How Much Does a Walk-In Tub Cost?

Walk-in tubs are an investment for seniors, costing anywhere between $2,300 and $20,000+ in 2025. However, when traditional bathtubs are particularly dangerous for older Americans, who lead the nation in fall-related deaths and injuries, the investment is well worth it. 

Installing a walk-in tub is a game-changer for people with weakened muscle strength, mobility, or balance. The tubs have a swinging door that allows you to walk into them without climbing over a steep edge. When the door closes, it seals to retain the bath water and remains closed until the water fully drains. Walk-in tub doors open outward into the bathroom but can be designed to open inward, accommodating a wheelchair or saving space in a smaller room.

Safety features like these prevent water spills and slip hazards, while also providing therapeutic relief to individuals with physical impairments or those who are overweight, who may benefit from hydrotherapy or regular soaking sessions. The only downside? Installing a walk-in tub can be expensive.

Let’s go over the average costs, so you can weigh the pros and cons of a new installation.

A Breakdown Of The Cost of Walk-In Tubs for Seniors

The cost of a walk-in tub ranges from about $2,300 for a basic soaker to $25,000 for a two-person, spa-like experience. When no major plumbing changes, water heater fixes, or home improvements are required, most seniors will pay around $13,000 to purchase and install an ADA-approved walk-in tub.

However, costs still vary widely based on the size of the tub, the number of jets, the type of seat, and the various therapeutic and design options you choose. Larger tubs cost more and increase your utility bills for running and heating the water.

• Standard walk-in tub: $2,500 to $5,000
• Air bath or hydrotherapy tub: $5,000 to $10,000
• Bariatric bathtub: $7,000 to $10,000
• Combination bath (air and hydrotherapy) tub: $7,000 to $15,000

Some companies offer financial assistance, which can help you get all the walk-in tub features you need without paying for it all upfront.

Cost of Walk-In Tub Materials

Below is a breakdown of common walk-in bathtub materials, their key benefits, and the typical cost ranges to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Material	Benefits	Average Cost
Fiberglass (FRP)	– Very affordable – Lightweight and easy to install – Many shapes and sizes available	$200 – $800
Gelcoat Fiberglass	– Smooth, glossy finish – More durable than standard fiberglass – Easy to clean – Many color options	$1,000 – $3,000
Acrylic	– Lightweight and easy to install – Excellent heat retention – Chip and crack resistance – Many shapes and sizes available	$500 – $2,000
Enameled Steel	– Relatively affordable – Highly durable and chemical resistant – Smooth, glossy finish	$300 – $1,500
Cast Iron	– Extremely durable and long-lasting – Excellent heat retention	$500 – $2,500+

Walk-In Tub Prices By Brand

Compare popular walk-in tub brands, their standout features, and price ranges to find the model that best fits your needs and budget.

Brand	Top Features	Price
Kohler	– Soaker tub with grab bars – Hydrotherapy and air jets – Fast-drain technology	$8,500 – $25,000
American Standard	– Lifetime warranty on bath and installation – Quick drain – Self-cleaning system	$4,000 – $11,000
Safe Step	– Hydrotherapy – Aromatherapy – Chemotherapy for arthritis	$5,000 – $20,000
Boca	– Lowest step (two inches) – Heated seats – Auto-dry features	Starting at $7,000
Ella	– Two-seater tubs – Petite and tall sizes	$4,000 – $10,000
Universal Tubs	– Wheelchair-accessible – Stream jets	$2,000 – $8,000

*Prices based on no additional home modifications. The age of your home may also impact these prices.

How Much Does a Walk-In Shower Cost?

Walk-in showers cost between $4,000 and $9,000 on average, making them more expensive than standard tubs, but more affordable than options with additional features.

The walk-in shower design is appealing to many seniors, as it creates a seamless bathing experience wherein you can step in and out of the bath without fear of tripping. Many also include their own additional features, like grab bars and shower seats

What Are Typical Walk-In Tub Installation Costs?

The average national cost to install a walk-in tub ranges from $2,500 to $8,000. While installing a walk-in bathtub isn’t generally complex, removing the old tub and tub surround adds to the total cost of a walk-in tub. The cost of a bathroom remodel like this will largely depend on the company you choose to work with.

Safe Step tub prices, for example, include installation costs, whereas tubs from Home Depot typically do not. Most brands do include installation fees with your purchase, but we still recommend accounting for at least six to eight hours of labor cost.

Installation costs will increase if you buy a walk-in tub with more features beyond what’s included in a standard model. For example, the installation might require additional plumbing, tile, and electrical work if you choose a deeper tub with a higher water capacity or one with heated seats. If the tub is equipped with hydrotherapy or air jets, the installation expense increases substantially—around $1,500 to $5,000.

A tub can hold 50 gallons or more, so you may need to upgrade your water heater or plumbing to match. Talk with the brand and installation team to determine whether these updates are included in your walk-in tub and installation estimate. Be mindful of how a new walk-in tub could impact your monthly bills.

Walk-In Tub Maintenance and Warranties Cost

Walk-in tub maintenance costs are typically low, although higher-end models with mechanical elements, such as whirlpool jets or heated backrests, may require more frequent upkeep. You can clean jetted tubs every few months with a specialty cleaner and have a plumber or electrician inspect the motors every few years.

Reputable manufacturers, such as the brands mentioned above, offer long-term warranties and comprehensive customer service plans. When comparing your options, look for lifetime guarantees and other valuable service protections that keep your tub functional for years to come.

Walk-In Tub Cost Factors

From basic to luxury, there are many factors to consider that will impact the total cost of a walk-in tub:

• Easy-to-reach controls and anti-slip surfaces: Walk-in tubs usually come with a hand-held shower head and handrails for easy sit-down bathing.
• Low step-in threshold: The standard threshold is four to seven inches high, but some manufacturers offer even lower entries to reduce trip hazards.
• Safety-tested features: Tubs with CSL/UL approvals meet safety and sustainability standards. Health associations that have reviewed the product, like the Arthritis Foundation, may help you decide on one brand over another.
• Fast draining: Fast fill and draining abilities eliminate the waiting process. Tubs furnished with fast drains can empty in about two to three minutes. Remember, walk-in tubs can hold 50 to 80 gallons of water.
• A backrest: True comfort soaking requires a backrest to ease sore muscles and joints, especially if the backrest is heated.
• Air and hydrotherapy: An air bath provides relief to those with diabetes or circulation issues by pushing millions of tiny air bubbles through small air jets. A hydrotherapy or whirlpool bath provides deep tissue massage and can soothe muscle aches. A bariatric bath is well-suited for individuals who are larger or have mobility issues. Combination tubs feature both air and water jets, allowing for easy switching between the two settings.

Important consideration: When shopping for a tub, prioritize function and safety, followed by health-related functions. Consider your future needs as well. Door widths and mobility aides can greatly impact what door width you need and whether any door options will fit your devices. If you can’t functionally use a walk-in tub now and in the future, paying for one will be pointless.

Paying for a Walk-In Tub

Medicare does not cover the costs of a walk-in bath, but Medicaid or Veterans Affairs might cover a portion of the walk-in tub if you have adequate documentation from a doctor. This may include a prescription, letter of medical necessity, and/or evaluation from a rehab professional. Medicaid coverage varies from state to state, so research your state’s policies, or contact your Medicaid provider or support coordinator to determine the financial assistance available to you.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program provides grants and loans to low-income, rural homeowners to make home modifications such as remodeling a bathroom to allow for a walk-in tub. This program also oversees the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants program, which offers loans with a 1% interest rate to assist low-income seniors with improving their homes for safety.

Some states may have additional funds or low-to-no-interest loans for those who demonstrate a medical need. For example, the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Fund can cover medically necessary things with a 0% interest loan up to $7,000.

Are Walk-In Tubs Tax-Deductible?

The IRS allows you to deduct certain medical expenses from your taxes, including a walk-in tub. But again, you’ll need to have a prescription from your healthcare provider, deeming it necessary for health reasons. With this letter, you can deduct part of the tub expense for the year the doctor advised you to install it. Always check with a tax professional when planning to claim these benefits.

If your walk-in tub is not tax-deductible or covered by insurance, talk to the tub dealer or manufacturer about financing options. Most companies offer coupons and low-interest payment plans for qualified customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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