Their compact design and added features have proven appealing to a wide range of customers. The small and compact size of some walk in tub is great for trailer as well and also used it as an in home spa.
What is a walk in tub or walk in bathtub?
“This invention relates to a bath tub construction primarily designed for use by those who may be handicapped, ill, or otherwise limited in activities and strength, and which also may be used in the ordinary conception of a bath tub.
A primary object of the invention is to provide a structure which may have a door opening through a side or an end of the tub, and toward which opening a seat may be moved over the floor of the bath tub, the floor of the tub being at that elevation above a room floor so that the bather may turn around and sit down on the seat of the tub through the opening, the same as though sitting down in a chair….”
The above is a description of the invention of a “walk in bathtub” invented by William C. Brass and file with the United States Patent Office on November 1, 1960 and was patented on July 11, 1961.
Walk in bathtubs, also called safety tubs or walk-in tub. The design of the walk in tub did not change much since then, basically it is still a bathtub with a door opening through a side or an end of the tub; but the features and comfort of the Tub has greatly improved over the last 47 years.
Some of the improvements include a water tight door which swings open when the tub is empty; creating a low step in threshold, usually range from 5’ to 10’, depending on the model. Another improvement feature an integral molded seat built into the tub.
Once the bather is properly seated, a pressure balanced or thermostatic controls faucet makes water temperature adjustments much easier than in a traditional bathtub.
A walk in tub may also contain a hand held shower, and/or Jacuzzi-style therapeutic water jets. Therapeutic jets can sooth aching muscles and restore some mobility.
Walk in bathtubs are primarily marketed towards the elderly or disabled population. Walk-in tub comes in different sizes; some are taller and narrower, making them ideal for smaller spaces such as laundry rooms and converted closets. If a homeowner should become a caretaker for an elderly or infirmed relative, a walk-in bathtub may be a good option for a second bathroom.
For more independent living, some walk in tubs includes a transfer bar and side rails.
Their compact design and added features have proven appealing to a wide range of customers. The small and compact size of some walk in tub is great for trailer as well and also used it as an in home spa.
Door Types:
Inward Swing Door:
An inward-swinging door allows the user to walk directly into the tub, but he or she must maneuver around the door once inside the tub. This may not be easy for a handicapped user.
As the tub fills, the pressure of the water keeps the inward-swinging door closed tightly. Until the water is completely drained, the door will not open easily. This could be troublesome in an emergency.
Most walk-in bathtubs sold today use an inward-swinging door because the design is cost effective.
Outward Swing Door:
A walk-in bathtub with outward-swinging doors uses mechanical means to insure a tighter seal.
The main advantage of an outward-swinging door is a quicker escape during an emergency, because the door can still be opened quickly when the tub is filled.
Walk-in bathtubs with outward-swinging doors may be more expensive, but for certain types of physical conditions they may be a better choice.
Sliding Door:
The door slides opens and closes by sliding door in its track. It usually have no bulky levers or drop pins.
The door easily glides to open when the tub is empty.
It has a unique seal design that uses water pressure to increase seal integrity, preventing leaks and accidental opening.
Sliding door doesn't get in the way of legs, walkers or wheelchairs.
Upward Swing Door:
The door swings upward to open & swings down to closed.
It has the same advantage as the sliding door type; the door doesn't get in the way of legs, walkers or wheelchairs.
Two type of walk in Bathtub available for a bather.
There are two types of walk in tub; they are the “Step-in” type and the “Slide-in” type.
Choosing which type of tub is depending on the bather’s needs.
“STEP-IN” type
The general criteria for using a “step-in” type walk-in tub is that the bather be capable of taking one or two steps (with or without assistance), and can stand on one leg and raise one foot the height of a standard stair step to clear the threshold, and then stand on that leg while moving the other foot into the walk-in bathtub.
“SLIDE-IN” type
If standing and stepping into a walk-in tub is not practical for any reason, the “slide-in” type is designed specifically for transferring directly into the bathing environment. Most “slide-in” type tub are design for easy wheel chair transfer and also compatible with most patient transfer device.
Tub shell construction.
Gel-coat fiberglass.
Because of their depth, walk-in bathtubs are typically made from gel-coated fiberglass, including the side doors. The reason for using fiberglass in manufacturing walk-in tubs lies in the technical difficulties and cost in forming the deep basin of the tub with a single sheet of acrylic.
Acrylic Sheet.
New manufacturing methods are now making it possible to vacuum form deep walk-in tubs using acrylic sheets.
Acrylic is the material of choice for leading bathtub manufacturers and trade professionals throughout the world and offers many advantages over fiberglass:
• Non-porous germ and stain resistant surface provides a healthier bathing environment.
• Increased durability means the surface resists fading, staining, chipping and cracking.
• High-gloss finish is easier to clean and keeps its luster longer.
• Better heat retaining properties for warmer water.
Things you need to know before you purchase a walk-in tub.
1. Which type of walk-in tub meets your needs?
2. Safety feature of the walk-in tub.
3. Do you need a whirlpool in the tub?
4. The layout of your existing bathroom or the room you intend to install the walk-in tub.
5. The opening of door way and hallway, can the walk-in tub passed through the door & hallway?
6. Make sure you have are the materials needs for your project before you start the remodeling work.
More information about walk in Bathtub
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