Walk-in bathtubs are growing in popularity as more people choose to age in place. Tubs with jacuzzi features offer soothing, healing benefits and a safer bathing option for those with mobility challenges. They are also a key universal design feature that helps seniors live independently at home longer. This guide covers how jacuzzi walk-in tubs work, their benefits, pricing, and warranty details to help you decide if one is right for you.
What is a Jacuzzi Walk-in Tub?
Together, with safety features plus relaxing hydrotherapy features, a jacuzzi walk-in tub is the perfect bathroom solution for aging in place comfortably at home. In fact, walk-in tubs with jacuzzi features are some of the most popular models offered by top walk-in tub brands today.
Pros and Cons of Jacuzzi Walk-in Tubs
If you’re starting your research or already know what you want in a walk-in tub, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of jacuzzi walk-in tubs. Evaluate them based on your ideal bathing experience, focusing on comfort, convenience, and cost.
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Pros
- Improve bathroom safety
- Live longer in your home
- Creat a spa-like experience
- Relieve pain
- Improve circulation
- Allow for full-body immersion
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Cons
- Higher cost
- More susceptible to bacteria growth
- Requires more cleaning
- Not covered under Medicare
- Longer fill and drain times
Whirlpool Walk-in Tub Pros
- Enhance bathroom safety: Falls are common among people aged 65 and older. A tub’s low entry, non-slip surface, seat, and grab bars help reduce the risk of slipping in wet areas.
- Maintain independence at home: A whirlpool walk-in tub supports fall prevention, allowing you to live independently for longer.
- Enjoy a spa at home: Skip costly spa memberships by creating a similar experience with a whirlpool tub.
- Relieve pain: Warm water jets provide benefits like a deep tissue massage, easing muscle tension and soreness. Whirlpool therapy aids injury recovery and reduces discomfort.
- Boost circulation: Heated, moving water dilates blood vessels and improves circulation throughout the body.
- Immerse fully: A whirlpool walk-in tub is deeper than standard tubs, allowing more of your body to soak and benefit from the jets.
Whirlpool Walk-in Tub Cons
- Higher cost: Whirlpool walk-in tubs are more expensive than soaking tubs. If your home doesn’t have a 50-gallon water heater, you may need to upgrade.
- Risk of bacteria growth: Whirlpools leave water in the jets, which can grow mold and bacteria. This can lead to infections like UTIs, pneumonia, and skin issues.
- Requires frequent cleaning: Whirlpool tubs need regular cleaning. In addition to weekly cleaning, flush the jets monthly to remove debris.
- Not covered by Medicare: Most whirlpool walk-in tubs aren’t covered by Medicare, as they aren’t considered medically necessary. Check with your doctor for possible exceptions.
- Longer fill and drain times: Whirlpool tubs hold 40 to 100 gallons of water, taking longer to fill and drain. Some models drain in two minutes, but others take up to 15. You must stay in the tub during this process.
Jacuzzi Walk-in Tub Features
Jacuzzi walk-in bathtub manufacturers offer several standard and optional features that allow you to control and enhance your experience. If you have done any shopping for a whirlpool walk-in bathtub, you know there is a huge selection of options available. Some are included in the manufacturer’s base models, while others are available for an additional charge. Read the fine print or ask your bathtub installer so you understand what is included in each model before purchase.
Whirlpool walk-in tub features may include:
- Air jet and whirlpool combination
- Hand shower wand
- Tub and shower combo unit
- Interior control panel
- Fast drain-feature
- Bariatric sizing
- Heated backrest
- Foot and calf massager
- Choice of L-shape or U-shape door
- Two seats
- Aromatherapy
- Chromatherapy
- Swivel tray, for a drink or book
How Much Does a Jacuzzi Walk-in Tub Cost?
A walk-in tub with jacuzzi jets is considered an upgrade from a basic soaking-style walk-in tub and is one of the more expensive options. You can expect to pay between 30% to 50% more for a walk-in tub with spa-like features, compared to a walk-in tub with basic features.
The total cost for a walk-in bathtub with jacuzzi jets can vary among manufacturers, ranging in price from $4,400 to $12,000 or more for a more luxurious model. Labor and installation costs should also be factored into your walk-in tub budget and fall between $700 for simple installs to $1,500 or more for extensive projects.
Jacuzzi Walk-in Tub
Average Installation Cost $5,100 - $13,500
Cost Breakdown
- Materials 86.3%
- Labor 13.7%
Several factors affect your overall cost:
- Brand
- Tub size
- Upgraded features
- Addition of a shower feature
- Demolition of existing tub or shower
- Any renovation work
- Plumbing and electrical work
- Bringing construction to code for older homes
Warranties
Is a Walk-in Jacuzzi Tub Right for Me?
Jacuzzi walk-in tubs, also known as whirlpool tubs, hydrotherapy walk-in tubs, or jetted walk-in tubs, can be a great choice for those with mobility challenges or chronic pain. They offer a healing and relaxing way to bathe with features that help prevent slips, falls, and other common bathroom injuries. If you are already renovating your home to include aging-in-place design elements, a whirlpool walk-in tub is a natural choice to improve bathroom safety.
Various upgrades and features allow you to increase your comfort and personalize your bathing experience, like air jets, a heated backrest, and a hand shower. If you still desire to take a standing shower or if you will share the bathroom with others who prefer showers, a whirlpool walk-in tub and shower combination is also available with many models. Other types of walk-in tubs include soaker tubs, air tubs, two-person tubs, and wheelchair-accessible tubs.
Upfront Cost
Remember that a walk-in tub jacuzzi does come with a higher price tag than standard bathtubs or soaking walk-in tubs (tubs with no air or water jets). Also, you may need to upsize your water heater or opt for a tankless model to accommodate the tub’s larger fill size. Many whirlpool walk-in tubs also require some remodeling, electrical, and plumbing work that will increase your total cost.
Return on Investment
A walk-in whirlpool bathtub is still a good investment long-term if you plan to live in your home for many years. Adding universal design features can be more cost-effective than alternative living arrangements, and will allow your household to enjoy living comfortably, safely, and independently.
Comparing Brands
If you are ready to shop for your jacuzzi walk-in tub, several manufacturers offer them in various styles and with select features. Kohler, American Standard, Ella’s Bubbles, and Ariel are a few popular brands that carry them and offer some customization. Comparing multiple brands also ensures you are getting the best price and value for your walk-in tub.
Find a Walk-in Tub Installer
Jacuzzi walk-in tub installation calls for a certain level of expertise due to its size and plumbing requirements. A precise fit is essential to maintain its watertight operation, so enlisting the help of a professional bathroom remodeler experienced with walk-in tub installation will provide the best results and protect your investment. Take advantage of Modernize’s network of local professional bathtub installers to research and select the best team for your project.
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