Tub
King asks: - “Why do they keep adding more gadgets to walk in bathtubs for
seniors and the disabled?”
Buddy Guy adds: “Why did they keep changing
guitars and amplifiers when they were perfect? They did the same things with
cars, if you ask me. They forgot how to make them right, because they focused
on style and bells and whistles.”
Tub King remarks: - “Now they even put lights
inside the tubs for the elderly. The bathroom is lit already. Besides, I’d think it could potentially be an
electrical hazard.”
Nicole Kidman shares: “I think candlelight is
the most beautiful light there is and there's something very spiritual about
it.”
Suki Waterhouse agrees: “I can stay in the bath
for, well, the longest has been seven or eight hours. I get completely set up
with my laptop so I can watch 'The Sopranos,' put out some scented candles,
music. I have a towel nearby so I can dry my hand to change the music or the
TV. I make a little heaven for myself. And then I just refill and refill.”
Traci Bingham says: “I love to be in my
bathroom with my candles lit, morning, noon and night.”
Affordable Aromatherapy That Won't Break Down
Tub King pipes in: “Yeah, but they toss in
“aromatherapy” as an option. It’s nothing more than scented beads placed near
the air intake. But if you get scented candles you have both the beauty of the candle but also your favorite scent. Lavender and vanilla tend to be two scents used often for a relaxing environment.”
Diane Ackerman says: “Nothing is more memorable
than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure
up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains.”
Jared Padalecki declares: “I love cookies
baking. During the winter, they have these candles that smell like cookies, and
I always buy like a hundred of them.”
Tub King asserts: “My grandma used to call all
of those unnecessary ‘bells & whistles’ useless thingamajigs and costly
contraptions. Just another thing she felt would break down,”
Richard Chamberlain advises: “I've learned, I
think, to be able to distinguish between the necessary and the unnecessary..... Saying 'no' politely is a
necessity if one wants to lead any kind of stable life”.
Tub King asks: “So, you are in agreement? Tub
King should focus on the necessities of the tub and only potentially bring on a
‘bells & whistles’ model if its customer base demands it and it is proven safe? It is after all,
one of the reasons our products are a fraction of the cost of our walk-in tub
competition. We focus on providing a high quality product at very affordable
pricing.”
Demetri Marin concurs: “I am completely
attracted to the idea of simplicity, or at least removing things that seem unnecessary
when trying to get an idea out there.”
Peace Pilgrim pitches in: “Unnecessary
possessions are unnecessary burdens. If you have them, you have to take care of
them! There is great freedom in simplicity of living. It is those who have
enough but not too much who are the happiest.”
At Tub King, Inc. we offer high quality tubs without all of the bells & whistles. Too many moving parts and unnecessary features add to the cost of the product. The "life" of some of these add-ons are questionable as well. You will not find Tub King add comparable models to our walk-in bathtubs products until which time we are confident in the quality of such add-ons. Our commitment is to the customers, their safety, and their long term enjoyment of their Tub King purchase.
Slips
and falls in bathrooms are not uncommon. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, “An
estimated 234,000 people ages 15 and older were treated in U.S. emergency
departments in 2008 for injuries that occurred in bathrooms. Four out of five of
these injuries were caused by falls—which can have especially serious
consequences for older adults. Almost one-third of adults aged 65 and above who
were injured in bathrooms were diagnosed with fractures. Among adults aged 85
and older, 38 percent were hospitalized as a result of their injuries.”
For
some people, and especially the elderly, climbing into and out of a traditional
tub can be quite challenging.Knee and
hip problems can make it extremely difficult to get into and out of a
traditional tub. The floor surfaces can be slippery and there may not be
anything to grab onto to retain proper balance. With one wrong move, a person
can end up on the floor with a broken hip or other injury.
With
old fashioned tubs, you have to sit all the way down on the bottom to take a
bath. When the shoulders and knees get creaky due to arthritis and other ailments,
the simple act of sitting down in a bathtub can become difficult. With a walk-in
tub, you don’t have to lower your whole body to the bottom of the tub. Instead,
you just sit down on a built-in chair.
As
the average lifespan has increased, there has been an increasing need to make
homes safer for people as they age. Walk-in bathtubs have become very popular
because they reduce the hazards associated with taking a bath. With a walk-in
bathtub, there is no need for climbing. You just swing the little door open,
step in, and shut the door.
Common features for walk-in bathtubs.
Built-in
shower seats:
Most seats are chair height and have a textured surface to prevent slippage.
This enables the user to bath more safely. Getting up from the built-in seat is
much easier than pushing oneself all the way up from a standard tub floor.
Textured
floors: Most walk-in tubs
have a textured floor to reduce the likelihood of slipping. Buyers should
beware of any model that doesn’t feature a non-slip floor.
Grab
bars: Walk-in tubs
usually come with one or more grab bars. These help the bather to retain
stability while bathing and while getting up, sitting down, and getting in and
out of the tub. In some cases the grab bars can be configured based on whether
the user is right-handed or left-handed.
Watertight
door: Most walk-in tubs
have doors that open inward. Some manufacturers offer a door that opens outward
as an option. This can be helpful to people who need to move from a wheelchair
to the shower seat.
Handheld
shower system: Most walk-in
bathtubs have a handheld shower-head located near the faucets.
Options
Depending on the manufacturer, a variety of options
may be available. Hydrotherapy, which works with air jets, is available from
some manufacturers.Whirlpool massage
systems with water jets are also available. These options can provide a therapeutic spa experience to people with arthritis, leg cramps, or
chronic pain.
In-line
heaters are available to maintain a steady water temperature. Neck rests are
optional from some manufacturers. Another option is a rapid drain system which can allow a tub to empty in less than two
minutes. That way, the user doesn’t have to wait all that long to exit from the
bath.
Sizes
Models
vary in height from about 37 to 47 inches. The width is usually from 28 to 32
inches. The length is normally 60 inches, which is the standard bathtub length.
Even though walk-in tubs are designed for walking into, there is a small
threshold to step over. The height can vary from 2 inches to 7 inches.
Not
all tubs fit properly into the space available in a standard bathroom. Walk-in Tubs
can be customized to fit into the available space. Extensions are available so
that there will be no gaps between the tub and the wall.
Installation
Professional installation of walk-in bathtubs is
highly recommended. People use their bathrooms several times every day. The
bathtub is normally one of the largest things in the bathroom. Also, bathrooms
are configured in a variety of ways. If you’re considering having a walk-in tub
installed in your home or in the home of a loved one, be sure to have it
installed by a reputable company like Tub King. An experienced installer knows
how to make your walk-in bathtub fit perfectly.
For
anyone who has difficulty accessing their bathing area, a walk-in bathtub can
provide a comfortable and safe bathing experience. Modern walk-in bathtubs have
come a long way from the handicapped bathtubs of the past. If getting into and out
of a traditional bathtub has become challenging to you, a walk-in tub could be
the solution. With a walk-in bathtub, you'll be able to move around more
safely. Walk-in bathtubs are great for active seniors, elderly people, disabled
people, people with limited mobility or anyone looking for a safer and more
comfortable way to take a bath.
With
a walk-in bathtub, you’ll also experience the healing effects of water on
joints & muscles. Tub King offers Soaker models, Hydrotherapy models, and
Dual Hydrotherapy with Whirlpool models. They’re built with marine-grade
fiberglass and have a gel-coat finish to last a lifetime. They drain quickly,
have easy to use controls, and require little maintenance.
Tub
King has many great reviews and guarantees the lowest prices. In commemoration
of National Senior Citizens’ Day, August 21st, Tub King is offering
special pricing on walk-in bathtubs. Call today to arrange a consultation with
a bathtub professional from Tub King.
This article discusses the benefits of walk-in bathtubs for
anyone who has difficulty getting into and out of a traditional bathtub. This
article also provides information about the features of modern walk-in
bathtubs, available options, and considerations related to the installation of
a walk-in bathtub. If you’ve found this article helpful in any way, please post
a comment and pass the article along to others.
Would you like to receive a free copy of our new ebook - Tub King's
Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety
Suite Showers? Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for
free! It is also for sale and you can see/buy it on Amazon.com by clicking on this link.
Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed
at the end of this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s
been my pleasure sharing this information with you.
Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of
experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to
providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of
Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to
contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email
to alan@tubking.com.
How do you know when it’s the
right time to buy something? When it’s on sale? Is it based on new or
special features? The right color, technology or other factors? Or maybe it's
the right time to buy a product because its time has come?
One of the best innovations to
enter the market place in the last ten years is the Walk-in Tub.For years, senior citizens and younger adults
with mobility challenges had to depend upon traditional bathtubs for
bathing.This was creating
problems.The statistics for falling in
the bathroom had become a major health issue, one that was garnering much discussion.In 2011 a report came out that stated, “Over
80% of injuries in the bathroom were caused by falls.”Reports also said that women were 72% more
likely to fall than men.According to
research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.6 million older
adults seek emergency care each year for fall-related injuries, and especially fractures
or head trauma.In addition to
potentially losing their independence, seniors 65 years old and up have a 25% greater
chance of dying within six months to a year if they fall and break a hip.
It’s a fact: the Walk-in Tub provides
a much safer alternative in the bathroom to a regular tub with a high
threshold. Instead having to lift the leg 12 inches or more across the rim of a
normal drop-in tub, they have an easy six-inch threshold to traverse.Now, after several years of being available
in the U.S., the Walk-in Tub has become an advent for greater safety in the
bathroom. And there has never been a
better time to get one.Why? Read on.
Today’s Walk-in Tubs are better
made.Just as with any new product,
there must be time to shake out all the bugs in the system.That means after ten years, these tubs just
function better than their original prototypes. Initially, the structure of the
tub was not as durable.Most were made
of thin fiberglass, and the supportive frame was lacking.Today, the better Walk-in Tubs are made of
acrylic or better yet, Marine-grade fiberglass.That’s the same material you find in a ski boat, which is significantly more
durable. Plus, the better frames now are made of stainless steel. That means
the frame will not rust, it is lighter weight and just as durable and rugged as
pure steel.
Today’s Walk-in Tubs are
available in a variety of sizes. Let's face it, people are not all the same size, so
the Walk-in Tubs should be available in sizes to fit the person buying it.Smaller size Walk-in Tubs enable them to fit
through doors in the house without having to do major remodeling. And for larger sized individuals, or those who
may have to manipulate themselves out of and into a wheelchair after bathing, the
doors on the tubs are wider today, thus making entry a lot easier.
Today’s Walk-in Tubs have more
features available to enhance the benefits of water therapy. The air-jetted
hydrotherapy system creates thousands of micro-bubbles in the tub that positively
affect the entire body. They stimulate
the skin and nourish it, creating a gentle massage as the bubbles burst against
the skin.It makes for a tremendous rejuvenation
of the body.Keep in mind that your body
weighs 90% less when submerged in water, easing pressure on joints, ligaments
and muscles that don’t normally receive relief. Another system that can be
purchased today is the water-jetted massage system. This allows for larger jet
ports that are adjustable. You can specifically target parts of your body that
need therapeutic attention.The
adjustable jets can alter both direction and pressure to reach the maximum
comfort level, whether you are treating your back, hips, arms, legs or
feet.
Another feature is the inline
heater. This is a way to keep the water warm while you’re bathing.It doesn’t continue to increase the
temperature (which would eventually become uncomfortable), but rather maintains
a comfortable temperature throughout the bathing experience.
The Walk-in Tub’s safety features
have never been better. Not only is there a low entry point or
threshold in
entering and exiting the tub (around six inches), there are many other safety
features to enhance the tub. The floor
and seat are typically slip-resistant.There is also a grab bar located across from the door on the inside wall
of the tub to make it easier for getting up and down.The seat is normally ADA-compliant (17
inches) so that there is no unnecessary strain on the back.The hand-held shower sprayer allows one to
rinse off while sitting and is within easy reach, just like the faucet and other
controls.Today, everything about the
tub speaks to the point of safety and ergonomics.
Our Walk-in Tub's prices have never been lower. I
know, there are many companies out there who still charge ridiculous prices for
the Walk-in Tub, but there are a few, like Tub King, Inc., which has made these
tubs affordable for everyone. I receive
emails constantly from potential customers saying, “Why are some firms charging
$10,000 to $15,000 for the same Walk-in Tub that you sell for less than $3,000?”Of course they’re wondering if there’s
something defective about a Walk- in Tub that’s priced so low.It has nothing to do with higher price/better
quality.The answer lies in how companies
choose to market their products.Some
companies are content to sell fewer tubs (less hassle for them) while marking
the price up.Others, (like Tub King, Inc.)
would rather sell more volume, thus helping more people obtain their tub at a
lower more affordable price.
There has never been a better
time to own a Walk-in Tub.Not only does
it help with safety in the bathroom, creating independence so that you don’t
have to depend on others while performing your own personal hygiene
maintenance, relaxing the body, and soothing aching muscles, it can also help
with many medical conditions.
One article listed the following
areas that might be helped by regular hydrotherapy sessions in a Walk-in Tub:
As I mentioned above, there has
never been a better time to purchase a Walk-in Tub. No reason to wait.You can get a well-equipped Walk-in Tub at a
great price and utilize a professional installer, your own plumber, or maybe
even your own skills to install the tub.Most Walk-in tubs will fit right in the spot where you have a bathtub
now.
Maybe it’s time to stop reading
about it, and take the next step.Your
body, mind and spirit will thank you.
In this article, I listed several
reasons why now is the best time ever to buy a Walk-in Tub.Today’s models have new and improved design
features since they were first introduced about a decade ago. Several upgrades
have been made to improve their already high safety standards. Also, new
features have been added to provide additional health benefits.
If you found this article useful,
please share it with your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related
to this article, leave it in the Comment section of this blog.
Free Walk-in Tub Buyers' Guide
If you’d like to receive
a FREE Walk In Tub Buyers’
Guide, click here. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at
the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get
back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.
Alan and Kerry Knight are the
owners of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville,
Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and
senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products,
they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award”
four years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800)
843-4231; or send an email to Alan@tubking.com.
