A walk-in tub, or safety tub, is simply a bathtub with a door that allows you to walk into the tub without having to climb over the typical standard bathtub rim of 14 to 18 inches (35 to 46 cm). Walking into your tub gives you both safety and convenience.

Safety: Bathroom floors can be slippery. Additionally, lifting your leg to get over a bathtub rim makes you less stable. What’s more, you may have a disability, be physically challenged (handicapped), or be weak because of an injury, illness, or old age. For all of these reasons, getting in and out of a standard tub can lead to slips, falls, and trips to the hospital. Walk in tubs can allow you to once again bathe safely.

Convenience: Once in the deep walk-in tub, you sit comfortably and can easily reach the tub controls. What’s more, a host of options, including slip-resistant floors, grab bars, and massage therapy can make your bathing a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

What are some walk-in tub features and options?

Step in Height: An important feature to consider is how high you have to step to get into your walk-in bathtub. With some walk-in tubs you will have to step up 7 or 8 inches (18 to 20 cm), about half the height of a standard tub. Most walk-in tubs offer lower step-in heights, ranging from about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm)

Door seal: Some walk-in tub doors open inward and some open outward. Regardless, when the door is closed there should be a tight seal once the water is in the tub. The seal is holds the water in the tub and prevents leaks. When buying a walk-in tub, be sure you ask the company for a long-term or lifetime guarantee on their door seal.

Tub seat: Your seat inside the tub should be contoured to fit to your body so you can sit comfortably when taking your bath. Different people prefer different amounts of water covering their body while they are in the bath. So be sure the height of the seat is right for your height and bathing comfort. Also remember that if your walk-in tub doesn’t have a seat, you can use a shower seat to sit in the tub.

Tub flooring: The floor of the tub should be a non-slip or slip-resistant surface. That is, it should be treated to help prevent you from slipping if you have to stand up or move around in the tub.

Quick-drain: Some manufacturers offer an option that allows your tub to drain quickly. This option can drain the tub as much as 8 times faster than a normal drain. The benefit is that you can get out of the tub quicker.

Grab Bars: A grab bar attached to the tub wall can help you maintain your balance not only when you are in the tub, but while you are getting in and out of the tub. When the bar is being installed, be sure it is customized to your height. For more information about grab bars click here.

Massage therapy: A typical walk-in tub option is whirlpool/jacuzzi jets. A motor forces water through these jets, thus providing a brisk massage to the areas of your body in front of the jets. This massaging action can help relieve the stresses in your body and provide a more relaxing bath.

Fixtures: Fixtures in a walk-in tub should be easy to reach and use when you are seated. Some companies will include a shower head you can use in the tub. These will typically be handheld and have a flexible hoses so you can control where the water goes on your body.

A walk in tub can offer improved safety and convenience when you bathe. And adding various features and options will let you customize your bathing experience.

For more information about walk-in bathtubs, see our other article, Walk-in Bathtub Sizes, Materials, and Cost.

A previous article discussed walk in tub benefits, features, and options. But there are other considerations when purchasing a walk in or safety bathtub. These include the size of the tub, the construction materials used, and its cost.

Walk-in tub Sizes

A standard bathtub is usually around 60 inches (152 cm) long and 30 or 32 inches (76 to 81 cm) wide with a height of about 14 to 18 inches. The biggest difference with a walk in tub is its height. Typical walk in tubs range from between 36 and 47 inches (91 to 119 cm), although some are available that are only 20 inches (51 cm) high. The additional depth means you can be fully surrounded by water when you sit in the tub.

Walk-in tubs can vary in size. The most common tubs can fit into a standard tub space. That is, they will be 60 X 32 inches. Of course, they will usually be higher than the standard tub. This size is best for larger people as it will have the largest door and most room to move around in. It will provide you with a deep, immersive bath.

Other size walk-in tubs range in length, going down to about 36 inches (91 cm) long. These are good for smaller bathrooms or converting some other bathroom space.

The shorter sizes will usually come with some sort of kit intended to fill the space between the end of the tub and the bathroom wall. This extra space can be used as a shelf for bathing needs such as shampoo.

Walk-in tub Construction Materials

Walk in tubs are most often built of either acrylic or fiberglass.

Acrylic is formed as a continuous waterproof membrane. Because it is a solid surface it is highly durable and germ and stain resistant. Acrylic surfaces also tend to retain their color since the color is all the way through the material, not just on the surface. To provide added stability, manufacturers usually reinforce the acrylic with fiberglass.


Fiberglass is a polyester resin that is reinforced with fine glass particles. The fiberglass is then covered with a gelcoat. Gelcoat is a material of modified resins that provide the fiberglass with a high-quality finish. Fiberglass is lighter than acrylic, which can make a fiberglass walk-in tub easier to install. It also typically costs less than an acrylic walk-in tub. However, fiberglass is more porous than acrylic meaning, over time, it is more susceptible to mold and mildew that get into its pores.

Walk in tub Cost

Walk in tub prices can range from US$3000 to $15,000. The size, features, options, and materials will all impact the cost.

For example, larger size walk in tubs use more materials so will cost more. Acrylic construction will typically cost more than fiberglass. Some manufacturers will include safety features such as grab bars and non-slip flooring in their price. Others will charge extra for these items. An option such as a whirlpool or massage jet system usually needs a separate motor and pump, which will raise the cost of the tub.

And when considering pricing, don’t forget the cost of installation. A basic installation would consist of removing your old tub and installing the new tub, needed extensions, and putting in any new piping, motors, or pumps required. This can take from 1 to 2 days of labor.

A grab bar in your shower or your bathtub can greatly reduce the risk of you ever falling on the slippery surface. Not only is water slippery, but the soaps that you use have a tendency to build up on the shower floor, causing a very slimy residue that can become incredibly slick when it’s wet. A slick and/or wet floor poses a danger when you enter or leave the shower as well as when you move around in the shower. Having a grab bar to hold on to can greatly reduce the risk of slipping and falling. This is especially important for adults over 65. For them, falling is the leading cause for emergency room visits.

There are two primary types of grab bars: the wall mounted and the portable.

Wall-Mounted Grab Bars

The wall mounted grab bar is a cylindrical bar that is permanently screwed into the shower or bathtub wall. It will help you remain steady while you get into and out of the shower and when you move around in the shower. It will also allow you to raise and lower yourself should you use a shower seat or built-in shower bench.

In the U.S., the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has published minimum standards for grab bars. These include:

Grab bars are available in various lengths and with many finish options including stainless steel, brass, and powder coating. There are also grab bars available for people who weigh more than 250 pounds.

When installing your permanent grab bar, be sure it is solidly attached to the studs in the wall and is well caulked to prevent water from getting inside your shower wall.

Portable Grab Bar
The portable grab bar is a suction or clamp on-type bar. Most have a release lever on both ends that you allow you to easily attach and remove the grab bar. These are ideal for glass shower enclosures and people who live in apartments where you are not permitted to drill into the shower wall.

This type of grab bar is intended for steadying yourself when you get into and out of the shower. It is not intended for raising yourself up or lowering yourself onto a shower seat.

Before attaching the portable grab bar make sure the enclosure surface is smooth, non-porous and free of oils, dirt, or anything else that would prevent a tight fit. Then press firmly down and make sure the release levers are locked in place. Test the bar to be sure it can keep you steady before actually using it.

If the suction cups on these types of grab bars are made of mostly natural rubber, they can be incredibly strong. As long as you prepare the surface properly prior to installation, you should be easily able to use the bar to keep yourself stable when getting in and out of the shower.

Summary
Everyone can benefit from using grab bars in the shower or bathtub, not just seniors or people with disabilities. Using a grab bar can save you a trip or two to the chiropractor, and possibly even the emergency room.

If you are elderly, physically disabled, or handicapped, getting in and out of the shower can often times be a real hassle for you, or at other times, almost completely impossible. The good news for you is that there are now solutions to this problem, as more and more shower basin manufacturers are investing time and money into producing shower stalls that you can more easily get into. They understand the difficulties that you have because of your age or disability, and know that you require a more convenient shower entry option.

Basically, handicap accessible shower stalls do away with the high lip entry that is standard in most showers. By getting rid of this step, the shower floor is then either level with the bathroom floor or is at a small slope (about 2%).

This flat or barrier free shower entry allows seniors and people with limited mobility to more easily walk into their shower stall. It also allows caregivers to more easily transfer people in wheelchairs to the shower using a transfer bench or shower seat.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has published standards for this type of shower enclosure. Their standard (4.21.7) says that shower stalls that are 36 in by 36 inches (915 mm by 915 mm) should not have an entry higher than ½ an inch (13 mm). Shower stalls that are 30 inches by 60 inches (760 mm by 1525 mm) should not have any curbs at all. You can read all the ADA standards by clicking on this ADA link and then selecting the PDF with all the standards.

There are other considerations for installing a handicap accessible shower. The shower floor should be treated with waterproof material and include a non-skid finish. These precautions can also help prevent falls. Also make sure the water controls are located at a convenient height, especially if the person using the shower will be in a wheelchair. As far as the shower door goes, a large glass door can be difficult to maneuver. Consider having no door or a moveable shower curtain.

If building or remodeling a shower to accommodate handicap access is too big a deal, think about using a waterproof shower seat, shower chair, or built-in shower bench. For people in wheelchairs, sliding transfer benches are available that allow easier access to the shower.

Using a handicap accessible shower can provide seniors, the disabled and physically challenged people the safety, freedom, and comfort they want when taking a shower.

Whether you spell it showerhead or shower head, installing a new one can do more for you than just fixing that slow running, or even leaky shower head you have been using for the last few years. How many times have you tried to remove the buildup that grows around the exit of the shower head, only to have the same grime come back just a few days later? Once your shower heads have gotten to this point, replacing them can save you the time and frustration of removing those calcium and hard water deposits over and over again.

Or maybe you are doing a bathroom remodeling or upgrade and have gotten around to thinking about the kind of shower you want.

In either case, when considering a new shower head, you should think about three key things:

1. Do I want fixed or hand held?

2. Do I want single or multiple showerheads?

3. Where do I want to mount the showerhead or heads?

Let’s look at each of these in more detail

Fixed or handheld showerhead?

The fixed shower head is the type that attaches directly to the water pipe that comes out of the shower wall. Some fixed shower heads sit on a neck that lets you make some small adjustments to the position of the head. The water coming out of the head is typically adjusted with separate hot and cold water taps or you can install a special valve that lets you move a lever to adjust the hot and cold water.

Fixed shower heads are available that let you adjust the type of spray. These can include a regular, massage, or pulsating spray.

The hand held shower head is simply a shower head attached to a flexible hose. The hose sits in a connection that is attached to the pipe in the wall. Using the flexible hose you can direct the water to different parts of your body as needed. The head part of the unit can also be bought with adjustments for different types of spray.

The handheld showerhead is preferred if you use a shower seat or shower chair in your shower because it lets you direct the water where you want it while remaining seated.

Installing either a fixed or hand held shower is usually a do-it-yourself job that can be done quickly.

Single or multiple showerheads?

Your typical shower has a single shower head that screws into the water pipe. The single head can be a standard head with the usual water pressure. But other options are available.

For example, the rain showerhead is very popular now. With this type shower head, the water pours down on you as if you were standing in the rain. There are also shower heads that deliver a fine mist in which to shower. Of course, there are also the adjustable heads that let you choose different types of water flow such as massage or pulsating.

What makes the difference is varying the number of nozzles in the shower head and their size. Changing these two things varies the pressure and the amount of water that gets through. This creates water effects such as a rainfall or a high pressure massage-type shower.

But if you are remodeling or upgrading your shower, you may want to consider multiple shower heads. This can be done by having two or more water lines installed or by having two heads come off of one pipe. With two separate pipes you can locate the shower heads on two different walls or overhead. Each head can be stationary or each can be hand held.

Multiple shower heads can provide a whole new showering experience. What’s more, each shower head could be different such as a rain head on one and a massage head on the other.

If you’re a parent, one advantage of multiple shower heads is that you can wash two kids at once, saving time and getting them both clean. Two adults can also take advantage of dual shower heads, especially if each likes a different water temperature. And, of course, there are the romantic possibilities.

Where to mount the showerheads?

Most shower heads come out of the water pipe located along one shower wall. But other options for mounting shower heads are available. For example, we’ve already mentioned having a shower head above you. Combine this with a rain type shower head and you can feel like you’re taking a shower in the great outdoors.

Another option is to mount the shower head in a vertical track so it can slide up and down. Since the height of the head can be adjusted, the shower can be enjoyed by people of different heights.

You can also mount the tracks on opposite walls. This creates a criss-cross water stream. Just turn yourself around and enjoy your 360 degree shower.

Summary

The next time you’re in the shower, think about the kind of experience you’d like to have in it. Then decide the type of shower head you want, how many you want, and where to place it within the shower. Making these choices will make your future showers much more enjoyable.

Showers use water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates a five-minute shower can use up to 25 gallons of water. That’s 5 gallons of water a minute. And some older shower heads put out 6 to 8 gallons of water a minute, meaning a five-minute shower could use up to 40 gallons of water a minute.

Water costs money. Most studies report that about 20% of your home water bill is spent on shower water. A low flow shower head is the way to save money on home water use. Water saving shower heads also help the environment by conserving a precious resource.

A low-flow showerhead typically uses 2.5 gallons per minute or less, meaning a five-minute shower will use about 12.5 gallons of water. That means using a low flow showerhead can reduce your shower water usage by 50%. Savings in water means additional savings in the gas or electricity you need for your hot water heater.

In the early days, low flow showerheads got a bad rap because all they did was block some of the water flow. It was hard to get clean in a trickle of water. But engineering and manufacturing changes have led to newer heads that provide the water and pressure you need to take a decent shower.

Aerating and Non-aerating Shower Heads

An aerating low flow shower head works by mixing air into the water. This allows the water stream to have a steady pressure that gives the user a full, even spray.

A non-aerating shower head does not mix air into the water. This means the water stream is harder, giving a more pulsating or massaging-type spray. Because the air doesn’t cool the water, the water coming out of the head may be a little hotter than with the aerating type.

Most people prefer the aerating low flow shower heads because of the softer, even water flow they provide.

Scalding Danger

There is one danger with low flow shower heads – scalding. This can occur if, for example, while you’re in the shower, someone flushes the toilet. While cold water is filling the toilet tank, the water pressure in the cold water pipes drop. Less cold water reaches the shower and suddenly the shower starts running mostly hot water.

This problem can be avoided with an anti-scald valve that senses water pressure differences, then balances the water flow. A more expensive option is a thermostatic mixer, which is a valve that adjusts for both water pressure and water temperature.

Shut-off valve

For additional water and utility bill savings, you should consider a shut-off valve or on-off button. With this device, you simply push a button or turn a lever to turn off the water from the shower head. When you’re finished soaping up, simply turn the water back on. The water comes returns and you don’t even have to readjust the water temperature.

Cost

Typical low-flow showerheads can range in cost from US$8 to over US$50. The difference is in quality of construction, finish, and options. Options can include styling, the number of jets, and adjustment choices. Models that are hand held will also cost a bit more.

Unlike a regular shower whose purpose is to provide you water, the purpose of a steam shower is to provide you with steam. Sitting in a shower enclosure surrounded by steam has been providing people with physical and mental benefits for thousands of years.

Here are just a few of the advantages of the steam.

Stress reduction. In simple terms, the heat produced by the steam tells your body it needs to cool down. So the blood vessels in your body dilate, or widen. Wider blood vessels means the heart doesn’t work as hard to pump blood – thus lowering your blood pressure and pulse. Reducing the pressure in your body reduces stress, relieves anxiety, and gives you a feeling of relaxation.

Muscle relaxation and joint pain reduction. The warm, moist air produced by the steam helps reduce the tension in your muscles and joints. You see, the enlarged blood vessels help boost your circulation which brings needed oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, tissues, and joints. This helps reduce muscle and joint pain. It also contributes to the healing process. Although not a cure for arthritis, time spent in a steam shower can help alleviate the pain associated with it.

The increased blood circulation also helps your muscles from tightening up, by removing any lactic acid that has built up during exercising.

Relieving bronchitis and asthma. Steam raises the moisture level in your bronchial tubes, nose, and throat. It also allows more air to pass in and out of your lungs. Both of these make breathing easier. This is not a cure for respiratory disease, but can certainly provide some temporary relief.

Relieving sinusitis. “Steamy showers” have been recommended as a “comfort measure” for sinusitis sufferers by The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. You can read the article here.

Improved skin. As we said earlier, the steam heat tells your body to cool down. Your body moves the heat from your blood toward your sweat glands. Your sweat glands naturally open up to release the heat – thus, you sweat. At a minimum, this removes bacteria from the sweat ducts. With deep sweating in a steam shower, the increased blood flow helps remove other toxins from your body. What’s more, the increased circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to your skin.

This continual flushing of your pores, gives you soft, glistening skin that has a healthy glow. A steam shower is not a cure for acne, but cleaning your pores from the inside out does contribute to healthy skin.

A feeling of well-being. People who use steam showers will tell you that being bathed in the warmth of the steam produces a serene state of mind. You feel calm, relaxed, and restored.

Improved sleep. A good night’s sleep is important for both bodily and mental health. Imagine stepping out of your steam shower before bedtime. You have relaxed muscles, reduced stress, glowing skin, and are feeling unwound. This calm state will allow you to get into bed with the tensions of the day gone. You can lie back and achieve a restful, deep sleep that will help prepare your body and mind for the next day.

Additional options:

Additional steam shower options can add more benefits. For example, suppose you add aromatherapy to your steam shower. Mixing scents and oils to the steam can help add to your relaxation by improving your mood. What’s more, the additional oils can help soothe your skin.

Some steam showers allow you to add music to your experience. By listening to your favorite music while in the steam shower you can help relax your mind as well as your body.

So when evaluating your need for a steam shower, keep in mind all the ways it can contribute to your overall mental and physical health.

NOTE: Pregnant women and individuals with health problems (e.g. heart disease, epilepsy, chronic low blood pressure) should always talk to their health care provider before using a steam shower.

Suppose you’ve decided to add a relaxing steam shower to your bathroom. You know the basics of how it works and the great benefits it can provide your mind and body. You now have a few considerations. What type and size of steam shower do you want to install? And what types of construction materials should you be aware of?

Steam Shower Types

There are basically two types of steam showers: The standalone, or modular type and the kind that is built in.

The standalone steam enclosure is a self-contained, all-in-one type unit. You buy it and install it as a unit. Usually constructed of acrylic and fiberglass, these units include a metal frame with side panels and doors made of glass. Different models come with various options such as aromatherapy, music, and special shower heads.

As part of its installation, the freestanding enclosure is then attached to your current plumbing and electrical systems. Depending on availability of pipes and electricity, you can even place this unit in the middle of your bathroom.

The other type of steam shower is the one you have built-in. Here, of course, what you get is limited only be your imagination and budget. You can determine location, how large you want it, and specific features. And you decide how it will coordinate with the design and look of your current bathroom.

Built-ins typically are more expensive than standalones because of the additional design and installation labor required.

Steam Shower Sizes and Shapes

There are a range of options when it comes to the size of your steam shower enclosure. You can get a single shower or cubicle that accomodates one person. You can also get a double shower. These are bigger than the singles and usually have a shower bench on which two people can comfortable sit. This shower room allows you and a second person to benefit from both the steam as well as the company of each other.

There are addtional options when it comes to steam enclosure shapes. As viewed from above, there are steam showers that are square, rectangle, and shaped such as a quarter circle or half moon. Then there are steam showers that can snugly fit into a corner of your bathroom.

You certainly want to be sure you have enough room in your bathroom for the steam shower. Carefully check the dimensions of the unit you are buying or having built against the available space in your bathroom. Typical standalone steam shower enclosures range from small (3 X 3 feet / 1.2 X 1.2 meters) to large (5 X 5 feet / 1.5 X 1.5 meters). Of course, if you’re having the steam shower built, you should be able to specify the dimensions that will help the unit blend in with your bathroom.

In terms of height, the steam shower should not be over eight feet (96 inches/2.5 meters). Steam rises so you want to be sure it won’t rise so high it can’t provide you with its health benefits.

Steam Shower Materials

When considering a steam shower, you should also carefully study the type of materials being used for the shower enclosure construction.

Acrylic is usually used for the shower floor to help prevent the growth the bacteria. The preferred type is continuous or cell cast acrylic – this is usually dull-colored and thick. Be wary of steam shower floors that use extruded acrylic. The materials used to make it often cause floors made from this material to look a bright white.

Also make sure the frames that hold the glass walls of the shower are made of sturdy aluminum. Because the glass walls are heavy, the aluminum frame should be at least 1.5 millimeters thick. The glass itself should be tempered safety glass.

In terms of fixtures, look for chrome plated metals that are made to handle the steam heat.

Summary

A steam shower in your bathroom can give you many hours of relaxing pleasure. So when thinking about buying one, be sure to consider the size, shape, and materials used for its construction.

If you could sit down after a long hard day, and have one place that you could go to relax, knowing that after just 10 or 20 minutes you will come out refreshed, and having shed away your stresses and worries, what type of place would you imagine?

Most people would conjure up thoughts of being inside of an expensive spa studio, with the world’s top massage technicians and therapeutic aromas in the air. But you can have all this by installing a steam shower enclosure in your own home.

What can a steam shower do for you?

1. Provide you a spa experience. Your favorite spa can provide you with a steam bath, massage, and shower room – all at a cost. Now imagine having all that available right in your bathroom – without having to make an appointment. A steam shower, with its hot steam, pressure water jets, and shower heads makes it all possible.

2. Add an unsurpassed sense of luxury to your bathroom. The special shower enclosure used to house the steam shower appears elegant and gives your bathroom a look of opulence. What’s more, you can add all kinds of extras (depending on your budget) such as a built-in shower bench, timers, aromatherapy, music, extra shower heads, and more – all options that can add that touch of elegance to your bathroom.

How does the shower produce steam?

The process begins with cold water being run through heating coils. The coils heat the water to boiling. Just like a tea kettle, this produces steam, which is them is released through a steam head or jet in the shower wall.

Obviously, the shower wall must be constructed of special material that can handle the extreme heat the steam produces. The shower enclosure should also fit tightly together so the steam isn’t released into the bathroom itself where it can damage the paint or wallpaper.

Most units will have controls that let you adjust the steam temperature and for how long you want the steam to come out.

What steam shower options are available?

A basic steam shower enclosure includes a traditional shower with normal shower heads and fixtures. Then special jets are added which the steam comes out of. There will usually be controls that let you adjust the steam temperature and time.

But steam showers allow you to add many options that can take your spa-like experience to another level. Here are just some of the possible options that various manufacturers let you add to your shower.

Other options include mood lighting, hands-free telephone, fog-free mirrors, and headrests. If you want a specific option, it’s likely that some manufacturer can supply it.

Water and electricity use

You might think that by producing steam, you will be using a lot of water. But steam showers actually use less water than regular showers. A typical 20-minute shower will use about 50 gallons of water. A similar steam shower will use just 2 gallons of water. This means that while you are enjoying your soothing steam shower in the comfort of your own home, you also get the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping the environment by saving water.

However, the unit used to generate the steam uses electricity, so although you might save on your water bill, your electric bill may increase.

Steam Shower Costs

Yes, a steam shower is going to cost more than a regular shower. A standalone, ready to install enclosure can cost from US$2,000 to $4000 dollars – plus the cost of getting the plumbing and wiring attached. Building a unit into your current bathroom can cost double that depending on size, installation, and the options you choose. However, when evaluating steam shower costs, be sure to compare them to the cost of spa membership with additional fees for stress-relieving massages.

Precautions

Pregnant women and individuals with health problems (e.g. heart disease, epilepsy) should always talk to their health care provider before using a steam shower.

If you are physically challenged because you are overweight or permanently or temporarily physically disabled, you can still experience the comfort of a shower.

The products available to help you include:
• Bariatric shower seats
• Wheeled or shower/commode chairs
• Shower transfer benches

Bariatric shower seats

The term “bariatric,” if you are not familiar with it, refers to weight. Simply put, these are shower seats that can hold more weight than the standard shower seat.

Bariatric shower seats are intended for people from 250 pounds and up. There are chairs available for people who weigh up to 700 pounds. These chairs are built to provide extra stability to the larger person in the shower.

Typically, the seat size will be wider than a standard shower seat to accommodate a larger person. Some bariatric shower chairs also have backrests and cross braces for additional stability and support. Be sure the legs of the seat are adjustable so the overweight person can move the seat to a position where his or her legs can also provide support when sitting.

Wheeled or shower/commode chairs

Wheeled shower seats, also called shower/commode chairs, allow people with disabilities to move themselves to the shower and provide seating when taking a shower. Additionally, this type shower chair can be used as a raised toilet seat as these chairs have a removable commode pail.

Wheels should be a major consideration when buying this type of chair. They should be large to accommodate easier movement across various types of floor surfaces. Most will come with swivel casters and safety locks.

Shower/commode chairs that tilt are also available. This allows caregivers to adjust the chair to more easily reach the person in it. The ability to adjust this type of shower seat is important when considering the growth of special needs children as well as the comfort of the adult user.

Shower Transfer Bench

Typically used for transferring from a wheelchair to a bathtub, this type of shower seat can also be used for moving from a wheelchair to a shower.

Shower transfer benches are usually one piece with a long seat in two parts, and four legs. The person moves from their wheelchair to the transfer bench, which is the outside piece, then slides to the actual seat.

Available options usually include padded seating and removable or adjustable backrests and armrests.

There are also sliding shower transfer benches. In these the person transfers from their wheelchair to a shower seat. The seat then slides, most often on rails, to a position where they can more comfortably take a shower. Some shower transfer benches have swivel chairs to add to the user’s convenience.

Typical features include a safety belt and a handle that can be attached to either side of the seat.

Another type of shower transfer seat is a wall-mounted shower seat that swings into the shower. First, the user transfers onto the seat from outside the shower. Then the chair swivels into the shower. When their shower is finished, the user swivels back out of the shower.

Specialty shower seats such as these help physically challenged people be comfortable when taking a shower.