How does a walk-in bath work?
Few parts of our routine are as relaxing as bath time. The stresses and strains of everyday life seep away as we soak in soapy, luxuriant water – but what happens when getting in and out of the bath starts to cause its own headaches? Back in the days, the only solution was to give up bathing altogether – but the advances in bathroom design mean that reduced mobility needn’t stop you spending time in the bath. With a walk-in bath, you can continue to soak in comfort without having to endure the cumbersome climb into the tub.
Read on, as we detail everything you need to know about walk-in baths.
What is a walk-in bath?
A walk-in bath is an easy-access bathing solution – which includes a watertight door, so users can enter the bath without having to step over the side of the tub.
How does a walk-in bath work?
1. Getting in
In a walk-in bath, part of the tub wall is replaced by a watertight door. Rather than having to climb over the bath wall and into the tub, you can simply open the door and enter the bath via a low-entry step.
2. Filling
Once the door is closed and sealed, you can begin filling the bath to your optimum temperature with our thermostatic bath filler – which comes as standard with all our walk in baths, and ensures your safety while bathing.
3. Relaxing
Once filled, simply soak, and unwind – enjoying the benefits of warm, restorative water.
4. Draining
When you have finished bathing, you can begin emptying the tub – which must be fully drained before the user opens the door and exits, to avoid water spillage. Heated seats can be added to some walk-in baths to increase comfort during the filling and draining process.
What are the benefits of a walk-in bath?
For those with reduced mobility, a walk-in tub can help take the stress out of the bathing process. The low-level door access makes getting in and out of the tub much safer and easier than in a standard bath – so if stepping over the tub wall has started to become a challenge, a walk-in bath can ease the strain on your body and mind.
Plus, our walk-in baths feature a range of safety features as standard – including grab bars, slip-resistant floors, and contoured seats – to ensure your bathing experience is as safe and comfortable as possible.
The potential benefits of walk-in baths are endless. Many who’ve previously struggled to bathe without assistance have found their independence restored by walk ins; likewise, those faced with the prospect of giving up bathing altogether have discovered they can continue to enjoy soaking in warm, restorative waters.
And bathing itself has so many benefits – from soothing aches and pains to improving circulation and helping reduce stress. Studies have even shown that a soak in the tub can help you get a better night’s sleep.
Even those who prefer showering but are struggling to stand for long periods may find a walk-in bath to be an ideal solution – hand-held showers can be added on some models which can be used while you sit in comfort.
And don’t forget, walk-in baths can be customised with chromotherapy, heated seats, and a range of spa options.
Does a walk-in bath really make bathing safer?
Yes. Simply removing the need to hurdle the bath wall reduces the risk of a bathroom fall – while the addition of grab bars and slip-resistant flooring makes getting in and out of the bath a much safer process.
What are the different types of walk-in baths?
Full-length walk-in baths: Full-length walk-in baths are almost identical to standard tubs – the major difference being that part of the bath wall is replaced with a watertight door. Since full-length walk ins tend to have similar dimensions to regular baths – and can easily occupy the space where a normal bath once stood – they are a popular choice for those upgrading to mobility bathrooms. Our full-length walk-in models, Empower and Momentum, come with motor powered riser seats, further increasing comfort and ease of access for the bather.
Short-length walk in baths: If space is a concern, you may want to consider one of our shorter, deeper walk-in models – Haven, Cove, Assure and Tranquility. All feature motor powered riser seats and low-level, step entry – with Tranquility featuring the lowest door entry available in the UK.
P-shaped walk-in baths: P-shaped walk ins are perfect for those who prefer a shower-bath combination experience – since they offer a little extra space, perfect for showering while in the tub. Our Paradise walk in features a lift powered seat and an inward opening door, which allows it to fit into narrower bathrooms despite its size.
Can I still have a walk-in bath if I have a smaller bathroom?
At Premier Care, we have a range of walk-in baths to fit bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. Those short on space may want to consider our deeper, short-length walk in models – Haven even features an inward opening door, making it a great option for smaller bathrooms.
If you’re struggling to decide which of our walk-in baths is perfect for you, why not get a free brochure or book a free, no-obligation survey to assess your installation options and receive a price quotation.