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Walk-in tub questions, answered
Past the basics of price and size, families ask us practical questions about everyday life with a walk-in tub. Here are the answers, grouped by topic.
Direct answer: Families most often ask what happens in a power outage (the door, seat and a gravity drain still work; jets and heaters stop), why a door might leak (usually a dirty or worn seal, a door not fully latched, or a tub out of level), and how to cancel a contract signed at home (the FTC Cooling-Off Rule gives three business days for many sales).
Real questions, real answersThe questions that come after "how much?"
Our home page answers the common questions about brands, sizes, cost and warranties. This page collects the questions people ask once they are seriously thinking about living with a walk-in tub. Tap any question to open the answer.
Do not see yours? Call 1-888-779-2284. A real person will answer, and your question may end up on this page.
Living with a walk-in tub
Do I get cold while the tub fills and drains?
You can, which is why a fast-fill faucet, a fast drain and a handheld shower matter. Many people rinse with warm water from the handheld shower while the tub drains. Heated seats or backrests are another option on some models. Warming the room before you start helps too.
How deep is the water in a walk-in tub?
Walk-in tubs are much taller than standard tubs, so seated bathers can usually soak much higher on the body, often close to the shoulders. The exact depth depends on the model and the bather's height. Ask for the spec sheet on any tub you are considering.
Can I take a quick shower instead of a bath?
Yes. Most walk-in tubs include a handheld shower, so you can sit on the seat and shower without filling the tub. Ella Lay Down models are designed for both bathing and showering.
How do I clean a walk-in tub?
Rinse and wipe it after each bath, and use gentle, non-scratch cleaners made for acrylic. Keep the door seal clean so it seals well. If you have jets, follow the manufacturer's cleaning cycle. Run the exhaust fan during and after bathing to keep the room dry.
What if the door seal starts to leak?
Most leaks come from a dirty or worn seal, a door that is not fully latched, or a tub that has shifted out of level. Clean the seal first and make sure the latch is fully closed. If water still appears near the door, call your installer. Small fixes are easy when caught early.
Walk-in tubs and your home
Will a walk-in tub hurt my home's resale value?
It depends on the buyer. In areas with many retirees, an accessible bathroom can be a plus to some buyers. Other buyers may prefer a standard tub. Many families keep a regular tub or shower in a second bathroom, which keeps options open for everyone.
How heavy is a walk-in tub when full?
A filled walk-in tub with a bather is heavy, often far heavier than a standard tub because it holds more water. Slab-on-grade floors handle this easily. For second floors and condo units, the floor and the model's filled weight should be checked before choosing a tub.
Can I install a walk-in tub in a rental home?
Only with the owner's written permission, because it is a permanent change to the property. Some landlords agree, especially for long-term tenants. Federal fair housing rules address reasonable modifications for people with disabilities, so ask the landlord and get the agreement in writing.
Will my existing tile be saved?
Sometimes. Removing an old tub can expose worn tile or wallboard behind it. Many installs use wall panels or a surround to finish the space cleanly. Your installer should look at the walls before quoting.
Does a walk-in tub need a bigger water heater?
Not always, but often. Deep tubs hold a lot of water. Ella lists a suggested water heater size for each model, and we check yours during the quote so we can tell you if it may come up short.
Hurricanes, outages and lightning
For a feature-by-feature table and generator safety rules, read what still works in a walk-in tub during a power outage.
Can I use a walk-in tub during a power outage?
The door, seat and a gravity drain work without power. Jets, heaters and any powered drain feature will not. If your water heater is electric, the water will cool and will not reheat until power returns. Be cautious bathing alone in a dark bathroom, and keep a battery light nearby.
Should I bathe during a thunderstorm?
No. The National Weather Service advises avoiding plumbing, including baths and showers, during a thunderstorm, because lightning can travel through plumbing. Wait until the storm has passed.
Can I fill my walk-in tub with water before a hurricane?
Many Floridians fill a bathtub before a storm for flushing and cleaning water. A walk-in tub can hold water for that purpose, but the door must stay latched, and the water is not for drinking. Keep children and pets away from a filled tub.
Will a hurricane delay my installation?
It can. Storms affect shipping, crews and power. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. We plan around the weather and keep you updated if dates need to move.
Everyone else in the house
Can grandchildren use a walk-in tub?
With an adult present, yes, but a walk-in tub is deeper than a standard tub and the bather sits on a raised seat. Young children need constant supervision around any filled tub. Many families keep a standard tub in a second bathroom for visiting grandkids.
Can my spouse and I share one tub?
Yes, if you choose a two-seat model. Ella makes the Tub4Two, Escape and Big4Two. They need a larger space and more hot water than single-seat tubs.
What if a family member is much taller or larger?
Choose interior size first. The Ella Big4One is built for bathers up to 7 feet tall, and the TransferXXL has a 29-inch seat. Have the largest regular bather try a seat width before you order if you can.
Protecting yourself as a buyer
Is it a red flag if a salesperson pushes me to sign today?
Yes. Be careful with "today only" pricing. A walk-in tub is a big decision, and a fair company gives you time to think, talk with family and compare quotes.
Can I cancel a contract I signed at home?
The Federal Trade Commission's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel many sales made in your home for $25 or more. There are exceptions, so read your contract and the FTC's guidance. The seller should give you a cancellation form.
How do I compare two quotes fairly?
Line up the same scope: tub model and options, removal and haul-away, plumbing, electrical, wall finish, permits, cleanup, timeline and every warranty. A quote that leaves items out only looks cheaper.
Do you sell tubs without installation?
Yes. We can supply the tub for experienced DIYers and contractors. Choose "supply only" on the quote form. Hydro Dimensions supply-only purchases from us include a 1-year labor warranty.
References
- National Weather Service, Lightning safety: weather.gov
- Federal Trade Commission, "Buyer's Remorse: The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule": consumer.ftc.gov
- HUD and U.S. Department of Justice, Joint Statement on Reasonable Modifications Under the Fair Housing Act (2008): hud.gov