Planning a safer bathroom often begins with one decision: should the existing bathtub become a walk in tub or a curbless shower? Both can reduce the difficulty of using a standard tub and shower combination, but they serve different routines.
The right answer depends on mobility, bathing preferences, available space and how other people use the room. Phoenix homeowners should compare everyday use rather than choosing from appearance alone.
How a Walk In Tub Works
A walk in tub has a watertight door and a built in seat. The user enters through the door, closes it and fills the tub while seated. Many models offer a hand held showerhead, grab bars and therapeutic air or water jets.
This option may suit someone who enjoys soaking or benefits from warm water around the legs and back.
The door cannot be opened while the tub contains water, so the user normally enters before filling and remains seated while it drains. Ask about fill time, drain time, water heater capacity and control placement before choosing a model.
What Makes a Curbless Shower Different
A curbless shower has no raised threshold between the bathroom floor and shower entrance. It can provide easier access for someone using a walker, wheelchair or shower chair. The National Association of Home Builders includes curbless showers among common aging in place improvements.
A shower can include a fixed bench, fold down seat, grab bars and a hand held showerhead. It also works well for family members who prefer to stand.
Good drainage is essential. The floor must slope correctly, and the opening and showerhead position should keep water within the wet area. Not every existing bathroom can accept a true level entry without changes to the floor structure.
Compare Safety and Independence
Removing a high tub wall can make entry easier, but no fixture eliminates every fall risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and beside the toilet.
Think about how the user transfers, balances and reaches controls. A walk in tub provides a seat as part of the fixture. A curbless shower may offer more open space and flexibility for assistance.
Choose slip resistant flooring and bright, even lighting. Controls should be reachable without stretching through the water stream.
Consider Water Use and Comfort
A walk in tub needs enough hot water to fill the bathing well while the user is already inside. Check its capacity against the home’s water heater.
A shower uses water according to its flow rate and length of use. The Environmental Protection Agency states that standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute, while WaterSense labeled models use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute and must meet performance requirements.
Some people value a deep soak. Others prefer a faster shower and dislike waiting for a tub to fill and drain.
Think About Other Household Members
The safest choice for one person should still work for the household. A walk in tub can also function as a shower when equipped correctly, but other family members may prefer a larger open shower.
Families with young children sometimes want to retain a conventional bathtub elsewhere. A curbless shower often looks modern, but resale should remain secondary to the needs of the people living there now.
Review the Existing Bathroom
Measure the available opening and note the location of plumbing, doors, toilets and vanities. A conversion that uses the existing tub footprint may be simpler than moving drains or walls.
Ask what is included in demolition, plumbing, waterproofing, wall surrounds, flooring, glass and safety accessories. The lowest initial quote may not include every item needed for a complete installation.
Compare Phoenix Bathroom Options With Allure
Allure Baths & Kitchens installs walk in tubs, tub to shower conversions, seated shower bases, safety features and complete bathroom remodels throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise and surrounding communities. Call 602 741 4745 for a free in home estimate and help comparing a walk in tub with a curbless or low threshold shower for your household.
References
Allure Baths & Kitchens: Walk In Tubs
Allure Baths & Kitchens: Tub to Shower Conversions
Allure Baths & Kitchens: Accessible Bathroom Remodeling
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preventing Falls
National Association of Home Builders: Aging in Place Remodeling Checklist
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: WaterSense Showerheads
