How a walk-in tub works

Step by step

1. Step in. You open the door and step over a low threshold of about 3 to 6 inches¹.
2. Sit and close the door. A latch presses the door against a rubber seal.
3. Fill. Water fills while you sit. Fast-fill faucets shorten the wait.
4. Bathe. Jets, heated seats or lights run on electricity if the tub has them.
5. Drain. The water must drain before the door opens. Quick-drain systems, priced at $250 to $275², speed this up.
6. Step out. Grab bars help you stand.

The door and seal

Water pressure pushes on the door, so an inward-swinging door is pressed tighter as the tub fills. An outward-swinging door relies on its latch and seal. Both work when built and installed well. See outswing vs. inswing for which is easier to use.

Jets and heaters

Water jets pump bath water through nozzles. Air jets blow warm air through small holes. An inline heater keeps water warm but doesn't heat it from cold, so your water heater still matters. See jetted tubs.

What it needs from your home

• A drain and water supply, usually where your old tub is.
• Enough hot water to fill it.
• Electricity if it has jets or heaters, often a dedicated circuit costing $200 to $1,200³.