Walk-In Tub vs. Walk-In Shower: Which Is Right for You?
When an old bathtub starts to feel hard to use, most homeowners end up comparing two options: a walk-in tub or a walk-in shower. Both are designed to make bathing easier, but they work very differently. Here's a side-by-side look to help you decide which is worth exploring.
How a walk-in tub works
A walk-in tub has a door in the side, so you step in over a low threshold instead of climbing over the edge. Most have a built-in seat, and you sit while the tub fills. When you're done, the tub drains before the door can be opened. Many models offer extras such as water or air jets, a handheld shower and heated surfaces.
How a walk-in shower works
A walk-in shower replaces the tub with a shower that has a low or curbless entry. You can add a fold-down or built-in seat, a handheld shower head and grab bars. There's no waiting for water to fill or drain.
Side-by-side
- Getting in and out: Both are easier than a standard tub. A curbless shower has the lowest entry; a walk-in tub still has a small step and a door.
- Soaking: Only a walk-in tub lets you soak. If baths matter to you, that's a big point in its favor.
- Time: A shower is quicker. With a walk-in tub you sit in the tub while it fills and drains.
- Space: Both usually fit in the space of a standard tub, but check measurements for your bathroom.
- Water heater: A walk-in tub uses more hot water at once, so ask whether your water heater can keep up.
- Cleaning: Panel-wall showers and tubs are both fairly easy to keep clean; tile adds grout lines.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I actually take baths, or do I mostly shower?
- Is anyone in the home likely to need a seat or a wider entry in the future?
- Will this be the only bathtub in the house?
- How long am I comfortable sitting while a tub fills and drains?
- Is my water heater large enough for a deep tub?
The bottom line
If you love a long soak, a walk-in tub is worth a look. If you mainly want a safer, quicker, lower-maintenance way to wash, a walk-in shower or tub-to-shower conversion is often the simpler choice. A local provider can look at your bathroom and walk you through what will fit.
Planning a tub or shower project? Talk with an independent local provider. The call is free, with no obligation.
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