How Much Does a Walk-In Bathtub Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $5,700 - $12,400
Installing a walk-in bathtub costs $9,000 on average, but can range from $3,750 to $31,500, depending on the features a homeowner opts for.
Homeowners seeking to make bathroom mobility safer and easier can expect an average walk-in bathtub cost of $9,000. Slippery bathroom surfaces pose challenges and safety risks for those with mobility issues due to aging or other reasons. One solution is the walk-in bathtub, which can cost from $3,750 for a basic tub to $31,500 for a luxury tub with premium features. Most installations cost $5,700 to $12,400.
- Average
- $9,000
- Low end
- $3,750
- high end
- $31,500
Walk-In Bathtub Cost Factors
Every bathroom is different, so walk-in bathtub costs will vary. Factors such as the type of tub you install, the amount of retrofitting required, the materials you choose, and more can all affect total project costs. Consider the following as you plan your project.
| Walk-In Bathtub Cost Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Material | $1,000–$12,000 |
| Labor | $1,700–$14,000 |
| Removal | $250–$850 |
| Shower conversion | $3,000 |
| Water heater replacement | $880–$1,786 |
Materials
Review the best bathtub materials for a walk-in tub and their associated costs in the table below.
| Tub Material | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Gelcoat | Lightweight polymer; Easiest to install; Least durable | $2,000–$7,000 |
| Acrylic | Reinforced plastic; Low-maintenance; Most durable | $2,000–$7,000 |
| Fiberglass | Layers of glass fiber and plastic; Moderate durability | $1,000–$12,000 |
Installation Labor
The average cost to have a walk-in bathtub installed professionally ranges from $1,750 to $14,000, depending on the project's complexity. Special features and types beyond the basic soaker variety will take longer to install, increasing labor hours.
For example, tubs with jets and other plumbing and electrical upgrades will require more work to install. In these instances, your bathtub installer may require the assistance of an electrician or local plumber. You may pay $1,000 or more to upgrade pipes and circuitry to accommodate the new tub’s features.
Hourly electrician costs: $40 to $120 per hour
Hourly plumber costs: $45 to $200 per hour
Old Tub Removal
If you need to remove an existing tub before installing the new walk-in tub, expect to pay an additional $250 to $850.
Shower Conversion
Removing an existing shower to make room for a walk-in tub costs an additional $3,000 on average.
Water Heater Upgrade
Large tubs require a significant amount of warm water. If you need to upgrade your water heater to accommodate a walk-in tub, expect to pay $880 to $1,785 for the cost of water heater replacement.
Walk-In Bathtub Cost by Type
The type of walk-in bathtub is the biggest influence on its cost. Different types serve different needs and can vary in size. Below are some of the most common types.
| Walk-In Bathtub Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic soaker | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Hydrotherapy or aerotherapy | $4,000–$7,500 |
| Wheelchair-accessible | $3,250–$11,000 |
| Walk-in tub-shower combination | $2,750–$12,500 |
| Two-seater | $5,250–$12,500 |
| Bariatric (oversized) | $5,500–$13,500 |
Basic Soaker
The most basic type of walk-in tub with no additional features costs $2,000 to $5,000.
Hydrotherapy or Aerotherapy
Hydrotherapy tubs are otherwise known as whirlpool tubs and feature massaging water jets. Aerotherapy tubs are similar but with air jets. Both types cost $4,000 to $7,500.
Wheelchair-Accessible
Wheelchair-accessible tubs have a larger outward-swinging door that provides direct access to a seat for easy transfer to and from a wheelchair. These tubs can come with or without jets, with costs ranging from $3,250 to $11,000.
Walk-In Tub-Shower Combination
These hybrid tubs retain an overhead shower fixture so that the tub can be multipurpose. The tubs can be open-air or fully enclosed, with costs ranging from $2,750 to $12,500.
Two-Seater
Two-seater tubs are large enough for two users at once. Because of their size, they cost more at $5,250 to $12,500.
Bariatric (Oversized)
Bariatric tubs are up to a foot wider than standard walk-in tubs to accommodate users with larger body types weighing more than 300 pounds. They also feature a wider seat and door. These wider measurements lead to higher costs of $5,500 to $13,500.
Walk-In Bathtub Ongoing Maintenance Expenses
Acrylic walk-in tubs have an average life span of about 30 years. Like most tubs, they require minimal maintenance involving periodic cleaning. You'll also need to hire a plumber or electrician to provide routine jet and motor repairs every few years. Your tub's manufacturer may provide a long-term customer service plan or service warranty to help cover costs.
DIY Walk-In Bathtub Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Homeowners with highly specific skills in home renovation and plumbing work stand to save between $1,750 and $14,000 on the cost of installation labor for their walk-in bathtub. However, we don't recommend taking on this project yourself. Improper plumbing and electrical work can lead to costly mistakes that damage a home's structure and major systems.
You can request installation through your tub's retailer or select a local bathtub installer.
Cost of Common Walk-In Bathtub Add-Ons
Most walk-in bathtubs can be customized with a variety of features designed to enhance safety or luxury. These add-ons will increase your budget, so consider your needs and budget as you plan your project.
| Add-On Feature | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom grab bars | $340 |
| Fast fill faucet | $400 |
| Fast drain | $400 |
| Overflow protection | $150 |
| Handheld showerhead | $40 |
| Heated backrest | $490 |
| Ozone sterilization system | $150 |
How to Save Money on Walk-In Bathtub Costs
There are many ways a homeowner might save on the cost of a walk-in bathtub.
Financial Aid Programs
Though Medicare and private insurance providers typically won't cover walk-in tubs, Medicaid may. If you're a veteran, you may qualify for financial aid through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Older adults in rural areas can apply for loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
If you don't qualify for any of these national programs, seek funding or resources from local programs such as your local centers for aging or independent living.
Shower Conversion
If your existing bathroom already has a shower or tub and shower combination, find out whether it can be converted into a walk-in shower. Converting an existing shower can reduce overall labor costs.
In-Home Assessment
Ensure you only purchase what you need with an in-home assessment from a mobility specialist. You can connect with an occupational therapist and have them evaluate your needs and current home layout to ensure you only purchase the features that will enhance your safety.
Tax Refunds
Once installed, your walk-in bathtub may be tax deductible as long as you can prove it was a medically necessary purchase. Talk to a tax professional or visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website to determine if you qualify. You'll likely need a doctor's prescription and careful documentation of all costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several alternatives to a walk-in tub for those looking to make their bathrooms more accessible. Options include a shower chair, transfer bench, or bath lift, all of which are more cost-effective. For $80 to $100, transfer benches are the most affordable way to get in and out of a tub safely. You can also use a $600 conversion kit to change your tub wall into a door.
Medicare does not typically pay any money for a walk-in tub. This is because walk-in tubs are not considered by Medicare to be durable medical equipment. Seniors and other Medicare subscribers looking for coverage for walk-in bathtub costs should apply for assistance from other local and national programs such as the USDA.
It can be worth installing a walk-in bathtub if it improves the safety and independence of the user. A walk-in bathtub can require a large investment upfront, so homeowners needing a walk-in tub may seek financial assistance or sales to offset the cost.
The negatives of a walk-in tub can include a high upfront cost, complex installation, and the environmental impact of excessive water usage. In addition, most health insurance providers offer little to no coverage for the cost of walk-in bathtub installation. Even if a walk-in tub's features could benefit a homeowner, they may not be able to afford it.