The Top 8 Most Affordable Walk-In Tub Brands of 2023

For seniors who struggle with slippery surfaces and find it difficult to step over tub walls, walk-in tubs are a safe bathing alternative. With their grab bars, anti-slip surfaces, low steps, and secure seats, these tubs are far more physically accessible than traditional tubs. However, sometimes the pricing for walk-in tubs can be a barrier for seniors.

With walk-in tub project prices (including installation) ranging from about $3,000 to well over $20,000, the market for walk-in tubs is not always friendly to tight budgets. Making things even more challenging, some walk-in tub companies don’t freely share their prices except during in-home visits. If a company isn’t forthcoming with its prices, it can be difficult to comparison shop and find a deal closer to $3,000 than to $20,000.

With the challenges of walk-in tub shopping in mind, we’ve created this guide to help you find a brand that suits you. After extensive research, we’ve ranked the eight most affordable brands on the market. We’ve also included a buyers guide to help you ask the right questions as you shop.

An Overview of Our Ranking Methodology

Our rankings are based on the following core metrics, each of which made up a percentage of every company’s final score:

• Cost of Tub Shell (40%):  What is the cost of the most basic tub model before upgrades?
• Cost of Hydrotherapy system (10%): How much does it cost to add a hydrotherapy system (water massage jets) to a basic walk-in tub?
• Cost of other Add-ons (10%): How affordable is it to upgrade this walk-in tub with other kinds of jets or therapy and convenience features?
• Cost Transparency (10%): How easy is it for consumers to find prices and company policies online?
• Warranty Value (20%): How valuable is the warranty for customers? Do the terms of the warranty include time-based limits or exclusions of labor costs?
• Extra Fees (10%): Does the company charge extra shipping or return fees that are not reflected in the listed tub cost?

The Most Affordable Walk-in Tub Brands

Ariel

Ariel tied with Ameriglide for the overall most affordable walk-in tub. The company’s main appeal is that its basic soaker tubs are sold at a remarkably low price, many of them listing for about $2,000. Ariel also offers decent prices for upgrades like air and dual jet therapy. Though it doesn’t offer as many upgrade options as some of its competitors. Whether you buy an Ariel tub from Ariel’s own website or from one of its authorized retailers, you’ll find the prices consistently low. Ariel does not offer any payment plans. But customers looking for financial help can turn to a variety of government or private grants and loans if necessary.

In addition to receiving an exceptional score in actual tub cost, Ariel scores well in the cost transparency category. Seniors will appreciate that the company makes its tub prices easy to find and understand. Ariel does not have an installer network, so anyone who buys from this company will need to hire an installer of his or her own choosing. Installation costs vary significantly by area and circumstance but may run around $1,000-$2,000.

Note: Ariel walk-in tubs do tend to go out of stock frequently, but they are just as frequently restocked. If you need a specific tub size or level of therapy, you may be able to get on an email list that will notify you when that model is back in stock. Ariel prices are very similar at its different retailers.

Therapy Features and Upgrades

The base price of this tub is for a soaker, which is ideal for enjoying warm water but has no therapy jets. An Air tub from Ariel, on the other hand, includes 18 air jets that release streams of massaging bubbles. The next level of therapy, the Dual option, has 26 jets, some of which are “whirlpool” jets (also called hydrotherapy), and some of which are air jets. The jets in the Dual tub are adjustable. It is not possible to purchase a walk-in tub with just whirlpool jets from Ariel.

Other Models to Consider

The basic description of Model 3054 holds true for all Ariel walk-in tub models. The only thing that varies between Ariel tub models is the exact dimensions, door and drain orientation, and what style of therapy is offered.

The other tub models Ariel makes are 3060, 3052, 3048, and 2651. In every case, the first two digits are the width of the tub and the last two digits are the length. Tub height and seat width vary slightly and can be found listed in the tub’s downloadable schematics.

Ariel’s Cost Report

AmeriGlide

AmeriGlide was a unique case in our price research. With most brands, it was immediately clear which of their walk-in tubs would be the most affordable. However, with this brand, two tubs of near-identical size and style had slightly different pricing systems and feature packages. Because of the similarity of the tubs and the complexity of the add-on packages, we did a side-by-side comparison to find which was the better deal.

The more basic model, the Sanctuary Walk-In Tub, is the better overall deal, tying for first place on our list with a tub from the brand Ariel. The more deluxe version of this tub, which is called The Sanctuary Hydrotherapy Plus Walk-In Tub, ranked second overall. It was especially strong in the hydrotherapy, add-ons, and cost transparency categories, scoring 10/10 points in each. It also had a better warranty than the basic model.  Ultimately, the basic tub is the best deal for those who don’t want more than one upgrade or who don’t worry much about warranties. And the “Plus” tub is a good deal for consumers who want a more “loaded” tub or who want a warranty with better coverage.

For either tub, this company is a great choice for anyone who wants his or her walk-in tub purchase to be easy and affordable. As an added perk, AmeriGlide can refer you to one of its approved installers if you don’t want to deal with the stress of finding your own installer. The installation will be an additional expense and may cost around $2,000, but costs vary. Ameriglide does offer two forms of financing to qualifying buyers: financing through Paypal and financing through FirstBank. For more information on payment plans, contact the company’s customer service representatives.

Overview of AmeriGlide’s Most Affordable Walk-in Tub Models

Note: Unlike most of the companies we have reviewed, warranty coverage from Ameriglide is different for individual models. The coverage policy for any given model can be found on its product listing toward the top of the page on the Ameriglide website.

Other Models to Consider

Ameriglide offers a good range of other tub styles in both acrylic and gel coat fiberglass. The brand has extra large and extra small tubs, shower hybrid tubs, and wheelchair accessible tubs. The “front-loading tubs,” which are smaller than average, are among its most affordable options.

AmeriGlide’s Cost Report: Sanctuary Walk-In

AmeriGlide’s Cost Report: Hydrotherapy Plus

American Standard

American Standard ranked in third place for most affordable walk-in tub brand. The company scored very well in cost transparency and extra fees. American Standard also stands out by offering the fourth most affordable basic tub in our list, and the fifth most affordable hydrotherapy system.

American Standard sells through many online retailers. If you buy an American Standard walk-in tub from an authorized retailer, you’ll be responsible for finding your own installer at your own cost. Our scoring and ranking of these tubs are based on the cost of buying from an authorized retailer. The retail cost of American Standard walk-in tubs was usually about $2,500 less than the price that American Standard listed on its own website. We used the lower retail prices in our rankings since that is the cost that reflects the best deal available for these walk-in tubs.

Seniors can also buy their tubs directly from American Standard and have an experienced installer from the company handle all phases of the project. Getting your tub installed by American Standard increases the tub’s warranty to lifetime length. You will most likely pay more if you buy a tub directly from the company than you would when buying through a retailer. But there is a monthly payment plan available for those who qualify.

Note: Due to the low prices available on this tub, we chose to review the gel coat value series outward opening door walk-in tub. This model’s outward opening door makes it a good option for people with limited mobility, including those who use wheelchairs.

Therapy Features and Upgrades

We obtained prices for this model from several different retailers, then calculated an average price for each level of therapy that this tub is offered in. This tub ranked fifth most affordable in the cost of hydrotherapy (whirlpool) and sixth most affordable for add-ons.

This tub model can be purchased as a soaking tub with no jets, a whirlpool tub with heated water jets, an “Air Spa”  with air jets, or a “combo” tub that includes both air and whirlpool jets. It can also be purchased with other upgrades like LED lights (chromatherapy) and fast-fill faucets. Sometimes lights and fast fill faucets come at no extra charge in the more luxurious models.  

Other Models to Consider

American Standard lists hundreds of individual tubs to buy on its website, but in reality, it only offers three basic tub styles. The many listings reflect the fact that these shapes can be bought in different sizes and upgrade levels. Tub models from American Standard don’t have names but are instead listed by product line, material (acrylic or gel coat), dimension, the direction that the door swings (outward swinging or inward), the orientation of the drain or door, and the type of therapy included.

The wheelchair accessible model that we’ve reviewed comes in one other size: 32” x 52”. The other two models offered both have inward swinging doors. One model’s door is curved and one is straight.

The Straight Door Walk-In Tub

• 28×48, 30×60, 32×60, and 30×51
• The Gelcoat Premium Series, the Entry Series, and the Acrylic Luxury Series
• Name example: “Luxury Series 28×48-inch Right Drain Walk-in Tub Combination Massage with Tub Faucet”

The Curved Door Walk-In Tub

• 30”x 52” or 30”x 60”
• The Gelcoat Premium Series and the Gelcoat Value series
• Name Example: “Gelcoat Value Series 30 x 52 Inch Walk-In Bathtub with Air Spa System – Left Hand Door and Drain”

American Standard’s Cost Report

Ella’s Bubbles

Ella’s Bubbles ranked fourth for overall most affordable walk-in tub purchase. This company scored very well because the base prices of its most standard walk-in tubs are low. With a 7.5 out of 10 points in the tub cost category, this brand’s “Deluxe” model is our third most affordable option for basic tub costs. Adding therapy options to Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tubs can get pricey, but a soaker tub from this company is a great choice.

Ella’s Bubbles has a strong online presence and its products are available through a variety of national retailers. It’s easy to compare retailers until you find the right deal for you from the Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, or another site. If you buy through a large retailer, you’ll need to find your own installer at your own cost.

You may also buy directly from Ella’s Bubbles by calling the company or filling out the “Find a Dealer” or “Request a Price” forms on the website. A dealer can handle the installation in this case. Ella’s Bubbles may also be able to offer you financing for your project, dependent on approval. Financing information is available online and over the phone.

Therapy Features and Upgrades

It’s easy to find the whirlpool, air bath, and combination therapy options for Ella’s tub at many retailers. Finding many of the other extra features that the brand offers can be more challenging, however. Some options, like microbubbles and aromatherapy, are best found by ordering directly from Ella’s Bubbles. Ella’s Bubbles does not list prices on its own website.

Other Models to Consider

Ella’s Bubbles offers several different models, though the one we’ve reviewed is probably its most affordable option. Other offerings include multiple two-person, petite, and deep soaking tubs. Ella’s Bubbles also carries a line of Transfer walk-in tubs which are good for those in wheelchairs.

Nearly every model from Ella’s Bubbles features a similarly styled tempered glass and stainless steel door that stands apart from the aesthetic of other brands. Some models also include decorative patterns on the exterior tub walls. Most models are in acrylic, but the company also distributes some gel coat tubs. You can view Ella’s Bubbles complete collection on the official website. And once you’ve located the name or dimensions of a tub you like you can call the company or search other retailers to get a price.

Ella’s Bubbles Cost Report

Spirit

Spirit Walk-In Tubs is a full-service walk-in tub company that sells and installs walk-in tubs in many regions of the USA. This small business scored 5.2 out of 10 possible points and ranked as the 5th most affordable of the companies that we reviewed. Spirit has locations in St. Louis, MO and Springfield, IL. It also has a network of about seven installers located throughout the USA who travel to customers (with some restrictions). All of the quality seven-layer gel coat fiberglass tub styles that Spirit makes are manufactured in the USA by a company called BOCA.

Spirit received the best score on our list for warranty value – a perfect 10/10. This company also scored very well in hydrotherapy and add-on costs. Customers who are looking for a company to take care of every facet of their walk-in tub needs (from product selection, to installation, to warranty care) will find Spirit an affordable and easy to work with option. Spirit does not offer payment plans. But seniors can look into Medicaid and VA programs or contact Area Agencies on Aging to explore possible forms of reimbursement.

Note: Spirit itself does not list its available tub models online. But by looking at the manufacturer’s website, we can get an idea of what Spirit offers. Looking at the manufacturer website is how we decided which tub model to review.

Be aware that Spirit does not share much pricing information until it creates an official project quote. We’ve had to estimate what we think the base price of this tub would be, and we’ve estimated it is $4,000. The bottom end of the entire brand’s price range is $6,000, which includes shipping, installation, and actual tub cost. Therefore, $4,000 is a fair adjusted price for a tub with no add-on features.

Therapy Features and Upgrades

All of the therapy and upgrade costs that we used in our ranking were, like the tub price itself, derived from our own calculations. We based upgrade prices on the assumption that the most one consumer would spend on walk-in tub add-ons and hydrotherapy for a $4,000 tub is $2,500. $2,500 was divided up among the known amount of extra features available, and features that are more complex were assigned a higher value.

Actual add on prices that the company quotes to the consumer will almost certainly be different. But these prices can give you an idea of what you might expect to be quoted. We concluded that the costs of add-ons from this company are generally reasonable.

Other Models to Consider

Spirit Walk-in Tubs offers at least six different tub models from BOCA. And it also gives its customers the option to have a tub built in a custom size or color. A glance at the manufacturer’s website suggests that Spirit sells standard, petite, two-seater, extra wide, and extra deep options.

Spirit’s Cost Report

Freedom Bathtubs by Accessibility Professionals

With reasonable base prices on its tubs and a clear pricing structure, Freedom Bathtubs by Accessibility Professionals ranks as our fifth most affordable brand. The company’s simple website and clearly listed base and add-on prices make it easy to make an informed walk-in tub choice. While there are only two basic models offered, one with an inward swinging door and one with an outward swinging door, the models are offered at favorable costs, with the brand tying for third most affordable in the tub cost category.

Freedom Bathtubs itself does not install tubs, and its prices do not reflect the cost of installation. If you do not want to go to the trouble of looking for your own walk-in tub installer, you can call the company’s customer service line. Freedom Bathtubs keeps a list of experienced installers whom its employees can refer you to at your request. This brand does not have a financing option for its customers. But seniors with financial needs should consider looking into options such as Medicaid grants that may be available to them.

Note: some tubs with ¾” pipes can have compatibility issues with home plumbing. In some cases, the unusual pipe size may require you to hire a plumber to update your home’s existing plumbing. You’ll want to avoid excessive plumbing overhaul if possible. So before purchasing speak with the company and assess your home to determine compatibility.

Therapy Features and Upgrades

Like most walk-in tub brands, Freedom Bathtubs offers whirlpool, air, and combination jets. The brand is also one of four companies on our affordable list that offers heated seats. A somewhat unusual feature of the heated seats is that they can only be added to the brand’s soaker tubs. However, at $300, these heated seats have the best price of the companies on our list. This upgrade option can be a very practical choice since it will keep you warm while the water in your tub fills or drains and the door remains closed.

Other Models to Consider

The only other walk-in tub model that this company sells is called the Windsor Walk-in Tub (listed on the sales page as Walk in Bathtub, 51″ x 29½” Swing Out Door with an option of left or right drain). This tub, with its L-shaped door, is best for those in wheelchairs who need direct access to the seat. Its base price is $520 more than the Aurora model, and like the Aurora, it can have heated seats, or air, whirlpool, or combination jets.

Freedom Bathtubs also offers other tub lines that are not walk-in but are designed to be more accessible than traditional bathtubs.

Freedom Bathtubs‘ Cost Report

Bathing Solutions

Bathing Solutions’ Model 28 ranks on our list as the seventh overall most affordable walk-in tub. The company’s best categories were the base price of its tubs and cost of therapeutic add-ons. Though it did not score as highly as most other companies in cost transparency and extra fees. Bathing Solutions does offer a valuable limited lifetime warranty.

When you buy a walk-in tub from Bathing Solutions, you may choose to arrange for your own installer or to have it installed by a contractor that the company recommends. Either way, you should plan on spending $2,000 or more for the installation. Bathing Solutions provides a detailed guide on its website to help customers select the right tub for their personal situation.

Bathing Solutions does not offer a payment plan to buyers. But seniors may benefit by looking into government or private grants, or even by considering using their home’s equity to fund their improvement project.

Note: Rather than sharing exact costs with us, this company shared a range that they say the cost of this tub falls in. The range Bathing Solutions gave us was $3,500-$5,500.

Therapy Features and Upgrades

Like Spirit Walk-In Tubs and Hydro Dimensions, this brand gave us a price range rather than itemized add-on prices. Based on the given range, we calculated that $2,000 was the maximum amount a customer could spend on add-ons for this tub. With optional lights and aromatherapy, Bathing Solutions offers a more complete range of possible upgrades than some of the overall most affordable brands on our list.

Other Models to Consider

Bathing Solutions offers nine tub models to suit different needs.

Other than Model 28, the company’s catalog includes:

• Model 30 Deep and Model 32 Deep: Two different deep soaker models
• Model 3555: A bariatric model for large bathers
• Model 3252 WT: A wheelchair transfer walk-in tub
• Model 2645 and Model 3048:  Two tubs designed to fit different shower spaces
• Model 32: An extra wide tub
• Model 28 Fully Loaded: A deluxe version of Model 28

Bathing Solutions’ Cost Report

Hydro Dimensions

Ranking eighth for overall affordability, Hydro Dimensions isn’t as inexpensive as most of its competitors on this list. Hydro Dimensions does have a  great product line and a multitude of upgrade options. And it performs well in warranty and in the costs of add-ons and hydrotherapy.

Hydro Dimensions is one of three companies on our list that does not share prices online and that only shared price ranges for tub models with us. Part of Hydro Dimensions reluctance to share price details comes from the fact that it sells to dealers rather than directly to seniors and other customers. If you call Hydro Dimensions, customer service representatives can walk you through tub options and connect you with the dealer nearest you.

Although Hydro Dimensions does not offer a financing plan for its walk-in tubs, seniors who have financial need may be able to receive help through the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants, VA grants, Medicaid grants, and other public and private forms of assistance or lending.

Note: Hydro Dimensions shared some price ranges of its tubs with us, stating that a typical pre-installation cost is between $5,000 and $8,000. We used this range to make our estimates, assuming that the lower end of the range reflected the tub’s base price (soaker model price).

Therapy Features and Upgrades

Of the companies that we have reviewed, Hydro Dimensions offers one of the broadest feature “menus” that we have seen. Most companies only list about three jet options, but Hydro Dimensions offers five option for many of its tub models. Customers who want a specialized tub will enjoy this company because it gives you the freedom to pick exactly the add-ons that you want, including aromatherapy, lights, and more.

Other Models to Consider

This brand offers about sixteen different models, so chances are good that they will have something for you even if your needs are unique. Some of the models may have a higher base price than the one we have reviewed, but most will probably be similarly priced.

The brand’s Specialty Series is diverse with wheelchair accessible models, two models designed for bathers who are 6’ or taller, and a “bariatric” model perfect for large bathers. The HD series product line contains different sizes of standard tubs, including a few that have unusual features such as bi-fold doors or extra soaking depth.

Hydro Dimensions’ Cost Report

Companies That Did Not Rank as Affordable

Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi did not rank as an affordable option. Although the brand scored decently in warranty and extra fees, we found it performed very poorly in the most important categories of tub cost, hydrotherapy cost, and add-on costs, and only average in the category of cost transparency.

Jacuzzi was the only brand in our review with a tub base price averaged over $6,500. It was also the only model that was almost always sold separately from its faucet in retail settings. Selling without a faucet lowers the apparent cost of the tub without actually saving the consumer any money. Finally, Jacuzzi’s combination therapy system was nowhere close to the rest of the prices, costing on average about $600 more than the second most expensive combination system on our list. Although it sells a high-quality tub, this brand will not prove affordable for most consumers.

A Complete Explanation of Our Metrics

Our initial list of walk-in tubs to evaluate for affordability was compiled in a simple manner. First, we made a list of well-known walk-in tub companies. Next, we eliminated from the list companies who refused to share any pricing information outside of an in-home visit. Such companies are impossible to evaluate for affordability. Brands that did not have pricing information online but who were willing to discuss at least some of their pricing over the phone were left on the list.

Since there’s a huge amount of variety of how businesses are run in the walk-in tub industry, our evaluations of these companies’ affordability required a fair amount of math and research. Not all companies offered us the same amount of information, so we had to dig to find or estimate prices in some cases.

Ultimately we evaluated each company according to six different metrics. You’ll find a complete explanation of each metric below.

Tub Shell Costs

In this metric, each tub got a score from one to ten for its relative affordability. This metric assesses which brands offer the lowest cost on a walk-in tub that has no upgrade features. Tubs without extra features are often called “soaker tubs.” You can also call the no upgrades price of a tub its “base price.” Tub price made up 40 percent of the overall affordability score of each brand.

To have a fair review, we needed to make sure that the base prices we compared from different companies were for fairly similar walk-in tub styles. We asked three basic questions in order to accurately complete the tub costs metric.

1. Which tub model from this brand is the most standard?

To determine which brand had the most affordable tub cost, we chose one tub from each company that was the most “standard” style at the most reasonable price. We looked for tubs that were designed to fit in the space that a traditional tub occupies (around 30” wide by 60” long). We avoided specialty shapes and sizes as much as possible.

For the most part, we selected tubs with inward swinging doors. But in the case of American Standard, we selected a model with an outward swinging door since it listed for a good value and was a standard size and shape. In the case of Ameriglide, we also compared two models from the same company since it was unclear at the beginning which model would prove to be the better deal overall. The data from these models were kept separate and each model received its own score.

2. Is the faucet set included in the base price?

In our rankings, we took into account whether the tub came with a faucet. Not including a faucet set in a tub’s base price is a way for the retailer to make the tub look like it sells at a better price than it actually does.

Sometimes the special faucet and handheld shower sets (often called a “five-piece faucet with sprayer”) that walk-in tubs use are costly, ranging from about $200 to $600 dollars. They can be particularly expensive if they include a “thermostatic control valve,” which is a useful device that regulates water temperature to prevent scalding injuries. A faucet set could potentially represent about a third or fourth of the base cost of some tubs. So not including it in the price of the tub is somewhat disingenuous. Companies who did not include faucet sets in some or all of their tubs lost points.

3. How can we determine the base price when the company doesn’t list it online?

As mentioned earlier, three of the companies we reviewed do not list their base prices online. The process for determining base price varied.

When we called customer service representatives for Bathing Solutions and Hydro Dimensions, we asked about prices for particular models. At Bathing Solutions, a representative informed us that the model in question sells for between $3,500-$5,500. $3,500 is the base price and the remaining $2,000 represents the costs of upgrades. Hydro Dimensions was much the same, with a range of $5,000- $8,000. $5,000 is the base price and the remaining $3,000 is the cost of add-ons. Both companies stipulated that these ranges did not include installation.

In the case of Spirit Walk-In Tubs, determining the base price was more challenging. The company gave us the price range of $6,000-$10,500 for the entire collection of walk-in tubs rather than for a model. This number includes expenses like shipping and installation. Based on what we know of costs associated with walk-in tubs, we determined that $4,000 would be the lowest that the base price of the most basic Spirit Walk-In Tub could be.

4. How can we determine the base price when the company sells through multiple retailers?

Some companies on our list sell through multiple online retailers. Prices for the same tub can differ between different retailers. To make this review as fair as possible, we collected prices for each tub model from multiple retailers (often between three and six retailers), and then averaged those prices.

Hydrotherapy Costs

Hydrotherapy costs was a simple category that evaluated only the costs of the water jet systems (no air or combination jets in this category) and the costs of sanitizers (UV or Ozone) that are sometimes included in those systems. This metric made up 10 percent of the tub’s overall score.

The costs of each hydrotherapy system were entered in the charts, with the lowest cost getting ten points and the highest cost getting zero points. If hydrotherapy was included in the base price of the tub model, the brand got a very good score in this category. If hydrotherapy was not an option for this tub, then the brand lost some points. Brands also lost some points if their sanitizers cost extra.

Add-Ons Costs

Each company was evaluated by the availability and cost of a set of common add-ons. Each company received a score for this metric between zero and ten points. This metric comprised 10 percent of each company’s overall score.

The most important of the add-ons we evaluated were air therapy systems and combination therapy systems. Heated Seats were also a fairly important add-on. The cost and availability of aromatherapy, chromatherapy (lights), quick drains, and end panels were also considered in our scoring, but at a lesser weight.

For every add on, the brand with the lowest price received the highest score. If a brand did not offer the add-on, it lost some points in that category. Hydrotherapy is technically an add-on as well, but it was ranked as its own metric due to the popularity of it and the importance consumers place on it.

Determining the actual cost of the hydrotherapy or any add-on in different circumstances:

• One tub listing with itemized feature prices is provided: Some brands list soaker tub models and give customers the option of adding a hydrotherapy system or other features to the tub during the online checkout process. These are the easiest companies to evaluate because they itemize the cost of each upgrade. However, many brands do not use this pricing model.
• A different listing for every single variation of upgrade level is provided: Many brands simply list many different versions of their tubs that do and don’t have hydrotherapy and other features. In such cases, we subtracted the cost of the soaker version from the cost of the hydrotherapy version. If a tub listed at multiple retailers, we averaged the cost of the add-ons.
• A price range for the tub or brand is provided without any itemization: In the case of brands that gave us only price ranges, we had to do some math and use our judgment. We used the low end of the price range as the tub base price, and then we divided the remaining part of the range up among the list of add-ons offered by the company for that tub. We subtracted average installation costs, if those were part of the given range. Add-ons that were obviously more valuable were assigned a higher percentage of the price range. We were able to arrive at estimates for all add-on prices in this way.

Warranty Costs and Values

Warranties impact the long term cost of owning a walk-in tub, so the value of the warranty made up 20 percent of each brand’s overall score. Often, we found that the brands with the least expensive tub costs had the most limited warranties. Some brands clearly are able to offer low prices because they save themselves money by limiting their liability.

For every warranty, we asked the following questions:

• For how long are the tub and its basic components covered?
• For how long is the door seal covered?
• For how long are pumps and motors covered?
• Is labor included in the warranty?

For most of these questions, if the answer was a lifetime, the number entered in the charts was 60. We used this high number so that it could be compared to other warranties that have actual limits such as 10 years. If the answer was limited lifetime, we entered the number as 50 – still high but lower than an actual lifetime warranty.

If a company said that a part of its warranty coverage was lifetime but we found it had major restrictions or exceptions that were likely to cost the consumer money down the road, we scored that part of the warranty as if it were limited lifetime. Every other number was simply entered as found in the warranty (15, 10, 5, 2, and 1 were commonly found time limits for warranties).

For the question of whether labor was covered under the warranty, the answer was either yes, some, or no. An answer of yes received full points, answer of some received half points, and an answer of no received no points.

Cost Transparency

Cost transparency is an ongoing concern for consumers in the walk-in tub industry. It is difficult to know how to find a good deal on a walk-in tub if companies refuse to openly share their pricing information. Because price transparency is such a concern for seniors who may be living on a small income, we used this metric to reward companies that make their prices available and easy to understand online. Cost transparency makes up 10 percent of a company’s overall affordability score.

Each question in this metric was scored with a yes/some/no system. Yes scored full points, some scored half points, and no scored zero points. The last question, however, was scored on an excellent/good/poor system with excellent getting full points, good getting half points and poor getting no points.

For cost transparency, we asked the following questions about each company:

• Are walk-in tub base prices available on the company’s website?
• Are base prices available through any online retailer?
• Are add-on prices available online?
• Is return information available online?
• What is the ease of finding information on the company’s website?

Extra Fees

No one likes to get stuck with an unexpected fee. Extra or hidden fees are common in many industries, but they aren’t terribly common or high in this one, at least for most companies. The main types of extra fees that we discovered in our research were shipping fees, cancellation or restocking fees, and return shipping fees. We scored companies based on whether they had these fees. If a company did have a fee, we took into account how high it was compared to the fees of its competitors on our list. This metric made up 10 percent of each company’s overall affordability score.

Keep in mind that in this review we did not evaluate installation practices. The person you choose to install your tub, whether you find them on your own or through the company you purchased from, may or may not charge extra fees that are not covered here.

How to Find an Affordable Walk-In Tub

Along with using our rankings and scores, we recommend you use this guide to help you pick the most affordable walk-in tub for your needs and preferences.

Determine Your Need for a Walk-In Tub

Walk-in tubs come in a variety of styles and sizes, and which specific one is best for you will depend on your personal needs. One of the top reasons many people install a walk-in tub is to prevent falls in the bathroom and make getting in and out of the bathtub easier. But, others simply want the convenience of a step-in tub and the high-end features that are available with some walk-in tubs.

Like with any big purchase, it’s important to consider your “why” for purchasing a walk-in tub. To ensure you find an affordable option that meets all of your needs, consider what you’re hoping to get out of your tub. You’ll want to think about the following things: 

• Your current and future needs. Are you interested in a walk-in tub because of safety, or simply for convenience? 
• Your mobility level and any potential changes to your mobility in the future. Are you struggling to get in and out of your bathtub or having general mobility problems? Do you have reason to believe that your mobility may change in the future? 
• Your history of falls and injuries. Have you previously suffered a fall or other injury in the bathroom? In what way can a walk-in tub help prevent similar injuries in the future? 

Identifying whether you need a tub for safety and mobility purposes or for the convenience and luxury of extra features can help you hone in on the right style of tubs for you from the start of your search. If you’re unsure about if or how a walk-in tub can help you, consider conducting a Home Safety Assessment that focuses on the bathroom. The assessment can help you identify potential safety issues and the modifications you can make that will reduce your risk of injury.

Understand the Pricing Structure

Price Transparency

In the walk-in tub industry, there are two basic kinds of companies. Those that disclose their base prices, add-on prices, and fees openly and early in the buying process, and those that will not discuss pricing until late in the buying process, usually during an in-home visit when they give you a free project quote.

There are multiple prominent companies that fall into the latter category. But, these companies are difficult to evaluate, and most of them tend to charge high prices. They may also use fairly high-pressure sales pitches once they visit you in your home. The advantage of these companies, however, is that they usually handle installation, which can make the buying process easy for you.

Of the companies that are willing to share prices more openly, there is some variety. Some companies list all or some of their pricing information online. Some are simply willing to talk over the phone about pricing. Some offer installation services, and some do not.

When you start looking for a walk-in tub, you can look for a company whose level of price transparency and service style matches your comfort level.  

Installations

In our review, we have deliberately excluded installation costs from our comparisons. We did this because installation costs differ too much to be ranked and are not always controlled by the walk-in tub company. Even if you and your neighbor were to install the exact same tub, for instance, your installation costs could be different depending on who you hire and the state of your home’s plumbing and electrical systems. The hourly cost for skilled labor also varies geographically. So installation in one city can cost more than a similar installation in another city.

Companies that can take care of the installation for you may indicate the installation will cost about $2,000 or more. Costs can be lower than this in some cases, especially if you purchase a soaker tub that is simple to install. Costs can also be higher.

Feel free to get more than one quote if one contractor’s fees seem higher than is reasonable. Whether you choose to find your own contractor or whether you select a contractor recommended by the walk-in tub company, you should consider the following risk factors that could lead to high installation costs.

• Choosing a tub that’s larger than average when your water heater is small: Some walk-in tubs have a capacity as large as 80 gallons. Many water heaters only have a 40- or 50-gallon tank. Choosing a tub that’s too large may leave you needing to replace your water heater, which is a costly endeavor.

• Choosing a tub with ¾” pipe fittings: sometimes companies create tubs with extra large pipes because large pipes can help a tub fill or drain faster. If the unusual pipe size is incompatible with your home’s existing plumbing, you may experience problems or be forced to upgrade your home’s plumbing at extra cost. A plumbing overhaul like this could potentially cost several thousand dollars. And it should be avoidable if you ask questions and select the right tub.

• Choosing a tub that requires extra electrical work: Sometimes tubs that have lights, pumps, and motors may require an installer who has electrical expertise. It’s possible that a dedicated circuit for the tub will be necessary. This may come included with the tub, or it may need to be purchased during the installation process at extra cost. If you are buying a tub with upgrades and therapies, you should ask questions about installation requirements.

• Living in a city that requires you to pull permits for your bathroom improvement project: If your city requires permits for bathroom projects, the extra cost is unavoidable. The good news is that permits can help ensure that your project’s plumbing and wiring is installed correctly and safely. The potential cost is something to keep in mind as you plan ahead. You or your contractor will need to check into permits before you begin your project. If you do not pull a required permit before you begin a project, your city could force you to stop work until you get your permit.  

Base Prices

The base price is how much the tub costs before you select any upgrades. Rarely will you find a walk-in tub with a base price lower than $2,000. It is actually quite common to find base prices as high as $8,000 or even more. But the most affordable walk-in tubs will generally fall in the $2,000-$5,000 range for the base price. Make sure to account for faucet costs if the faucet is not included.

Consider the material of the walk-in tub when looking at base prices. Acrylic is less porous and therefore less prone to staining and mold damage than gel coat fiberglass. But gel coat tubs can be molded in a greater variety of shapes than acrylic tubs. If you purchase a gel coat tub, consider purchasing one that has seven layers of coating, which is called marine grade gel coat. A marine grade gel coat tub will always be of higher quality than those with a three-layer coating.

The final consideration for tub base prices is whether the dimensions of the tub actually meet your needs. While small tubs tend to cost less than large tubs, some are quite narrow and are not a comfortable fit for every body type. An inexpensive tub in the wrong size or shape is a worse deal than a more expensive tub that you feel comfortable using.

Add-Ons

The number of add-ons available for walk-in tubs can be dizzying. It can be hard to know what you do and do not need. Thankfully, most add-ons can be broken down into four simple categories.

Jets Systems and Their Accessories:

Hydrotherapy and air therapy provide a massaging experience and are said to help with the management of various health problems such as stress, muscle and joint tension or pain, and poor circulation. Consider these options to aid relaxation and healing.

• Hydrotherapy: Massaging water jets, also called whirlpool jets
• Air Therapy: Massaging air jets, also called air bath or air massage
• Combination Therapy*: A combination of air and hydrotherapy
• Microbubbles: A form of air therapy that uses extra small bubbles and is said to be rejuvenating
• Inline Heater: Maintains water temperature while you use the hydrotherapy system (usually included at no extra cost, sometimes not offered)
• UV Sanitizer: A method of water sanitation
• Ozone Generator: A method of water and air sanitation

*Note: With some brands’ combination systems, the air and water massage features cannot be used at the same time without overloading the system. Before purchasing a combination system you may want to ask if such a restriction exists.

Other Therapies:

These are two more add-on therapies that are commonly used to naturally improve moods and health. Aromatherapy, in particular, has lately been gaining popularity and is beginning to be studied scientifically.

• Aromatherapy: Either scent beads or an oil diffuser*
• Chromatherapy: Colored LED lights that can be programmed in a variety of ways

*Note: An oil diffuser will be a better, more natural option than scent beads. Enquire which kind of aromatherapy is offered before purchasing.

Comfort Features:

Comfort features are things that make the bathing experience better by keeping you warm, softening surfaces, or reducing wait times. Companies differ greatly both in what they offer and how much they charge for these options.

• Fast drains: Includes things like double drains (often at no extra charge), extra large drains, or drains with pumps
• Fast fill faucets: Makes wait times shorter but may rely on extra large pipes
• Surface, Shell, or Seat Heaters: Can keep you warm while you wait for the tub to fill or drain
• Pillows, Backrests, and Headrests: Can make hard surfaces more comfortable

Hardware Add-Ons and Upgrades:

Some of these options may come free with your tub, depending on the model and brand. The first three items on this list will likely only be available from the maker of the walk-in tub. But with the rest of the options, you may sometimes find a better deal elsewhere. It is wise to look into finding a more affordable option before committing to buying these from the walk-in tub vendor. Your installer may be able to help you find your best options.

• Fill Panels:  An optional acrylic or gel coat piece matching the rest of the tub that extends the length (usually to 60”)
• End and Side Panels: An optional acrylic or gel coat piece that matches the rest of the tub and covers an exposed side or end in the event that your bathroom does not have an alcove that covers three sides of the tub
• Electronic control panels and floating remotes for jets and other features: Can be easier to use compared to physical buttons
• Shower Riser: A metal bar that attaches to the wall so that the handheld shower can hang
• Folding screens, curtains, and doors: Can surround the bathtub for extra privacy or to prevent splashing
• Extra grab bars: Usually designed to mount on the wall for an extra safety option
• Wall surrounds: A faux-tile or faux-stone surface installed on the wall around the tub for aesthetic appeal and to protect walls from water damage

Some small tubs may not have enough room beneath the tub for all upgrade pumps and motors to be installed. If you’re thinking about a tub with multiple extra features, you may want to consult with the manufacturer or a contractor to determine if your chosen model has enough space to accommodate the features you desire.

Account for Incidental Costs and Fees

Aside from the costs and fees associated with installation, you may have to deal with incidental costs such as shipping fees (which range from no fee to about $400).

If you receive a tub and realize that it isn’t going to work for you, you may or may not be able to return it. Some return policies are strict. If you do return it, be aware that you can be charged a fee. The majority of return and cancellation fees are between 10-20 percent of the original purchase price. We have also heard of fees as high as 75 percent.

To avoid the headache and potential costs of a return, use any purchasing guides the company provides to determine the correct size and door/drain orientation of your tub before ordering. Consider involving a local contractor in the decision if you need more help. Other options include calling a customer service line or having one of the company’s specialists visit you to measure your bathroom and give you a free quote (not every company will offer this option). You should never have to pay for a quote.

We found some trends for extra fees as we researched:

• Large Retailers: If you buy a walk-in tub through a large, third-party retailer (for example, Lowes or Home Depot), your shipping will probably be free if you have the item shipped to the store. You may also be able to make an easy, free return to the store as long as you have your receipt and the tub is still in “like-new” condition. You may need to make the return within a given time period such as 90 days.
• Returns and Cancellations: Some companies do not allow returns at all, but they do allow you to cancel an order as long as it hasn’t shipped yet.
• Delivery: It’s a good idea to inspect your tub when it is delivered to you. It may benefit you to refuse delivery if it’s evident that there is a defect or that the tub has been damaged during shipping.

Considering the Long-Term Value of Warranties

Lifetime or Limited

• Lifetime usually means that the tub is covered for as long as the original purchaser owns it. If you remove the tub from its original location and try to install it in a new home, the move will probably void the warranty even if the owner remains the same.  
• Limited lifetime can mean many different things. Usually, it means part of the tub is covered for the lifetime of the buyer, but some parts of the tub are covered for less. It also may mean that parts are covered but labor costs are not. Since companies vary so much in their definition of limited lifetime, it’s always best to ask about specifics or to read all available paperwork.

Reading for Hidden Restrictions

• Coverage Variation on Parts: It’s extremely common for a company to claim the tub has a lifetime warranty but then to have a seemingly random exclusion. One we’ve seen, for example, is that caulking is excluded after two years but everything else has lifetime coverage. These kinds of exclusions can give the company an excuse not to cover a problem. A truly “full lifetime” warranty is rare.
• Labor: A warranty with full labor coverage is uncommon, but many warranties cover labor for a year or two. If your warranty doesn’t cover labor, that probably means that the company will ship the replacement part to you, but you will need to pay for someone to take out the old part and put in the new one. Alternatively, someone from the company may replace the part and charge a service fee.
• Shipping: in some limited warranties, you will be charged for the shipment of the parts to you.
• Normal Wear: If the surface of your tub develops scratches or stains, these will probably not be covered under the warranty. They will be considered “normal wear.” The company may offer a manual with care and cleaning directions to help you keep the tub’s finish in the best possible condition.
• Manufacturing Defects: There is sometimes a time limit on declaring manufacturing defects that you find in your tub. This limit may even be as short as 30 days. If you notice an irregularity, declare it right away.
• Warranty Registration:  For your warranty to take effect, you may need to “register” it online by filling out a short form. There may be a time limit on registering your warranty, so do it as soon as possible.
• Installation Loopholes: If your tub was not handled according to the company’s standards during installation, then the company may refuse to cover repairs to the tub. If you’re not using an installer from the company, the company can probably provide an installation guide for your installers to use.
• Partial Charges: some warranties stipulate that the customer will be charged for a portion of the parts in some cases. This information is likely to be included only in the “fine print.”

Deciding What Matters to You

As you look into different tub brands, keep in mind that a tub is only a good deal for you if it truly addresses your safety, comfort, and financial needs. What someone else considers a good deal may not suit you.

Consider these three categories as you make your choice:

Tub Size and Style

The tubs we have reviewed have mostly been of a basic walk-in style suited to a standard sized bather and bathroom space. These are only a starting point. If you are a bather with specific needs, there’s probably a better option out there for you.

• Large Tubs: Large bathers can look into bariatric tubs, which may also be listed under names like plus size, supreme, large, or king size. These are available at many companies, and they generally have a seat width of 30” or 35” and may also have a wider than usual door.
• Wheelchair Accessible Tubs: Seniors with limited mobility and those who are in wheelchairs should look for transfer, slide-in, or wheelchair accessible walk-in tubs. These tubs will have outward swinging doors that allow for more direct access to the seat. The door may also be called L-shaped.
• Deep Soaker Tubs: Extra tall bather can look into deep soaker tubs. Deep soaker tubs often have a soaking depth of about 39”.
• Petite Tubs: People who have small bathrooms can look into petite tubs, shower hybrid tubs, front-loading or cube tubs, or tubs with inward swinging or even bi-fold doors.

Add-Ons

Never feel pressured to agree to an add-on. Instead, choose the add-ons that you believe you can get the most daily use out of. Companies offer many interesting options, but adding all available options to a tub is not practical for most seniors.

As you review the list of add-ons that we provided earlier in the article, think about which ones you would get the most benefit from. If you only want a soaker tub, there’s nothing wrong with just looking for the soaker that best meets your needs. Virtually every add-on will cost anywhere from $100 to over $1,000.

Company Style

It may be that you find the way the company interacts with you to be much more important than the extra features that the company offers.

As you shop, ask yourself these questions:

• Transparency and Customer Service Style: Do you only want to work with companies that are very transparent about cost, or are you comfortable with talking to companies that require you to have long conversations and in-home estimates?
• Installation: Would you prefer a company that offers installation or one that lets you pick your own installer based on local recommendations?
• Warranty: Finally, how much does the warranty matter to you? Would you rather have a low upfront cost with a limited warranty, a higher upfront cost with an all-inclusive warranty, or a purchase that falls somewhere in the middle?

Exploring Financial Assistance for Walk-In Tubs

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare sometimes supplies full or partial coverage for what’s called durable medical equipment (DME), such as canes, special beds, crutches, lifts, and more. For a purchase to even qualify for that coverage, the doctor and supplier you are using need to be enrolled in Medicare. Moreover, anything that’s a DME needs to meet strict standards of medical necessity. Walk-in tubs do not currently meet these standards and will probably not be covered by Medicare.

Medicaid coverage, on the other hand, varies by state. Sometimes individual states and regions will have grants and other programs that help seniors make their homes safer. This list of resources can help you determine whether your state has an applicable Medicaid reimbursement or coverage option.

Area Agencies on Aging

You may also find it helpful to get in touch with one of your local Area Agencies on Aging to see if they have any regional knowledge of government or private assistance programs. By following this government link for the Eldercare Service Locator and entering your ZIP code in its search bar, you can discover who your Area Agencies on Aging are.

Veterans Affairs

The various forms of insurance offered for Veterans typically follow the same guidelines that Medicare does for DME, and are not likely to cover the cost of a walk-in tub. However, there are some Veterans Affairs (VA) grants for accessibility-focused home improvement that are worth looking into.

The Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant has fairly strict guidelines and does exclude “Jacuzzi hot tubs.” But it’s unclear if it includes actual walk-in tubs. If a Veteran were able to explain that the tub was strictly for bathing accessibility and that it lacks jet features that hot tubs usually have, then the grant might be awarded to the Veteran. If the VA will not approve a walk-in tub in your case, they may be more likely to approve a roll-in shower, which is another safe bathing option that some of these walk-in tub companies also offer.

If you have a non-service related disability that calls for special equipment or home modifications, you may receive up to $2,000 from the HISA grant. If your disability is service related you may be eligible for even more. Visiting the VA online can be a good place to start exploring whether the HISA or another VA program will assist you with your purchase.

Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

Seniors with low incomes who live in rural areas may qualify for this loan and grant option that is offered through the United States Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (USDA). These grant and loan options are needs-based. And the grant only covers the removal of hazards, but the loan is more inclusive of improvement projects.

For seniors who want to finance their home improvements but who don’t meet the income requirements of some other loans, this can be a good choice. For more information visit this USDA Website.

Company Financing

Financing though a walk-in tub company is another common consumer choice. This option will likely require a credit check, a minimum income level, and an agreement to make set monthly payments. Similar to how car loans work, these loans will often be facilitated by a bank. Interest rates may be high.

Of the companies on our list, these are the ones that do offer financing:

• Ella’s Bubbles
• Ameriglide
• American Standard

To be eligible for financing, you’ll need to make your purchase directly through the company, not through another retailer.

FHA Title 1 Loans

FHA Title 1 Loans are offered through private lenders but insured by The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These loans can be obtained in both large and small amounts and are specifically for home improvements. There are many kinds of personal loans to choose from in the finance world, but this specific type can be a good choice. The fixed interest rate is generally based on common market rates at the time the loan is created.

According to HUD, to qualify for these loans you must prove that improvements will  “substantially protect or improve the basic livability or utility of the property.” A walk-in tub should qualify in most cases. If you want a loan over $7,500, you will need to offer your home as security.

Home Equity Options

If you’re a homeowner, you can use your home’s equity to make your home more accessible. Reverse Mortgages and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) are two common uses of home equity.  

Reverse Mortgages, which are specifically designed for seniors, require the most home equity. Some seniors use these to supplement an income that is otherwise lacking. Many Reverse Mortgages are high risk, and only one kind, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is insured by the US Government through FHA-Approved Lenders. Because there is a significant risk of loss associated with this kind of loan, you must speak with a reverse mortgage counselor before being approved.

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) don’t necessarily require as much home equity as Reverse Mortgages do. And they are available to people under 62, so you don’t need to be a senior to get one. The amount of money you are eligible to borrow against your home will be determined by your credit history and current ability to make monthly payments.

For both reverse mortgages and HELOCs, you will probably face significant fees. And you do put your home at risk of being eventually taken over by the bank. These options make the most sense only if you also need money for a broader project like paying for in-home assistance or remodeling a significant portion of your home.

Tax Deductions

Purchases like walk-in tubs that are made for medical and disability-related reasons may qualify for tax deductions in some circumstances. IRS rules can change, so it’s always good to check on eligibility before filing your taxes.
If you are a senior who is not anyone’s dependent, you will probably be able to write off your tub installation as a medical expense. If you’re a caregiver who claims a parent or other senior relative as a dependent, you may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit.