How Much Does a Walk-In Tub Cost?

A walk-in tub costs an average of $9,000, ranging from $3,750 to $31,500. This type of tub can be a pricy addition to a home but is excellent for those with accessibility or mobility issues or safety concerns about slipping. Many types exist, from soaking, hydrotherapy, wheelchair accessible, and more.

Walk-in Tub Installation Cost

Installing a walk-in tub costs from $5,700 to $12,400. Additional work, such as flooring, tiling, extra plumbing, or electrical work, can cost $10,000 or more. The installation cost is even greater if flooring needs to be strengthened to support the added weight or if doors need to be widened or walls removed.

Cost by Type

A walk-in tub costs $2,000 to $13,500, ranging from a basic soaker at the lower end to an oversized, bariatric model at the more expensive end.

Soaking Walk-in Tub

A soaking walk-in tub costs between $2,000 to $5,000. It has all the space and basic features of a walk-in tub but does not have jets or a showerhead.

Hydrotherapy or Aerotherapy Walk-in Tub

A therapeutic walk-in tub offers the massaging power of jets. You can get hydrotherapy (water jets) or aerotherapy (air jets). The cost for this whirlpool-type tub runs from $4,000 to $7,500. These therapeutic tubs help ease aching joints and muscles. Hydrotherapy has been used historically as a treatment for many ailments since ancient times.

Wheelchair Accessible Walk-in Tub

A wheelchair-accessible or transfer walk-in tub costs between $3,200 and $11,000. Its door opens outward for easier slide-in access, and some wheelchair-friendly walk-in tubs are ADA-compliant. The wheelchair does not enter the walk-in tub. These tubs can come with or without jets.

Tub-shower Walk-in Tub

A shower-tub hybrid includes a showerhead. It costs between $2,750 and $12,500 and can be open or fully enclosed.

Two-Seat Walk-in Tub

On average, a two-seat walk-in tub costs $5,250 to $12,500. It is large: up to 36 inches wide by 80 inches long, with 40-inch-high sides. Its distinguishing feature is its double seats that face each other, like a hot tub. 

Bariatric Walk-in Tub

The cost range for a bariatric walk-in tub is $5,500 to $13,500. Walk-in tubs are typically large, but bariatric tubs are up to 12 inches wider to accommodate larger users. The seat and door are also wider. 

Cost by Feature

Walk-in tubs have no shortage of optional features that add to their comfort and functionality while incrementally raising costs.

Overflow Protection

Installing overflow protection in a walk-in tub costs $150. Tub overflow diverts water when it gets too high, preventing the tub from overflowing and averting potentially expensive damage to the home. The cost of overflow protection starts at $100 and goes up to $200.

Heated Backrest

An optional heated backrest for a walk-in tub costs about $490. It helps ease a sore back and increases comfort.

Ozone Sterilization

Adding an ozone sterilization feature for a walk-in tub costs $150. Ozone sterilization sends safe, natural ozone gas through the hydrotherapy jets to aid with cleaning the tub. Ozone breaks down dirt and bacteria for deeper cleaning than manual cleaning can accomplish.

Accessories or Add-on Features

Certain add-ons like a fast-fill faucet or fast drain can be purchased or added to the cost of your tub. Each of these features costs about $400. For accessibility and safety, grab bars are a must-have for some, costing $340 to include in your package. Also, consider getting a handheld showerhead to make washing a little easier.

Cost by Material

Due to its durability, acrylic is considered a premium material for walk-in tubs, but gelcoat is an affordable alternative.

Acrylic

The cost range for an acrylic walk-in tub is $2,000 to $7,000. Acrylic walk-in tubs are made from vacuum-formed acrylic. They are hard, durable, and glossy. Their color lasts a long time and is resistant to chipping.

Gelcoat

A walk-in tub made of gel coat material costs $2,000 to $7,000. Gelcoat is a resin with fiberglass particles sprayed onto a mold and additional fiberglass. It's a little more porous than acrylic, making it harder to keep clean. Its color also tends to fade faster than acrylic.

Fiberglass

The cost of a fiberglass walk-in tub starts at $1,000 and goes up to $12,000. Layers of fiberglass fabric are impregnated with resin to create a hard shell. Fiberglass scratches more readily than acrylic, but its color lasts longer.

Cost by Brand

The brand of the walk-in tub will affect its cost.

• American Standard: American Standard walk-in tubs cost $3,000 to $11,000, making them one of the more affordable brands. 
• Ella's Bubbles: The cost of an Ella's Bubbles walk-in tub ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, for an average price of $5,915. Founded by Laimonis Magone with his daughter Ella as the namesake, Ella's Bubbles is one of the few companies that sells only walk-in tubs.
• Kohler: Kohler walk-in tubs cost from $4,000 to $12,000. The company is 150 years old and has deep experience producing bathtubs and fixtures. Kohler-accredited technicians install Kohler walk-in tubs. 
• Universal: Universal sells walk-in tubs at the lower end of the price range, from $2,000 to $7,000. They are wheelchair-accessible and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant. Higher-end models have aromatherapy features.

Insurance, Tax Credits, and Discounts

Insurance usually does not cover the cost of a walk-in tub, but tax credits and special discounts may help reduce the cost.

Medicare

Medicare health insurance generally does not cover walk-in tubs since they do not fit Medicare's short list of durable medical equipment (DME), including walkers, beds, and patient lifts. However, Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage (Part C) may make some exceptions for equipment lasting more than three years for medical treatment used in the home.

Private Insurance

Private insurance generally will not cover walk-in tub costs. However, depending on the type of insurance and the patient's needs, a doctor may be able to advocate for the patient if the walk-in tub is medically necessary.

Tax Credits

In the United States, specific medical care expenses "primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability" qualify for a tax deduction. You can deduct (Schedule A of Form 1040) the expenses over 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). In Canada, a Home Accessibility Tax Credit for up to $10,000 in qualifying expenses may be available for renovations that include a walk-in tub. The qualifying individual must be 65 years or older or fit other criteria for claiming the disability tax credit.

Discounts

Walk-in tub manufacturers and retailers often provide discounts for military veterans and senior citizens. Always ask about discounts when shopping for walk-in tubs.