Are Walk-In Tubs Worth the Cost?

When it comes to improving the safety and accessibility of your home, the best place to start is with the bathroom. Factors like slippery floors and high tub walls can make bathing a challenge—and even dangerous—for many individuals, especially those who are elderly or have limited mobility. Fortunately, these days there are many ways to reduce the risks associated with traditional bath and shower systems, with one option being investing in a walk-in tub. There are a few questions to ask when it comes to these unique bath systems, including whether or not they are worth the cost. If you find yourself wondering the same thing, it’s time to dive into a few things first before deciding if a walk-in tub is worth it for you. Start with:

What Is a Walk-In Tub?

While traditional bathtubs typically have high barrier walls that can make entering and exiting difficult for many, a walk-in tub removes this potential risk factor and instead features a door-operated entryway and seat for the user to bathe safely and comfortably. A high-quality system such as a Jacuzzi® walk-in tub may even feature quick-drain technology, hydrotherapy jets, and other innovative elements to turn the bath into more of a luxury than a safety necessity.

Will Medicare Cover the Cost?

The cost of a walk-in tub and the installation can be steep, causing many homeowners to wonder if there is a way to reduce or eliminate the cost through insurance or Medicare. Unfortunately, as it is not in most cases deemed medically necessary, Medicare will not cover the cost of a walk-in tub or reimburse the homeowner after installation. This means that, if you choose to invest in one of these bathtubs, you will most likely have to pay for it out of pocket.

Will a Walk-In Tub Affect Home Value?

Many homeowners worry about the effect that any home improvement project may have on the value of their home should they ever choose to place it on the market, and a walk-in tub is no different. Unfortunately, because walk-in tubs are not seen as desirable features for the average home buyer, having one installed can have a negative impact on the overall value of your home. This is because most home buyers would prefer a walk-in shower or a traditional bathtub, especially if they have or plan to have young children.

Are There Any Alternatives?

But what if you truly need a new bathing fixture for the sake of safety and accessibility? If a walk-in tub doesn’t seem like it’s worth the cost, you aren’t out of options. In fact, there’s an outstanding solution that can improve both the appearance and functionality of your bathroom: a walk-in shower. A reliable company like Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can even offer low- and no-threshold shower options, removing the dangerous hassle of stepping over those high tub walls—without the less appealing thought of a bathtub with a door. What’s more, a Jacuzzi® shower system can be customized with an array of additional safety and accessibility features that provide the same level of comfort and spa-like luxury as a walk-in tub, including grab bars and shower seat options.

If a walk-in shower sounds more like the right option for you than a walk-in tub that simply isn’t worth the cost, Jacuzzi Bath Remodel is the company to call to get started. Contact us today to learn more about our safety bath and shower options.