How Much Does a Walk In Tub Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Need a pro near you? Get multiple quotes for free online. Get your quote now >>

A walk-in bathtub, unlike a traditional bathtub, allows you to walk in and out without stepping over a barrier.

Rather than be fixed to the wall like a standard tub, a walk-in bathtub is equipped with a door, opening outward upon entry.  Once inside, you can either sit on the floor of the tub or on a built-in seat.

These tubs are often installed in homes for those w ho have mobility issues or for those who have a hard time entering a normal tub when stepping over the ledge such as senior citizens.

Walk-in tub by gemteck1, on Flickr
Walk-in tub” (CC BY 2.0) by  gemteck1

How much does a walk in tub cost?

The average cost of a walk-in tub will depend on the brand, how you customize it, the size, where you buy it and the complexity of the installation.  If hiring a professional to install it, the prices can range from $5,000 to $9,000, but it can be closer to $10,000 to $13,000 if you were to add premium options, such as hydrotherapy, and had a complex setup in order to install the bathtub.  If you just want the tub, then the costs, depending on the brand and features, can range from $1,800 to more than $6,000 for a larger model with air jets, built-in seats and an adjustable showerhead.

RetailerPrice Estimate
Big Box Retailer (Lowe's/Home Depot, etc)$2,500 to $6,500 for tub, plus $1,500+ for installation
In-Home Sales Consultation$7,000 to $18,000 for tub, plus install
Online Retailers$1,500 to $6,000 for walk-in tub, plus $1,500+ for installation
Local Distributors$4,000 to $9,000, plus $1,500+ for installation

For instance, if your tub was wider than your standard doorway, then the contractor will have to modify the door in order to get the tub into your bathroom.  The same can be said about the space if the current model doesn’t fit the specifications of your existing bathtub.  The more modifications that need to be done, the higher the installation costs can be.  All jobs can be unique, and for that reason, we highly recommend receiving multiple quotes by using HomeAdvisor.com.  Simply describe your job and licensed contractors will contact you with free estimates.

Refer to our table below to see what the average walk-in tub brand, without installation, can cost.

BrandAverage Price
Safe Step$8,000 to $15,000 installed
American Standard$2,800 to $5,000
Ariel$1,800 to $2,800
Aston$3,000 to $4,000
Ella$3,500 to $4,500
Homeward Bath$1,600 to $3,800
Hydro Systems$4,500 to $5,500
Jacuzzi Walk-in Tub$18,000 installed
KOHLER$9,000 to $10,000
Safety Tubs$2,000 to $3,000
Universal Tubs$2,500 to $4,500

On Amazon.com, for example, the best sellers retail for $1,800 to $4,300, plus shipping.

According to Angie’s List, you should expect to pay $2,500 to $10,000 for one loaded with features.

UpliftingMobility.com says the price you should expect to pay for a tub can greatly vary, but the tub itself, on average, can cost $1,200 to $15,000, but the good news is that there are countless options in the $3,000 to $5,000 range.

The Huffington Post says a good walk-in tub will cost 3,000 to $10,000 installed.

Walk in tub overview

A basic walk-in tub, straight from the factory without many modifications, will be designed to fit into a standard alcove and will usually measure 60 inches in length and 30 inches in width.  The depth, however, can vary, with depths ranging from 36 inches for an average depth to as deep as 46 inches for a deep soaker tub.  Even if your current tub is shorter than 60 inches, an extension can be installed to shorten the gap.

The door of the tub will be designed to swing outward on most models; however, some companies do create walk-in tubs that allow the doors to swing inward if space, where you’re installing the tub, is tight.  When the door closes, it’s sealed completely to prevent water from leaking out, and the door can’t be opened until the water is drained.

A walk-in tub can either be purchased at a local big box retailer, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot or if you prefer to work directly with the factory, then you will find many options as well, including Safe Step, Premier and the Jacuzzi brand.

What are the extra costs?

Premium add-ons, such as adding jets for hydrotherapy purposes, can increase the costs due to two factors:  one for the electrician, who will be required to hook up the motor, often running a new outlet, and the tub company since this is often considered as a premium add-on.  A new dedicated circuit and GFCI grounding, designed for bathroom use, can cost another $2,000 or so, depending on the complexity of the setup.

The installation, unless it’s a highly customized model, will be fairly straightforward since, as mentioned, these walk-in tubs are designed to simply replace your current built-in bathtub. A slight modification of the tile, if it exists prior to the installation, around the new tub will need to be completed as well for aesthetic purposes.  The average install job can take about eight hours, so be prepared to spend close to $1,000 to $1,500 on the installation alone.

If your pipes have to be upgraded to help fill the tub quicker, then this could be an additional $5,000 to budget for.

New walk-in tub owners often find themselves upgrading their water heater as well.  As these tubs can hold up to 80 gallons. a standard water heater that’s able to hold 50 gallons can cost close to $800, for instance.

Tubs with jets will require specialty cleaners every so often to clean them out.  These cleaners, which run through the jets as the tub runs, can cost less than $15.

Tips to know:

One common drawback, according to most who own one, finds that the water can be cold since you have to enter before the tub begins to fill.

Because a walk-in bathtub isn’t considered medical equipment, it’s not covered by Medicare.

Every manufacturer will offer a different warranty.  Look for one that’s able to offer a lifetime guarantee on the seal of the door to help avoid leaks that many customers often encounter.

If buying in the United States, be sure these tubs meet the standards set by the American Standards Association.

How can I save money?

While most walk-in tub companies do offer installation via their preferred contractors, it doesn’t mean you have to hire them.  Be sure to get at least three quotes outside of the company to see what your best options are.  When choosing a professional contractor, however, make sure they are experienced and have reputable reviews online.

Major brands, if you plan on buying through one, often offer factory specials and/or rebates.  When talking with the sales staff, see if any specials exist.  Even if they don’t, it doesn’t hurt to haggle as there are many walk-in tub brands out there waiting for your business.

If you have a local dealer nearby, you may be able to visit them in person and see if they have any factory specials or cancellations hand.  If so, this could be a great way to save on the shipping and overall costs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a program that benefits elderly residents who live in rural areas with a reduced income.  These programs offer grants for modifications within the home, which includes installing a walk-in tub.

Some states, aside from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, have state assistance programs for the elderly.  You can find your state assistance options here.


Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.

Null

Average Reported Cost: $5500

100 %
0 %
Less Expensive $1 $1.5K $3K $5K $6.5K More Expensive $8k

How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

  1. Lisa (Providence,  Rhode Island) paid $11000 and said:

    I just bought it and my first bath was great….

    Was it worth it? Yes

  2. Jay Seidman (Silverton,  Oregon) paid $ and said:

    I am currently looking into them for my wife. I am spending the time to get educated on the walk-in tubs, brands, cost, and installation.

    Was it worth it? Yes

About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
Copyright © 2022 | Proudly affiliated with the T2 Web Network, LLC
The information contained on this website is intended as an educational aid only and is not intended as medical and/or legal advice.