Personally not crazy about this type of tubs.

I like the Elevance tub from Kohler with a seating area like a tub with a rising wall door.
http://www.us.kohler.com/us/catalog/merchandisingDetails.jsp?parentCatId=429296&id=429296&brandId=656453&brandNValue=103759&_requestid=356044#id=filters&startIndex=0&scrollTop=151#id=filters&startIndex=0&scrollTop=0

Several builders in our community are building units for people who are not disabled but do have some mobility or flexibility issues. They are putting these types of tubs in the units and are selling them as fast as they can get them built.

It seems there are many options out there for "aging in place" bath fixtures. This may be one of the few that allows the aging to safely and comfortably take a bath (that Khohler tub is nice too). It's always good to have more options for our clients and this seems like a good one.

I am curious about the maintenance required on these tubs. I love the concept but, will they be more trouble than they are worth? I hadn't thought about the problem of not being able to open the door while the tub is filling or draining. I hadn't thought about core body temperatures either, but I know that diabetics have to be careful of hot temperatures. This isn't part of your dilemma, but I find the commercials on tv very off putting. Smiling, slim, younger baby boomer are not the folks that need this type of tub :)

I live in a condo for those 55+. Several owners have these walkin style tub/shower. In my situation resale is only to the older community so such an installation would/could be welcome. I don't think new builds with these would be popular unless the buyer had an infirmity. I think there is a good niche for after market installation as there is going to be a massive number of older folk, who live longer, and who would welcome this convenience. Personally, I am torn between convenience for if/when I require a walkin of this type or whether I would install a regular walkin shower with a bench which is more aesthetically pleasing. These walkin tubs are cumbersome and institutional looking. I'm hoping better looking design will come in the future.

condomary is right about the looks. I instantly think hospital re-hab when I look at these. I too, would prefer a walk in shower with a seat and approved bars and handholds for pushing/pulling myself up. A shower can also be designed for wheelchair access.

condomary- We posting our question to Houzz folks without shamelessly plugging our company and the products we offer. Though of course we have a right to do so, like all other manufacturers on this site do.

However we opt instead to show a bit more couth and wait til it is appropriate to do so. Such as we find ourselves doing after reading your post.

We specialize in wet room products and aging in place for all. Feel free to browse our website for seating solutions which I am sure you will find is more wide-spread than the choices available and relevant to bathtubs.


http://www.trendingaccessibility.com/bath-and-shower-seats.php

Likewise may we suggest alternatively if you so choose... to simply to google the search terms: European Wet Room, -or- Aging in Place Shower Seats,

happyasaclam- Coincidentally, we also sell a slew of fold-up support bars -and- grab bars.


http://www.trendingaccessibility.com/fold-up-support-bars.php

http://www.trendingaccessibility.com/grab-bars-rails.php

Best of luck to you both... and to all... thank you responding to our post. Please keep the feedback coming.

Being a shower person, they don't appeal to me, but for bathers and soakers they would be very nice. If I were going to soak, I'd want to be able to stretch out full length, so the "standard" 5' length being taken up by the mechanicals, thereby shortening the tub length, would be a drawback to me.

I'm not sure it was condomary who should addressed about your "plugging" your product. I think it was me. And I didn't mean to directly or indirectly criticise your poll, your products or your company. I was specifically referring to the tv commercial with Pat Boone advertising the Safe Tub. I wouldn't classify Pat Boone or any other of the actors in those commercials as being the target market for these tubs. I want to see all of us stay as independent as we can as we age. I am in the 55+ catagory too. I see this type of tub becoming more and more desirable as we baby boomers get to the stage in our lives when we need these types of products. I would like to see a more attactive design :)) by the time I might be in the market for a tub like this :) I apologize to you and to condomary. :))

Although you may not be head over heals for a walk-in tub, it may come in handy in the long run. If you're thinking about it, I wouldn't shoot down the idea. Another important thing to remember is that ADA Accessible tubs can increase the value of your home.

I am not a fan of how these tubs look, but I considered buying one to bathe my dog. I never thought about having to wait for the tub to drain before opening the tub door.

If you have a handicapped or elderly person in the house. Then they are the best. Most elderly have a very hard time taking showers. And regular tubs are difficult to get in and out of safely. So with our aging population. I would say they are here to stay.

I agree with travisinteriors.

My elderly mother-in-law has severe osteoporosis so my sister-in-law has to come up every week to help her shower using one of those shower seats that sits ove the edge of the tub. I'm sure it's very difficult for both of them. My in-laws home is an 1920s bungalow with a clawfoot tub that can't be moved without cutting out a wall. It would be wonderful if she had something like this.

I've never liked the idea of having to sit there all wet until the water drains out. I can't see the advantage over a walk in shower with a built-in seat or a bench.

I like a tub bath as well as the next one. But the idea of sitting, shivering, in a tub as it fills and empties is completely unattractive to me. When I get to the point that I cannot any longer step in and out of a bathtub, (and I'm over 60, now) I will resign myself to a standup shower with a bench. The added bonus for them, of course, is that they can be very attractive, and add to the resale value of a home, no matter what the physical abilities of the potential buyer.

It looks like what you are showing is a soaking tub. These are usually sunken because of their extra depth. Personally I don't like the look but if you really want a soaker it could make sense.
My mom recently broke her leg and had to have temporary grab bars and a sink installed in her standard sized tub. Nothing fit and she hated it because she couldn't draw the shower curtain. I think most adult baths benefit from a well designed walk-in. Bathtubs for most are a luxury and I would opt for a good hot tub, preferably open to the outdoors.

happyasaclam- No need to apologize... we didn't take your feedback personally. As a company we try to stay focused on the "Customer is Always Right Mantra" even if we have to agree to disagree in so doing.

When we initiate discussions or post on topics of interest to us... we do so with the position that everyone has an opinion. For this discussion... ALL those who post, be it positive or negative have feedback which to us has important value.

This is how we keep in touch with the pulse of our customers, the needs of the community and all those that may or may not like our products.

So thanks again to all... we appreciate the time you take to tell us your thoughts. (And that thank you... comes straight from the top.)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Warm Holiday Regards...
TRENDING ACCESSIBILITY TEAM

http://www.trendingaccessibility.com

Having actually used tubs of this design (and swankier more expensive models in rehab facilities that had heaters in the room and a pump on the drain to speed tub emptying) - I hate them. Even with the door they can be very awkward to get into depending on what your mobility is actually like, there's the issue of waiting for it to drain, there's the question of what happens if there's a problem like the tub fails to drain or the door gets stuck - which happened once when using one and it was quite a miserable experience.

I feel like they're a thing that looks like a good idea, and if you have no major mobility issues then it might even seem nice to use, but if you're actually dependent on adaptations then how much you like it will vary enormously depending on individual. (Like my mother has mobility issues but is also horribly claustrophobic, so the risk of being stuck means she is never ever going to try one of those.)

If I was going to design a bathroom for general purpose mobility friendliness for future considerations, I'd do a 'wet room' style shower. I've also used those at various places and overall they're very nice, particularly if some consideration has been given to keeping the room a nice temperature. (Like having a heater in the bathroom that can be turned on for extra heat while showering and dressing so the room is comfortable even while wet.) They also provide a much nicer situation if someone needs assistance with showering, as you're not as constrained in the space. If I had room for a shower and a tub, I'd do a normal tub and just investigate the space required for mobility aids for getting in and out - I know there are some things that I haven't used myself that can assist in using a normal bathtub for someone who really wanted to do that.

-PirateFoxy- We never have heard of the experience you encountered with a drain failure. Though imagine such an experience is as you said... a miserable one.

Unfortunately, we only stock the walkin-tub so don't have a hand in the manufacturing process. Though in the same sense, we do have the ear of those that do. So if you would like to pass along ways to improve the product, vent or give any constructive criticism... we will pass it along for you. Should you prefer to do it less public our email is below. No pressure of course... but after your bad experience we felt it necessary to make the offer.

Regarding your mother being claustrophobic... perhaps you'd be surprised to know that many seniors have the same fears as her. Below we'll share some of the choices our clients have made when faced with claustrophobic anxiety and paralyzing fears.

FOR CLAUSTROPHOBIC'S WITHOUT A WALK-IN TUB:
Those with a standard style bathtub: prefer seats that allow them to sit above the edge. Pros: More openness, not having to bend as low.
Cons: Still have to climb in/out of tub; Loss in the bathing/soaking experience

Those with a standard shower: prefer to swap out a door for a curtain. Opt for a free standing seat that can be moved around or a small foldup seat and a grab bar both wall-mounted for stability and open flexibilty.

Obviously a wetroom style bathroom gives a multitude of options. We suggest a shower panel door as depicted below to give a more spacious look to the bathroom / showering area.

http://www.trendingaccessibility.com/shower-panels.php

Thank you.
TRENDING ACCESSIBILITY
info@trendingaccessibility.com
http;//www.trendingaccessibility.com

More photos as a continuation of the above reply post. The photos depicted represent some of the seating options available and the choices some of our claustrophobic customers have made pertaining to bathtub seating selection.


http://www.trendingaccessibility.com/shower-seats-premium-bath-tub-seats.php

Trending, do these seats work for a types of tubs? Those are some great looking options :)

When you mean "types of tubs"? What are you referring to? A standard width tub... than yes, without question. If you are asking about a specific tub you'd like to accommodate, it's best to check out our website or give us a call.

Of course picking the right tub is like picking a nice pair of shoes... it may fit all... but we don't all like the same thing.

PREMIUM BATHTUB SEATS

http://www.trendingaccessibility.com/shower-seats-premium-bath-tub-seats.php

PREMIUM SHOWER SEATS

http://www.trendingaccessibility.com/shower-seats-premium.php

STANDARD AND FREESTANDING SHOWER SEATS
http://www.trendingaccessibility.com/shower-seats-standard.php

Should you have questions... never hesitate to ask

Sorry, I didn't get the ll's behind my a. I meant, do they work with all types of tubs or just with the brand you sell/promote. :)

The seats we offer are not limited towards any specific type of tub. We try to remain neutral in our product offerings... the bias comes in the preferences of our consumers.

We stock, import and attempt to manufacturer what is asked for. When it comes to seats for example... we don't know the end user, the space, or the purpose when we create a product line. We go off of experience, past sales and assumptions.

To us, Houzz is an invaluable resource... it allows us to still remain neutral while giving us a chance to interact more directly with you.

The reason I have considered these type of tubs to remodel a downstairs half bath is because of its small footprint, but haven't because of the price and concerns like would I need to reinforce the floor to support it and can it be modified to provide a back wall so water doesn't get all over the place? Lived in Europe and don't care for the wet room concept because it is a pain to clean and dry off, but does conserve space.

-victorianbungalowranch- The installation methods for walk-in tubs vary slightly depending on new construction vs old construction factors. As well as any pre-existing plumbing that may be in place and would have to be moved. Of course you should always have a licensed Electrician and Plumber involved in the process. Also get some help should there be an old tub heavy tub that requires removal.

Much like standard bathtubs, the back and side walls typically have some degree of waterproofing around them. There are acrylic kits available, or you can use mold-resistant drywall, tile or other material as desired.

As the last step of the installation process... caulk to seal the area between the material and the top deck of the Walk-In Tub. Use denatured alcohol to clean any excess caulk residue.

Generally speaking you need not support the floor joists under the area of the new tub. By design the Walk-In units are designed to distribute the weight of the occupant and the water evenly.

Of course we recommend reading and following the installation guidelines above anything else.

Also wondered if it is possible to take a regular shower in them, or do you have to sit down?

I have a walk in tub in my redesigned Master bath and I HATE IT!! My advice to anyone is don't do it!!!!! I wish I could redo it but it will be a few years before I can make that happen!