The Benefits of Installing a Walk-In Tub

What is a walk-in tub?

A walk-in tub has a door built into the side of the tub. You open the door, step in on a flat floor, close the door, and then fill the water. When you are done, you drain the water and then open the door to get out.

This is very different from a standard tub. With a regular tub, you have to lift your leg up and over a 14 to 18 inch wall. That is hard for many people — and dangerous if your balance or strength is limited.

Walk-in tubs fit in the same space as a standard tub. Most are 28 to 32 inches wide and 52 to 60 inches long. That means you do not need to change your bathroom layout to install one.

Who benefits most?

Walk-in tubs are a good fit for anyone who finds it hard to get in and out of a standard tub safely.

People who benefit most

• Older adults who want to stay in their home as they age
• People with arthritis, joint pain, or limited range of motion
• Anyone recovering from surgery or an injury
• People with a disability that affects balance or leg strength

Maryland has a growing population of adults over 65, especially in Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery counties. Many of these homeowners want to stay in their homes — and a walk-in tub is one of the most practical upgrades that makes that possible.

Safety benefits

Bathroom falls are serious. They are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults. A walk-in tub directly addresses the biggest risk — stepping over the tub edge.

Walk-in tubs also come with built-in safety features that standard tubs do not have.

Built-in safety features

• A low step-in threshold (usually 2 to 4 inches instead of 14 to 18 inches)
• A built-in seat so you bathe sitting down
• Grab bars on the inside of the tub
• A non-slip floor surface
• Handheld showerhead within easy reach

These features work together. You sit down to bathe, you have something to hold on to, and the floor is textured so your feet stay steady. That combination reduces the chance of a serious fall.

Other features to look for

Beyond the safety basics, walk-in tubs often include comfort features you can choose based on your needs and budget.

Hydrotherapy jets

Water jets massage your muscles and joints. This can help people with arthritis, back pain, or sore muscles. Jets add cost to the unit but are worth it if pain relief is a priority.

Air jets

Air jets push warm air through small holes in the tub floor and sides. They feel gentler than water jets and are easier to keep clean. A good option if you have sensitive skin.

Heated seat

Some walk-in tubs heat the seat so you stay warm while the tub fills. This matters because you sit in the tub before the water reaches you — a heated seat makes that wait more comfortable.

Fast-fill and fast-drain

Standard walk-in tubs fill and drain slowly. A fast-fill faucet and a quick-drain system cut that time significantly. Look for these features if the wait time concerns you.

How much does it cost in Maryland?

Walk-in tub prices vary based on the features you choose and where in Maryland you live. Labor costs are higher in Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s counties than in other parts of the state.

If your water heater is small, you may need to upgrade it. A walk-in tub holds more water than a standard tub, and you need enough hot water to fill it comfortably. Budget an extra $500 to $1,500 if a water heater upgrade is needed.

Will it add value to your home?

A walk-in tub may not appeal to every buyer. Young buyers who do not need the accessibility features might prefer a standard tub or a walk-in shower.

That said, Maryland’s aging population means more buyers are actively looking for homes they can stay in long-term. An accessible bathroom — with a walk-in tub already installed — removes a major cost and hassle for those buyers.

If you are in a neighborhood with many older homeowners, or if your home is a single-story ranch where aging-in-place buyers are common, a walk-in tub can be a genuine selling point. Talk to a local Maryland real estate agent to get a read on your specific market before you decide.

Things to consider before buying

You must wait inside the tub while it fills and drains

With a walk-in tub, you close the door before the water goes in — and you cannot open the door until the water is drained. This can take 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure that timing works for whoever will use the tub.

Check your water heater capacity

Walk-in tubs hold 50 to 80 gallons of water. A standard water heater holds 40 to 50 gallons. You may need a larger water heater or an on-demand heater to fill the tub comfortably with hot water.

Hire a licensed plumber

Walk-in tub installation involves plumbing and sometimes electrical work for jets or a heated seat. In Maryland, this work requires a licensed contractor. Do not cut corners here — a bad install can lead to leaks and water damage.

Look for a warranty

A good walk-in tub should come with at least a five-year warranty on the unit and a one-year warranty on installation. Get everything in writing before you sign a contract.