Dealing with physical as well as mental disabilities I've been aware of how many things are needed to make places disability friendly. A very common issue people with disabilities face is difficulty bathing. There are many different ways to make a home more accessible for bathing, and a walk-in bath is one of them. Here are things you might not know about them.
Walk-in tubs are convenient for many people, not only those with mobility issues. They suit the needs of most people who love a quick soak in the tub. Walk-in tubs are also ideal for young children. They have built-in seats, and some are heated for additional comfort. With walk-in tubs, the user can sit while bathing and performing other personal hygiene activities. Moreover, they can relax their muscles while in the tub.
One of the primary features that make walk-in tubs a good choice for many people, including young children and the elderly, is the ease of going in and out of the bath. Users do not need to climb up the side of the bathtub.
What is a walk-in tub?
A walk in bathtub is a type of bath with a watertight door. The door's purpose is to allow an individual to enter the tub without stepping over its side. The user shuts the door, so they can fill it with water and bathe comfortably. After bathing, the user drains the water and leaves the tub.
1. Sealed door and low-access entry
One of the key features of a walk-in bathtub is the low-step entry and sealed door. The height of the door depends on the size of the bath. A walk-in bathtub is often installed on the bathroom floor. But with the door, entering and leaving the walk-in tub is safer and easier for young children and people with mobility issues.
The door's seal is one of the crucial aspects of a walk-in bathtub. The buyer has to choose a reputable walk in baths UK supplier to ensure that they get one that carries a warranty on the door seals. In addition, the closing and sealing of the door should be effortless to prevent the elderly from exerting more strength to shut the door.
2. Filling a walk-in bath
Many people enquire how long it takes to fill a walk-in bathtub. Generally, it will depend on the water pressure of your home water system. Usually, it will take about ten minutes to fill a walk-in bathtub. The technique is to enter the bath and shut the door before filling the tub. But if your budget allows, you can choose a model with a thermostatically controlled mixer tap to control the water temperature automatically.
3. Draining the walk-in tub
This feature might inconvenience some people, but this is necessary. The user has to wait for the bath water to drain (about six to fifteen minutes) before they can get out of the walk-in bath. If you walk out of the tub before it drains completely, the water will spill out and wet the bathroom floor, which could make it slippery. At the same time, the spilt water can reach things that should remain dry.
A walk-in bathtub has built-in features, such as a non-slip floor, contour seat, and grab bars. Do compare models before you decide which one to purchase. High-end models may include other options like spa therapy, chromotherapy, heated seats and backrests, and even Bluetooth features so the user can enjoy their favourite music while bathing.