Walk In Baths

[hellywelly4]

Does anyone have one and if so are you pleased with it? I'm thinking of getting one and have got someone coming round next Monday to measure up and talk about it. Are they worth the money? 
Feedback and opinions appreciated.

 

 

[DDIL]

We looked at them for the mother in our life and in the end opted instead for a huge walk in showere with a bench in it.

Just felt there was a risk of burning and felt the shower was a better way forward.

[calmck]

Would you have to sit in an empty bath to fill it and then sit and wait for it to empty before getting out. Not sure if I would like that

[hellywelly4]

That's one of the questions I will ask, calmck.

I've got a normal shower but just don't like it, the force of the water is too strong and it's difficult to get the temperature right.

[rowanwitch]

You can get special shower units designed for the elderly with a push button temp selector that gives a range between warm and very warm, and low and moderate jet.  No chance of getting into a shower that is too hot or cold

[youngmafbog]

Did the same as DDIL for my MiL and my mum, for the same reasons.

// the force of the water is too strong and it's difficult to get the temperature right.//

The force of the water can be regulated and the temp too - but you do need to buy a quality shower unit such as a Mira (Many others too).

//Would you have to sit in an empty bath to fill it and then sit and wait for it to empty before getting out.//

Yes, if you want to open the door.

 

[bhg481]

Calmck's thoughts are the reason we didn't choose one a year ago when we had our bathroom updated. Two independent installers recommended Aqualisa digital showers to replace a Triton, which we'd had for many years (I installed it myself) and had been very happy with. Aqualisa make a few models but they're not cheap. The strength of water can be adjusted but the interesting thing is that when you push the button to turn it on a light flashes until the water temperature reaches the set temp. You can even switch some models on remotely and also have a temperature read-out. We've had ours for just over a year now (6 year warranty) and are very happy with it.

[DDIL]

We were also concerned at the risk of catching cold whilst waiting for the water to empty out.  

Look at better range showers that have temp controls and pressure controls.

[DDIL]

Just a thought - do you have a power shower? If you have an electric shower without the power bit then the water will be gentler.

[youngmafbog]

Just turn the pump off if its a power shower, had to do the same for my mum.

But best way is as BHG has written.

[ladybirder]

I had to make that choice and I chose a shower with a seat on the side and I'm so glad I did.  So easy to wash your hair etc.  In fact mine is called a Wet Room and it's perfect.

//Simply put, a wet room is an open plan style of room where the bath is removed and replaced by a shower area with everything within the room all on the same level. A wet room which is sufficiently large enough will be able to do away with any screen or shower enclosure, so that the shower is completely open.\\

 

 

[hellywelly4]

Thank you all so much for your comments - very useful. Unfortunately I can't have an electric shower in the bathroom for some reason - don't remember why, so I can't have one like you've suggested. A rep is coming on Monday so I will see what they say. It's 20% off in January  but I don't know off what if you see what I mean. 

[barry1010]

If they are not prepared to tell you the base cost of the bath, cancel it.

I appreciate they can't tell you installation costs because there are so many variables but I they do know the cost of the bath.

This tactic infuriates me. They will get in to your house and give you the hard sell.

Ask the council for an assessment. They may have better ideas and are independent 

[barry1010]

I would be extremely surprised if you cannot have an electric shower. 

[barry1010]

Some prices here for supply of walk in baths here, should give you an idea at least

https://www.bathroomsupastore.com/search/?q=Walk+in+baths

[youngmafbog]

//I would be extremely surprised if you cannot have an electric shower.//

So would I, have fitted many of them and never found a situation it couldnt go in.  Not that I would have one in my house becasue I like power showers.

The only thing that could possibly stop this is if your current electric usage is close on the fuse amperage(mostly 100 but I have seen a fair few as low as 60).  But diversity calcs usually get round that too.

[hellywelly4]

I don't know - I've just rung the electrician I have used in the past and he's on holiday. There is an electric heater in the bathroom so perhaps I misunderstood the person who told me. Will make further enquiries.

[youngmafbog]

It would need a much chunkier cable (direct to the "fusebox") for a shower, perhaps your distribution board is full and they didnt want the hassle of changing the configuration?

[The Builder]

Before you decide anything, helly, I would advise talking to a decent plumber first.  A rep is simply a saleman. There's always 20% off. Usually from a figure they've made up in the first place.

Over £2000 for a basic walk-in bath. That's before fitting etc. I would prefer a 'wet-room', but if you can't run to that cost, then a good 'walk-in shower'. With a 15/1600mm long tray, you wouldn't even need a door. Fitted properly, a modern low-level tray leaves very little kerb height to step over.

Why I suggest professional advice is because you obviously have technical considerations.  Why can't you have an electric shower? Why are there differing pressure problems? No 'rep' can address these things. Please don't get fixated on the style of bath/enclosure. It should be the last thing to decide on after a good poke about to figure out the pipework layout and all the technical stuff first.

First rule of anything in building is to sort out all the boring stuff first... then the nice bits.  😎

[hellywelly4]

Thank you all again for the helpful replies. I'm certainly going to investigate an electric shower as soon as I can as I think that would be a lot cheaper. Certainly got plenty to think about now.