subject: How To Purchase A Walk-in Bath Or Safety Bath [print this page] These days walk-in bathtubs have become a very common feature. Not only do disabled and elderly persons use such bathtubs but even ordinary people who need a nice relaxing massage after a tiring day at work. Instead of a regular bath, which only cleanses the body, a bath in a walk-in bathtub washes away the stress and anxiety of the body. However, while you may want to get one of these walk-in bathtubs, there are many varieties available in the market. This can make choosing the most perfect one difficult. Here are a few pointers to get you started.
Price aspect
Typically, most walk-in bathtubs have a price range between 3000 to 15000 dollars. Depending on the kind of options available, it should be easy to purchase any good quality walk-in bathtub for a price of 5000 dollars.
Sales method
There are many walk-in bathtubs, which are sold online. There are specific dealer networks, which allow you to check out the bathtub as well as try it out. There are also salespersons who come from door to door selling such products. If the company has salespersons who are under high pressure or if the company does not wish to divulge details about pricing when asked or if the company is unable to directly answer questions pertaining to the bathtub, stay clear of such companies. Chances are they are frauds.
Certifications
The walk-in bathtubs need to be certified as per the applicable safety standards. In places like USA and Canada, the certification called CSA/UL is at par with American Standards Association.
Installation
Most of the modern walk-in bathtubs are not very different from conventional bathtubs when it comes to the installation aspects. A plumber can carry out the installation but certain companies selling walk-in bathtubs prefer that their installers do the job.
Construction
The main materials used in the construction of walk-in bathtubs are acrylic and fiberglass of gel coat varieties. These bathtubs do not need any additional re-enforcement of metal because fiberglass is in itself a very strong type of material and most of the typical acrylic bathtubs have reinforcement with fiberglass.
External drain
Certain walk-in bathtubs have small external drains under the door of the bathtub. This drain is not because of any leakage in the bathtub! This essentially functions as a sort of drip tray because when the door is opened the drip tray will catch extra water droplets, which fall from the seal and open door. This prevents water from falling on the floor and thereby someone slipping over it.
Height of step-in
One of the critical aspects about walk-in bathtubs is the height of the step-in. Certain models need the lifting of the feet to be over 7 inches to be able to enter the bathtub. However, this defeats the very purpose of having a walk-in bathtub in the first place! The ideal height should be just an inch or maybe a little more from the floor to aid the person to easily walk into the tub.
