If you suffer from achy joints and muscles, soaking in a warm bath a few times a week can relieve the pain. Adding some Epsom salts to your bath kicks the soothing properties into high gear. Just add 300 grams to a tub of full, hot water and soak for at least 15 minutes to enjoy the benefits.
Walk-in tubs achieve exactly what their name implies. You can walk right into them without first taking a high step to get in or out. If you or a family member have mobility issues, trying to climb in and out of a traditional bathtub can be a scary experience.
High-quality walk-in tubs have vertical elements in their design and include footholds and handlebars for extra security. Some even come with built-in seats, so you don’t have to descend too far to get under the water.
Walk-in tubs make it possible for people with mobility issues to safely enjoy taking a bath again by preventing the most common injuries that happen in a bathtub.
About two-thirds of all bathroom injuries happen in the bathtub or shower. Eighty percent of those were slips and falls, mostly while getting in and out of the tub. The most common injuries include bruises, cuts, and scrapes. Children and older homeowners can suffer more serious injuries like broken bones and concussions.
Walk-in tubs improve safety for seniors who choose to age in place in their homes. One of the most popular bathroom conversion projects, walk-in tubs make it easier for seniors to enjoy the benefits of taking a bath without increasing the risk of accident or injury.
Most walk-in tubs include grab bars, which are ADA compliant and shown to decrease slip-and-fall accidents. They also can help bathers keep their heads above the water if they slide off the seat. Other features of walk-in tubs that make them a safe choice for seniors:
The short answer is it depends. Any time you consider a bath conversion project, you must ask if the upgrades you plan to make can decrease your home’s resale value.
Walk-in tubs appeal more to older homeowners and disabled persons than young couples with children. Homes in locations that have large older populations may see their overall value increase because of a walk-in bathtub.
If the walk-in tub is the only bathtub in your home, it could hurt your home’s overall value during a resale. Younger couples with children may find the depth of a walk-in tub a safety issue when bathing small children.
Resale value alone should never be the only consideration for a bath conversion project that includes a walk-in tub. Your safety is the top consideration.
While it’s possible to complete a bath conversion project yourself, it could be difficult if you plan to install a walk-in tub. Most brands of walk-in tubs are tall and wide, making them cumbersome to maneuver around. They weigh on average 190 pounds.
Installing a walk-in tub is not a DIY project. They require a lot of plumbing and wiring to make them work as intended. The more special features your walk-in tub has, the harder it can be to install yourself.
Your best bet for getting the job done right is to call in the professionals. Just Bath’s team has more than 37 years of experience with bath conversion projects, including the seamless installation of walk-in tubs. Give us a call today at 724-400-2284 or request a free quote online.
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