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Understanding The Walk-In Bathtub: A Decision Made Simple

Who doesn’t like a bath after a long day? Slipping into a warm tub with some music playing in the background sounds like the perfect way to end a hectic day or enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon.

However, for some Americans, that’s not an idea they can entertain.  Some of them have trouble getting into a tub altogether.

Connecticut, for example, has a significant disability rate. How are those people going to enjoy the same simple pleasures as you? One option would be to contact contractors who install Residential Walk-in bathtubs in Milford, CT.

A walk-in bathtub is, essentially, a tub you can walk into. Unlike a regular bathtub, you don’t have to clamber over them.

With 11% of Connecticut’s population reportedly having at least one disability, residential walk-in bathtubs serve the purpose of convenience and have therapeutic uses.

How do you go about selecting one for a loved one, though? The first step is determining the features and the kind of walk-in tub you want to go for.

Features and types of residential walk-in bathtubs

Standard walk-in bathtub

Also known as the soaker, this version functions just like a regular bathtub with no added features except for it being a walk-in tub.

Wheelchair-accessible walk-in bathtub

These specially designed walk-in bathtubs have a wide door and strategically placed handrails to aid a person getting into a tub from a wheelchair.

Bariatric walk-in bathtubs

These tubs are built and designed to hold individuals who weigh over 300 pounds. They have a much larger capacity with a reinforced structure.

Hydrotherapy walk-in bathtub

A hydrotherapy walk-in bathtub features added water jets designed to aid muscle relaxation.

Aero-therapy walk-in bathtub

Similar to a hydrotherapy walk-in bathtub, these kinds of tubs feature air jets that are meant to be better suited for sensitive skin

Aromatherapy walk-in bathtub

Aromatherapy walk-in bathtubs are, perhaps, the fanciest kind of a walk-in tub. Designed to deliver a spa-like experience, they release essential minerals and aromas into the water.

Once you have a walk-in bathtub in mind, you need to consider a few more things before buying one.

Things to ponder before purchasing a walk-in bathtub

The age of your residence’s plumbing system

Any contractor who installs Residential Walk-in bathtubs in Milford, CT, will tell you that the age of your waste drainpipe matters. If it’s not up to code, you could be facing a minor flooding issue in your bathroom.

On a more serious note, walk-in bathtubs may take significantly longer to drain unless the drainage is up to par. Consider getting it checked before making any significant decisions.

The scope of an individual’s mobility

There is no ‘standard’ when it comes to the size of a walk-in bathtub. So, pick one that caters to specific individual needs.

Does the person you are getting it for have difficulty getting up from a sitting position? Do they struggle climbing over steps that are above a few inches?

Figuring out the answers to these will help you find the perfect walk-in bathtub. Someone might need a walk-in bathtub with a high seat. Another person might need some assisted structure built into the walk-in bathtub.

If the needs are specific, your requests need to be the same way.

In summary

While the factors mentioned above look into the aspects you need to consider, it would still be best if you talked directly to a local contractor.

Most people do not realize the extensive and customized planning required to install such tubs. Additionally, many contractors resort to getting the task done as quickly as possible to avoid additional requests.

Ensure that you are relying on local, trustworthy contractors. After all, it’s important to give your loved ones the best they deserve.