Which Is Right for You: Walk-in Shower or Walk-in Bath?
When you are designing a bathroom, one of the decisions you will have to make is whether to have a shower, bath, or both. Many homeowners are choosing to do away with a bathtub entirely, particularly if they need an accessible bathroom. However, just because you need a bathroom that meets your mobility needs, that doesn’t mean that a roll-in shower is your only option. Walk-in bathtubs are an alternative that can be a boon, especially if you prefer a soak. How do you know which is the best fit for you?
How Do You Know the Best Bathing Option for Your Mobility Needs?
One thing to take into consideration when you are designing a bathroom is space. A standard bathtub has a large footprint, while a shower enclosure, which can be smaller or larger depending on your preference, is a more flexible option. For a bathroom to be accessible, it needs to have room to manoeuvre, with wide doorways and ample floorspace. If a bathtub will not fit into your space without making it too cramped, you may have no other option but to choose a shower. However, if you have the space for a tub, it may be beneficial, especially if you have chronic pain that is soothed by soaking. If you have the option of choosing between a bath or shower, it can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of each.
Pros and Cons of Walk-in Showers and Walk-in Baths
Comparing walk-in showers and walk-in baths is a little bit complicated, because in the end, the choice is largely subjective. Walk-in showers have no barrier, so people with mobility issues can shower independently. Walk-in baths have watertight doors, with a low-threshold, so that they are easy to enter and exit. When you are deciding which option best meets your needs, there are several points to consider.
Walk-in showers are convenient for almost everyone.
-
Pros of Walk-in Showers:
- No-barrier entry makes them safe and convenient
- Showers require less water than baths
- Can be outfitted with different features, like rain showers and steam
- Allows wheelchair users to be independent, with roll-in access
- Customisable, can be made with safety features and different décor styles
-
Cons of Walk-in Showers:
- High-end customisation can get expensive
- May feel a little cramped in a small bathroom
- Not a good option for small children
- Shower-only homes may not be appealing to potential home buyers
- No option for soaking
Walk-in baths are both accessible and relaxing.
-
Pros of Walk-in Baths:
- Allow for safe, accessible bathing
- Can provide hydrotherapy to help with pain and tension
- Deeper than traditional tubs
- Don’t present the slip and fall risk that comes with showers
- Can be customised with safety and luxury features like hand rails, heated seats, and hydro jets
-
Cons of Walk-in Baths:
- Can take up significant bathroom space
- Are often expensive, starting with installation
- Use more water than a shower
- Can take a long time to fill
- Not always aesthetically pleasing
Deciding Between a Walk-in Shower vs. a Bathtub with a Door
Both walk-in baths and walk-in showers have benefits and drawbacks, so deciding between the two is a matter of determining your personal needs. Are you more concerned with saving space, money, and water, or is the cost worth it to you for the opportunity to soak? Does the sleek look of a walk in shower appeal to you more than the look of a walk-in tub? As you weigh the pros and cons, talk to an experienced bathroom design professional, to help you clarify your options so that you can make an informed decision.
Comparing Walk-in Showers and Bathtubs with Doors is Easy at a BMAS Showroom
At Bathing Mobility Advisory Service, we offer a wide range of options available to help you create an accessible bathroom with the styles, colours, and finishes you want, tailored to meet your needs and suit your aesthetic sensibilities. We are specialists in bathroom design and installation, and our family-owned business still operates from the family values and service on which our company was built. With showrooms in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Hitchin, we make it easy to plan a new, safer bathroom, as you browse our displays of walk-in showers, walk-in baths, and more, assisted by our experienced, friendly team. The bathrooms we design are not only practical, but also beautiful, and our team is committed to helping people bathe safely and independently in their homes. We will work with you to create a bathroom design that suits you, and most bathrooms are completed within a working week. From design to completion, BMAS is with you every step of the way, and we will only sign off on a project when both you and the installation manager are pleased with the results. We hold ourselves to a high standard, and are proud of the work we do, providing quality workmanship backed by dedicated service . Visit one of our showrooms to learn more, or contact us for a free home visit and no-obligation quote.