In the past, tubs were only accessible from one side—the side that had a set of stairs leading up to it. Bathrooms needed to be located conveniently near a kitchen or dining area where there was enough space for anyone who wanted to get in and out of the tub easily. In today’s world, however, things are quite different. Homeowners want their bathrooms to feel like places of relaxation and renewal. They want them to be conveniently located so they can get there quickly after coming back home from work. And they want them to have features that make bathing an enjoyable experience. Installing a walk-in tub is one way that homeowners can achieve all of these objectives at once. Read on for some useful information about this useful addition to any home. What Is a Walk-in Tub? A walk-in tub is designed to make it easier for people who have mobility issues to bathe. Basically, it’s a tub that is accessible from all sides so that the person inside can easily sit, stand, or stretch their legs at will. These days, walk-in tubs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including corner walk-in tubs, freestanding walk-in tubs, and even walk-in tubs that can fit inside a regular-sized bathtub. These tubs are also available in a variety of materials, including fiberglass, acrylic, copper, and steel. Why You Should Install a Walk-In Tub? Walk-in tubs are designed to make life easier for people who have mobility issues, such as arthritis, joint pain, or back pain. While standard tubs can be difficult to access, walk-in tubs have at least two sides that are wide enough to allow people to sit down inside the tub and stand up easily. Many walk-in tubs can also be fitted inside the existing tub in your bathroom. So, if you’ve been taking baths in a tub where you have to sit on a stool or a bench, you’ll find that a walk-in tub changes things dramatically. Benefits of Installing a Walk-in Tub Besides making bathing easier for people who have mobility issues, walk-in tubs offer a number of additional benefits to homeowners. For example, walk-in tubs can be very useful to people with young children, seniors, or those with special needs who need to be bathed regularly. These tubs can also make cleaning your pet easy and convenient. Plus, they can be an attractive addition to any bathroom and can provide homeowners with a spa-like experience. Things to Know Before Installing a Walk-in Tub Installing a walk-in tub is a significant renovation project. You’ll need to remove the existing tub, as well as the walls on either side of it. Next, you’ll install the walk-in tub. This project is best handled by a professional contractor, as you will need to make sure that the existing plumbing system is connected to the walk-in tub. You can also use your contractor to purchase and install a walk-in tub. You will also need enough clearance around the tub to allow an individual to sit, stand, or stretch their legs inside it. This means that if you’re installing a walk-in tub inside a smaller bath, you will have to replace the existing bathtub. Alternatively, you can install a freestanding walk-in tub outside your bathroom. How to Install a Walk-in Tub? If you’ve decided that a walk-in tub is right for your home, you’ll need to make sure that you hire a contractor who is experienced in installing them. Your contractor will need to remove the existing tub and wall and install the walk-in tub. They’ll also have to connect your existing plumbing system to the walk-in tub. While walk-in tubs are relatively easy to install, they can cause real damage if they aren’t properly installed. If your contractor isn’t experienced in installing walk-in tubs, you may end up with structural damage to your home. Conclusion A walk-in tub provides an easy, safe way for people to bathe who have mobility issues, are elderly, or have small children. Walk-in tubs are also a great option for pet owners who want to keep their fur-babies clean and comfortable. Walk-in tubs are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, including acrylic, copper, steel, and fiberglass. Before installing a walk-in tub, it’s important to hire a contractor who is experienced in installing them, as they can cause significant structural damage if they aren’t properly installed.