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American Standard Walk-In Tubs Review (2024)
Typical cost range: $4,000 – $12,000
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Walk-in tubs make it easier for anyone with mobility issues to enjoy a warm bath without fear of falling. Because you can enter and exit the tub through a door and you bathe in a seated position, you don’t have to worry about lying down to soak and then getting back up again.
American Standard offers four main types of walk-in tubs to help those with limited mobility enjoy a relaxing bath. We discuss each of these products and show how American Standard walk-in tubs compare to other brands in terms of price and features.
Our Take on American Standard Walk-In Tubs
With its many decades in the industry and excellent reputation, American Standard is a good choice for buying a walk-in tub. The tubs are comparably well-priced, and the company is upfront about its installation costs without sticking customers with hidden fees.
American Standard’s many models of walk-in tubs give customers a variety of choices when it comes to tub dimensions and features, meaning that there is a tub for nearly every need. Also, they are elegant and stylish, to not disrupt your bathroom décor. As always, pay close attention to the details of any product’s warranty, but American Standard offers fairly comprehensive warranties on its products, as well.
Pros and Cons of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
Here’s a quick look at the benefits and drawbacks of going with American Standard for your walk-in tub.
Types of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
American Standard walk-in tubs come with several features, but the easiest way to divide them up is by the presence and/or type of massaging jets they feature.
Deep Soaking Bathtubs
This type of walk-in tub is most similar to a standard bathtub in that it simply fills up with water and allows you to soak in it. The difference, of course, is that it has a door and built-in seat that allow you to enjoy a deep soak without having to worry about getting in and out of a horizontal position. This tends to be the least expensive type of walk-in tub as it has the fewest extra features.
Whirlpool Tubs
Also called hydrotherapy tubs, whirlpool tubs produce strong jets of water to massage muscles and joints. These are often recommended for people suffering from arthritis and other joint problems, as this kind of hydrotherapy can reduce pain and swelling.
Air Jet Baths
These tubs are similar to the whirlpool variety, but they contain jets that create air bubbles to move the water around. This creates a much gentler massaging effect that is still beneficial for many health conditions but is better for those with sensitive skin.
Combo Massage Tubs
Finally, combination massage tubs include both hydrotherapy jets and air jets that can be operated independently. These are typically premium tubs and may include other features such as chromatherapy (built-in lights) or in-line heating. With all these features, it will come as no surprise that these are typically the most expensive walk-in tubs.
Tub Coating
American Standard tubs are offered in two finishings: gelcoat and acrylic. The gelcoat finishing is placed over a fiberglass structure, which is lightweight and less expensive than the alternative. However, it may also be prone to chipping, cracking, and staining. Acrylic is hardier and easier to keep clean, but it is also heavier and more expensive. Acrylic is only recommended for tubs installed on the first floor of a building.
American Standard Custom Options
In addition to tub size, which ranges from 28” by 48” to 30” by 60”, here are all the options you have when choosing an American Standard walk-in tub.
Coating Material:
- Acrylic
- Gelcoat (fiberglass)
Jet Type:
- None (soaking only)
- Hydrotherapy jets
- Air jets
- Both
Door:
- Left-hand
- Right-hand
- Inward opening
- Outward opening
Standard Tub Features:
- Built-in seats
- Safety grab bar
- Textured floor
- Neck rest
- Push-button controls
Extra Features:
- Chromatherapy lights
- Water heater
- Self-cleaning system
- Quick Drain pump
- Handheld showering wand
American Standard Walk-In Tubs Cost
Broadly speaking, an American Standard walk-in tub will cost you between $4,000 and $12,000, depending on the features you want. Determining prices of specific tubs is not easy, as not all the tubs’ prices are listed on the website. However, here are the broad price ranges for each type of tub.
| Type of Tub | Price Range |
|---|---|
|
Deep soaking tub |
$4,845 – $8,551 |
|
Whirlpool tub |
$5,433 – $10,188 |
|
Air jet bath |
$5,844 – $10,624 |
|
Combo massage tub |
$6,314 – $11,410 |
Although these prices don’t include installation costs, American Standard will provide you with a free estimate over the phone. The company has a positive reputation for upfront pricing and a lack of hidden fees.
Free Quote: Get your quote on a walk-in tub today
American Standard Walk-In Tub Reviews
American Standard is generally seen as a trustworthy brand, both by its customers and by the Better Business Bureau. Although the company is not accredited by the BBB, the organization has given it an overall A+ rating. On Trustpilot, American Standard walk-in tubs reviews rank the company 4.5 out of 5 stars for a rating of excellent. Here’s what some customers had to say.
“We are very satisfied with our tub.. nothing but good things to say about it!!” – Don McCaughey, 5 stars, 10/15/20 via Trustpilot
“Have to say the boys were nice when they came to work. Not impressed with the dirt that comes with the water when filling the tub. When it empties we have mud everywhere and we are not THAT dirty.” – Jeri Abbe, 2 stars, 10/16/20 via Trustpilot
Our Conclusion
If you want a walk-in tub, American Standard is a good choice. It has a long-standing positive reputation in the industry, and its products are innovative and reliable. In general, walk-in tubs are expensive, but American Standard baths are in the approximate middle range for this type of product. If you’re worried about installation costs, you can call the company and request a free estimate based on your desired tub and current bathroom layout.
Broadly speaking, walk-in tubs are best for older adults or those with mobility problems, as these tubs are easier to enter, enjoy, and exit. (Bidet toilets are also growing in popularity in bathroom designs and are great choices for those with mobility problems.) Walk-in tubs may also provide health benefits in the form of hydrotherapy or air jet massage. Expense and installation are usually the major drawbacks, which is the case across all companies. If you’re in the market for a walk-in tub at all, American Standard is a brand worth considering for its reputation and relative affordability.
Free Quote: Get your quote on a walk-in tub today
FAQs About American Standard Walk-In Tubs
Why are walk-in tubs so expensive?
A walk-in tub is substantially more complex than a regular tub, which is usually just a large basin. Since you must get into a walk-in tub before you begin to fill it and you can’t leave until it’s empty, the tub typically has quick-fill and quick-drain features. These features may require upgrades to your home’s plumbing or electrical systems for them to work correctly. Additionally, all bathroom sizes and shapes are different, and if your bathroom is more difficult to access or work in, your installation costs may be higher.
Are walk-in tubs worth the money?
This is a question you may have to answer for yourself. On the plus side, walk-in tubs allow people with limited mobility to remain independent and comfortable. They are generally safer to get into and out of, and features like air and water jets can help reduce pain, swelling, and stress. The drawbacks, of course, include the high expense, which is usually not covered by Medicare, and the complicated installation, as well as the large amounts of heated water needed to fill the tub. Many walk-in tub customers are satisfied with their purchases, but you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons yourself before investing in one.
How long does a walk-in tub take to fill?
This depends on the make and model of the tub. American Standard walk-in tubs are high-quality products with quick-fill systems, so they typically take six to eight minutes to fill. More discounted brands may take up to 15 minutes.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
