A walk-in bath is, in some respects, as familiar as a standard bath, but will always raise questions when people consider having one fitted. Here are our answers to some of the questions about walk-in baths we hear every day:
1) How high is the step into the walk-in bath?
2) Do I have to sit inside while the bath fills with water?
Yes, you have to step in and close the door behind you and then start filling the bath. It won’t take too long. Expect it to be a couple of minutes, depending on the desired water level and the pressure of the hot water system, something Absolute Mobility would assess before a walk-in bath is fitted. In some cases a pump would be installed where a standard gravity fed hot water system provides low water pressure.
3) Will I be able to reach the taps and plugs?
Everyone’s mobility is different and some people may find it easier than others. It may be helpful to look at your existing bath and imagine it configured as a walk-in bath and what it would be like to reach the taps and plugs. Short length, sit in tubs are often popular with people who need the taps and plugs in easy reach.
4) How secure is the door?
Very secure and it will not leak. Some bath manufacturer’s offer a lifetime guarantee on the door seal for added peace of mind. People have front loading washing machines in their homes without a second thought and the principle of a walk-in bath door is exactly the same.
5) How hot is the hot water? Is there a risk of scalds or burns?
All walk-in baths must be fitted with a thermostatic valve which regulates the hot water at a maximum of 43 degrees and no hotter. This prevents any risk of scalds or burns as the bath fills with hot water.
6) Do I have to wait for the bath to drain before I get out?
Yes, you have to pull out the plugs and let the water fully drain away before you open the door. It should take roughly the same time as your current bath takes to drain depending on how much water you have used.
7) I have trouble getting up and down in the bath. Is a walk-in bath still suitable?
Yes, but we recommend a power lift seat to provide assistance with lowering you into the bath and raising you back up again. See our Cambridge, Aventis and Luxor walk-in baths as an example. The walk-in P-shape shower baths, Louisiana and Paragon also have power lifts on them.
8) Can other family members use the walk-in bath?
Of course. Once the door is closed a walk-in bath is just the same as a standard bath. If the bath has a power lift seat, lower it out of the way or choose a model with a removable seat.
9) Can the bath be custom made to my preferred sizes?
No. That said we have many different walk-in baths in different sizes so you are sure to find something suitable. Some models have a 1500mm (59 inch) long version as well as the more familiar 1700mm (67 inch) long bath. For smaller or unusual spots, consider a short length sit in tub, which will be about 1200m (47.3inches) long, though our Maestro walk-in bath is just 900mm (35.5 inches) long. During installation, the bath can be recessed into the wall if slightly too big. Boxing in or storage units can fill any empty space left at one end of the bath.
10) Can I see a walk-in bath before I buy one?
Yes, we have a by appointment showroom in Henley on Thames with examples of walk-in baths on display. In addition we have mobile showrooms that can visit you with examples of walk-in baths on board and we can provide a quote for fitting the bath in the same visit.
Seeing a walk-in bath in person is a great way to make up your mind if it will be suitable or not. You will be able to try out the step height, how you would manoeuvre into and out of the bath, how you can reach the taps and plugs, and see how you get on with a power lift seat. If you find a walk-in bath is not as manageable as you hoped, you should consider an easy access shower, which will provide a much lower step threshold and easier to reach shower items.
If you’d like to make an appointment to see a walk-in bath, please call us on 0800 29 22 110. Or if you have a question that we have not answered above, please feel free to get in touch. We’d be more than happy to help.
10 March,2017
