A walk-in bathtub is a type of bathtub that has a door on the side that allows you to enter and exit the tub without having to step over the edge. Walk-in bathtubs are designed to provide safety, comfort, and convenience for people who have mobility issues, such as seniors, disabled, or injured individuals. Walk-in bathtubs can also offer therapeutic benefits, such as hydrotherapy, air jets, or chromotherapy, depending on the model and features.

If you have a regular tub in your bathroom and you want to convert it to a walk-in bathtub, you have two main options: installing a walk-in bathtub conversion kit or replacing your existing tub with a new walk-in bathtub. Both options have their pros and cons, and you should consider your needs, preferences, budget, and bathroom layout before making a decision. In this article, we will explain how to convert a regular tub to a walk-in bathtub using either of these methods and what factors you should consider when choosing between them.

How to Convert a Regular Tub to a Walk-in Bathtub Using a Conversion Kit

A walk-in bathtub conversion kit is a product that allows you to modify your existing tub by cutting out a section of the tub wall and installing a door or a step-through insert. This way, you can create an opening that makes it easier for you to enter and exit the tub without having to climb over the edge. A walk-in bathtub conversion kit is usually cheaper and faster than replacing your entire tub with a new walk-in bathtub, and it can preserve the original look and feel of your bathroom.

To convert a regular tub to a walk-in bathtub using a conversion kit, you will need the following tools and materials:

• A walk-in bathtub conversion kit that fits your tub size, shape, and material. You can find various types and models of conversion kits online or in home improvement stores. Some examples are CleanCut Safety Bath, AmeriGlide, and Renewit.
• A jigsaw or a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade.
• A drill with a metal-cutting bit.
• A tape measure, a level, a pencil, and masking tape.
• A silicone caulk and a caulking gun.
• A wrench, a screwdriver, and pliers.
• Safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection.

The steps to convert a regular tub to a walk-in bathtub using a conversion kit are as follows:

1. Turn off the water supply to the tub and drain any remaining water from the faucet and the pipes.

2. Remove any fixtures or accessories that may interfere with the installation of the conversion kit, such as shower doors, curtains, rods, or rails.

3. Measure the height and width of your tub wall and mark the area where you want to cut out the opening for the door or the insert. Use masking tape to outline the shape of the opening and make sure it is level and centered.

4. Use the drill to make pilot holes along the outline of the opening. Then use the saw to cut along the outline until you remove the section of the tub wall. Be careful not to damage the surrounding surfaces or plumbing.

5. Clean and dry the cut edges of the tub wall and apply silicone caulk along them.

6. Follow the instructions that come with your conversion kit to install the door or the insert on the opening. You may need to use screws, nuts, bolts, washers, or clips to secure it in place. Make sure there are no gaps or cracks between the door or the insert and the tub wall.

7. Apply more silicone caulk around the edges of the door or the insert and smooth it out with your finger or a tool.

8. Reinstall any fixtures or accessories that you removed earlier and turn on the water supply. Test your walk in bathtub for any leaks or problems.

How to Convert a Regular Tub to a Walk-in Bathtub by Replacing It with a New One

Another option to convert a regular tub to a walk-in bathtub is to replace your existing tub with a new one that has a built-in door on the side. This option can give you more choices in terms of style, size, shape, material, color, and features of your walk in bathtub. However, this option can also be more expensive and complicated than using a conversion kit, as it may require extensive plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or tile work.

To convert a regular tub to a walk-in bathtub by replacing it with a new one, you will need the following tools and materials:

• A new walk-in bathtub that fits your bathroom space and meets your needs and preferences. You can find various types and models of walk-in bathtubs online or in home improvement stores. Some examples are American Standard, Kohler, Jacuzz, and Safe Step.
• A pry bar, a hammer, a chisel, and a utility knife.
• A wrench, a screwdriver, pliers, and a pipe cutter.
• A tape measure, a level, a pencil, and masking tape.
• A silicone caulk and a caulking gun.
• A drill with a metal-cutting bit and a wood-cutting bit.
• A jigsaw or a circular saw with a wood-cutting blade.
• Safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection.

The steps to convert a regular tub to a walk-in bathtub by replacing it with a new one are as follows:

1. Turn off the water supply and the power supply to the tub and disconnect any electrical wires or outlets that are connected to the tub.

2. Remove any fixtures or accessories that are attached to the tub, such as faucet, drain, overflow, shower head, shower valve, or handles.

3. Use the pry bar, the hammer, the chisel, and the utility knife to remove any tile, drywall, or molding that surrounds the tub. Be careful not to damage the studs or pipes behind the wall.

4. Use the wrench, the screwdriver, the pliers, and the pipe cutter to disconnect any plumbing pipes that are connected to the tub. You may need to cut some pipes or fittings to remove them. Cap any open pipes with plugs or valves to prevent leaks.

5. Use the pry bar and the hammer to lift and remove the old tub from its place. You may need some help from another person or a dolly to move it out of the bathroom.

6. Clean and prepare the area where you will install the new walk in bathtub. You may need to repair or replace any damaged studs, pipes, wires, or flooring. You may also need to adjust the plumbing or electrical layout to fit the new walk-in bathtub.

7. Follow the instructions that come with your new walk-in bathtub to install it in the area. You may need to use screws, nuts, bolts, washers, clips, or brackets to secure it in place. Make sure it is level and aligned with the wall and the floor.

8. Connect any plumbing pipes or electrical wires that are required for your new walk-in bathtub. You may need to use couplings, elbows, tees, or adapters to join them. Make sure there are no leaks or shorts in your connections.

9. Apply silicone caulk around the edges of your new walk in bathtub and smooth it out with your finger or a tool.

10. Reinstall any fixtures or accessories that you removed earlier and turn on the water supply and the power supply. Test your walk-in bathtub for any leaks or problems.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Conversion Kit and a New Walk-in Bathtub

When deciding whether to use a conversion kit or replace your existing tub with a new walk-in bathtub, you should consider the following factors:

• Cost: A conversion kit is usually cheaper than a new walk-in bathtub, as it only involves modifying your existing tub rather than buying and installing a new one. However, the cost of both options can vary depending on the type and model of your conversion kit or walk-in bathtub, as well as the labor and materials required for installation.
• Time: A conversion kit is usually faster than a new walk-in bathtub, as it only takes a few hours to cut out an opening and install a door or an insert on your existing tub. However, the time of both options can vary depending on the complexity of your installation process and any additional work that may be needed.
• Space: A conversion kit can save space in your bathroom by using your existing tub rather than adding a new one. However, some conversion kits may reduce the depth or width of your tub opening, which can affect your comfort and accessibility. A new walk-in bathtub can offer more space in your tub by having a larger opening or a deeper basin. However, some walk-in bathtubs may not fit in your bathroom space or may require some modifications to your bathroom layout.
• Features: A conversion kit can preserve most of the features of your existing tub, such as material, color, shape, or style. However, some conversion kits may not match your tub perfectly or may limit some of its functions. A new walk-in bathtub can offer more features than your existing tub, such as a heated seat, air jets, hydrotherapy, chromotherapy, or remote control. However, some features may not be necessary or compatible with your needs or preferences.

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Conclusion

A walk-in bathtub is a type of bathtub that has a door on the side that allows you to enter and exit the tub without having to step over the edge. Walk in bathtubs are designed to provide safety, comfort, and convenience for people who have mobility issues, such as seniors, disabled, or injured individuals.