How to Find the Cheapest Walk-In Tubs

Mar 06, 2016

Finding a cheap walk-in tub that's safe and loaded with therapeutic features is easy. You only need to keep in mind that these can't contain the whole package in terms of quality and services.

The Pros and Cons

The main advantage of cheap models is that you can get a perfectly functional one for less than half the price of a fresh model.

The main drawback would have to be the loss of warranty coverage since the original owner of the unit alone can enjoy the services as per the manufacturer's warranty guidelines.

Chinese vs Used Walk-In Tubs

Chinese models will not always perform as well as the US-made ones due to the fact that the Chinese bathtub industry isn't driven by the same consumer. The flange seen on all American bathtubs as well as the ADA-compliant seats are not of the utmost importance for Chinese manufacturers.

The money you save on the tub itself may well be allocated towards hiring independent installers and the brutal shipping costs. Used walk-in tubs are a gamble from the gate. You can indeed find unwrapped factory-fresh models that meet all your expectations. The only two things you have to worry about in this case is hiring independent installers and the fact that you would be waiving the tub's warranty completely since the services would only be ensured for the original buyer.

For more comparisons between Chinese and American models, click here.

Used American Models

American Standard is known for its long history of high-quality bath ware, and their walk-in tubs are no exception.

Their SLW soaker (in the table below) includes a patented quick drain which releases the water and empties the tub in under 2 minutes. The SLW's tub shell is made of fiberglass finished with high-gloss gel coat. At incredible quality, the SLW's safety features include a guaranteed watertight door, a low step-in height, safety grab bars, anti-slip floor and an ADA-compliant seat.

In other words, all of the safety features you would expect from an accessible bathtub unit are here to help you feel secure and carefree.

The features in this tub make it a notable contender of all models within its price range. Used SLW models exist on Amazon for $1,258.60, down from $3,788.07.

Chinese Models

AFE's 26B1 model is especially well-built for bariatric users who are wheelchair-bound. Depending on the kind of condition a wheelchair-bound patient has, they can find stability upon entry/exit with the help of built-in grab bars and the non-slip floor of the tub.

This model's seat extends 19.5" wide within a comfortable and contoured interior. For more information on wheelchair accessible walk-in tubs, click here.

The front access panels on the tub's exterior are removable for ease of cleaning.

You have the option of choosing between an air therapy, water therapy, and dual-hydrotherapy model with either electronic or pneumatic controls. Made up of 20 air jets, the air massage therapy featured here uses all 20 jets to create millions of tiny bubbles that soothe and cleanse the body. The water (whirlpool) therapy tub incorporates 5 adjustable jets with directional nozzles. This is crucial to seniors that need the water massage pressure directed at a particular area of the body that needs more circulation and faster healing.

The water therapy offers a deeper massaging experience than do the gentler air jets. A dual-therapy variation of this model constitutes both air and water massage systems for optimal therapeutic yield.

This model can be found for $600 (excluding international shipping costs) on Alibaba.com.

Click here to see more walk-in bathtubs from China.


Brand Name	AFE	American Standard
Model #	26B1	2848.104.SLW
Country of Manufacture	China	USA
Tub Depth (in.)	~	~
Tub Height (in.)	37	38
Tub Length (in.)	53	48
Tub Width (in.)	26	28
Color Family	White	White
Color/Finish	White or Biscuit	White
Door Swing	Inward	Inward
Drain Location	Corner	Left
Exterior Bath Shape	Rectangle	Rectangle
Faucet Mount	Built-In	Built-In
Included	Sure-LOCK Tub Door Latch System, Built-In Safety Grab Bar, Non-Slip Floor	ADA-Compliant Seat, Patented Quick Drain, Built-In Safety Grab Bar, Non-Slip Floor
Material	Fiberglass Composite	Premium High-Gloss Gelcoat with Reinforced Fiberglass
Maximum Number of Occupants	1	1
Product Weight (lb.)	170	187
Returnable	~	~
Tub Features	Combo Massage (Air & Adjustable Whirlpool), Slip-Resistant Tub	Soaker
Tub Installation Type	Apron Front	Apron Front
Water Capacity (gallons)	~	~
Certifications and Listings	UL-Listed	UL-Listed
Manufacturer Warranty	~	~
Cost	~$600	$1,258.60

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