Walk-in tubs are exactly what they sound like—tubs you can walk into. They have doors that should be watertight and a much lower step-up level than traditional tubs do. Anyone can use walk-in tubs, but they’re usually targeted toward senior citizens, people who are obese and folks who have mobility issues.
In fact, some types of walk-in tubs are designed to provide people in wheelchairs with a great deal of independence as they bathe. They may be able to get into the tub right from their wheelchairs.
American Standard is a well-known company in this field and has carved out a reputation for combining luxury, massage therapy, top-notch safety and accessibility with its range of walk-in tubs.
The company offers tubs that are available in different door and installation configurations, and the tubs have varying options for features such as air baths and whirlpools.
What You Need To Know About Walk-in Tubs for Seniors
Common features of most walk-in tubs for senior citizens include a deeper and more relaxing bathing experience than with standard tubs (about 2.5 feet of water depth versus a little more than 1 foot), safety bars and handheld showers. Your tub should also have:
If you need a tub that is wheelchair accessible, some have a step-in lower than 3 inches. Similarly, if you are overweight, you may prefer a bariatric tub, which comes with a wider door and larger seat.
Why Should Seniors Use a Walk-in Tub?
About one in four seniors per year experiences a fall at home, with many of those falls occurring around a bathtub or shower. These falls send quite a few seniors to the emergency room and can seriously compromise their quality of life.
With walk-in tubs, seniors may be able to prevent falls and live at home longer. They and their family members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with this security.
Top Products of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
American Standard 3051.119.CRW Acrylic Luxury Series
American Standard 3051.119.CRW Acrylic Luxury Series
This tub is the most luxurious of the tubs touched on here, as you may have guessed from the number of jets and the price. It also uses less water and can fit into snugger spaces.
Key features include:
Reviews: There are no reviews on Amazon yet, but American Standard walk-in tubs generally get extremely favorable ratings.
If you have the budget for an extremely high-end tub, this could be it. This tub costs about twice as much as many other American Standard tubs, but you’ll certainly be in for a terrific massage experiences.
In fact, if you have severe issues with arthritis and pain, this tub may even be a must-buy because the other tubs may not have quite enough “oomph” to soothe your body to the extent that this tub can.
- Features the air spa system with 26 air jets that deliver advanced water-based therapy and provides an invigorating and...
- The variable speed heated blower delivers warmth through thousands of tiny bubbles that gently encourage circulation
- Features the Whirlpool massage system with an in-line heater for maintaining your bath’s water temperature
American Standard 3052OD.709.CLW-PC Gelcoat Value Series
This tub is just a bit larger than the one above, so you get a little more space while still enjoying a snug fit and the use of less water. You also pay about half the price.
Key features include:
Reviews: There are no reviews on Amazon yet, but American Standard walk-in tubs generally get extremely favorable ratings.
This tub comes at a good price, delivers great massages and a relaxing experience, and fits well into small spaces. However, these features may mean problems with finding it in stock.
- Fully equipped, the Value Series offers all the latest in safety and comfort features wtih the most advanced therapeutic...
- Features the Air Spa System with 21 air jets that deliver advanced water-based therapy providing an invigorating and...
- Constructed of durable, hi-gloss Gelcoat with easy-touch push button controls, includes a premium fast-fill faucet and...
American Standard 2848.109.WLW Gelcoat Premium Series (and 2848.109.CLW)
This is another well-priced tub that is smaller than the two above.
Key features include:
Reviews: There are no reviews on Amazon yet, but American Standard walk-in tubs generally get extremely favorable ratings.
If you’re looking for a more-affordable version of this tub, try the 2848.109.CLW Gelcoat Premium Series model. It comes with 26 air jets along with 13 water jets.
However, this model is a bit heavier at 205 pounds versus 189 pounds for the higher-priced model.
- Fully equipped, the Premium Series offers all the latest in safety and comfort features wtih the most advanced...
- Features the Air Spa System with 26 air jets that deliver advanced water-based therapy providing an invigorating and...
- Features the Whirlpool Massage System with 13 water jets, an in-line heater, a Legs-Only Massage for a soothing and...
American Standard 3260.219.CRL Acrylic Luxury Series
This tub can hold the most water of the tubs detailed in this review, and it is relatively large.
Key features include:
Reviews: There are no reviews on Amazon yet, but American Standard walk-in tubs generally get extremely favorable ratings.
This tub comes at a good price and can accommodate you if you are larger. It’s bigger than the other American Standard walk-in tubs, so it is best for more generous spaces.
It weighs a relatively hefty 324 pounds, and like many of the other tubs touched on here, it may be out of stock temporarily on Amazon.
- Fully equipped, the Value Series offers all the latest in safety and comfort features wtih the most advanced therapeutic...
- Features the Air Spa System with 21 air jets that deliver advanced water-based therapy providing an invigorating and...
- Features the Whirlpool Massage System with 6 water jets, an in-line heater, a Legs-Only Massage for a soothing and...
American Standard 3252OD.709.WRW-PC Gelcoat Value Series
This tub is comparatively affordable and designed for smaller spaces. It has many of the same high-quality features that the other tubs do.
Key features include:
Reviews: There are no reviews on Amazon yet, but American Standard walk-in tubs generally get extremely favorable ratings.
This tub weighs a relatively light 151 pounds and fits well in small spaces. Its features and affordability can be double-edged sword, as models may not be in stock.
- Features the air spa system with 26 air jets that deliver advanced water-based therapy and provides an invigorating and...
- The variable speed heated blower delivers warmth through thousands of tiny bubbles that gently encourage circulation
- Features the Whirlpool massage system with an in-line heater for maintaining your bath’s water temperature
Customer Reviews of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
The public perception of these walk-tubs is overwhelmingly upbeat. Many reviews mention the positive experience with the sales reps and that the reps can assess a bathroom space and give a good idea of what type of tub might fit and any modifications that may need to be done.
The installers generally do a good and accurate job, usually completing installations in a day or less. The quality of the product is high, and all of the components generally work as they should.
The reviews on other sites such as TrustPilot and ConsumersAdvocate are also overwhelmingly positive, with overall ratings totaling between four and five stars.
American Standard Walk-In Tubs vs. Ariel Bathtubs
Ariel Bathtubs is another company that makes and sells walk-in bathtubs with safety features geared toward senior citizens. Ariel’s tubs tend to cost less.
However, it’s not something that would be called wheelchair-accessible, exactly. For example, the seat and door are awkwardly positioned if someone wants to move from a wheelchair into the tub.
That said, it should be fine for people with restricted mobility. There also aren’t water jets and air jets with this model, although they can be added on from the manufacturer for a significant price increase.
Basically, most of Ariel Bathtub’s walk-in tubs are for budget shoppers and do not necessarily give consumers the luxury or pain relief they may expect with American Standard. Like with American Standard, customers generally review Ariel’s walk-in tubs positively.
They are grateful to be able to buy walk-in tubs for a lower price even if they are soaker tubs and do not necessarily come with jets.
Relevant Products and Accessories for Your Walk-In Bathtub
Final Review of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
American Standard walk-in tubs are a great option for consumers who have a little extra money to spend on luxury because of features such as air and water jets. In fact, such “luxuries” may actually be necessities. The reality is that many people who use walk-in tubs also have issues with arthritis or chronic pain.
By investing in an American Standard tub compared with something such as an Ariel tub that doesn’t come with jets, you may save money in the long term with fewer doctor appointments and an enhanced quality of life.
That said, if you are extremely budget-conscious and pain isn’t really an issue, you might prefer something like an Ariel tub. These tubs get great ratings as well, and you can explore the possibility of adding on jets if that’s what you want.
After reading this review, you may have questions about American Standard walk-in tubs, or perhaps you would like to add to what’s touched on here. If you have experience with walk-in tubs and tips for their purchase, use or installation, feel free to comment below. Leave your questions below, too!
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Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
