For older adults who wish to age in place, or remain in the home for as long as possible, updating the home for safety can become important, especially in the bathroom, where slips and falls are common. One of the most effective ways to update the bathroom for safety is to install a walk-in tub or a walk-in shower, but which one is right for you? Here’s what you need to know about walk-in bathtubs and walk-in showers so you can make the best decision for your needs and lifestyle.
What is the difference between a walk-in tub and a walk-in shower?
A walk-in tub offers a full bathing experience where you can sit and immerse yourself in warm water. It features a watertight swinging door and a built-in seat, allowing you to easily step inside, sit down, swing the door shut behind you, and fill the tub without having to climb over the side of a traditional basin-style bathtub or lie down on the bottom of a bathtub to soak. There are also options for people who use wheelchairs that feature wider doors, allowing users to swing their legs into position before closing the bathtub door.
A walk-in shower operates like a standard shower but with a low or zero-threshold entry that reduces your chances of tripping because it eliminates the need to climb over a high tub wall. This style of shower is easier to use than a standard shower for those with mobility and balance challenges. Showers with no threshold can also benefit people who use wheelchairs by allowing them to wheel directly into the shower. Since there are no tub walls, users can not take baths.
Pros and cons
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how these tubs operate and increase bathroom safety, let’s look closer at the pros and cons of each.
Walk-in tubs
| Pros | Cons |
| Allows users to bathe while sitting down. | User must sit in the tub while it fills and empties. |
| Users can fully submerge and soak their bodies. | May require plumbing work and extensive bathroom renovation to fit the tub’s size and shape. |
| Built-in safety features. | Can be expensive. |
| Can include luxury features like jets. | No option for a quick shower or rinse. |
| Most include a showerhead for easy rinsing. | Limited appeal can affect home’s value. |
A walk-in tub is a great choice for those who prefer soaking in a bathtub over taking a shower. It allows you to bathe while sitting down in a comfortable position. Walk-in tubs come with default safety features, like anti-skid flooring and grab bars, and some have additional luxury features like air jets and chromotherapy. Most walk-in tubs have showerheads for easy rinsing. Some manufacturers even offer tub-and-shower combos.
Still, a walk-in bathtub is right for everyone. Depending on the tub you choose, your bathroom may require plumbing work, updates, or renovations, which can be costly and time-consuming. It’s also important to note that because walk-in tubs have a swinging door, you must sit inside the tub while it fills and drains. Walk-in tubs come as an already-designed product, so there is less room for customization, and prices are consistently fairly high. Last, since these products are specifically designed for people with mobility challenges, they have limited appeal, which can affect your home’s resale value.
Walk-in showers
| Pros | Cons |
| Customizable in size, appearance, and features. | Standing up to take a shower can be difficult or cause fatigue. |
| Footprint can match your available space. | Potential for splashing and creating slippery surfaces. |
| Wide cost range can match different budgets. | No option for soaking. |
| Ability to add safety features like grab bars and shower chairs. | |
| Can boost home’s value. |
Other than added bathroom safety, one of the biggest benefits of walk-in showers is their customizability, which allows for a wide range of sizes, costs, tile styles, fixtures, safety features, and extras like rain showerheads and body jets. They can be designed to match your physical space and aesthetics. You can also choose to include additional safety features, like grab bars and seating. Although they are a good option for seniors, walk-in showers are also popular among younger homeowners, so having one can boost your home’s resale value.
One thing to keep in mind with a walk-in shower is the potential to create slippery surfaces both inside and outside the shower. It can be harder to keep water from splashing onto the bathroom floor without proper walls or barriers. Depending on the materials used, the shower floor can also be slippery. In addition, showers require standing, which can be difficult if you have poor strength, balance, or endurance (although you can choose to add a shower chair or seat if standing while showering is challenging). People who enjoy baths and households with small children may also miss the bathtub option.
Considerations when choosing between a walk-in tub and a walk-in shower
Here are a few details you should consider before deciding whether a walk-in shower or a walk-in tub is right for you.
Cost
Walk-in bathtubs start at around $2,000, with some costing $6,000 or more. Installation may cost extra, especially if you need to renovate your bathroom for plumbing or to fit the tub. If your budget is smaller, a walk-in shower might be a better option, as you can find kits for under $500. Keep in mind that costs can add up quickly if you need to remove your existing bathtub or want to use high-end materials.
Bathroom layout
Many walk-in tubs have the same footprint as traditional tubs, which can make installation more convenient. However, you still have to remove your existing tub and shower, which can cause problems if you live with someone who prefers a traditional tub and shower or if you worry about your home’s resale value. Some manufacturers offer walk-in tubs for small spaces, which might be best if you’d like to add one to your home without removing your existing tub.
Walk-in showers offer more flexibility. You can renovate your bathroom to fit any size of walk-in shower, including ones that match the footprint of your existing tub. Smaller stall showers with walk-in entries are good options for smaller spaces (and they also likely cost less).
Future needs
When choosing between a walk-in tub or shower, you should think about not only what you need now but also what you might need in the future. For example, if you have a condition that may require you to use a wheelchair or hire a home health aide, a walk-in tub might be a better choice.
You should also consider how long you might live in your home. If you think you’ll move in the near future, a walk-in shower might be a better choice because it may cost less and can increase the value of your home.
The bottom line: How to decide between a walk-in tub or shower
Walk-in tubs are a good option for people with more extensive mobility challenges and those who prefer to soak in the bathtub. Walk-in showers, on the other hand, are a great choice for people who prefer showering to bathing and want more flexibility in design and cost. There’s no one right choice for everyone. Take the time to think about your needs, your ideal bathing experience, your space, and your budget to decide if a walk-in tub or a walk-in shower is right for you.
If you’re interested in installing a walk-in tub, check out our review of the five best options that meet different needs and preferences.
