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Top-Rated Tubs:To learn more about walk-in tubs, be sure to check out our guide to this year’s best walk-in tubs.
Safety and Style: Often, I find that devices designed to keep older adults safe come at the expense of aesthetics. Tennis balls on a front wheel walker, anyone? Luckily, each of American Standard’s walk-in tubs provides a safe way to bathe with sleek and elegant design. Plus, many of their models were ADA compliant, meaning they met the highest standard of accessibility for people with disabilities.
Luxury Features: When all is said and done, we want bath time to be a source of comfort and relaxation. Luckily, American Standard walk-in tubs have luxurious features such as targeted massaging jets, aromatherapy, and even chromatherapy, a system of soothing lights submerged in the water. It turns a regular bath into a spa-like experience.
Professional Installation: Although I’m an expert when it comes to older adults, home improvement projects are not my strong suit. Thankfully, the experts at American Standard handle everything, from measuring out a space in your bathroom to installing the actual tub. You’ll hardly have to lift a finger. Best of all, installation came at no additional cost.
Cost of Entry: American Standard walk-in tubs, like most finer things in life, come at a hefty price. Their most affordable options start at around $5,000, and additional features such as support bars often cost extra.
Limited Tub Volume: While I had no issues fitting into my American Standard tub, many larger folks might have trouble squeezing in. For these people, I would recommend checking out a bariatric walk-in tub, a special type of tub designed to be wider.
Limited Warranty: Much like a sink or toilet, a tub should last for a long time. That’s why I was disappointed that American Standard only included a lifetime warranty on the tub’s door seal, while its shell and components are only covered for 15 and 10 years, respectively. I wish that American Standard was more like Kohler in this respect, as they offer a lifetime warranty on both the workmanship and tub itself.
Purchasing Advice: While American Standard’s full range of walk-in tubs can be purchased online, they can also be found in stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, so you can check them out in person.
Currently, American Standard offers four different types of walk-in tubs. While nearly all of these tubs feature built-in grab bars and quick fill/draining, we found there are several key differences. Here’s a brief overview of the different American Standard categories of tubs:
Savings Tip: If you purchase your walk-in tub directly from American Standard, the cost includes installation, whereas brick and mortar vendors usually charge an additional fee.
At the American Standard Factory, I was given an up-close look at one of American Standard’s higher-end models, the Luxury Series Right Drain Walk-in Tub, a combo massage tub with just about all the bells and whistles available.
Here’s a rundown of its features which I got to see:
The More You Know: Although most of American Standard’s walk-in tubs include safety grab bars, additional bars can be purchased for adjacent walls and installed with your tub.
American Standard Walk-in tubs are bathtubs to make bathing both safer and easier for those with limited mobility, which includes many older adults. Built with a seat and watertight door, these bathtubs take the hassle and risk out of bathing in a standard tub or shower. Additionally, many American Standard models feature massage capability and other luxury features.
It’s hard to say for certain which of their many models is best. What’s best for you depends upon a variety of factors including the size of your bathroom and the additional features you’d like. With that said, American Standard’s most popular model is their Luxury Series Walk-In Tub with Combo Air Spa and Whirlpool Systems, according to their website.
For any person with restricted mobility, walk-in tubs provide a safe and effective means of bathing. In addition to safety features such as handrails and textured floors, many models also have air jets, LED lighting, and aromatherapy capabilities, making them more spa-like and relaxing.
Much like any other bathtub or shower, your American Standard Walk-In Tub will get dirty over time. Luckily, you can give your tub a thorough scrub-down with a spray bottle and a solution of warm water and white vinegar.
Most likely, no. Unfortunately, for most people, walk-in tubs are not considered to be durable medical equipment. Because of this, Medicare will neither pay for nor contribute to the cost of your walk-in tub.