Safe Step
You’ll spend between $2,500 and $10,000 on a Safe Step walk-in bathtub. These tubs are specifically designed for bathers with limited mobility and disabilities. Prices can tend toward the high side, but Safe Step offers a lifetime warranty for long-term use.
Kohler
Kohler models tend to be the more expensive option: A Kohler walk-in bathtub cost can range from $4,000 to $12,000. For that higher price tag, expect standout features like a 3-inch step (shorter than competitors), a fast-drain option, and a lifetime warranty.
American Standard
American Standard walk-in tubs cost anywhere from $3,000 to $11,000. This brand offers all of the standard types, including water and air jets. American Standard also sells its walk-in tubs with a lifetime warranty.
Universal
Universal sells walk-in tubs on the lower end of the price range, from $2,000 to $7,000. Universal tubs are wheelchair-accessible and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant. Higher-end models are available with luxury features like aromatherapy.
Ella
You’ll spend between $2,500 and $10,000 for a walk-in tub from Ella. Ella sells tubs with dual-drain technology that drain in as little as 80 seconds without any electrical pumps. If you have a larger budget, you can find Ella tubs with features like foot massage, heated seats, and aromatherapy.
Walk-In Tub Installation Costs
How much does it cost to install a walk-in tub? It can vary by type (and if the installation necessitates higher bathroom remodeling costs), but in general, labor and materials for an installation can range from $700 to $3,000. Complex installations can go as high as $5,000, plus the cost of the tub.
Factors that might drive up the cost of a walk-in tub installation include:Â
Walk-In Tub Cost Factors
The total cost to install a walk-in tub includes several factors beyond the unit price. Here are other walk-in tub cost factors to consider:
Remodeling and Upgrades
The baseline cost to install a bathtub ranges from $700 to $1,200. But the price can rise quickly if the installation requires reconfiguring the plumbing, remodeling the bathroom, or upgrading your water heater.
Installing ceramic or porcelain tile for your walk-in tub will bump up the price, typically between $900 and $2,600. Not every walk-in tub installation requires tiling, but it can help integrate the tub into the bathroom wall.
Plumbing and Electrical
Plumbing costs for tubs in nonstandard sizes or with jet features can run between $350 and $1,800. Plumbers might also need to install larger pipes to allow for faster drainage. For the most accurate estimate, contact a plumber near you.
“Another major contributor to the installation cost of a walk-in tub with jets, chromotherapy or aromatherapy systems, etc., is electrical work,” says Jeff Botelho, Angi Expert Review Board member and Massachusetts-licensed journeyman plumber. “These tubs require power to run pumps, fans, lights, etc., and will require an electrician to perform this work in many areas.”
The hourly labor rate for an electrician ranges from $50 to $100. Rates can vary extensively by location, so find an electrician near you for a more accurate estimate.
Space Requirements
If you have a standard bathroom, installing a standard-size walk-in tub should be doable without a major remodel. But if you choose a larger tub (like a two-seater or a long tub), your project might require more extensive work.
Bathroom remodels cost between $6,600 and $16,500 on average, but you can contact a local remodeling contractor for the most accurate price estimate.
Whirlpool Jets and Other Mechanical Features
Installation for a more complex unit, like one with whirlpool jets, costs more, typically between $1,000 and $5,000 or more. Jets and other mechanical features aren’t available as a retrofit, so they should be a part of your purchased product.
DIY vs. Hiring a Walk-In Tub Installation Pro
While not recommended, it is possible to do a DIY installation of your walk-in tub for roughly $2,000 to $10,000, including the price of the tub, tools, and materials. Note: A walk-in tub installation requires proficient plumbing knowledge. “If you plan to install a jet- or air-bath type of tub, you’ll likely need to perform electrical work as well as plumbing in order to power the unit,” says Botelho.
Local ordinances may require permits for the plumbing and electrical work; a licensed plumber or electrician will have an easier time securing these permits.
Because improper installation can result in water leaks and serious damage (and water damage repair costs $3,300 on average), it’s safer to hire a local bathtub installation professional to ensure your new tub’s safe operation.