Internet vs. Local Supplier

When dealing with internet sales you really never know who you are buying from: you never know where they are located, you never know how long they have been there, and you will never know how long they will be there.  You can be told anything over the phone or via internet, but the cold hard fact is that dealing with a local supplier face-to-face is always better than rolling the dice on an internet purchase. 

When you purchase over the internet, the sales and the installation are TWO separate purchases - one is not responsible for the other!  A local supplier performing their own sales and installation is responsible for the entire process.  No finger pointing and no second guessing when dealing with one person. 

Another very important point to using local supplier vs. internet supplier is that it keeps the economy moving in your area, by keeping the money in your backyard.  Now more than ever this is extremely important due to the struggling economy.

What walk-in tub suits you best?

What is the physical layout of your house and bathroom?

·         You should keep in mind the layout of your bathroom. Walk-in tubs come in all sizes so you must choose a walk in tub that fits your bathroom to avoid costly and unnecessary renovations. 

·         You should also check the location of your pipelines for water source and drainage and electrical source in case you choose a walk-in tub with hydrotherapy options. 

·         The location of the shower fixtures and old bathtub, the windows near your tub, the floor and wall finish of the bathroom must also be taken into consideration. 

·         The width of the doors in your home also plays a part in the decision process.

What are the physical needs of the bather?

·         The physical condition and disability of the person to use the walk in tub is a serious consideration. Safety and Comfort in using the tub is a main concern. 

·         The size of the person that will be using the walk in bathtub; If the bather is to be accompanied by a caregiver a wider door walk-in tub is needed. 

·         Is the walk-in tub for single use, or will it be used with a companion?

What is your budget?

·         While there are many walk-in tubs available in the market today, prices vary greatly across the board.  While there is no need to pay premium prices for some widely advertised walk-in tubs you must also be extremely careful not to fall for cheap internet prices as well.

Fiberglass vs. Acrylics

Walk-in bathtubs are built with either fiberglass or acrylic molds. Roughly about 90% of all walk-in tubs are manufactured with fiberglass. Fiberglass tends to be less expensive than acrylic. When we’ve investigated this topic different positions were taken by different manufactures and they were always in support of the materials they use.

Fiberglass manufactures feel that the strength and rigidity of fiberglass is a better choice due to the fact that you have a moving part (the door) and this is not a traditional type of bathtub. Most utilize a triple gel coat epoxy that prevents discoloration (which is a traditional knock on fiberglass) “Think about what boats are made from” we heard from some as well.

Acrylic manufactures speak about the one piece, solid surface construction and the non-porous nature of acrylic. They feel it’s easier to clean and maintain and will never fade of discolor. They do however still use fiberglass to reinforce the tub mold.

We’ve actually found manufacturers that make both acrylic and fiberglass tubs which makes it hard to know which tubs they truly favor. It is also almost impossible for one to tell them apart from each other.

Inward vs. Outward Swinging Door

This is an extremely popular topic when discussing a walk-in bathtub. We constantly hear things like “which is right for me”, or “I will only consider an inward (or outward) swinging door”.

If you think about physics, an inward swinging door and the water pressure in the tub work together to keep the door seal sealed. Also, an inward swinging door is ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant because you’re not stepping away from the appliance to gain access. An outward swinging door enables the bather to open the door in case they need to get out of the tub. (Keep in mind that you will flood the bathroom) whereas an inward swinging door needs to drain before you can exit.

There are certain tubs on the market that are built with an outward swinging door due to the size of the bather or if someone is wheelchair bound, but for the most part, a traditional walk-in tub has an inward swinging door.

Walk-In Bathtubs vs. Roll-In Showers

There are many differences between these products in terms of features and practicality. A roll in shower is more cost effective, but lacks many of the core features of a truly amazing bathing experience. There is almost a different mindset of someone considering the shower instead of a walk-in tub. Roll-in showers are more of an institutional product not an in home product.

·         You can stand and take a shower in almost every walk-in tub on the market. You can get an     extendable showerhead and adjustable riser rod to stand and take a shower just like a regular shower.

·         There is no hydrotherapy or deep soaking available in a roll-in shower.

·         Walk-in tubs have a permanent molded ADA compliant 17” seat for comfort and safety. You can place a seat or utilize a fold down bench in a roll-in shower, which is not safe or comfortable.

·         Think about if someone needs to assist you as you take a bath or shower; with a roll-in shower they are physically in the shower with you, getting wet. With a walk-in tub they can comfortable stand or sit next to the tub and assist in the bathing process.

Will a Walk-in Tub help with arthritis pain relief?

Over 70 million people have some form of arthritis. Although there are over 100 different kinds of arthritis, most are characterized by inflammation of the joints which causes swelling, pain and stiffness, often resulting in loss of joint movement or function.

For many, although by no means 'everyone', arthritis seems to be an inevitable part of the aging process, and there are no signs of real cures in the immediate future. On the positive side, advances in both conventional medical treatment and alternative therapies like our walk-in tubs with spa jets make living with arthritis more bearable.

Many people affected by arthritis seek relief by soaking in the warm, soothing waters of a spa. A walk-in tub spa can provide the warmth, massage and buoyancy needed to both relax and exercise joints and muscles in the convenience and comfort of your own backyard. Relaxed muscles create an overall feeling of rejuvenation which can then make it easier to perform exercises and carry out daily tasks.