American Standard Walk-in Tubs

Feb 11, 2016

Setting the Standard

American Standard is an innovative 140-year-old bath and kitchen products company that finds its roots in the early 1870’s when two Irish immigrants - Francis Torrance and James Arrott - bought and renamed a bankrupt kitchenware factory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and began making cast-iron bathtubs. They innovated the classic bathtub and bathroom styles overall and set the standard for all other bathroom and kitchenware companies for decades to come.

"Our Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists understand the unique needs of people at various life stages and have the in-depth knowledge to help create accessible bathrooms so you or your loved ones can remain independent for years to come.” – American Standard

Synonymous with the term "safety tubs", walk-in tubs are undergoing a strong emergence in the public eye for the protection that they provide to seniors from bathroom accidents.

Acrylic & Gel Coat

Available in white and in linen, American Standard walk-in tubs vary in their materials, features, types, and dimensions. The materials of the tub bodies are of acrylic and gel coat fiberglass, both of these materials have smooth, glossy finishes, with very strong and resilient surfaces. Acrylic is pricier, more durable and easier to maintain than fiberglass; while fiberglass is lighter and cheaper, it is more prone to stains and scratches in the long run.

For more on the differences between acrylic and gel coat fiberglass, click here.

The Ideal Cast Process of Construction

Walk-in tubs constructed by American Standard are especially well-made because of their history and unique style of construction, even though they use the same materials as other manufacturers. Their tubs feel sturdier due to the layer of composite material applied to the acrylic sheets after they’ve finished molding them, giving the tub a stronger base and structure.

The Therapeutic Features

The sizes of their models range between 26” – 48” in width and 48” – 60” in length, with optional features that include hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, a built-in grab bar and a quick drainage system. The features of your choice can then be included in either a walk-in whirlpool, air bath, combo massage (dual-hydrotherapy), or in a standard style soaker.

Their Costs

If you look at the table below, you will find three models with different capabilities and sizes. They're all made from acrylic - the superior choice - deliver different therapeutic features, and differ in prices while adding value to your home.

Out of American Standard's thirty-two available models, we picked three of the most popular to compare.

The more features you have in a unit, the costlier it's going to be; and that is the case here. Starting with the model with the fewest features, the walk-in whirlpool boasts a 25" wide seat, and 26" worth of legroom.

The remaining two models contain a combination of whirlpool massage systems and air spas for a complete in-home spa experience. They only differ in their sizes and that's what played into the difference in price; the less spacious option is more affordable.

Table 1 - Comparing American Standard Walk in Tubs [All Data Retrieved from American Standard]

  WALK-IN WHIRLPOOL
WALK-IN WHIRLPOOL
WALK-IN COMBO MASSAGE
WALK-IN COMBO MASSAGE
WALK-IN COMBO MASSAGE
WALK-IN COMBO MASSAGE

MSRP

$8,988

$10,486

$9,156

AVG Rating

5.0-Star

4.3-Star

5.0-Star

Material

Acrylic

Acrylic

Acrylic

Features

Chromotherapy, Built-in Grab Bar, Quick Drain

Chromotherapy, Built-in Grab Bar, Quick Drain

Chromotherapy, Built-in Grab Bar, Quick Drain

Type

Whirlpool

Combo Massage

Combo Massage

Width

32"

32"

28"

Length

60"

60"

60"

Warranties & Services

American Standard is known for its quick installation, offering consumers high-quality walk-in tub products and services that are ADA compliant. Their excellent warranty covers the door seal lifelong, the tub body for 15 years, and all other components for 10.

Below are three models with different therapeutic features, consumer ratings, and prices. For more information on American Standard models, visit your local Home Depot for a test run and the latest deals.



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