Walk In Tubs Are Perfect For The Disabled And The Elderly

As we get older or for those with a physical disability, bathing can be a challenge and bathing safely is even more so a challenge.

For times like that, having a walk in tub can be one of the best things ever invented. There are several manufacturers with product on the market, but the key to getting the right walk in tub is working with the contractor that will understand your specific circumstances and needs.

When you are elderly and have concerns about getting in and out of walk in tubs or you have disability, it is imperative to get the proper size and made of the right material to serve you best. You want your walk in tub to be not only comfortable, but easy getting in and out safely. Walk in tubs come in many different shapes and size with a variety of features to help eliminate falls and slips.

Regardless how safe they can make walk in tubs though, much of our safety is up to ourselves. We should always be cautious of taking medications prior to taking a bath because many of them make us drowsy. We should always make sure the floor is safe with a skid proof mat at the opening of the walk in tub.

If we require a cane, walker or wheelchair, we should always make sure they are right there for easy reach when we step out of our walk in tub. Always wear slip proof shoes after getting out of the walk in tub as well.

Walk In Tub Doors: Which Is Better Swing In Or Swing Out?

The walk in tub will ultimately function the same regardless whether you choose the swing in or swing out style door. Your biggest concern should be that the door shut secure and tight and no water leaks out. 

What difference swing in or swing out door makes is the accessibility, convenience, and your safety with walk in tubs. Swing in or swing out doors both have trade-offs to be considered.

Swing In Doors

These are more common in walk in tubs simply because most manufacturers believe they hold the water pressure better, thus less chance of leakage. 

The walk in tub that swings in will rest inside the door frame's beveled lip and shell will bear the water weight. In this manner, no additional mechanism is needed to hold the 35-60 gallons of water inside the walk in tub.

Swing Out Doors

These types of door swing toward you and can take up more room in the bathroom. This can be a major concern for most people. 

They have bolts that lock the door to the frame to keep it from opening under the pressure of 35-60 gallons of water and rest on the outer shell of the walk in tub instead of on the inside. The plus to this door style is they be open quickly in case of an emergency.

From these brief descriptions, you can tell that it is totally up to the person that will be using the walk in tub as to which door style is best as well as what space is available in the bathroom.