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Walk in Tubs

Safe Step Walk-in Tub Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 4/5

Average Cost: $7,500 - $17,000

Safe Step distinguishes itself with American-made walk-in tubs featuring superior safety features, comfort options like hydrotherapy, and an impressive warranty, supported by excellent customer service. Despite higher prices and limited online information, their personalized approach ensures a seamless selection to installation process, offering luxury and safety for bathroom renovations.

The Modernize Mission

Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

Safe Step is a very popular walk-in tub manufacturer based in Nashville, Tennessee, and all of their tubs are made in the United States. This helps to set the company apart from its competitors. It allows them to be quite responsive and provide great customer service to their buyers. Though the prices you see for Safe Step walk-in tubs might be higher than other options on the market, that cost comes along with strong, high-quality safety features, optional add-ons, and an impressive warranty. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Safe Step walk-in tubs, and decide if this brand is right for you.

Features of Safe Step Walk-In Tubs

Though there are a variety of models to choose from, Safe Step provides many of the same features across different types of walk-in tubs and showers. Below you will find the most popular Safe Step features. Keep in mind that many of these come standard with their tubs, and some that are considered add-ons and require an additional cost.

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Standard Features

  • Low-entry threshold, no more than four inches in height.
  • Widest doors available on the market, so even those who must transfer from a wheelchair can find an option that works for them.
  • Two grab bars, helping to minimize the risk of falls.
  • 17-inch wide seats, which are ADA compliant
  • Anti-slip flooring and seating with textured surfaces, designed to prevent you from sliding out of the tub or slipping on the wet floor.
  • Locking door handles, easy to use for those with mobility issues, arthritis, or conditions that leave them with less strength in their hands and arms. This handle is specifically designed to minimize strain while ensuring a great seal to keep the water in the tub.
  • Anti-scald faucets that help keep you safe from burns.
  • Durable aluminum tub frame built to last a lifetime.
  • Mold-resistant gel coat, which makes the tub easy to clean.
  • Ozone cleaning system that works with the jets in the hydrotherapy models helps prevent bacterial buildup.
  • Quick-release drain, which ensures water is out of the tub quickly, so you can open the door and step out before you get cold.

 Additional and Luxury Features

  • Hydrotherapy offers ten water-powered jets in the tub that can target sore or tense areas and help you relax. You can change the direction and speed of the jets for a custom experience.
  • Aromatherapy allows you to add your favorite essential oils to the diffuser. The scents can relax you, energize you, or slowly ease you into a bedtime routine, depending upon the essential oil you choose.
  • Built-in bidet in the tub seat provides an exceptional hygiene experience. This allows you to stay clean and fresh without having to move away from the seat for cleansing.
  • Chromotherapy is a system of multicolored lights that are designed to relieve stress. The colors can alternate as you desire.

Pros and Cons of Safe Step Walk-In Tubs

As with any company that offers home accessibility solutions, the walk-in tubs by Safe Step come with their advantages and disadvantages. We took a close look at what you can expect from Safe Step walk-in tubs. Here’s what we liked, and what could use some improvement.

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Pros of Safe Step

  • Customer service is top-notch. Review after review of Safe Step touts the responsive professional service that walks you through the process from the initial selection to the installation and beyond. Customer service is available 24 hours a day through either their 1-800 number or the chat option on the website. This robust customer service can walk you through every part of the process until you are satisfied with the installation, and can then help you with any warranty issues if necessary.
  • Excellent safety standards. Every tub includes standard grab bars, non-slip surfaces and the low-entry threshold. However, Safe Step goes above and beyond what is expected with overflow drains and anti-scald technology to keep you even safer.
  • Added comfort features. In addition to top-notch safety features, you can choose from a wide variety of additional options to make life easier and more comfortable, including aromatherapy, chromatherapy, and hydrotherapy.
  • In-house installation. Installation of the walk-in tub is handled entirely in-house by contractors approved by Safe Step. This covers every aspect of the installation, including demolition and removal of the old tub and any plumbing or electrical work required. An in-home consultation will result in a quote for the work, and you won’t have to reach out to other contractors for any additional work.
  • Great warranty. The limited lifetime warranty covers the tub itself as well as the faucets, water pumps, heaters, blowers, the door seal, and labor to fix it all.
It’s important to note that while many companies offer a lifetime warranty on the door seal — by far the most important component of a walk-in tub — very few offer a robust, comprehensive warranty that includes other components and labor.

 Cons of Safe Step

  • Higher price point. The cost of even an entry-level tub by Safe Step is higher than many competitors. Safe Step walk-in tubs start at about $2,500 for just the tub before installation and go up to $8,000 or more.
  • No storefront. Safe Step does not have a show room you can visit to see walk-in tubs in person before buying. This can make it difficult to choose the tub that is right for you, prior to installation.
  • Limited website options. The company doesn’t offer a comprehensive list of models or options on their website. To get this information, you must speak with their sales team and schedule a free in-home consultation. However, this does ensure you get only the most up-to-date and accurate information about each tub.
  • Upfront deposit may be required. You may have to put down a deposit for your new walk-in tub, especially if it is more costly or requires installation that will go beyond the typical price. For instance, your walk-in tub may need to be installed in a section of your bathroom that requires additional plumbing and electrical work.

How Much Does a Safe Step Walk-In Tub Cost?

When you invest in a Safe Step walk-in tub, you get the total package. The Safe Step walk-in tub cost includes the tub and tub/shower combination, any modifications that need to be made to your bathroom space, electrical and plumbing work (if necessary), and the installation of the tub. This also includes the finish work required to make your bathroom look great and your tub fit seamlessly into the space. Because they include the walk-in tub plus these services, choosing a Safe Step walk-in tub is worth the investment.

Due to the wide range of services provided with the installation of your tub, the company doesn’t quote general prices. You have to get in contact with one of their professionals to get a quote suited to your needs. However, there are some rough estimates and comparisons available concerning the Safe Step walk-in tub costs. In general, you can expect these prices:

  • Safe Step Walk-in Tub: $2,500–$8,000
  • Safe Step Walk-In Shower: $4,000–$10,000
  • Safe Step Combination Tub/Shower: $2,500–$12,000
  • Installation and labor: Up to $5,000

This means that your highest cost should run no more than $17,000 and your lowest possible cost might be around $7,500 for the walk-in tub or combination option. That being said, your chosen financing options will likely include interest fees, so you might wind up paying upwards of $20,000 or more for the nicest option. 

How Much Does a Walk-in Tub Cost?

Learn the average costs for walk-in tubs based on type and features

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However, keep in mind that there are opportunities to make a Safe Step walk-in tub more affordable. For example, there are discounts for those who have served in the United States military and a “Helping Hands Rebate” of up to $1,500 for those with Medicare coverage. Safe Step offers a financing plan for those who have good credit.

Types of Safe Step Walk-In Tubs

When you choose a Safe Step walk-in tub, you have three main options to choose from: the standard walk-in tub, a walk-in shower, or a walk-in tub and shower combination

Standard Walk-In Tub

The standard Safe Step Walk-in Tub has a low-entry threshold, non-skid flooring and seats, grab bars, and other safety features, like anti-scald technology. Comfort features include aromatherapy, chromotherapy, hydro massage jets, air jets, heated seat and backrest, built-in towel bar, and handheld shower wand.

Walk-In Shower

The Safe Step Walk-in Shower is for those that prefer a shower over a bath, but still require home accessibility safety features. This walk-in shower allows you to enter the shower without any barriers, thus lowering your fall risk. The shower has a rainfall showerhead plus hand-held wand, grab bars, safety seat, a pressure and temperature balancing valve, and a shower caddy shelf.

Walk-In Tub and Shower Combo

The Safe Step walk-in tub and shower combination option is called the Hybrid Walk-in Tub. This model has an attached dual showerhead — a rainfall showerhead plus a handheld shower wand. This allows you to choose whether you want to stand up in the shower or sit down in the bath. In addition, the Hybridincludes comfort features like 10 hydro massage jets, heated seat and backrest and aromatherapy options.

Safe Step Walk-In Tub Warranties

Safe Step offers a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for as long as the original purchaser owns the tub and a company representative completed the installation. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, faucets, water pumps, heaters, blowers, and the door seal. There is a two-year warranty on the caulking around the tub. Some exclusions do apply, so get in touch with a representative for Safe Step walk-in tubs to be sure of what you can expect from the warranty.

Safe Step Walk-In Tub Reviews and Complaints

When it comes to Safe Step walk-in tub complaints, there are very few to be found on reputable review sites across the web. This bodes well for those who are curious about purchasing a tub from this company. Safe Step asks that customers contact them directly before filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, so there might be some complaints that they make right well before the issue becomes a matter of public record on BBB. There seems to be the occasional problem with getting warranty work completed for individuals who have issues with the tub after installation.

However, Safe Step walk-in tubs come highly recommended by the majority of those who have purchased them. The warranties are better than most offered in the business and their standard features go above and beyond what someone might need for general health and safety. For those reasons, we definitely recommend Safe Step as a strong contender for your walk-in tub needs. Here’s what some others have to say to Trust Pilot about Safe Step:

 ”Both the sales and installation were outstanding people. No pressure sales person. Price quoted was the price at the end, no add ons. The install was far above expectations. In and out the same day, explained everything during and after install.” 

“Installer arrived, reviewed area for install. Discussed the install and gave approximate time for install and proceeded to install. Installed with minimal disruption to house routine.”

 “Yesterday I had a repair tech arrive and repair my tub. 2 hours later and 4 repairs adjusted door handle, tightened valve replaced shower handle and hose, and motor was making noise. After 20 years of owning this fabulous tub most of this repair was age related and fully covered by lifetime warranty. The price of the service call was very fair and covers labor.”

Is Safe Step Right for You?

Safe Step tubs are a very good bet for anyone who has challenges with mobility. Since so many awful falls and household accidents happen in the bathroom and often send individuals — especially seniors — to the emergency room with severe injuries, every little bit of safety matters. To that end, consider a walk-in tub a solid investment in your future and the longevity of those you love.

When choosing the best Safe Step tub for you, take the time to look at the competitors. Do they offer the same bells and whistles you need? Do they offer better prices? If they do, what’s the catch? Pay attention to the fine print when you receive a quote and ask for any clarification well before you choose to sign any contract.

Finding Your Perfect Walk-In Tub Brand

Modernize is focused on helping homeowners find their perfect walk-in tub brand and professional for installation. Whether or not you are set on a Safe Step walk-in tub, we encourage you to explore options and compare prices before making a final decision. Modernize has a network of reliable and trustworthy walk-in tub professionals, which you can compare to find the best price.

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