Top 3 Walk-In Bathtubs in Canada
Walk-in bathtubs for seniors offer a safe and comfortable bathing experience with features like low step-in height, built-in seating, grab bars, and non-slip surfaces. Top providers include American Standard, Home Depot and Kohler. Factors to consider when choosing a walk-in bathtub include size, features, and installation requirements. It is important to ensure that the bathtub meets specific mobility needs and is installed by a qualified professional.
- Best Overall
- American Standard has been in business for 150 years and contrary to its name is very Canadian, with its head office located in Mississauga, Ontario. They work with consumers, seniors, healthcare professionals, occupational and physio therapists, builders, architects, and facility managers to manufacture and install the perfect walk-in tub for your needs. They are Age Safe Canada certified and Certified Aging in Place Specialists uL, CSA, ETL certifications on their products, and are audited each year for continuous compliance.
- Over 140 years of providing engineering excellence and experience, Kohler has built up a history of offering only the highest quality walk-in tubs that rival competition in form, function, and style. Not available everywhere in Canada.
- DIYers
- Home Depot offers several walk-in tubs from different manufacturers. If you are looking for cheaper walk-in tub options, Home Depot is a good place to start. Keep in mind, you will need your own contractors and installers or be a good DIYer.
Comparing The Best Walk-In Tubs In Canada For Seniors
Reviews Of The Best Walk-In Tubs in Canada for Seniors
If you or your loved one is searching for a good, reliable, affordable walk-in tub, you are at the right place.
Since there are several manufacturers in the walk-in tub industry, people often have questions like “which walk-in tub companies are ideal for my need?” Or “I need to know which walk-in tub companies actually offer quality”. The purpose of this section is to:
- expose you to the best walk-In tub companies
- highlight the pros and cons of each company where they exist
All to assist you in your search for the perfect walk-in tub provider.
There are several walk-in tub providers in Canada however here is a list of the best ones highlighting their pros and their cons to help you make a decision on which you find most acceptable. So without further delay, let’s get right into it!
We have reviews of some of the best walk-in tubs on the market today. Below is a list of Canadian walk-in tub companies that can help make your decision easier.
Walk-In Bathtub Reviews
American Standard
Overview
American Standard is a manufacturer committed to providing innovative, groundbreaking daily living solutions. With a history spanning over 140 years, American Standard has consistently been an industry leader, setting and redefining the standards for health, safety, and convenience.
Key highlights:
- Long-standing history: Over 140 years of experience in the industry.
- Innovative solutions: Focuses on delivering groundbreaking daily living solutions to improve quality of life.
- Industry leader: Continuously sets and resets the standards for health, safety, and convenience.
- Commitment to excellence: Dedicated to providing high-quality products that enhance daily living experiences.
American Standard strives to improve the lives of its customers by offering reliable, innovative, and top-quality solutions that enhance their daily living experiences and ensure their well-being.
Pro
- Several quality options to choose from.
- Walk-In tub prices are available online
- Return and refund policies are also available for eligible items.
Cons
- Not all products are covered by warranty.
- Installation costs and requirements may vary with the walk-in tub chosen.
Bath Depot
Overview
Bath Depot is a family-owned, Canada-based walk-in tub manufacturer with over 20 years of experience in providing quality bathtubs. One distinguishing factor between Bath Depot and other manufacturers is that they serve as their own manufacturer, distributor, and retailer! This, combined with the fact that they are a local company, guarantees easy access to quality bathtubs at reasonable prices. Bath Depot currently has close to 40 stores in Quebec and Ontario and employs over 280 people. Additionally, Bath Depot serves as a distributor for some other manufacturer brands.
Key highlights:
- Family-owned: A local, family-owned business with a personal touch.
- Extensive experience: Over 20 years of experience in providing quality bathtubs.
- All-in-one approach: Serves as its own manufacturer, distributor, and retailer, ensuring high-quality products and competitive pricing.
- Wide presence: Close to 40 stores across Quebec and Ontario for easy access to their products.
- Distributor: Also distributes products from other reputable manufacturers.
Bath Depot is dedicated to providing quality walk-in tubs and other bathing solutions to its customers, offering top-notch products at reasonable prices, and ensuring customer satisfaction through its all-in-one approach.
Pros
- Local manufacturer, distributor and retailer status guarantees easy access to quality walk-in tubs
- Competitive prices
- Return and exchange policy available
- Wide product range
- Prices are available online
- Discounts are also available
Cons
- No lifetime warranty
- Find your own installer or DIY
Home Depot
Overview
Home Depot was founded in 1978 as a revolutionary hardware store for home improvement and the retail industry. Today, Home Depot stands as one of the world’s largest home improvement retailers. Home Depot offers a wide range of home improvement products, including walk-in tubs from various manufacturers. If you’re looking for walk-in tub options, Home Depot is an excellent place to start.
Key highlights:
- Established reputation: Founded in 1978, Home Depot has grown into one of the world’s largest home improvement retailers.
- Extensive presence: Over 2,300 stores across North America ensure easy access to their products and services.
- Wide range of products: Offers a vast selection of home improvement products, catering to various needs and preferences.
- Walk-in tub options: Provides walk-in tubs from different manufacturers, making it a convenient starting point for customers searching for the right solution.
Home Depot’s commitment to delivering quality products and services makes it a top destination for customers seeking a broad range of home improvement solutions, including walk-in tubs from various manufacturers.
Pros
- Prices are available online
- Home Depot offers walk-in tubs from different manufacturers so there are several walk-in tub options available for you to choose from
- Competitive prices
- Returns and special prices are also available
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Find your own installer or DIY
Kohler Walk-in Bath
Overview
Kohler is a manufacturer with a rich history of over 140 years of engineering excellence and experience, dedicated to producing only the highest quality walk-in tubs. Kohler walk-in tubs boast features designed to ensure user safety and comfort, making them a reliable choice for those seeking accessibility and convenience in their bathing experience.
Key highlights:
- Long-standing experience: Over 140 years of engineering expertise ensures that Kohler products meet the highest quality standards.
- Safety-focused design: Kohler walk-in tubs feature very low step-in heights and extra-wide doors to enhance user safety and accessibility.
- Commitment to quality: Kohler is dedicated to manufacturing top-quality walk-in tubs that prioritize user comfort and satisfaction.
- Trusted brand: Kohler’s extensive history and reputation for excellence make it a reliable choice for consumers.
With its long-standing experience, commitment to quality, and focus on safety, Kohler offers walk-in tubs that are designed to provide users with a comfortable and secure bathing experience.
Pros
- Several walk-in bath design options
- One-day installation.
- Custom fits are also available
- Kohler offers some of the lowest-priced walk-in tubs on the market.
- Lifetime warranty on eligible products
- Free Quote
Cons
- Walk-in tub prices cannot be accessed online.
- Walk-in tub upgrades are expensive.
- Does not offer lifetime warranty on all walk tub products.
Safe Bathing Canada
Overview
Safe Bathing Canada is a walk-in tub distributor with over 20 years of experience dedicated to ensuring safe, enjoyable baths for seniors. Their commitment to providing a wide range of high-quality products for various applications, including economy to luxury and personal to commercial, has solidified their position as an industry leader in walk-in tub manufacturing.
Key highlights:
- Extensive experience: Over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing and distributing walk-in tubs that cater to the needs of seniors.
- Wide range of products: Safe Bathing Canada offers a diverse selection of walk-in tubs, from economy to luxury options, as well as personal and commercial applications.
- Safety-focused: The company is committed to providing safe bathing solutions for seniors, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
- Industry leader: Safe Bathing Canada’s dedication to quality and safety has positioned them as a trusted and reliable manufacturer in the walk-in tub market.
Safe Bathing Canada’s long-standing experience, commitment to safety, and diverse product offerings make it an excellent choice for those seeking reliable and high-quality walk-in tubs for seniors.
Pros
- Wide range of walk-in tub products ensures you’ll always be able to find one that suits your needs.
- Established market presence
- Free information kit available upon request.
- Walk-In tubs are constructed with high-quality materials.
- Presence of a variety of bath options such as aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and hydrotherapy.
- Prompt response to complaints
Cons
- Information kit may only be made available upon request
- There have been occasional complaints about intervention speed
- Pressured sales tactics
Safe Step Walk-In Tub Co.
Overview
Safe Step is a Canadian-owned and operated walk-in tub distributor that specializes in creating exceptional walk-in tubs designed to provide maximum comfort. With a wide range of walk-in bathtubs, including the uncommon “hybrid” walk-in tubs, Safe Step has established itself as a trusted and innovative provider in the industry.
Key highlights:
- Canadian-owned and operated: Safe Step takes pride in being a local distributor with a deep understanding of the unique needs of Canadian customers.
- Specialized manufacturer: Focused on crafting excellent walk-in tubs that ensure maximum comfort for users.
- Wide range of products: Safe Step offers various types of walk-in bathtubs, including innovative “hybrid” walk-in tubs that cater to diverse needs and preferences.
- Innovative approach: Their commitment to developing new and improved solutions has positioned Safe Step as a leading provider in the walk-in tub market.
Safe Step’s dedication to quality, comfort, and innovation makes it a great choice for those looking for a reliable, Canadian-owned walk-in tub distributor that caters to diverse needs and preferences.
Pros
- Safe Step tubs are designed to be a perfect fit (size-wise) when compared with your existing tub thereby reducing costs and avoiding major home remodeling.
- Free consultation
- Professional installation
- Wide range of products
- Little remodeling required during the installation of walk-in tubs
- Walk-in tubs are available at comparatively cheaper costs.
- Lifetime warranty and discounts on purchases are available.
Cons
- Communication problems with company personnel often leave users dissatisfied
- There have been some complaints about installation problems
- Only 10 hydro jets are available in the walk-in tubs
- Pressured sales tactics
The Walk-in Tub Company
Overview
The Walk-In Tub Company (TWTC) has established itself as a significant presence in the walk-in tub industry. As the exclusive distributor and authorized installer of American Standard’s ComfortSeries™ walk-in and accessible outward-opening bathtubs, TWTC ensures that customers receive top-quality products and professional installation services.
In addition to American Standard’s offerings, TWTC also provides various other senior living aids from multiple brands, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences.
Key highlights:
- Exclusive distributor: TWTC is the authorized provider of American Standard’s ComfortSeries™ walk-in and accessible outward-opening bathtubs.
- Authorized installer: Professional installation services ensure that customers receive the best experience and peace of mind.
- Variety of products: TWTC offers a diverse range of senior living aids from different brands to meet various needs and preferences.
- Industry presence: Their established reputation in the industry makes TWTC a reliable and trusted source for walk-in tubs and senior living aids.
If you’re looking for a dependable distributor with a variety of products from different brands, The Walk-In Tub Company is an excellent choice that combines quality, professionalism, and a diverse selection to meet your needs.
Pros
- Free installation estimate
- You can also request a mobile showroom visit.
- Quality and Dependability
- Product Warranty on purchases
- Walk-In tub installation by certified professionals.
Cons
- Despite being a distributor, TWTC only offers one walk-in tub option.
Walk-in Tubs Canada
Overview
Walk-In Tubs Canada, also known as Walk-In Tubs Ottawa, operates under “Malrico Enterprises Corp.” The company began in 2002 with a mission to find the perfect bathing solution for people with limited mobility. Over the years, Walk-In Tubs Canada has become a go-to destination for premium-quality walk-in tubs at the best possible prices. Their extensive product catalog includes every type and size of walk-in tub on the market, ensuring that there is a perfect fit for everyone’s needs. Their tubs combine functionality with aesthetics, adding luxury and style to any bathroom.
Key highlights:
- Extensive product range: Walk-In Tubs Canada offers a wide selection of walk-in tubs to cater to various needs and preferences.
- Affordable pricing: The company is committed to providing premium-quality tubs at the best possible prices.
- Customer-focused: Walk-In Tubs Canada recognizes the importance of walk-in tubs for those with limited mobility and strives to make them accessible to as many people as possible.
- Quality and style: Their tubs are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of luxury to any bathroom.
If you’re looking to upgrade your bathing experience with a high-quality walk-in tub at an unbeatable price, Walk-In Tubs Canada is an excellent choice. Their extensive selection and commitment to customer satisfaction make them a reliable and trusted source for walk-in tubs.
Pro
- Large selection of quality tub options to choose from.
- No pressure sales tactics.
Cons
- Very slow and traditional buying process.
- Quotes and costs available on phone calls only.
- Installation costs and requirements may vary with the walk-in tub chosen.
Walk-in Tubs Ontario
Overview
Walk-In Tubs Ontario is a leading provider of walk-in tubs in Ottawa and throughout Eastern Ontario. By partnering with a reputable Canada-based walk-in tub manufacturer with over 20 years of experience, Walk-In Tubs Ontario ensures the distribution of only the highest quality walk-in tub products.
Key highlights:
- Local distribution: Walk-In Tubs Ontario’s partnership with a Canada-based manufacturer ensures efficient and reliable distribution of walk-in tubs throughout Eastern Ontario.
- High-quality products: The company’s commitment to providing top-quality walk-in tubs comes from its partnership with an experienced and reputable manufacturer.
- Established industry presence: Walk-In Tubs Ontario’s partner manufacturer has a long history of success and excellence in the industry, ensuring that customers receive the best products available.
- Serving Eastern Ontario: The company focuses on providing walk-in tubs to Ottawa and the surrounding Eastern Ontario region, catering to the specific needs of the local community.
If you’re looking for a trusted provider of high-quality walk-in tubs in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, Walk-In Tubs Ontario is a great choice. Their partnership with an experienced manufacturer guarantees that you’ll receive top-notch walk-in tubs designed to enhance your bathing experience and ensure safety and comfort.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Free consultation and estimates
- Local provider status translates to accessibility
- Silicone pillows are offered with walk-in tubs to improve reclining comfort.
Cons
- Walk-In tubs offered are from only one manufacturer
- Walk-In tub prices are not available online
- Pressured sales tactics
Wayfair
Overview
Wayfair is a well-known and leading provider of a wide range of household items, including walk-in tubs. Established in 2002, Wayfair has leveraged technological innovation to make it easy for shoppers to find exactly what they want.
Key highlights:
- Extensive product selection: With over 22 million items available, Wayfair offers an incredible variety of home furnishings, housewares, home improvements, and walk-in bathtubs.
- Walk-in tubs: Wayfair’s extensive inventory includes a diverse selection of walk-in tubs, catering to various preferences, budgets, and requirements.
- User-friendly platform: Wayfair’s website and mobile app make it easy for shoppers to browse, compare, and purchase items, providing a seamless and convenient shopping experience.
- Customer reviews: Wayfair features customer reviews on their products, allowing shoppers to make more informed decisions based on the experiences of others.
If you’re in the market for a walk-in tub, Wayfair is a great place to start your search. Their vast selection and user-friendly platform make it easy to find and compare walk-in tubs that suit your needs and preferences. Plus, you can benefit from the convenience of online shopping and the insights provided by customer reviews.
Pros
- A wide range of walk-in tub options are available
- Prices are available online
- Free shipping
- Customer ratings on products available to assist decision-making.
- 30-day money-back guarantee and 2-year warranty
Cons
- Strict return policy
- No lifetime warranty on products
- Find your own installer or DIY
Walk-in Bathtub For Seniors
Falls are a part of life albeit an unpleasant one. They can occur at any period in any place and under any circumstance. While effects felt from falls are mild in a lot of cases, serious falls can also ensue. One observation of note however is that there is a direct relationship between the effects suffered and the age of the individual. That is, the older the person, the increase in the likelihood of suffering more serious adverse effects.
The desire to ensure the safety of seniors as much as possible has led to the development of several living aids such as stairlifts, medical alert systems and walk-in bathtubs.
According to statistics by Visually, “79% of all the bathroom injuries among people 65 years and older occur due to bathroom slips and falls. 33% of these seniors required hospital admission following the bathroom accidents”.
The above statistics highlights the importance of walk-in bathtubs towards minimizing risk factors relating to falls.
Below we will explore all aspects of walk-in bathtubs and also offer insight into the best walk-in bathtub manufacturers to consider when planning to make a purchase.
What Is A Walk-in Tub? Do I Need One?
Walk-in bathtubs also known as walk-in tubs and step-in tubs, simply put are tubs that are designed to be entered by “walking” in. These kinds of tubs are intended for those who have difficulty climbing in and out of traditional bathtubs, thereby eliminating many of the possible risk factors that could quite possibly contribute to slipping and falling.
One particularly distinct factor differentiating between the traditional bathtub and walk-in tub is the presence of a molded seat in the latter which enables users to take a bath while remaining upright, in a seated position. This makes walk-in tubs of particular value to seniors with limited mobility and those who have trouble standing or bending.
Features Of A Walk In Tub
The features of a walk-in tub appear to be generic across the board however, depending on the manufacturer, walk-in bathtubs may contain added luxury and therapeutic features.
Safety Features Of A Walk-In Tub
A good walk-in tub must contain several safety features to guarantee users protection from falls. A walk-in tub should contain the following safety features:
Anti-Slip Floors
The floors of most walk-in bathtubs are grooved to prevent slipping and falling of users when they are standing in the walk-in tub. These grooves are similar to those found on non-slip mats and essentially, they serve the same function.
Safety Grab Bars
Many walk-in tubs contain built-in grab bars to provide additional safety and stability inside the tub. Grab bars, just like a cane or walker, protect users by taking some of their weight and balance off their feet. Safety grab bars are so important that some walk-in tubs even have more than one!
Bath Door Seal
In contrast to a traditional tub, which requires users to climb over the bathtub frame, a walk-in tub has a gated door mechanism. These bath doors are lined with rubber seals to prevent water leakage from the tub which could constitute a fall hazard outside of the tub. This tub component is so important that several manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty on it along with walk-in tub purchases.
Tub Door
Standard walk-in tubs can be divided into two major types depending on the type of door fitted to the walk-in tub frame.
A standard walk-in tub will either have an outward opening door or an inward swinging door. The distinction between the door types and their importance is explained below.
Inward Swinging Doors
Walk-in tubs fitted with inward swinging doors are ideal for conditions where the bathroom space is limited. Since the door swings inward, there is more usable space in small bathrooms.
Also, these walk-in tub types offer added protection in that they are designed to prevent tub door opening until all water has been drained from the tub thereby preventing water leakage out of the tub.
A downside to this walk-in tub design is that the door tends to limit ease of movement inside the tub.
Outward Swinging Doors
Walk-in tub models with an outward swinging door are ideal for use in bathrooms where space is not limited.
As the name suggests, the door of the walk-in tub swings outwardly thereby eliminating the problem of mobility associated with inward swinging door tubs.
Wheelchair-accessible tubs with outward opening doors are ideal for people with mobility issues. They allow users to easily transfer from chair to tub.
Major cons of these walk-in tub types however include the fact that they lack the “spill protection” offered by inward swinging door walk-in tubs. As such, if the door is opened accidentally, water may flow from the tub onto the floor where it constitutes a fall hazard. Also, the door may interfere with other items in the room especially if the space available is limited.
Luxury And Therapeutic Features Of A Walk-in Tub
Besides the basic general and safety features found in many walk-in tub models, several walk-in tub manufacturers also produce runs with luxury and therapeutic features inclusion to provide maximum benefits to users.
These features include:
- Handheld Shower Head – This is a walk-in tub luxury feature ideal for individuals with limited mobility. The walk-in tub’s showerheads are detachable thereby making it easy to reach and rinse any part of your body.
- Massage Systems – The majority of walk-in tubs will have either air jets or water jet circulation systems in the bath walls that assist in circulating water in the tub and massaging the user’s body. This circulation system also helps in maintaining water temperature levels.
- Heated Surfaces – Luxury tubs have heated surfaces designed to provide additional heat to the user’s neck and back areas. Heated seats are also present.
Other luxury and therapeutic walk-in tub inclusions are self-cleaning, push button control, and Scald-prevention technology.
Types Of Walk In Bathtubs
Soaker Bathtubs
A soaker tub is a basic walk-in bathtub model. It lacks hydrotherapy jets and is less expensive in general than other models with additional features. A soaker tub is only equipped with a showerhead and a grab bar.
Bariatric Bathtubs
As the name implies, a bariatric tub is a walk-in tub specifically designed to be used by larger people. Like other bathtub types, a bariatric tub can be customized with luxury inclusions to the user’s taste and preference.
Walk-In Showers
Walk-In showers are the ideal option for individuals who prefer the use of showers in their baths. Furthermore, walk-in tub companies also include a seat in some models for additional ease and overall user safety.
Wheelchair Accessible Tubs
A wheelchair-accessible tub is designed to facilitate easy transport of the user from a wheelchair into the bathtub. These tub types are usually equipped with an outward swinging door as these door type makes the bathtub more wheelchair accessible.
Hydrotherapy Bathtubs
A hydrotherapy tub has several luxury features like air and water jets that help in the circulation of water and maintain heat within the bathtub. These tubs can be used to aid in the relaxation of stiff joints and muscles and overall, give users a spa-like experience.
Hydrotherapy bathtubs that use water jets are known as whirlpool tubs while those with air jets are known as air bathtubs.
Important Things To Consider Before You Purchase A Walk-in Tub
Tub Size
Since walk-in tubs come in different sizes, you’ll want to be sure the size you’re about to purchase will be big enough for the person the walk-in tub is intended for.
You should also factor in the installation location. If the walk-in tub is too big, it may not fit where you want to have it installed and so you’ll need to create extra space or even change the installation location.
Tub Type
As discussed above, there are several types of walk-in tubs. You should assess each walk-in tub type and select the walk-in tub type that most matches what you need. For example, if what you need is just a basic walk-in tub, you don’t need to go purchase a hydrotherapy tub that offers a spa-like experience when a soaker tub would have been sufficient to meet your needs. Plus, compared to soaker bathtubs, hydrotherapy tubs are a more expensive option.
Cost
Based on the type of bathtub and the luxury features included, the overall cost of a walk-in bathtub (plus installation) could be from $1,500 to over $20,000.
Ease Of Use
One very important factor you do not want to overlook in your considerations is ease of use. You will want to ask the manufacturers questions like:
- Is the tub self-cleaning?
- Are the doors inward or outward swinging?
- What is the step in height?
- Is the tub wheelchair accessible?
All these questions are aimed at helping you select the right walk-in tub option for you.
Maintenance And Repairs
You will also want to enquire from your walk-in tub manufacturer if the tub is easy to maintain and about possible repairs or replacement options in the event of damage to the walk-in tub.
So Which is the Best Walk-in Bathtub in Canada?
It depends on what features you are prioritizing – whether that be price, comfort, design or something else. We’ve reviewed over 15 Canadian and US walk-in tub companies and rated each one to help you pick the best tub in Canada for your needs.
2 thoughts on “The Best Walk-In Tubs in Canada for Seniors Reviewed 2023”
I need a walk in bathtub installed
Hi Florence, I would recommend giving a call to American Standard – they will walk you through any questions you may have.