Get matched with top walk in tub installers and replacers in your area

Because Medicare classifies walk-in tubs as non-durable medical equipment, it generally won’t pick up the tab. Medicaid can help if a doctor certifies that the tub is medically necessary, but rules change by state. Call your plan early, ask which forms you need, and keep any prescriptions or letters on file to improve your odds of reimbursement.

A walk-in bathtub’s fill and drain times hinge on your home’s water pressure and the tub’s hardware. Most models with a fast-fill faucet need about six to eight minutes to fill and two to three minutes to drain; larger basins or standard drains can tack on an extra 10 minutes. Stay seated until the water is completely gone so you don’t swing the door open on a full tub’s worth of water.

A walk-in bathtub holds 50 gallons of water, and its design supports capacities that range from 40 to 80 gallons, depending on the product. In contrast, a standard bathtub holds 25 to 45 gallons. This capacity is determined by the fixed design of the tub and its construction materials. Homeowners should review the detailed product specifications to confirm the exact volume available for use during bath time.

Walk-in tubs are tax-deductible when the purchase qualifies as a necessary medical expense and meets the IRS criteria. Caregivers who install a walk-in tub also qualify for the Dependent Care Tax Credit under specific conditions. Homeowners must verify these requirements with the IRS and consult a tax professional, as state and program guidelines enforce strict documentation standards for such deductions.