What a walk-in tub is
A walk-in tub has a watertight door in the side and a built-in seat. You walk in, sit down, close the door, and the tub fills around you. When you are done, it drains before the door opens. It suits people who want to keep taking baths but can no longer step over a standard tub wall safely.
Walk-in tub, walk-in shower or tub cut-out?
Many people use "walk-in tub" and "walk-in shower" to mean the same thing: a bathroom you can get into without climbing over a tub. They are different, and the right choice depends on how you bathe.
| Walk-in tub | Walk-in shower | Tub cut-out | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Low step through a door | Level or low lip | Lower step through the tub wall |
| Bathing | Seated soak | Shower, seated or standing | Shower, or bath with a convertible door |
| Wheelchair or walker | No | Yes, with a curbless design | No |
| Waiting time | Sit while it fills and drains | None | None |
| Best for | People who want to keep soaking | Daily use and changing mobility | Lowest cost, keeps your tub and tile |
Not sure? Read about walk-in shower conversions and tub cut-outs, or book a site assessment and we will recommend the option that fits the bathroom and the person using it.
How it works
- Site assessment. We look at how you get in and out of the tub, measure the space and check plumbing and access.
- Written quote. You get a clear quote for the option that fits, ready to use for a BC RAHA application if you are applying.
- Installation. We install the tub or shower, then add grab bars and non-slip treatment where they help.
Frequently asked questions
What is a walk-in tub?
A walk-in tub is a bathtub with a watertight door in the side and a built-in seat, so you walk in and sit down instead of stepping over a high tub wall. You fill it after you are seated and drain it before opening the door.
Walk-in tub or walk-in shower: which is better?
A walk-in tub suits people who want to keep soaking baths, for example for joint or muscle pain. A walk-in shower is usually better for daily use, for people who use a walker or wheelchair, and for anyone who finds waiting in the tub while it fills and drains uncomfortable. Many families who search for a walk-in tub end up choosing a walk-in shower after the site assessment.
Is there a cheaper option?
Yes. A tub cut-out keeps your existing tub and lowers the step-in height in about one visit, and convertible versions can still be closed for a bath. Grab bars and a tub transfer bench are the lowest-cost options.
Does BC RAHA help with the cost?
BC RAHA (Home Adaptations for Independence) can reimburse eligible households for accessibility changes, including bathroom work, when the application is approved before the work starts. We provide the quote you need so you can apply and get approved, then we complete the work.
How long does installation take?
It depends on the tub, the space and whether plumbing or electrical changes are needed. We confirm the timeline in your written quote after the site assessment.