How Do Walk-In Baths Work?

Published: 18 March 2025

sing a traditional bathroom can become quite a struggle when we get older. However, bathrooms can be adapted with accessibility-friendly features to help us and those we love retain independence when bathing, even with mobility issues.

Using a traditional bath can become more challenging due to several factors:

1. Mobility Issues: Stepping over the high sides of a bath can be difficult for those with reduced flexibility or balance problems, increasing the risk of falls.

2. Slippery Surfaces: Wet floors and smooth bath surfaces make it easy to slip, particularly when getting in or out.

3. Lower Strength & Stability: Lifting oneself up from a low bath position can be difficult, especially for those with reduced muscle strength or joint pain.

4. Temperature Sensitivity: Older adults may be more sensitive to hot or cold water, increasing the risk of burns or discomfort.

5. Limited Independence: Struggles with bathing can lead to a loss of confidence and the need for assistance, reducing overall independence.

If you’re an individual who prefers to have a bath, then a walk-in bath could be the ideal solution.

In this article, we’re going to explain how walk-in baths work, and the benefits they provide to those with accessibility, disabled, and mobility difficulties.

How Do Walk-In Baths Work And How Much Do They Cost?

Before installing a walk-in bath, you should assess your requirements and the challenges you face with the existing solution. You can also seek advice from a professional within the health industry to help make a decision.

Another factor to consider is the size of your bathroom, to ensure you can have a walk-in bathtub fitted.

Safety is a top priority so popular fixtures, like grab bars, help to increase this and can help you get in and out of the bath and keep your balance whilst moving throughout the space.

Prices for a walk-in bath can vary depending on the design and requirements, so we recommend determining your budget before making a decision.

The cost of mobility baths depends on the type you choose. In general, all walk-in baths start at around £2,000. However, some extras can be included that can then take the cost of a bath up to as much as £10,000, with some being in excess of 15,000. This is for the bath alone, with no installation.

We have a team of experts at More Ability who can fully explain the functionality and price of a walk-in bath and whether they're right for you. We can also provide you with complete peace of mind with our fully project-managed service to deliver a walk-in bath.

Alternatively you can read our fully comprehensive How Much Does A Walk In Bath Cost article.

The Design And Features Of Walk-In Baths:

The design of a walk-in bath is usually with a focus on safety and accessibility, for the individuals and the challenges that they face. Walk-in bath designs can vary with sizing and manufacturer. However, there are a few of the main features.

1. Low entry - the low entry into the walk-in bath, eliminates the traditional high bathtub wall, ensuring your safety and making it easier for you to enter.

2. Watertight door - this could be a worry for some; however, they’re designed in a way to prevent any water from leaking out. With the door on the side of the tub, they can swing either way.

3. Quick drain system - depending on the drainage system that is installed for the walk-in bath, the standard that is usually fit is for an average-sized bath, holding approximately 25 gallons of water, and takes around 5-8 minutes to drain.

4. Built-in seating - some of the walk-in baths come with a built-in seat function which allows users to sit comfortably whilst bathing. The seat is positioned to a height that minimises the need for standing.

5. Optional features - the optional features that can be added to a walk-in bath include air jets, hydrotherapy (should be used under medical guidance) and heated seats.

6. Safety features - you can choose to include anti-slip vinyl flooring, which is there to reduce the risk of slipping. Grab bars can be installed around the concept to ensure the safety of the user whilst they’re using and moving around the bathroom space

The Process Of Using A Walk-In Bath:

A step-by-step process of a walk-in bath includes:

1. Preparing the bath so that it is free of any trip hazards, also confirming that the walk-in bath is open and secure.

2. The user would then need to enter the bath, then make sure that the door is fully closed and the seal is tight to prevent water from leaking out.

3. Once it is secure, you can start to fill the bath, allowing you to adjust the flow and temperature, all down to the user’s preference, and enjoy a soak.

4. After you have finished your bath, you must remain seated until the water has completely drained, and then you can talk your time by opening the door and exiting the bath, assisted by another member, or to retain independence you can use grab rails.

Benefits Of A Walk-In Bath:

1. Improved accessibility and safety for individuals with mobility challenges

Walk-in baths are designed to make daily life easier for an individual who typically has mobility challenges.

2. Therapeutic benefits for relaxation, pain relief, and circulation

Walk-in baths with therapeutic features can provide multiple benefits. Designed to enhance the bathing experience of the user and promote their overall well-being. The therapeutic benefits will vary from person to person depending on their requirements and should consult with health providers before they opt for the features for their walk-in bath.

3. Independence and self-care for ageing individuals or those with disabilities

Retaining your independence whilst using a walk-in bath is possible. Walk-in baths are designed to the user’s needs and requirements. There are a few accessible bathroom design features that can be included around the design to ensure that safety and independence are retained. With the walk-in baths built with a low-entry threshold, grab bars, and anti-slip vinyl flooring can maintain a user's safety.

4. Enhanced bathroom safety and peace of mind for caregivers

Depending on the user's requirements the fittings of accessible bathroom safety features in a walk-in bath provide peace of mind for the caregivers knowing that there is a safe measure in place to keep them safe.

Considerations When Choosing A Walk-In Bath:

1. Bathroom space and installation requirements

We advise that you require a walk-in bath; you have sufficient space to have one installed. The average size for one is 1,700mm x 700mm but with many models, size may vary

2. Customisation options

A walk-in bath can be customised to meet the user's needs, so the size of the bath can fit in the available space in the room. The door can swing either way depending on the user's choice. Safety features are chosen and made to the user's requirements. Your decision should also be influenced by your own accessibility needs, to ensure the final product makes bathing easier.

Budget Considerations And Available Features:

A set budget must be agreed upon for the design of the walk-in bath. The average cost of a full-length walk-in bath is £1,500 and can go up to £5,000 with added features. For additional information you can read our fully comprehensive How Much Does A Walk In Bath Cost article.

Maintenance And Care Tips:

We advise that you regularly clean the walk-in bath removing all the debris with a cloth, and rinse thoroughly. If you regularly use your walk-in bath, then we advise you to clean it daily to prevent a build-up of dirt and give it a deep clean bi-weekly. We also advise you to consistently inspect safety features that have been fit to ensure that they are still fit for purpose.

That is our full guide to a full walk-in bath, we have gone through in detail, the design and features, costs, the process, and benefits of using a walk-in bath. If you are facing challenges with your existing design we offer a full design and fit service at More Ability and we can help to design and fit a walk-in bath solution for you. you can book a free design appointment, visit one of our showrooms or call us to speak to one of our friendly design experts.

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