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Walk-In Tubs & More Frequently Asked Questions

Are all walk-in tubs created equal?

Many Walk-In Tubs are made of inferior fiberglass construction and have an inadequate frame or no frame at all. Often these tubs are sold at the same price as higher quality units. But often suffer catastrophic failures during normal operation. The first rule of thumb when purchasing a walk-in tub is to put your own hands on the unit. Make sure it will actually hold water and that the body is not overly flexible, possibly causing door seal leaks, and stress cracks that will cause future leaking. The second rule of thumb is always shop around. I know you are probably not a fiberglass manufacturing expert, but people who shop with us are blown away by the difference in quality between our tubs and competitors tubs.

What about Internet Retailers?

People call nearly every day wanting help getting a walk-in tub, they purchased from an internet retailer, to stop leaking, or wondering how they are supposed to install it, or how to get it to fit into their bathroom.  It's always the same old story. They have a problem and can't get the other companies to return their phone calls.

There are more web sites then I can count these days selling walk-In tubs. Almost every single site sells tubs directly or indirectly from China or even worse Chinese made walk-in tubs claiming to be "Made In U.S.A" Just as you probably wouldn't buy a car on the internet, the same goes for walk-in tubs. Remember, there are no internet police. These retailers promise the world, but rarely deliver.

How long have walk-in tubs been around?

Walk-in tubs have been around for longer than most people realize. Walk-in tubs, often referred to as, safety tubs or safety baths, have been in the European market for over 35 years. They have only become known in the U.S. in the last seven to ten years, mainly due to a European company extensively marketing the walk-in tub in the United States. utilizing well known T.V. personalities and a direct sales approach to selling their product. Their tubs feature astronomical price tags and a mediocre 12 month no quibble warranty. The great thing is that there are American companies that have since started manufacturing walk-In tubs. Some of these walk-in tubs are of an exceptional quality, far superior to even the proven European models. Our DCE Bathing Systems line is our premier walk-in tub and is a great example of a high grade American-made walk-in tub. The recent trend has been to import lower cost, lower quality units from China, and let anybody with a heartbeat and a computer try to sell them. This has caused a lot of confusion in the market, especially on the internet. Not all China made walk-in tubs are bad but many are made to very low standards. The market for walk-in tubs will continue to grow, especially with our baby boomer generation reaching retirement age and their parents already at the age where they can utilize these wonderful tubs. We're positive that people everywhere will see just how useful products like the walk-in tubs can be, allowing people to remain active, safe and comfortable while doing it in the convenience of their own homes.

How to Choose the right walk In Tub?

That's what we are for. Just give us a call and we will be more than happy to discuss the different options available. Most customers don't realize that there are walk-in tubs that work better for specific ailments. Such as arthritis, Knee and hip replacements, Paralysis, along with many others that make it difficult to use a standard bathtub. That is why we offer such a broad range of walk-in tubs. We understand that one tub might not work for everyone. This is another reason we don't like internet retailers. They simply don't have the experience or knowledge to help their customers. They just want to sell walk-in tubs out of their basements and don't really care if it will help or not. We can ensure you will get the information you need so you can make a confident and well informed decision on the tub that best fits your needs. Toll Free: 1-866-365-6426

What other things can I do to make my home more assessable?

There are many things people can do to improve the safety of the home, making it much easier, safer and comfortable to live in. The bathroom is the first area people have trouble with, and is by far the most dangerous room in the house. 70% of falls in the home take place in the bathroom. A regular bathtub will have a step in height of 15" to 27". For those who are elderly or handicapped, this is nearly impossible to deal with. A walk-in tub or barrier free shower can make this space safe and comfortable to use. Next in the bathroom is the toilet. High rise toilets with a height of 17" have become common place in public restrooms but many seniors homes only have a toilet that is 15" from the floor, making it very hard to get up and down. Along with a high rise toilet you will want to install grab bars to assist any place someone is required to get up and down or has steps to deal with. Bedrooms are another commonly overlooked area, where seniors fall in their home. A simple pull down or grab bar can easily make this room much safer.

A big cause for falls is tripping hazards. I remember my grandmother had rugs all over her house. In front of toilets, bathtubs, sinks, stoves, doors, hallways, basically any place she could put one. Unfortunately these rugs cause a serious tripping hazard and are really not needed. The biggest problem you will have is trying to convince them that all their beautiful rugs need to be removed. Trust me, it can be difficult.

Homes with basements are another area to be addressed. It's always a good idea to do away with the need for seniors to traverse stairs, often times having to carry heavy loads of laundry up and down. I also notice that many homes have a shower in the basement and a standard bathtub on the main level, A walk in tub or barrier free shower can be installed on the main level replacing the need for two separate locations. Moving the washer and dryer to the main level has great advantages, saves lots of extra work and reduces the possibility of a fall. A stackable washer and dryer will usually fit in an extra closet. If you want more info on ways you can make a home safer, please follow the links below.

Do You Have A Question?

Have a question about Walk-In Tubs?  Feel free to give us a call.  Our helpful salespeople will be glad to answer your questions. Call Today: 1-866-365-6426.

 

Walk-In Tubs & More FAQ

Please follow these links for information regarding falls in the home and the benefits of hot water therapy. You will understand why our products are so useful.

Centers For Disease Control (CDC): Falls Older Adults More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States

Florida Office Of Health: Office Of Injury Prevention Injury is defined as "Damage or harm caused to the structure or function of the body caused by an outside agent or force."

Falls Free Review Paper An informational paper that summarizes the impact falls have on seniors.

Hot Water & Healthy Living This Exceptional new book summarizes the present knowledge about many health benefits that result from immersion in water.

National Council On Aging (NCOA) NCOA promotes proven programs than can help older Americans remain healthy and vital.

AARP Policy And Research The Public Policy Institute informs and stimulates public debate on the issues we face as we age.

Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) Home Page The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.

Americans With Disability's Act (ADA) Home Page The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.

 

Fall Prevention Brochure ENGLISH pdf

Fall Prevention Brochure SPANISH pdf

Fall Prevention Brochure CHINESE pdf

 

 

About Walk-In Tubs & More

Walk-In Tubs & More services and supplies fine plumbing, durable medical equipment (DME), and stand alone walk-in tub showrooms across the US with products to cover the needs of a changing customer demographic. The aging in place and home modification industry are currently experiencing strong growth. Many people are realizing the joy of having a walk-in tub or roll in shower in their own home. A Walk-in tub can ensure that you will have a safe comfortable place to bathe and relax without having to struggle with the day to day hassle of trying to get in and out of a standard bathtub. Please look at our extensive line of walk-in tubs, roll-in showers and bath lifter. I know we have the perfect tub or shower to fit your needs. Please call for more information, live operators are standing by.

Walk-In Tubs & More

4007 University Ave.
Waterloo, IA 50701

Phone: 319-433-4076
Toll Free: 1-866-365-6426
Fax: 319-287-9486