Choosing the Right Walk-In Tub Size for Your Home and Needs
As you explore the option of installing a walk-in tub, you’ll quickly find that they come in various sizes to accommodate different spaces. From compact models to larger, more spacious designs, it’s essential to understand how walk-in tub dimensions will fit into your bathroom. Let’s dive into the specifics of walk-in tub sizes, so you can make an informed decision for your home.
What Is the Standard Walk-In Tub Size?
A traditional bathtub is 60 inches long. By contrast, the standard size of a walk-in tub is 52 inches in length. That extra space allows for easier installation of the tub in a standard alcove space. The height of a walk-in tub is usually between 20 and 45 inches. The lower heights allow for reclining and the higher heights for soaker tubs. The most popular depth for walk-in tubs is 30 inches.
In most cases, a walk-in tub can drop right into the spot where your current bathtub is. Because it uses the same space, you might not have to make any adjustments to the plumbing.
Understanding the variety of walk-in tub sizes can help you make the decision. You might be surprised to find that walk-in tub dimensions can be suitable for almost any bathroom, even those on the smaller side.
Dimensions by Type
The dimensions of the tub depend on various elements. Any customizations or additional options can affect your overall space usage.
Whirlpool Walk-In Tub
Whirlpool tubs are usually the same size as any other typical tub. However, they have jets that move the water around, through the force of either air or water. Expect to find whirlpool tubs in all the usual walk-in tub sizes.
Walk-In Tub/Shower Combo
These tubs are typically 52 to 60 inches in length and 30 inches wide. Typically, the combo consists of a walk-in tub with an incorporated showerhead, so the tub/shower combo is comparable to the size of other walk-in tubs.
However, these tubs can be much larger than that as well, with lengths of 66, 72, or 84 inches. These are often custom builds.
Bariatric Walk-In Tub
While these tubs might be a standard length, they are wider than the typical tub. This additional width might require more installation work. Expect bariatric tubs to be up to 35 inches wide — about 5 inches over the standard. Carefully measure your bathroom to ensure that the standard size of a bariatric tub will fit into your current space.
Soaker Walk-In Tub
Soaker tubs are deep tubs that don’t have much recline. They are designed so that you sit up instead of reclining, which allows for a smaller size compared to a traditional tub. A soaker tub can be as small as 38 inches in length.
Two-Person Walk-In Tub
Walk-in tubs with two seats are a common option, but keep in mind that this isn’t possible in a smaller size. Most companion tubs, or two-seaters, require a space 60 inches in length.
An added consideration is actually getting the tub into the space. It will have to be carried through your home to the bathroom. It is important to measure your doorways to make sure the tub will fit through them. Ask your contractor what dimensions the doors should be to allow for this.
Dimensions of Tub Features
The seat for most walk-in tubs is 17 inches high by 21 inches wide, allowing for a comfortable seat while you soak. The door itself is usually just over 17 inches wide. That allows ample room for most people to maneuver into the tub and sit down in comfort. However, a wider door is possible with tubs designed for wheelchair access or bariatric models.
The step threshold of your walk-in tub is very important. One of the key features of a walk-in tub is that you can “walk into” the tub. To do that, you need a threshold that is very low. Most models offer a 3-inch threshold, which is easy for most individuals to step over and still ensures that the door will form a proper seal and keep all the water inside as you bathe.
Smallest Walk-In Tub
A smaller walk-in tub can work well for small bathrooms where space is a top issue. Also known as a “cub model” or a “front loader,” some of these small tubs are only 38 to 40 inches in length. Keep in mind that a tub this small is not wheelchair accessible and might not work for those who have limited mobility.
Largest Walk-In Tub
Because there is always the ability to customize a tub, the largest walk-in tubs can be bigger than the general dimensions of a bariatric tub. Some specialized tubs are fabricated at 84 inches in length. The largest walk-in tubs are usually best reserved for a spacious full bathroom or a luxury bathroom, where there is more than enough space to accommodate any sort of bathing fixture.
One important point to keep in mind when choosing a larger walk-in tub is the water usage. Larger tubs take more water to fill and sometimes they might need more hot water than your water heater can offer.
The typical walk-in tub holds between 42 and 60 gallons of water, while the largest versions can use over 100 gallons. But the typical water heater tank usually holds about 40 to 55 gallons of water. If you have an in-line water heater, you don’t need to worry about capacity, but might want to think about the higher cost when using so much water. Talk to your walk-in tub contractor about the water usage for the tub of your choice.
Wheelchair Accessibility and ADA Requirements for Walk-In Tub Dimensions
Not all walk-in tubs must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, the petite versions of the walk-in tub are not friendly for wheelchairs and mobility issues, but they are a popular choice for small bathrooms. And while the tub itself doesn’t have to be compliant, it’s a very good idea to look at the area around the tub to ensure that the door has the ability to make a full swing. This is helpful whether a person has mobility challenges or not.
The ADA has set forth rules for a compliant walk-in tub. This tub should meet or exceed standards in Section 4.20 of the ADA guidelines. That means the tub must have clear floor space of at least 30 inches in width and 60 inches in length for tubs with seats. The tub seats should have stable handholds on the side, and the tub itself should have grab bars and rails. If you have a shower as part of your walk-in tub installation, the hose of the shower wand should be at least 60 inches long.
Dimensions by Brand
Many brands offer a wide variety of dimensions for walk-in tubs, but each brand also has the tub that is their most popular.
For American Standard, the dimensions of their typical and most popular walk-in tubs are between 48 inches and 60 inches long, as well as between 30 inches and 32 inches wide. That’s because American Standard makes bathroom fixtures, including walk-in tubs, that tend to fit the typical size you would expect for a standard bathroom. However, American Standard can also create something custom that falls outside of these dimensions.
The Safe Step walk-in tub dimensions are usually 52 inches in length and 30 inches in width. Smaller models that aren’t as long tend to be wider, more like a square than a rectangle. The most popular option right now is the smaller model with a 38 inch width, though of course these tubs can be customized to the user’s specifications.
The Kohler walk-in tub dimensions are typically a bit smaller at the usual 52 inches to 60 inches in length but a width of between 28 and 32 inches wide. The smaller width makes this a great option for the smallest bathrooms.
Choosing the Right Tub
When choosing the best walk-in tub size for your bathroom, pay attention to the cost of installation. It is almost always more affordable to use the existing area where your current bathtub sits and choose a walk-in tub that fits into that space. Installation prices can go up fast when you are installing the tub in a different area, especially if that means you must move plumbing lines and other features.
Measurements for any large renovation must be precise. While you might be able to measure the space for the tub on your own, it’s always better to ask a contractor to measure the space as part of their quote. They will show you how to measure and account for any extra space that might be necessary as they install your new tub.
A contractor can also look at the doorways and hallways of your home to determine if the walk-in tub will fit through them. This isn’t usually a problem with standard walk-in tub dimensions, but things can get tricky with larger models. Only a contractor can measure the space properly and decide if a certain walk-in tub model will fit into your space.
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