Low Baths Guide: What are they and what are their benefits?

For many people, enjoying a long soak in the bath is one of life’s simple pleasures. What’s more, having a hot bath can provide various health benefits.

But for older adults, the bathroom is often considered the most hazardous part of the home. One of the main reasons for this is the risk of injury when climbing in and out of the bath.

If you’re finding getting in and out of the bath hard or worried about slips and falls, you might want to consider bathroom adaptations such as installing a walk-in bath or low bath.

Low baths offer a relaxing and safe bathing experience for people with restricted mobility. Using a regular bath requires dexterity to lift your leg over the side and upper body strength to stand up from a sitting position. Low baths have a lower threshold, making them easier to step in and out of than a regular-height bathtub.

However, low baths are not just suitable for people with restricted mobility. They can still be used by all members of the family.

We want to help you to continue enjoying bathing for many years to come. That’s why we offer a variety of easy-access baths, which will allow you to maintain your independence for longer. Read on to learn more about the benefits of installing a low bath in your bathroom.

1. What are low baths?

2. Are low level baths expensive?

3. What are the main benefits of low baths?

4. What are the different types of low baths?

5. What other types of baths are there?

What are low baths?

In the UK, the most common size for a bathtub is 170 cm (length) x 70 cm (width). The height of a standard bathtub is approximately 20 inches (51 cm). Low baths are usually between 14 and 17 inches high (36 cm to 43 cm).

A standard-size bath with a height between 42 and 46 cm can hold around 192 litres of water, whereas low baths with a height of 38 cm can hold around 130 litres of water. This is a difference of 62 litres, so opting for a low-level bath makes it easy to save water.

Are low level baths expensive?

The cost of a low bath, as with their larger counterparts, varies depending on a few factors. Size, material, brand and of course installation costs all play a part in your overall outlay.

Seeing as the low-level bath requires smaller volumes of water to fill, you can make savings to your water bills in the long run, by opting for one.

What are the main benefits of low baths?

1. Easier to step in and out of than standard baths

With a low bath, there’s no need to worry about lifting your legs over the tub's threshold, which helps reduce the risk of slips and falls.

1. Low baths offer a safe and comfortable bathing experience

For example, many low baths have anti-slip features included as standard. These features help to promote privacy and independence, as you don’t have to rely on someone to help you to get in and out of the bath.

1. Low baths can be easier to fit into compact bathrooms

Reconfiguring a bathroom can be tricky, so it’s always essential to plan the space carefully when choosing a bathtub.

1. Low baths have a smaller capacity than regular baths

This can help you to save money on your water and energy bills.

What are the different types of low baths?

If you’re considering installing a low bath, you can consider a few different types of low baths. Here is an overview of the most popular types of low baths.

Standard low baths

A standard low-level bath is suitable for people without mobility issues. It is much easier to get in and out of a standard-size lower-height bath than a regular-height bathtub.

If you’re looking for a standard low-level bath, try searching for one with an internal depth of around 35 cm. These baths are usually available in various lengths, so it’s easy to find one that will fit in your bathroom.

Walk-in low baths

Walk-in low baths are much easier to get in and out of than standard baths. They can also help to minimise the risk of slipping over. Walk-in baths are the most accessible type of bath, so they’re perfect for elderly people and people with restricted mobility.

Once you’re safely inside the walk-in bath, you can fill it up with water. Walk-in baths from Premier Care in Bathing are fitted with thermostatic-controlled mixer taps, so it’s easy to get the temperature just right.

When you’ve finished enjoying your bath, simply drain the water away, open the door and get out. Some walk-in baths even feature heated seats, so there’s no need to worry about getting cold when you’re running the water or emptying your bath.

Walk-in baths are a great option if you want to enjoy the benefits of ultra-low-level access, but don’t want to compromise on the depth of the water in the bath. For example, the Assure Premier walk-in bath is twice as deep as a traditional bath, even though it is half the size.

Full-length walk-in baths with a side door

Walk-in baths are available in a range of designs. Some of these easy-access low baths have an inward-opening door at the side. To get into the bath, you just have to open the door and step in. There’s no need to worry about having to lift your leg over the side.

Compact walk-in baths with a door at the end

Walk-in baths with the door at the end tend to be more compact, so they fit easily into smaller bathrooms. The Cove walk-in bath has a contoured moulded backrest, armrests and an integral upright seat to offer optimum comfort and support. The door opens outward and there is a low-level access step, which makes it easy to get in and out of the bath.

Low baths with powered seats

If you want a full-length bath with a powered seat, the Empower walk-in chromotherapy bath is ideal. It has a side door and a powered seat, which will effortlessly lower you in and raise you out of the bath. The seat is even fitted with a battery backup for your peace of mind. Looking for something smaller? This bath is available in a shorter length that’s perfect for compact bathrooms.

P-shaped walk-in baths

If you want to create a contemporary feel in your bathroom, a P-shaped walk-in bath is an excellent choice. The shape of this type of bath allows for plenty of space to have a shower, but also offers the option to enjoy a relaxing soak in a full-length bath.

What other types of baths are there?

Large baths

If you want a bath that’s big enough for two, you might consider a double-ended bath. Otherwise, you could install a large and luxurious single-ended bath.

Freestanding baths

These baths are perfect if you want to create an eye-catching focal point in your bathroom. Freestanding baths are finished on all sides. They tend to be much heavier than other types of baths, so you’ll need to make sure your floorboards are strong enough. There are many different styles of freestanding baths to choose from, including elegant slipper baths and traditional roll-top baths.

Shower baths

These baths combine convenience and luxury. They also help to save space, as you don’t need to install a separate bath and shower unit.

L-shaped baths

These baths are good space-savers as you can install a shower above the larger section.

P-shaped baths

These baths have an extended section with an infill, which helps to minimise the amount of water needed to fill up the bath. You still have the same amount of space to relax, and the extended section offers additional space for showering.

You can choose between a left or right-handed P-shaped bath to suit the layout of your bathroom.

Whirlpool baths

If you want your bathroom to be a relaxing haven, installing a whirlpool bath is a perfect choice. You can find whirlpool baths in a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations.

Sunken baths

This type of bath is built into the floor of the bathroom. Usually, the basin of the tub is below the floor line.

Corner baths

These space-saving bathtubs are suitable for even the smallest bathrooms.