Essential for those who have mobility issues, find out everything you need to know about easy access walk-in baths before you buy with our expert guide.
Easy access baths are an essential consideration for those who struggle with mobility issues, have a disability or simply find it difficult getting in and out of a traditional bathtub. With a wide range of styles, sizes and features available, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to buying an easy access bath. Here are some key factors to consider when making your purchase.
Easy access baths are designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of your bathroom
Size and shape
The first thing to consider when buying an easy access bath is size and shape. It is important to measure the space where the bath will be installed, taking into account any surrounding fixtures such as toilets, basins or showers. It is also worth considering the size and shape of the bath itself, and ensuring that it will fit comfortably in your bathroom.
Many people choose a conventional straight bath which comes in a standard size to fit most bathrooms. However, there are other options, including L shaped or P shaped shower baths, which feature an enlarged end. The reason they are called L shaped and P shaped is due to the fact they look like the letters L and P when viewed from above (see below).
Also available is the deep soak bathtub, which is designed so that you can sit upright on a built-in seat, but still enjoy full immersion. This bath takes up a smaller footprint of just 1210mm x 660mm or around 4 feet x 2 feet 2 inches.
Material
Another important factor to consider when buying an easy access bath is material. Baths can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, steel and cast iron. Each material has its own unique benefits, from durability and heat retention to ease of cleaning and resistance to chipping and scratching.
All our easy access walk-in baths are made from hardwearing 4mm acrylic, as this is one of the toughest, most durable materials around. Highly resistant to stains and scratches, whilst remaining warm to the touch, acrylic is an ideal material for this type of tub. However, you should always consider your individual needs and preferences when making your choice.
Features
Easy access baths come equipped with a variety of features to make bathing easier and more comfortable. Some of the most popular features include low-threshold entries, built-in seats, enlarged ends for showering and easily-adjustable water temperature. Consider which features are most important to you, and look for a bath that offers these options.
At Victoria Plum, our range of walk-in baths feature easy access doors (with either left or right handed access) which open inwards and form a watertight seal when closed. As you will be unable to open the door until the bath water is gone, pre-fitted twin wastes are included which drain the bath 40% quicker than conventional wastes.
If you'd like to fit a shower above your bath, our L shaped or P shaped walk-in shower baths (see below) are ideal. They come complete with an enlarged end that provides you with plenty of space when showering, plus a 6mm screen featuring British Standard safety glass and a handy towel rail.
As previously mentioned, our deep soak baths are more compact than either the standard straight bath or shower baths, making them perfect for smaller bathrooms. These baths feature a built-in seat.
All our walk-in baths come complete with a front and side bath panel.
Price
Price is always a factor when making any big purchase, and easy access baths are no exception. It is important to have a clear budget in mind and to consider all of the factors mentioned above when making your decision. Easy access baths can range in price, so it is worth taking the time to compare prices and options to find the best deal. Read our article to find out how much easy access baths cost.
Guarantee
Finally, it is important to consider the guarantee when buying an easy access bath. A good guarantee will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your investment is protected in the event of any problems or defects. Look for a guarantee that covers the bath itself, as well as any associated fixtures and fittings.
At Victoria Plum, all our easy access baths come with a reassuring extended guarantee of 5 years. Why not find out more about our product guarantees?
Easy access bath FAQs
We've pulled together all your most frequently asked questions regarding our easy access walk-in baths, complete with answers, to help you make an informed purchase.
Do your walk-in baths come with a built-in seat?
All our deep soak walk in-baths feature a built-in seat that is approximately 365mm in height. Our straight walk-in baths and shower baths do not come with a built-in seat.
How high is the threshold (the step to get into the bath)?
The threshold is approximately 165mm high for easy access.
Do I need to buy a waste?
No. The double wastes are pre-fitted to the bath for easy installation.
Do I need to buy bath panels?
No. All our walk-in baths are supplied complete with a front and side panel.
Can I place a shower seat inside the walk-in bath?
We wouldn't recommend placing a shower seat inside your walk-in bath as this could damage the acrylic. However, if you would like to take the weight off your feet, you could either purchase a deep soak walk-in bath, which features a built-in seat, or fit a flip down shower seat to your wall (see our range of shower seats for options).
Conclusion
In conclusion, when buying an easy access bath, it is important to consider size and shape, material, features, price and guarantee. Take the time to research your options and find the bath that best meets your individual needs and preferences. With the right easy access bath, you can enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and more accessible bathing experience.
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