How to Choose a Walk-In Bath
Choosing a walk-in bath is a personal decision. With so many models and options in the Access range it helps to know what to look for. This guide walks you through the main things to consider before you speak to a dealer or arrange a home survey. Here at Access we’re all about making that process as clear as possible, so you can feel confident in your choice.
The Key Things to Consider
If you’re just starting your research, here are the main things worth thinking about:
- The size of your bathroom. This will narrow down whether a compact, midi-length or full-length bath is right for you.
- Your bathing habits, especially whether you prefer a quick in-and-out bath or a longer soak with extras like Air spa or Chromotherapy.
- Your mobility needs, including whether a powered seat like the Easy Riser would help you get in and out safely.
- Whether you also want a shower, which can be added with one of our screen options.
- Who else will use the bath, so it works for the whole household.
- The practical differences from a standard bath.
- Your budget, which your local dealer can talk you through at a FREE no-obligation home survey.
What Size Walk-In Bath Do I Need?
The right size depends on the space you have and how much room you want inside the bath. If you’re tight on space, one of our compact baths like the Florida will fit where a standard bath won’t. If you have a slightly longer footprint, a midi-length bath such as the Georgia gives you more room without needing a full-length bathroom. If you have a full-size bathroom, a full-length bath like the Montana or Louisiana offers the most space to move.
Your nearest Access dealer can measure your bathroom during a free home survey and confirm which sizes will fit.
What Features Should I Look for in a Walk-In Bath?
The features that matter most depend on how you like to bathe. If you prefer a quick, practical bath, a simple design with a low-level door and comfortable seat may be all you need. If you enjoy a longer soak, look for optional extras such as Air spa hydrotherapy and Chromotherapy lighting.
Every bath in the Access range includes a low-level entry threshold, an integrated seat, slip-resistant surfaces and BioCote antimicrobial protection as standard. Optional upgrades are covered on our accessories page.
Who Else Will Be Using the Bath?
It’s worth thinking about who else in the household will use the bath. If a partner or family member with different mobility needs will also be bathing, a full-length model such as the Arizona or Louisiana will usually suit a wider range of users than a compact bath. If the bath is mainly for one person with specific mobility needs, a smaller or powered model may be a better fit.
Are Walk-In Baths Safe?
Yes. Every Access walk-in bath is designed with safety as the priority. Standard safety features include slip-resistant surfaces on the seat and base, an emergency access door hinge, easy-grip handles and low-level entry to reduce the risk of trips and falls.
Our baths also include BioCote antimicrobial protection as standard. This is built into the material to help resist bacteria and mould. All Access baths are built in the UK by BHTA members, so they meet independent safety and craftsmanship standards.
Who is using the bath?
When choosing the right accessible bath it is important to consider who else might be using it. You might have family members or a partner with different mobility needs. If so a full-length bath such as the Arizona could give greater all-round suitability.
What Are the Disadvantages of a Walk-In Bath?
There are a few things worth being aware of before choosing a walk-in bath. Because the door needs to seal before water can be held, you’ll be inside the bath while it fills and drains. Powered models need an electrical supply, which may involve additional installation work. Because of this, the upfront cost can be a little higher than a standard bath.
For most Access customers, the improvements in safety, independence and comfort outweigh these considerations. Any specifics can be talked through at a FREE no-obligation home survey.
Can You Shower in a Walk-In Bath?
Yes. Many of our customers add a shower screen to their walk-in bath so they have the option of a quick shower as well as a full soak. Every screen we supply comes with toughened safety glass and a swing-away hinge, which makes access and cleaning easier.
Do You Have to Sit in a Walk-In Bath While It Fills Up and Drains?
Yes, you’ll need to be inside the bath while it fills and drains because the door has to be sealed shut for the bath to hold water. To keep this comfortable, Access baths use insulated shells to help retain the water temperature. The quick-fill and quick-drain systems are specially designed to reduce the time you’re waiting.
How Long Does It Take to Fill a Walk-In Bath?
Most walk-in baths fill in around five to eight minutes using a standard domestic water supply. They also drain in a similar time. Quick-fill and quick-drain systems on Access models shorten this further where the plumbing allows.
Is a Walk-In Bath or a Walk-In Shower Better for Me?
It depends on your bathing preferences and mobility needs. A walk-in bath gives you the option of a proper soak with a supportive seat and low-level entry. This is ideal if you enjoy longer baths and want the therapeutic benefits of warm-water bathing. A walk-in shower is quicker to use and needs less mobility, but doesn’t give you the option to bathe.
Many Access customers add a shower screen to their walk-in bath, so they have both options in one space.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Walk-In Bath Fitted?
The cost of an Access walk-in bath fitting depends on the model, the size, the door mechanism and any optional extras you choose. Powered baths cost more than non-powered baths due to the additional mechanism and electrical work. Adding hydrotherapy, chromotherapy or a shower screen also affects the total.
The best way to get an accurate installed price is a FREE no-obligation home survey with your nearest Access dealer. They can quote for the exact bath and installation you need. Use our dealer locator to find your nearest provider.
What Styles and Colours Are Available?
The Access range gives you plenty of freedom on style. Every model comes in a range of colours beyond standard white, so you can match the bath to the wider look of your bathroom. If you’d prefer a more contemporary finish, our Vision Range uses a glass door on selected models for a lighter, more modern feel.
Take a look at the Vision Range for the glass door options. Colour choices are worth seeing in person at a showroom.
Our latest customer reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.
Thank you to the Access team for supplying a Texas bath. For the larger bather, this bath is excellent!
Bob Gibbins
Purchased a Georgia bath due to the space restrictions within my existing bathroom. Have to say I was surprised how well it fitted in and still overs a relaxing bathing experience.
Dave Whitehead
After plenty of research, Derek and I decided to purchase an Access bath because of the highlighted safety features which we couldn’t find elsewhere. Due to Derek’s condition, we needed a suitable bath to be able to accommodate his requirements and Access have provided that. I thoroughly recommend their products.
Mrs Treadgold
My husband and I wanted to continue having baths but without the hassle of feeling like we were going to fall every time we got out of our traditional bath! We went for the Louisiana model with shower and have to say I am extremely happy! With side door access, we can simply open the door and walk in with no stress. Thank you Access!
Mrs Bailey
With age catching up on me, I took the bold decision to replace my traditional bath with an Access Walk-In bath due to my restricted mobility. I have to say I am thoroughly pleased I made this decision as I can enjoy a long soak without having to worry about getting into and out of the bath.
Mr Williams
Ready to get started?
Once you’ve worked through the questions above and you’ve got a feel for which bath might suit you, the next step is to speak to your nearest Access dealer. They can arrange a FREE no-obligation home survey. You can also view the bath in person at their showroom and talk you through the installation and aftercare process. Use our dealer locator to find your nearest dealer or get in touch using the details below.
If you would like a quote, a brochure or to arrange a call with one of our customer service team, please get in touch via our contact form.
Phone: 01527 400026
Email: sales@accesswalkinbaths.co.uk
