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Features and Benefits of Walk-In Bathtubs

By: Randy McIntire

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Walk-in bathtubs represent a great way to increase safety in the bathroom. Many people don't realize that for the elderly or the disabled, taking a shower or bath can be very challenging and unsafe. If you have mobility issues stemming from arthritis or a muscular disease, you probably already know how difficult it is to safely take a shower or bath. What makes walk-in bathtubs better in those situations is the fact that walk-in bathtubs feature a doorway that can be opened. This means that instead of having to clear a height of two feet or more (in a wet, slippery environment) to get into or out of the bathtub, a person may simply open the door. The user then only has to cover five inches of clearance, which makes a huge difference for the elderly or the disabled.
Another great thing about walk-in bathtubs is the variety of models, sizes, and features available. There are walk-in bathtubs that are the same size as ordinary bathtubs, which are meant to replace a bathtub in full-sized bathroom. On the other hand, there are walk-in bathtubs that fit into smaller areas, such as a small bathroom or a half-bath. These bathtubs cover a smaller area in the base, but are taller and have a seat for the user. The effect is similar to sitting in a hot tub, only smaller. In fact, many walk-in bathtubs also feature optional whirlpool jets, so the hot tub comparison becomes even more accurate with those options. There aren't many mobility aids out there that offer luxury along with increased safety, but a walk-in bathtub with whirlpool jets definitely falls into that category.
One of the more difficult decisions you may face when contemplating purchase of a walk-in bathtub is whether to buy one with an inward-swinging door or an outward-swinging door. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Inward-swinging doors on walk-in tubs are more prevalent because the water pressure holds the door in place, guaranteeing a tight seal. Also, if the walk-in bathtub is placed in a small bathroom and there isn't much room to maneuver around, having an inward-swinging door helps because it will still be easy to get into or out of the bathtub. Outward-swinging doors on walk-in bathtubs are popular for several big reasons, but are more expensive because they are harder to manufacture. If the door swings outward, the water pressure in the tub is working against it, not with it. As a result, manufacturers frequently use some form of mechanical means to hold the door in place and keep it watertight during a bath. Many users of walk-in tubs prefer an outward-swinging door because it's easier to maneuver around the door in the outside of the bathtub than inside the bathtub. One of the best things about an outward-swinging door is the increased safety it offers: if there is an emergency in the bathtub, the door can be opened and the water will spill out. This may create a risk of significant property damage from the water, but it can also save someone from drowning.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Randy McIntire is an author of health-related articles and consumer guides to medical supplies and mobility aids such as walk-in bathtubs. For more information, please visit Medical Supplies.

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