How to buy a walk in bathtub?

Does Your Walk in Bathtub Have a Water Temperature Limiting Valve?

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0000

A Quebec man is planning to launch a lawsuit against a private seniors' residence in suburban Montreal because he says his 94-year-old father died after suffering scald burns in a bathtub.

This is the second time in 18 months that a senior has died in that same nursing home of burns resulting from scalding water and in the years 1997 to 2007 nineteen seniors have died after being burned by hot water in senior residences in Quebec, Canada. Read more

In order to protect seniors and others with disabilities from being scalded in the bathtub, Safety Bath Inc. installs a water temperature limiting valve in all of its walk in bathtubs.

The water temperature limiting valve is designed to allow the water temperature of the water passing into the faucet to be set at a certain temperature. This is to be done by the installer or the person responsible for maintaining the bathtub. The valve ensures that the temperature of the water will not go beyond the limit that is set.

At present the recommendation for water temperature entering a bathtub is 49 degrees C (120 degrees F). It is expected that that recommendation will be changed to 43 degrees C (107 degrees F), which still appears to be a temperature at which aging skin could be easily burned. While Safety Bath products are manufactured with a water temperature limiting valve, it remains imperative that plumbers and housing maintenance workers understand the reasoning for the limiting valve and set it accordingly.

For further information on walk in bathtubs visit http://www.safetybath.com

Secrets that Walk in Bathtub Manufacturers Do Not Want You to Know

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:07:00 +0000

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Walk in bathtub manufacturers do not always create products that are in the best interests of their end users. Before you buy, learn what they do not want you know !!

3 Secrets You are not Supposed to Know

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:01:00 +0000

Do Walk in Bathtubs Have Design Flaws?

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Not all walk-in bathtubs are created equal. Without realizing it many walk in bathtub manufacturers have created their products with design flaws. Purchasers need to be aware of those design flaws.

Step in height

This is a safety issue. Most walk in bath tubs have a high step into the tub of 6 to 7 inches. This height is actually dangerous for people with limited mobility. The reason they buy a walk in bathtub is because they can’t climb stairs or take large steps. Remember the purpose of the walk in bathtub is making bathing possible for those who cannot get in or out of a regular bathtub.

Tile Flange

A tile flange is the lip that extends above the bath tub by about an inch and a half. This allows the finishing material (tile, tub surround, etc) to hang over the lip to protect the drywall backing from getting wet and deteriorating. Most building codes require a tile flange. Many walk in bathtub manufacturers have neglected to add a tile flange to their bathtubs.

Bathtub size

Bigger is not always better. While manufacturers’ attempt to impress would-be purchasers by the size of their bathtubs, there are two things to keep in mind. If you are putting your bathtub in an existing bathroom it needs to fit, not only in the bathroom, but through the door. Secondly, the larger the size, the more water the bathtub will hold, making for a longer fill and drain time. Some people think that they want a bathtub where they can be immersed in water. That’s a great idea; but think how long it would take to fill and drain that tub while you sit inside waiting - that’s why such a bathtub does not exist. Remember too that when sitting in a traditional bathtub, your body is never immersed so why would you expect it to be in a walk in bathtub.

For further information regarding bathing safety and walk in bathtubs visit www.safetybath.com

Safety Bath?… I’m Confused

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:42:00 +0000

Walk in bathtubs are everywhere on the internet. The walk in bathtub concept is relatively new. In 1992, when the concept first began, they were impossible to find, however, since that time the concept has grown exponentially as have the number of companies offering them online.

A walk in bathtub is a bathtub with a door that allows accessible bathtub entrance. There are a variety of styles, prices and manufacturers. Walk in bathtubs have become a popular item with seniors and baby boomers alike. Installed in private homes, retirement residences, assisted living facilities or long term care facilities, the walk in bathtub provides safe and comfortable bathing for those who want to remain independent. Although somewhat costly, the price of a walk in bathtub is less than what it might cost to stay in a care home for a month or two.

Because the walk in bathtub is a relative new comer to the market, many people have not even heard of such an item and those who have are not sure what to call them. Arising from the fact that a walk in bathtub is a safety item, many have come to calling a walk in bathtub “safety bath”. The name “Safety Bath” has come to refer to any type of walk in bathtub just as tissues have become known as Kleenex, adhesive bandages are commonly called Band Aids and snow machines are Skidoos.

Interestingly enough, the name Safety Bath, though synonymous with the walk in bathtub, is the name of the company that originated the walk in bathtub. That company began in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1992 when the inventor of the walk in bathtub, Ladimer Kowalchuk built such a tub for his dad who could not use a regular bathtub.

While other companies use the name with abandon, and it has become generic through suggestion, there is really only one true Safety Bath and that is this one.

Confused? … not any more.

The Idea for Walk in Tubs Came From Saskatchewan

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:07:00 +0000

Article by Ron Petrie... Regina Leader Post

Does Certification for your Walk in Bathtub Matter?

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:28:00 +0000

Standards touch your life every day. Products that you encounter and use in daily life should be expected to conform to certain standards and certifications. Whether you are using your toaster, driving your car, using the elevator in a building or purchasing clothing or toys for your children, we all look to standards to ensure that product quality conforms to our expectations.

Canadian Standards International states “A standard is a document that has been prepared, approved, and published by a recognized standards organization, and contains rules, requirements, or procedures for an orderly approach to a specific activity. Standards may include product design requirements, test methods, classifications, recommended practices, and other considerations.

Many standards define safety requirements intended to reduce the risk of personal injury due to electrical shock or fire. Some standards set levels of performance for products. Some address social concerns, such as how our environment is managed or how information is used.” http://www.csa-international.org/who_accepts_csa/

For manufacturers, the process of certification is time consuming and very expensive. That cost is in-turn passed on to you the consumer, but it means a higher quality product and you can be confident that the manufacturer has put great effort into ensuring your safety. It also means that a product will be compatible with other household components such as electricity and plumbing.

There are a variety of walk in bathtubs on the market today with a great range in price. Those that are selling at an unbelievably low price are often not certified to Canadian and US standards. This may be because the manufacturer has just not wanted to spend the time or money to certify the product or it may be because the product is being manufactured in a country where such standards are not important.
When a qualified installer comes to do a walk in bathtub installation in your home, he/she must abide by the rules set out the trade industry which insist that the product being installed conform to CSA/UL standards for Canada and the US. If the product and or its components are not certified, a tradesperson cannot install it without putting his license as a tradesman in jeopardy. If there are problems with the product in regards to quality or safety you can go back to the manufacturer and expect to have the problem corrected.

A walk in bathtub is expected to ensure safe bathing for the user. What can be more important than safety, particularly to those who are most vulnerable, seniors and those with disabilities?

Does walk in bathtub certification matter? Yes, of course it does and though there may be models on the market that are so much less money than others, pay attention to their certification – it may mean the difference in your safety and yes, in even getting it installed.

For further information on safe bathing and walk in bathtubs visit http://www.safetybath.com

The Price you Pay for a Walk in Bathtub

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:39:00 +0000

There is much to do about the price one must pay for a walk in bathtub. With prices varying from the $3500 range to well above $10,000, it seems that the “luxury” of a walk in bathtub is unaffordable for many.

There is, however, another way to look at the cost of the walk in bathtub. Those who are in most need of a walk in bathtub are the elderly and those with handicaps. At some point in time, the need becomes a definite necessity and without being able to bathe and attend to personal hygiene safely, the alternative is some form of assisted living.

The move to an assisted living facility or care home is the end of independence for someone who is accustomed to feeling they can care for themselves. It is also very expensive. One month’s stay in a facility will cost a minimum of $1000.

In that light, a walk in bathtub becomes an economical alternative by allowing the user to remain at home, bathing safely and independently. With a number of programs available to assist financially with a walk in bathtub purchase, the price you pay for a walk in bathtub makes a lot more sense.

How to Find Financial Assistance for your Walk in Bathtub Purchase

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:31:00 +0000

When it comes to purchasing a walk in bathtub many people find the cost prohibitive. Those people who most likely need such a bathtub are seniors or those with disabilities who are on fixed incomes. So what is one to do?

Here are a number of possible Canadian and US resources that can help you if you need financial assistance when purchasing a walk in bathtub.

CANADIAN RESOURCES

You may be able to claim the walk in bath as a medical expense on your personal income tax. Your doctor will need to indicate that you need a walk in bathtub. The Disability Tax Credit Form T2201E is available as a pdf document.

•In January 2009, the Canadian government intoduced the Home Renovation Tax Credit on work performed or goods acquired in the process of home renovations. The purchase and installation of Safety Bath products can be used for the HRTC. More information on the Home Renovation Tax Credit is available here.

•The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities.

•If you are a Veteran, Canadian Veterans Independence Services may be able to assist you with home adaptations to modify things like bathrooms, kitchens and doorways

•Investigate your personal health insurance plan

US RESOURCES

•USDA-Rural Development Housing & Community Facilities Programs The Single-Family Housing Program provides homeownership opportunities to low and moderate-income rural Americans through several loan, grant, and guarantee programs. The program also makes funding available to individuals to finance vital improvements necessary to make their homes decent, safe, and sanitary.

•US Department of Housing and Urban Development - Reverse mortgages for Seniors

•The National Home Modification Action Coalition - Home Modification Resources

•Coverage may be available through Medicare or Medicaid

•Senior Health Care Advocates of America has great information regarding discounts for hydrotherapy bathtubs. Qualified applicants must be a senior or disabled person with age related health issues.

•Deductibility of Certain Capital Expenditures to Personal Residence as Deductible Medical Expense

•Investigate your personal health care insurance plan

Are You Doing Your Best to Keep Her Smiling?

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Mary lives in a nursing home/long term care facility. Each day she is assisted to some degree in her daily activities by helpful and kind staff, and she is for the most part happy with her life in this new environment. She usually has a smile on her face. Twice a week Mary has a bath. Although she is ambulatory with the aid of her walker, she cannot step into a regular bathtub so the only option open to her is to be placed in a lift and raised into the air and then lowered into a special bathtub. These are the worst times of the week for Mary. While her bath should be relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable, Mary feels degraded and frightened by the lift. At those times, Mary’s smile is gone; so is her dignity.

Since 1992, Safety Bath Inc., a small Canadian company, has been progressively dedicated to making life better for people like Mary. In that year, owner and inventor, Ladimer Kowalchuk, began a search for a bathtub that would permit his father, a large man of over 300 lbs with very bad knees, to enjoy a safe bath. Finding no suitable products on the market, Ladimer invented a walk in bathtub that would make bathing safe, easy and dignified for his dad. In time, the bathtub made to help one man, was helping thousands across North America.

Bathing Independence for Everyone

Ladimer recognized that there were other groups of people who needed to remain independent…there were baby boomers who wanted to age in place; and what about those in long term care facilities who, like Mary, had some ambulatory ability and for the sake of convenience were being lifted into a bathtub….what about their dignity? Believing that there was need for such a bathtub in facilities where a more homelike, less threatening environment was the trend, the Safety Bath Supreme was designed to fill the gap between a regular household bathtub and an institutional lift tub.

The Bathtub for Long Term Care Facilities

Special features were incorporated into the Supreme to make it suitable for use in long term facilities where multiple users access the same bathtub, including the implementation of a hygienic San-Air Whirlpool system and a built in disinfection system. The Supreme walk in bathtub was designed with people like Mary in mind, but its benefits are evident for the caregiver and the facility as well.

For the Client

• Easy access for the client, promotes, rather than thwarts, independence
• Provides a safe, comfortable, friendly environment.
• Multiple jets provide therapeutic relief and promote relaxation
• Clients love the privacy provided by the height of the tub which obscures the caregiver's line of sight

For the Care-Giver

• Significantly lowers the risk of caregiver related injuries
• Clients as well as all operating components are within easy reach at all times
• Outward swing door makes emergency access possible
• Minimal or no lifting at all required if the client is ambulatory

For the Facility

• Reduced drain and fill time as opposed to institutional lift tubs, allowing more baths per day per unit.
• Requires very little space
• Environmentally friendly, uses 50% less water than a lift tub
• Economically viable - is less expensive than a lift tub and uses less sanitizing chemical in operation
• Ability to use an optional lift provides versatility and adaptability to changing needs

The Supreme is part of a very successful line of quality walk in bathtubs, designed by Safety Bath Inc. to make bathing a relaxing and pleasant experience for thousands who have mobility limitations.

Learn more about accessible bathtub products for long term care from Safety Bath Inc., by visiting http://www.safetybathsupreme.com or calling 877 826 6666

How to Keep your San Francisco Mother-In–Law in Her Own Home

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:01:00 +0000

My mother in law lives in San Francisco. As far as mothers-in-law go, she’s a grand old gal. She lives in her own home and has managed just fine up to this point in time. Last year after my father-in-law passed away, she insisted that she wanted to remain where she was… in the same home they had shared for 50 years, in the same comfortable neighborhood.

We frequently make the 45 minute drive to her home, where we visit, do a few minor things for her and often have a good meal. About a month ago, during our drive back home, my wife confided that she had some worries about her mother.

“I think Mom should come and live with us”, she said. “She admitted to me that she fell last week getting into the bathtub. She was lucky she only got a little bruised but can you imagine what would happen if she broke something, like her hip? I’m not sure we could afford to get her into the type of care facility she would need for maybe the rest of her life. If she lived with us, we wouldn’t have to worry about her.”

I understood my wife’s concerns, but jeepers, I was not too sure that I wanted to share my home with my mother-in-law. We were quite happy on our own and now that our kids were out of the house, we were enjoying our empty nest. I love my mother-in-law but living with her was going to be quite another issue!

It started me thinking about things I could do to keep her in her own home and that’s when I remembered something I had heard about a while back… those bathtubs with the doors. I knew it would cost us a bit, but compared to the alternative of having the old gal fall in the tub and dealing with long term care, it seemed the best way out of a tricky situation.

So now I know all there is to know about walk in bathtubs, my mother-in law has a walk in bathtub and is happy, my wife is happy, and gosh, darn, I’m happy too!um2ykwrsec

Walk in Bathtubs – Do You Understand the Concept?

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:34:00 +0000

We spend a lot of time at tradeshows and exhibits with our walk in bathtub line. One of the interesting facts we have gained from this experience is that many people do not understand the concept of a walk in bathtub.

We have come to the conclusion that unless you have had some experience with someone who needs a walk in bathtub, you just might not understand the concept at all…. so who are the people that need this type of bathtub?

As people age they find it increasingly difficult to lift their legs over the wall of a regular bathtub. Balancing on one foot to get in and out of the bathtub can be dangerous. In addition, it is difficult to sit on the floor to have a bath and difficult to get up from sitting on the floor. A slip or fall in the bathtub can cause serious injury and may lead to years of dependence on someone for assistance. It may necessitate a move from one’s home to a care facility.

The loss of independence is not only damaging to the person involved in terms of self confidence and quality of life, but it puts a strain on the health care system. A walk in bathtub can help retain the independence of an older person or someone who has difficulty with mobility.

The walk in bathtub makes bathing safe in 3 basic ways:
A very low step-in height to accommodate feet that do the “shuffle”
A door that opens and closes easily
A seat to permit the user to sit off the floor, as if on a chair

The bathtub cannot be surpassed for true personal hygiene; relaxation and the soothing of aching muscles and joints. If you have an aging parent, grandparent or loved one with a disability and you sense their struggle for independence and want them to be safe, you understand the walk in bathtub concept fully.

Solving a Dilemma for Retirement Community Builders

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:35:00 +0000

The Canoe Club (http://www.thecanoeclub.ca/), a new development which offers residents all-inclusive living at its finest in Winnipeg, Canada recently installed 100 So-Lo Safety Bath tubs with Heated Shower Decks allowing full access for both bathing and showering. The Canoe Club is one of the many projects of the Caleb Group (http://www.calebgroup.ca/about.htm ), which is dedicated to the development, construction and management of retirement communities.

The needs of seniors are diverse and change over time. Builders of retirement facilities are faced with the question of whether to install bathtubs or showers in their projects. The Safety Bath So-Lo with Heated Shower Deck solves this dilemma by providing an accessible combination bathtub/shower that accommodates “aging in place”, providing a solution to the changing bathing needs of a lifetime.

The Safety Bath So-Lo with Heated Shower Deck is a traditional style bathtub with an accessible door and low entry step, providing a full length bath. The Heated Shower Deck provides a warmed area where the user can sit while showering if desired. The Safety Bath So-Lo is available for right or left hand drains and warm air massage is offered as an option.

Life & Leisure TV- Interviews

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:14:00 +0000

How can I make my bathtub accessible?

For the 77 million people born between 1946 and 1964, bathtub accessibility will become an issue of independence and safety. For those who are beginning to investigate accessible bathing options, there are several options from which to choose.

Step Through Openings - By cutting the side of an existing bathtub, the front sidewall is lowered to convert the bathtub into an easy entry shower. This option provides accessibility, is less invasive in terms of remodeling, and therefore cost; however, the use of the bathtub as a bathtub is lost.

Door Insert Kits - The Door Insert Kit is a relatively new innovation which, similar to a tub cut process, creates an opening in the tub wall. A door insert kit is then put in the sidewall opening of the bathtub to provide a door that can be opened and closed to allow safe bathtub access. This method is also painless in terms of remodeling the bathroom and retains the use of the bathtub as a bathtub.

Bathtubs with a Side Entry Door - A number of bathtub manufacturers now provide a traditional looking bathtub with a door that allows the user to enter or exit without lifting their leg over the bathtub wall. Some of these manufacturers provide a model which has a side sitting area or an attachable safety seat. Many come with whirlpool massage action.

Walk in Bathtubs - These are non-traditional looking bathtubs with a door as well as an integral molded seat. There are a number of models on the market, varying in price, design, water usage, and available options, such as air massage. Walk in bathtubs provide accessible bathing and safe seating, as well as dignity and independence for those who might find it necessary to get assistance from another person in order to bathe safely. Some walk in bathtub models will fit in a space formerly occupied by a traditional bathtub; some models will require extensive bathroom renovations.

For more information on accessible bathtub options visit http://www.safetybath.com

The Accessibility Solution for Your Existing Bathtub

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Mon, 25 May 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Two new innovative products from Safety Bath Inc., are revolutionizing the bathtub industry, by offering accessibility without great expense and major bathroom renovations.

Door Insert Kit

Safety Bath Inc., makers of the walk-in bathtub since 1992, has recently rounded out its product line by offering the Door Insert Kit which can be inserted into a traditional bathtub to allow the user to convert an existing bathtub into a bathtub with a door. While it is common to cut out an opening in a bathtub to permit accessibility, the Door Insert Kit goes one step further by permitting accessible entrance without losing the use of the bathtub. The Door Insert Kit is revolutionizing the bathtub industry for aging baby boomers and others who want to remain in their home as long as possible. The Door Kit will provide accessibility without complete bathroom renovation. The Kit is available in a range of sizes to accommodate most bathtubs. The Door Insert Kit must be installed by a qualified installation expert.

Universal Safety Seat

A partner to the Door Insert Kit, the Custom Safety Seat can be installed together with the Door Insert Kit or as an independent component. The Custom Safety Seat is available in a number of custom sizes to fit virtually any bathtub. Constructed of high density polyethylene with a weight capacity of 350 lbs, the Safety Seat can be folded up when not in use and attaches securely to a wall mounted retaining bracket. The Custom Safety Seat allows the user to sit if tired while showering or can be used in placed of a bath chair within the bathtub.

Safety Bath Inc. has been changing the way people bathe by offering safe and accessible bathtub options. Safety Bath products are available factory direct as well as through a dealer network across North America. Due to the high demand for the Door Insert Kit and the Universal Safety Seat, Safety Bath Inc. is in search of qualified installers.

Have a Safe Bath!!

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:02:00 +0000

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No more stepping over a bathtub wall to have a bath. From walk in bathtubs to door insert kits which convert your existing bathtub into a walk in bathtub, North American manufacturer, Safety Bath Inc. offers safe bathing solutions. As featured on Life & Leisure TV.

Safety Bath Serenity & Stretch

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:02:00 +0000

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For those experiencing difficulty entering and exiting a regular bathtub, Safety Bath Inc., a Canadian manufacurer, offers the Serenity and its slightly larger counterpart, the Stretch.

These models offer the lowest step-in height among walk in bathtubs currently on the market.

The Serenity & Stretch feature an outward swing door which enables a compact size, providing for low water volume and faster fill and drain time.

Safety Bath Inc. offer affordable bathtubs and accessible bathtub options for a wide variety of mobility needs.

Visit http://www.safetybath.com to learn more about Safety Bath products or to find a North American dealer near you.

Questions to Ask Before You Purchase a Walk in Bathtub

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:27:00 +0000

Walk in bathtubs are becoming increasingly popular, not only for those who in their senior years find themselves wanting to remain independent, but also for those who are approaching the baby boomer years and preparing for retirement.

With so many models and options now flooding the market, choosing a walk in bathtub can be difficult. Walk in bathtubs are sold on the web under a variety of names and website addresses. If you want to be sure of what you are buying, contact the manufacturer for information about the product. Look for upfront answers to the following questions:

1. How long have you been manufacturing walk in bathtubs?
2. What is the price?
3. Can my local plumber or installer do the installation?
4. Where can I see the bathtub?
5. What is the warranty?
6. Does the bathtub hold more water than a regular bathtub?
7. Does the tub have CSA/UL certification?
8. What options are available?
9. How does your tub differ from other walk in bathtubs on the market?

Beware of companies who try to sell you a walk in bathtub whether it is the right choice for you or not. Walk in bathtubs are not for people who are wheelchair bound and cannot transfer. People who suffer from Alzheimer’s; someone who could not be left alone to use a stove, should not be left alone to bathe. If you have concerns about the ability of an individual to use the walk in bath, express those concerns. A credible manufacturer will be honest about who the users of their product should be.

It is wise to remember that convenience, comfort and safety should be the main objective you are purchasing a walk-in bathtub.

How to buy a walk in bathtub?

noreply@blogger.com (McCarthy) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:08:00 +0000

Walk in bathtubs are becoming common and for those who still have the ability to walk into a bathtub, they are the “cat’s meow”. Nothing feels better than having a relaxing bath; it is more than getting clean. It relaxes the mind, soothes the muscles and offers relief. For those whose mobility is poor, bathing makes the body feel lighter and allows it to move more freely.

With so many walk in bathtub models on the market, it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose the best product for your needs. Here are some things to consider before you buy:

Price: Walk in bathtub models range in price from $3000 to $15000. Depending on options, you should be able to purchase a good walk in bathtub for around $5000.

Sales Methods: Walk in bathtubs are being sold online, through dealer networks where you can see the bathtub and try it out, as well as door to door salesmen. Be wary of companies with high pressured salesmen, companies who will not disclose their prices when asked and companies who cannot answer direct questions about their bathtub.

Certifications: Walk in bathtubs should be certified to safety standards in the country of manufacture. In Canada and the USA, CSA/UL certification is equivalent to American Standards Association.

Installation: Most walk in bathtubs are no different to install than a regular bathtub… and can be done by a plumber. Some companies prefer their own installers.

Construction: Common materials used are gel coat fiberglass and acrylic. There is no need for metal re-enforcement on a walk in bathtub. Fiberglass is a very strong material and most acrylic bathtubs are reinforced with fiberglass.

Size: Sizes range from space-saving models which hold approximately the same amount of water as a regular bathtub to large models, which hold considerably more water. Keeping in mind that you must sit in the bathtub while it fills and drains and that some water heaters are not large enough for large volumes of water, having a smaller model may be advantageous. In addition, keeping in mind that most bathrooms are relatively small; smaller models often are a better fit.

Inward or Outward Swing Door: The door swing is relative to the size of the bathtub. Inward door swings require a larger area within the bathtub, and often make it necessary for the user to maneuver around the door to enter or exit the bathtub. Inward swing doors use water pressure to keep the door sealed, but do not allow emergency access. An outward swing door permits a smaller bathtub, lower water usage and no maneuvering about the door to exit or enter and contrary to what some people will tell you - they do not leak!

External Drain: Some walk in bathtubs have a small external drain below the door on the bathtub. This drain is not there because the bathtub leaks! The “external drain” functions as a “drip tray”; that is, when the door is opened the drip tray catches the water droplets that fall from the open door and seal, thereby preventing water from being on the bathroom floor causing someone to slip and fall.

Step In Height: One very important aspect of the walk in bathtub is the step-in height. Some models require lifting one’s foot more than 7 inches to enter the bathtub, which rather defeats the purpose of having a walk in bathtub. One company has a step in height that is 2” off the bathroom floor.
Door Closure: When it comes to opening and closing the door on the walk in bathtub, there are a variety of closure styles, varying from small lever and button actions to long-handled closures which allow for more leverage when opening and closing the door.

Options: Many walk in bathtubs are available with a warm air or hydro massage system.

For more information on walk in bathtubs visit http:www.safetybath.com