In reality, because of the large tub companies with their cookie cutter packages, many people don’t give this a second thought. That’s why we believe it’s a good idea to know what your options are before a salesperson tries to sell you a bunch of upgrades and options that you may not have chosen if you had already done your research.

In terms of features and accessories for walk in tubs and showers, there are many options to fit any preference and price range.
For the purposes of this guide, there are three basic styles plus many additional options:

• A regular sized and shaped tub
• A tall tub with a built in seat
• A barrier-free shower stall instead of a tub

To determine which one is right for you requires you to look at your lifestyle, how often you bathe, and assess your overall health and in some cases your budget.

Each style will rate higher or lower based on your individual needs; which is why we encourage you to work with a tub company that allows you to customize
your tub for your experience.

As far as accessories go, here are the most common options:

• Handheld shower head in tub
• Grab bars
• Benches / Safety seats
• Non-slip flooring
• Hydrotherapy water / air jets
• Safety belts/harnesses, and lots more

The next considerations relate to the physical environment that your tub will be installed in. Use the items below to ensure that you have well thought out discussion points when you speak to your sales advisor.

For example, your bathroom layout and features are the next thing to consider when thinking of what you need or don’t need. This will have an impact on what renovations may be required or avoided. In some cases there may be minor repairs or upgrades needed, but these repairs or upgrades can often be kept to a bare minimum by choosing your tub/shower and accessories carefully.

Sometimes people may choose to have a complete bathroom makeover when they install a new walk in tub or shower.

Here are the main things to consider:
Will the sink or toilet block the door of the tub?
Will bathroom door need to be widened to get the old tub out or the new tub in?
Will it require reverse plumbing? If the taps need to be moved from the existing wet-wall to the opposite wall, many companies will charge extra for this, but it’s actually a simple job of using flexible piping that runs under the tub and it shouldn’t cost more.
Does the tub surround or tile need to be replaced or will it fit with the new tub?
Do you need a new GFI standard electrical outlet installed? Perhaps you can make use of the existing bathroom plug for shaver/hairdryer if you don’t need both sockets for regular use.