Walk-in tub products

Soaker ($2,000–$4,000 materials) is the simplest: a seat, a door, a deep basin, no pumps. Fewer components means fewer things to break and no electrical requirement beyond code basics. For many buyers this is the right product.

Hydrotherapy ($4,750–$7,500) uses water jets; aerotherapy ($5,000–$9,000) uses air jets, which are gentler and easier to keep clean. Both need power and both add pumps that will eventually need service. Combination shower and tub ($3,200–$9,500) adds an overhead or handheld shower so the fixture serves everyone in the household.

Bariatric models ($6,000–$10,300) are built wider with a higher weight rating. Two-seater units ($10,700–$13,700) are large and expensive and rarely necessary. Wheelchair-accessible configurations use a wide outward-opening door — This Old House puts that door option at $1,000–$3,000 over the base tub.

On construction: fiberglass $2,000–$5,000, gelcoat $3,500–$7,000, acrylic $5,000–$10,000, porcelain or cast iron $10,000–$15,000. Heavier materials add structural and handling considerations that should be raised at the site visit.

How to choose

Buy for the person's measurements

Seat height, seat depth, door opening width and weight rating should be matched to the actual user, not selected from a good-better-best chart.

Skip features you won't use weekly

Jets, chromotherapy and heated seats add cost and add failure points. A soaker with a good door and grab bars serves most buyers.

Air jets are easier to maintain than water jets

Aerotherapy systems generally keep less standing water in the lines. Ask about the cleaning cycle for whichever system you consider.

Combination tub-shower keeps the bathroom usable

If it is the only bathroom, a combination unit avoids making the room single-purpose.

Check weight ratings, not marketing terms

Ask for the documented weight capacity of the specific model rather than accepting the word 'bariatric.'