Tips for Saving Money on a Walk-in Tub

Walk-in tubs can be expensive. The cost of the tub itself can start between $2,000 and $5,000, depending upon the features you choose. Expect a basic soaking tub to hit the lower end of the cost range, while those with jets, lights, or aromatherapy can cost more than $7,000. Bariatric tubs or other “specialty” options will go even higher. Many homeowners making one of these purchases are looking for walk-in financing, savings, or other kinds of financial assistance, like rebates.

There are some basic ways to start finding a tub that is in your price range. For example, installation costs vary, but a tub that fits into your existing bathtub footprint will cost less than one that requires construction or bracing underneath to install. But once you have ensured you are getting the best price you can on a walk-in tub, there are multiple options to help pay for it.

The Basics of Walk-in Tub Financing Options 

It can be tough to afford a walk-in tub, but it’s a good investment in your health, provides the option of aging in place, and can even add to the resale value of the home when you’re ready to move. Here are some of the options for financial assistance for walk-in tubs:

Out of Pocket

If you can afford to pay for a walk-in tub with your current savings, that’s the best option. You might get a lower cost on the tub itself by paying in cash, and the installer might give you a lower cost as well.

Ask your chosen walk-in tub contractor if there are any discounts or other benefits to paying out of pocket.

Home Equity Loan

The equity you have in your home is the difference between the appraised value and the mortgage you still owe. For instance, if your home is appraised at $250,000 and you owe $200,000, you have $50,000 equity in your home. 

A home equity loan allows you to borrow against that equity. That loan can help you pay for the walk in tub as well as other home modifications you might need to make.

Credit Card 

Though this might not seem like a good option, consider that opening a card with 0% interest for 18 months or more could be an ideal solution. You can pay off the walk-in tub before the interest begins to accrue.

Before going this route, ensure you have a plan in place for making the payments each month so that you do not have a leftover balance on the card when the interest-free period ends.

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Personal Loan

This loan will likely have a higher interest rate than a home equity loan, but it can be a good option if you need the money fast and can’t wait to pay down your mortgage to get a walk-in tub installed.

As with a credit card, ensure you know exactly what the monthly payments would work out to be and how you would handle them before you sign anything.

Refinance

If you are refinancing your home, your lender can add in the extra costs of a walk-in tub or other home improvements. In that case, the cost will be rolled into your mortgage when the refinance is complete. 

Refinancing your home is a complex process and you may be required to take a class covering all the information about it. If you are in the midst of this process already, call your lender to explore adding in the costs of a walk-in tub. If you are just beginning to consider this process, be aware it is a lengthy one, so if you need a tub sooner rather than later, the timing may not work out for this particular strategy for walk-in tub savings.

Best Walk-in Tubs

Which walk-in tub is right for you? Here are our top picks.

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Walk-in Tub Savings: Rebates and Other Financial Assistance

There are other ways to get your walk-in tub through unique financing options, such as grants or rebates. Here are a few of the most popular ways to get financial assistance for walk-in tubs:

Veterans Benefits

VA benefits are a great option for those who qualify. Veteran Directed Care is a program that helps veterans remain in their homes and continue to be active members of their communities. The aid can help with the cost of a walk-in tub.

Home Modification Grants

There are grants available through the VA as well as other government organizations. 

• The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant allows for up to $2,000 for those with a condition not related to their service and up to $6,800 for conditions related to their service. 
• The USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation grant is for up to $7,500 and could include a walk-in tub. 
• The Housing Improvement Program can help pay for the walk-in tub if you are an Alaskan Native or member of an American Indian Tribe.

State Programs

Some states offer programs designed to help individuals make safety improvements and upgrades to their homes, especially the elderly. A good example is the Home Accessibility Program in the state of Illinois, which provides up to $25,000 to help keep people in their homes longer. 

Go to your state’s official website to find out more about what is available to you.

Non-Profit Organizations

There are many non-profit organizations around the country that provide assistance for those who need to make home improvements that pertain to safety and accessibility. The most popular of these is Habitat for Humanity, which offers programs for those who are aging in place.

Manufacturer’s Rebates

Look for rebates and discounts offered by various manufacturers of walk-in tubs. Some of them will offer rebates to those who are over a certain age or have a medical condition that makes the tub a necessity. 

The incentives might change through the year, so check in often while you are searching for a tub and wait for the walk-in tub savings that’s right for your bottom line.

Tax Deductions

If a walk-in tub is required for medical safety reasons – especially if a doctor makes that clear – the tub can be considered a medical and dental expense, which means it might be eligible to claim on your taxes. 

Because tax laws change often and vary widely by state, check with your tax advisor to be sure of what you can do as far as walk-in tub savings.

Does Insurance Cover Walk-in Tubs? 

In most cases, walk-in tubs are not covered by insurance, as they are not considered to be durable medical equipment. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, original Medicare might provide reimbursement for some of the cost, assuming that your doctor can convince them it’s a true medical necessity. 

Some Medicare Advantage plans and some private insurance might cover it, but check with your plan and your doctor to be sure.

Let’s Talk About Walk-in Tub Warranties 

When looking at the warranty of a walk-in tub, remember that there are usually three things covered: the frame of the tub, the watertight seal, and the parts. Arguably the most important part of this is the watertight seal, as you absolutely must have that in order to use the tub. 

Also look for the length of the coverage and whether the warranty covers labor, as that’s the most expensive aspect of a repair. Keep in mind that most warranties will be limited lifetime warranties, which means it covers the tub for as long as the person who purchased it lives at the address at which it was initially installed.

Remember, no matter how good the price is, if the warranty doesn’t cover enough, the price isn’t nearly as nice as it appears!