Q. What is a Safe Tub Access Modification?
A: A Safe Tub modification involves cutting out and removing a section of your existing bathtub to reduce the threshold making it easier and safer to step in and out of the bathtub. Safe Tub modifications can be done with nearly all bathtub types. Traditional bathtubs are manufactured using cast-iron, steel, porcelain, and fiberglass. Contact Safe Tub Access at 281-724-4443 for more information on converting your tub to a safe step through shower!
Q. Why choose a Modification vs. New tub?
A: There are many reasons to choose a modification vs. a new tub install, such as the following.
- Less costly than remodeling
- Safety and independence for bathing
- Option of having tub and low threshold shower
- Reversible- tub can be restored to its original condition
- Can be done to your existing fiberglass, steel, or cast-iron tub
- No need to have plumbing or electrical upgrades
Q. What is the best placement location of a Safe Tub Access modification?
A: The functionality is the most important part of making it safer to use and should be considered when choosing the proper location. The best location for placement of the Safe Tub Access modification will depend on your individual needs, and it is not always best to put in the center of the bathtub. The design layout of the bathroom plays a huge part in selecting exactly where the modification needs to be made.
Q. How expensive are Safe Tub Access modifications?
A: Cost for modifications will vary depending on what your bathtub is made of: fiberglass bathtubs are easier to cut through than steel or cast-iron tubs which require more time and costly cutting materials and blades. Another variable that may affect the cost of your modification is the type of system you choose to purchase. With multiple options available, it is hard to determine exactly what the cost will be. Contact Safe Tub Access at 281-724-4443 for more information to meet your needs.
Q. How long does it take to install a Safe Tub Access modification and is it a messy process?
A: All Safe Tub modifications can be performed in one day. The time required depends on the material that your bathtub is made of. To allow for full curing of all materials used, we ask our customers to wait up to 48 hours before using their tub or shower after their modification has been installed. (time-frame subject to change based on environmental conditions and option selected) Our install team uses tools that are specifically designed to limit dust from our cutting process and clean up throughout the process leaving no mess for the homeowner to see! If any mess happens, we clean it up!
Q. Can I get a Safe Tub Access modification on a Jacuzzi or jetted tub?
A: Yes, in most cases Safe Tub Access can design a custom modification to accommodate the Jacuzzi or jetted tub layout. Contact Safe Tub Access at 337-415-4525 to find out more information about your specific tub and find out how we can help make it safer!
Q. Can you reverse the Safe Tub Access modification?
A: Yes, if the modification is no longer needed, it can be easily restored. Saving the original cut-out section preserves the option to restore the tub to its original conditions. This would preserve return on investment in the event the home is sold.
Q. Can a garden tub receive a Safe Tub Access modification?
A: Garden tubs have many different shapes and styles. The answer is yes, but it really depends on the specific needs of who will be using it to determine if it is the best option. If you would like us to take a closer look at your tub and help you with the decision, please contact Safe Tub Access at 281-724-4443.
Q. What is the reality of owning a "Walk-in Bathtub"
A: Walk-in tubs – that is, tubs with a step-through door located in the sidewall and an integrated seat inside – are being aggressively marketed to seniors and persons with disabilities. From what we have learned about walk-in tubs from these different users, there is a very REAL potential for the hopes and dreams of owning a walk-in tub to end up in disappointment. Most people pay somewhere between $5000.00 to $20,000.00 to have a walk-in tub installed after hidden costs of plumbing and electrical upgrades or changes are made. Many people have reported publicly online that they have not used their tub beyond a handful of times after having it installed. Here are a few reviews found online that are eye opening as to why someone should reconsider their thoughts of having a walk-in tub installed vs. a small modification that Safe Tub Access can provide.
1. “My handicapped elderly father was extremely excited about regaining the independence of bathing himself again. Unfortunately the first use of the tub resulted in him slipping and wedging himself in the bottom of the tub. Everything we tried only got him in tighter. After 3 more hours, he ‘let’ me call the rescue squad and it took them a half hour to get him out. We were so glad to have this tub removed”.
2. After being stuck in the tub for 30 hours because of a door malfunction causing a fall, a walk-in tub owner sues the manufacturer. She states “that was the lousiest $12,000 I ever put out. I ended up in the hospital for four days, and then in a nursing home for three months.”
3. “This tub has been nothing but trouble to me. It is not built for the elderly. It is difficult to stay on the seat and the drain is difficult to open. It is the worst investment I have made in my 70+ years. The advertising made the tub appear to be something that it isn’t. The cost far surpassed its usefulness. I have called the company numerous times and the last person I talked to told me I needed to change my attitude toward the tub. I would not recommend this experience to anyone.”
4. I have been remiss in not telling the world that I hate this product. We have now had a Walk In bathtub for about 6+ years and I have a litany of feedback I would like to share. Why I have not complained about this before is beyond me. Today I had to after giving my dad a shower, dad’s knees nearly buckled trying to get out of it (it took my husband and me plus a physical therapy belt to get him from the tub to the toilet to sit down). I have been stuck with a substandard AND unsafe product for the elderly that cost us a whopping $12,000 to buy and install, and that was the for-you-I-will-give-you-a-deal deal. The design has several flaws:
- the door is way too narrow. My father is only 148 pounds, and cannot get in/out of the tub without going sideways and stepping down. This is quite difficult, given the weakness in his legs from M.S.
- by the time you fill the tub, it’s freezing. Further, if you take a bath, you cannot open the door until it completely drains out, so you are wet and cold by the time you can get out. (We have taken a bath in it maybe twice in 6+ years.)
- the door, makes it extremely hard for the elderly person to get out because they have to negotiate not only the narrow opening, but also a door in their way.
- the money that we spent for this tub, we could have completely renovated our bathroom to have a handicap accessible walk in shower, which would have increased the value of our home, instead this tub that we are stuck with (because it cost us $12,000!!!)
The REALITY of owning a walk-in tub doesn’t live up to the DREAM of owning one for many users. People report rarely using them once they arrive in the home due to the time it can take to fill and empty, the increased water and heating bills, or the inability to safely get in and out.