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Walk-in tubs: Which are the best?

Jeffrey Anderson | Improvement Center Columnist | October 6, 2016

Is shopping for a walk-in tub at the top of your things-to-do list? Then you're in good company. The safety features and health benefits of walk-in tubs are making them popular with many aging Baby Boomers and those assisting elderly family members. But what makes a certain tub "best" can be debatable and can make picking a model a nerve-wracking quest -- after all, a tub could be highly rated for a great air-jet system, but that would mean little to someone who doesn't need the feature. Instead, start with the brands below so you can get a feel for what they're known for and if they're the right company for you:

Popular walk-in tub brands

As the popularity of walk-in tubs soars, the number of companies offering the fixtures increases each year. Do any stand out from the rest? When you begin shopping for your walk-in tub, here are four manufacturers that deserve consideration:

  • Premier Care - Manufacturer of quality walk-in tubs ideal for those with limited mobility, pain, arthritis, stress, or other debilitating conditions. For over 30 years they have been the leader in the design, manufacture and installation of quality walk-in tubs, powered baths, and walk-in showers.
  • American Standard - What do three out of every five U.S. homes have in common? American Standard plumbing fixtures are installed in their baths or kitchens. The company has a well-deserved reputation of producing high quality fixtures for over 130 years and their walk-in tubs are no exception. American Standard models range from units for just soaking to those that offer air massage, combo massage with water jets, and whirlpool action that combines air and water.
  • Ameriglide Accessibility Solutions - If you want to purchase your walk-in tub from a company that has dedicated itself to providing homeowners and businesses with handicap-accessible products, look no further than Ameriglide Accessibility Solutions. The company offers conversion kits for existing tubs and showers that allow easy access and also has a full line of walk-in tubs in several sizes. Whirlpool and air-jet systems are available on several models.
  • Mansfield Plumbing Products - If a long history of a high quality products is your most important consideration when choosing a walk-in tub, consider the models offered by Mansfield Plumbing Products. The company has been producing plumbing fixtures for homes since 1929. Their walk-in units range from soaking tubs to those offering air massage, whirlpool action, and combination systems. In-line water heaters are available on some models. Most Mansfield Plumbing Products units are sized to fit into the space of an existing conventional tub to allow easy installation.

By choosing the features most important to you, you'll help narrow down your options, and in no time at all you'll be enjoying all the benefits walk-in tubs have to offer.

About the Author

Jeffrey Anderson has a Degree in English from V.M.I., and served as an officer in the Marine Corps. He worked in Residential and Commercial construction management for 25 years before retiring to write full time. He spends his time writing, remodeling his old farmhouse, and in animal rescue.