What To Consider When Buying A Safe Step Walk-In Tub

When a senior is aging in place the bathtub wall can become a big obstacle as mobility decreases. One option that is becoming more popular is a Walk In Bathtub from a company like Safe Step (No Affiliation).

Safe Step Walk In tubs for seniors are designed for the ultimate in safety, comfort and convenience for anyone with limited mobility but a need for independence.

They are promoted by celebrities like Pat Boone but don’t let that put you off as they really are worth investigating if you are elder proofing a home and want to give some independence in the bathroom for a senior aging in place.

Installing a Walk In Bathtub can free a senior from having to wait for a loved one to visit and allow them to bathe whenever they want. Walk In Bathtubs give a level of independence that feels real.

Features Of A Safe Step Walk In Tub

Inward or outward opening door

Safe Step offer the options of the door opening into the bathtub or out from the bathtub. This is because different people have different needs and there are pro’s and cons to both options

Inward Opening Door – An Inward Opening Door allows easy access to the walk in tub and also is better for preventing leaks as once full the water pressure keeps the seal tightly closed

Outward Opening Door – Can be preferable if mobility is limited as an outward opening door leaves more space in the bathtub for your loved one to move around without the risk of tripping on the door. It also means that if the floor outside the tub has good drainage then the door can be opened before the tub is completely emptied so minimises the time a senior is exposed to cold air.

Therapeutic Benefits

With options for everything from Aromatherapy to massaging water jets Safe Step has the following therapeutic options:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is widely accepted as a great way to relax and soothe the mind. Holistic practitioners promote smell as a major part of the relaxation process and they also believe that it plays a key part in psychological and physical healing.

Safe Step took this and incorporated it into their Walk In Tub with options for essential oils to dissolve and emit relaxing fragrances through their MicroSoothe® Advanced Air Therapy System.

Chromotherapy

Chromotherapy is basically color therapy. It is believed that different colors can benefit mental wellness and reduce anxiety. Chromotherapy is actually a standard feature on all Safe Step Walk In Tubs. They have 7 options of light colors so depending on what a senior is feeling that day they can find something that suits their mood.

Hydro-Jet Water Therapy

Safe Step Walk In tubs can include Hydro-Jet Water Therapy which is a system of 10 water jets that are placed in such a way that they target tight and aching areas.

The water jets have adjustable speed and intensity depending on the needs of a senior. They can be adjusted to target specific problem areas if required.

Personal Hygiene Therapy

For seniors aging in place keeping their intimate areas clean can be difficult if mobility is restricted. The Safe Step Walk In Tubs can include an option for those ‘hard to reach’ places with personal hygiene therapy.

It works via a bidet built into the seat so a senior can clean themselves thoroughly in comfort and without fisk of slipping or falling and with dignity.

Now you may start thinking that this means the water in a Safe Step Walk In Tub will be dirty because of this system but Safe Step has this covered and features their Water Ozone Cleaning System as standard. This purifies all the water through the jets and prevents any bacteria from being circulated in the bathtub.

This ensures your loved ones will experience sanitary bathing every time.

Heated Seat & Back

The last thing you want when aging in place is to sit in a cold bathtub waiting for it to fill up. Whilst the Safe Step Walk In Tub does include fast fill and drain it could still be chilly. Safe Step have included a surface-mounted heating system to gently warm the tub’s seat and back, it will pre-heat in only 2-3 minutes and be at full heat within 8 minutes. It includes a thermal cut off so there is no risk of someone getting scalded if they cannot move quickly enough.

How Fast Does It Fill & Drain?

A Safe Step Walk In Tub will fill up within 5 minutes and drain within 2 minutes. However, this is also dependent on the plumbing of the building it is installed in and the water pressure available. If you are installing a walk in bathtub for a senior citizen then make sure the plumbing and pressure is also assessed before installation starts.

What Warranty Does It Come With?

A Safe Step Walk In Tub is not a small investment so I really like that it comes with a lifetime warranty for:

• The bathtub itself, including any manufacturing defects
• The door seal
• The faucets
• Water pumps, heaters & blowers.
• Parts and labor

However, there are some restrictions like any caulking only has a 2-year warranty so after that if some caulking leaks and damages it, you won’t be covered. It is best to speak to Safe Step directly before buying to make sure they haven’t excluded anything else from their warranty.

Safe Step Walk In Tub Dimensions & Sizes

The most common size is 52 inches long and 30 inches high but can vary as they are tailored to the each user to meet their needs. There are 3 standard sizes but this can then be customized as needed.

For example, there may be lots of space to install a large walk in tub but the water heater in the premises is too small to handle it.

How To Install A Safe Step Walk In BathTub

Luckily you don’t have to. All Safe Step Walk In Tubs come with installation included in the overall price and has a 100% guarantee. It will take a maximum of two days to install but most are completed in one. All Safe Step Installers are screened, certified and insured for the safety of seniors.

Safe Step Walk In Tubs are designed to simply replace an existing bathtub without remodelling the whole bathroom. Safe Step Contractors will remove the existing bathtub and will clean the area after the installation is complete.

What Does A Safe Step Walk In Tub Cost?

$10,000 is the minimum that should be budgeted to buy and install a Safe Step Walk In Tub.

When I called up Safe Step, they were reluctant to give out pricing as a lot depends of the actual space that it will be installed in but for $10,000 you should be able to get you a standard size with base features only. If you had a customized tub with all the features it will run you more like $25,000 plus installation costs of up to $5,000

I guess it is important to remember that this isn’t just any old bathtub that you are buying it is the peace of mind that a senior aging in place is safe and can independently bathe themselves in comfort

How To Clean A Safe Step Walk In Tub

Like anything else, preventative maintenance and regular cleaning will maximise the life of your walk in tub.

• Do not use things like wire brushes, steel wool or any abrasive item as this will damage the bathtub.
• Epsom salts can be used in moderation and will not harm the tub.
• All the electrical items do not need any maintenance and will void the warranty if messed with and taken apart.
• Make sure you keep the seals, jets and faucets mould free to prevent disease
• do not use any oils in anywhere except in the aromatherapy compartment.

For regular cleaning, the official advice from Safe Step is that after someone has finished using the tub make sure all surfaces are rinsed with warm water from the flexible shower head. Once a week wash all the surfaces with an acrylic friendly cleaner and then once a month purge the entire system.

Are There Any Complaints Or Problems With The Safe Step Walk In BathTub?

Like any company, there will never be 100% satisfaction and that is for many reasons. Generally though the Safe Step Walk In Tub Reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Just make sure you read and understand the process in detail and help the company wherever possible. Safe Step, for example, cannot be expected to increase the water pressure to speed up the tub fill times, that sort of stuff will be down to you.

How Does The Safe Step Walk In Tub Contract Work And Can You Get Out Of It?

Like any other sales contract you sign up to buy the item and on payment, it gets delivered & installed. Getting out of the contract with Safe Step is not so simple if you have signed but not yet paid.

Each circumstance will be different but what you have to do is speak constructively to Safe Step in the first instance and explain your situation. If you get no help there then consider getting legal advice on the contract to see if you have any wiggle room.

Be careful though as Lawyer fees will rack up quickly and you may end up being better off buying the tub instead.

Related Questions

Does Medicare Cover Walk In Tubs?

Generally no because walk in bathtubs are not considered “durable medical equipment”. A walk in bathtub can be used by anyone unlike catheters, wheelchairs or blood glucose monitors.

However, there are cases of Medicare occasionally re-imbursing part of the purchase price of a walk in tub if there is a specific medical need and prescribed by a doctor so it is worth applying as the worst they can say is no.

Does A Walk-In Tub Devalue Your Home?

If a seniors home is in a retirement village then no, it will actually increase the value.

But if the house is in a younger area then it will make a house sale more difficult as the walk-in tub will not be required so a reduction in price might be required.