If you have mobility issues, getting in and out of the bath can be a challenge. However, there’s nothing nicer than relaxing in the bath but your mobility problems shouldn’t stop you from enjoying this.
A walk-in bath is a viable solution for anyone who finds it difficult to lift their leg and step into a regular bath. These bathroom adaptations can change the way you bathe making it safer and much more comfortable.
But what is a walk-in bath and how does it work? If you’re considering making your bathroom less of a challenge to use, this guide is for you.
What Is A Walk In Bath?
Walk in baths are designed for people who find it challenging to step over the side of a regular bath. Instead, they feature a watertight door which can be opened before getting into and filling the bath. Once you enter, you can simply shut the door behind you, fill the bath and relax.
When you’re finished bathing, you simply reverse the process, draining the water and then opening the door to get out.
These baths are ideal for people who may not be able to balance and therefore getting into the bath could be fraught with dangers. They’re also perfect for older people who find their mobility has deteriorated or anyone recovering from a serious injury or surgery.
Are There Different Types Of Walk In Baths?
There are options when it comes to a walk in bath. There are those that are known as sit up baths as well as full length baths so you can recline and relax as you soak.
It’s also worth considering that different walk in baths come with various door options. Usually this involves choosing between a side or front door as well as looking at whether the door opens inwards or outwards. If you have a smaller bathroom then a bath with an inward opening door will likely be the best option.
On top of this, many walk in baths come with additional features which can make your bathing experience feel a lot more luxurious. Here are just some of the features you might be able to choose from.
- Spatherapy involves jets that are located around the bath and these pump clean air into the water. This creates a massage-like feeling which is ideal for relaxing the muscles. This feature may be useful for people with conditions such as migraines, arthritis and sciatica where pain relief is needed.
- Chromotherapy is a type of light treatment which is perfect for those times when you need to chill out. It is believed that these waves of light energy create healing effects in the body. Not to mention how calming it is for the mind.
- Some walk in baths have a feature that is designed to keep you warm when filling and draining your bath. One of the things that puts a lot of people off buying a walk in bath is the thought of sitting and freezing while it fills and empties but with this feature, the seat and back remain warm so you are more comfortable.
- If you like to listen to music while you’re relaxing in the bath then some walk in tubs come with built in Bluetooth speakers.
How Do A Walk In Baths Work?
If you are trying to figure out whether a walk in bath is the right piece of equipment for you then it’s important to understand how they work. Below you’ll find information on exactly how a walk in bath works and it’s probably a lot simpler than most people imagine.
Entering The Bath
With a regular bath, you’ll usually fill it with water before you get in but walk in baths are different in that you’ll enter through the door and then add the water.
You’ll need to choose a bath that has a step that you can manage and many of them are very low so you won’t need to lift your legs at all.
There are some instances in which the bath can be installed sunken into the floor to further reduce the step height. However, this is not very common and even when the bath is not sunk, it’s still going to be very easy to step into.
Closing The Door
Before you can add any water to your walk in bath, you must close and seal the door. If you don’t then the bath will not be watertight. There have been horror stories of walk in baths leaking but in most cases, this is not down to a fault with the product but because the user has not correctly sealed the door.
The good news is that these baths are super easy to use so sealing the door doesn’t require a lot of effort which is good news if you have weakness due to a physical health condition. Moreover, a lot of walk in bath companies will offer a lifetime warranty on the seal so if it does break, you don’t have to worry.
Adding The Water
One of the things that a lot of people worry about when filling their walk in bath is that the water will feel too hot or too cold. This is a viable concern but manufacturers have got your covered as these baths feature a thermostatically controlled mixer tap. This allows you to get the water to a comfortable temperature.
How long your walk in bath takes to fill up will depend on various factors including the size of the bath and the water pressure. If the pressure is very low, your installer can add a pump to make filling the bath quicker.
Getting Out
Before you open the door, you will need to make sure that you fully drain your walk in bath. Again, how long this takes will largely depend on the size of the bath but it doesn’t take any longer than a regular bath.
As I mentioned earlier, there are some baths that come with a warming feature to keep you comfortable while the water drains. If your bath doesn’t benefit from this then you should make sure that you preheat your bathroom to a comfortable temperature.
When the water is fully drained, you can open the door and step out of the bath. It’s important to choose a bath that has a non-slip floor to avoid accidents when it is wet. Also, if you have balance problems, installing handrails can make the experience even safer.
Conclusion
A walk in bath is a great way to still be able to bathe even if you find it a challenge to get into the bath. With a low step and opening door, you can enter and exit your bath safely and easily.
Walk in baths are different from regular baths in that they should be filled and drained while you’re still in them. However, with warming features and some luxury added extras like spa therapy and built in speakers, you’ll have a relaxing experience right there in your own home.
