Walk in bath tub - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tony H · #1 01-11-2022, 12:24 AM

I'm thinking about getting a walk in bath tub for my wife but I might use it also. Wondering if anyone has any particular experience. We have an 80gal water heater already so that should not be a problem. I don't really like bath tubs myself as I feel they are a waste of water.

ILUVMILS · #2 01-11-2022, 12:07 PM

Have you seen how much a high quality unit costs? The price tag may give you pause.....

DMarble · #3 01-11-2022, 12:24 PM

We looked at this option for my 90 yo mother but decided it was not the best way to go. They run anywhere from $2600 to 10K plus installation. There is even a kit to convert your existing acrylic tub to a walk in for about $500. Keep in mind you have to get in close the door then wait for it to fill up, when done wait for it to empty to get out. My opinion is some grab bars and steps would be easier and cheaper. An oversized shower with grab bars and a bench is even easier yet if you have the room.

Tony H · #4 01-11-2022, 01:32 PM

Thanks for the input. Yes I know they are pricy. The getting in and filling up thing is something I have tried to explain to my wife but she seems ok with it. Just wondered about living with and using it if it is worth it.

barry12345 · #5 01-11-2022, 11:10 PM

You reach an age when maximum safety devices are needed in the washrooms. Bathtubs are notorious for falls.

Walk in tubs are for almost the really at least partially disabled. A normal bathtub not set up really well is a known hazzard.

Can be a big job to install strong backing for grab bars in most situations. A wall will usually need opening up. Never install grab bars on questionable strength surfaces.

Easiest is to open up the wall outside the bathroom where possible and add strong blocking to the framework to take the grab bar fasteners.

Sit down showers have been growing in popularity as well.

Generally speaking though. If something is going to make your wife happy. Meeting her wishes within reason is the smart way to go. I would try for an appliance with a larger drain and make the pipe runs at least 3/4 inch to increase the speed of filling and draining. Not always possible with jet tubs unfortunatly. I do couple into 2 inch drains as soon as the fitting leaves the tub. Seems to speed up the draining.

Texasgeezer · #6 01-12-2022, 07:23 AM

A good soak in a tub filled with hot water does feel good. Definitely understand the desire for a safer tub.

I built a short step up out of cedar about 6 inches high for a 90 year old man to make it easier for him to get into and out of his tub, used primarily for showering. Added a vertical grab bar into known 2 x 4's for stability. He used that for about six years.

If I was wanting a safer way to get into a tub, I would build a cushioned platform, looking sort of like an ottaman, that could simply be scooted next to the tub and used in conjunction with a properly supported grab bar to provide steady support. With enough weight added to the base of the platform, the grab bar could be built into the platform.

When I remodeled one bathroom i was considering adding a swing inside the shower. I thought I could sit in it and clean my feet better.

Just looked for information and found this:

https://homesteady.com/12502242/negatives-of-walk-in-tubs

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/07/create-a-beautiful-bathroom-for-the-ages/index.htm

I miss the hot wet sauna I used to have access to up north. Really believe they made recovery from colds and the flu quicker plus felt good during and very clean after.

Texasgeezer · #7 01-12-2022, 01:39 PM

Did some more thinking on this while going to an auto parts store.

To me, the main problem is lack of a large enough area next to the tub that can be sat on while transitioning in and out of the tub. This can be the safety zone that allows the person to get stable before getting in/out of the tub.

After getting back home I did some more research and found there have been numerous studies done on how to design/modify bathrooms that allow more independence as a person gets older. The biggest problem is that we start to lose muscle and balance as we get older. I've quit doing my own roofing work and don't like ladders any more.

It seems there is very little that can make a significant improvement except for the accessibility.

I believe the studies show one of the best features is a shower with a flat entry.

Another was a sitting place while using the tub or shower plus using a shower type wand for bathing.

For my wife I'd try to make a seating area at either end or beside the tub for safer entry and exit. Try to make it cushioned and have the cushion firmly attached, maybe with snaps/velcro, to reduce chance of slipping. This could also be used to make it safer to undress and dress. A tub with a door could also benefit from a seating area next to the tub. A washable pillow and interior tub mat could be used to make sitting in the tub more comfortable.

Personally I don't think there would be much gained by installing a tub with a door.

My biggest complaint about using a tub to bathe is how quickly the water cools off. I don't think there is a safe method that can keep the water hot, for a normal tub, except for having insulation beneath the interior surface of the tub.

vwnate1 · #8 01-15-2022, 09:21 PM

Thanx for the comments and links, my primary concern was if the door leaks .

My Sweet hates cold baths so maybe pass on this .

We re did the bathroom a few years ago and added a big tub she can sit in but she's weak and cannot get back out now, last time I had to drain the tub and dry her off to get sufficient purchase to help her out .

I'm sure if one hunts a bit there are plenty of low use walk in tubs after the old folks pass away and no one else wants to even look at it .

For now, she has a walk in shower that I bought a tri cornered adjustable stool for after my last Moto collision, it works well, I don't use it but am loathe to throw it out knowing how much I relied upon it at one time .

At home I have a 1923 tub and a rectangular shower bench that's a sbug fit, it too worked well .

I hope everyone here gets a combination shower head / hand held hose, they make cleaning up ever so much easier .

In the 1960's I lived in New York and after a long day loved to bathe then nap in the tub with the old Zenith radio playing...

barry12345 · #9 01-16-2022, 12:53 AM

I woke up in the tub one time with pretty cold water. No repeat desired.

Normal tub bathing I add more hot water using my foot frequently. Heat loss of the water is or seems very fast.

t walgamuth · #10 01-16-2022, 09:46 AM

When I want to soak I run the hot water just a little and let it continue to into the overflow, then can add or subtract hot water as needed.

INSIDIOUS · #11 01-16-2022, 02:02 PM

Walk in bath tub ??? When I want to walk I usually go outside. trying to walk in the tub gets me sooooo dizzy

t walgamuth · #12 01-16-2022, 05:29 PM

Who says you need a tub for that?

INSIDIOUS · #13 01-16-2022, 09:17 PM

Nobody ever never did

Rob Pruijt · #14 01-22-2022, 05:09 PM

The biggest risk in bathrooms is slipping.

That risk is greatest with a height difference.
The bottom of the bath should be as close to the floor as possible and the rim should be as thin as possible.
The floor in front of the bath must be non-slip, even when it is wet, so must the bottom of the bath.
Handgrips are always good, they have to be securely mounted.

Rob

vwnate1 · #15 01-22-2022, 10:17 PM

You are so right ! .

I use a grippy floor mat out side my tub and a rubber suction cup non slip one inside it ~ I have to wash the rubber mat off after every shower, I've had and seen some bad tub falls

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