Is A Walk-In Bath Or A Wet Room Better For Accessibility?
There are few everyday comforts more relaxing than bathing after a long day. Whether you prefer baths or showers, there are so many options to meet everyone’s needs and ensure that this simple pleasure remains accessible to everyone at every stage of life.
Whilst the debate around whether baths or showers are better is mostly a question of personal preference, it becomes far more important when accessibility is a key factor.
Both walk-in baths and wet room showers are excellent choices that can be tailored to meet particular needs, but which one is the best choice for an accessible bathroom?
The answer depends a lot on individual circumstances, the size and shape of the bathroom in question, particular accessibility needs and personal preference.
What Is A Walk-In Bath?
A walk-in bath is a bath with a seat, anti-slip flooring and a door you can open that is watertight, allowing someone to simply step into the bath without having to lift their leg and take a big step.
They are designed with customisation in mind, and a walk-in bath can vary from a sit-down tub with a watertight door to make it easy to get in, get out, reach the taps and the shower, or it can be a larger power bath with a movable seat that raises and lowers.
They can be adapted to include whirlpool-style spa jets, underwater lights and booster cushions as required.
What Is A Wet Room?
A wet room is an entirely waterproof room, with anti-slip flooring and a shower drain at the same level of elevation to each other. In effect, it is an open-plan shower which can be easily adapted for any kind of mobility and accessibility need.
They are not quite the same as walk-in showers; a walk-in shower is more clearly sectioned off and defined, with a shower tray and screens that close the space off from the toilet, sink, shelves and the rest of the bathroom.
Are Wet Rooms Or Walk-In Baths Best For You?
The decision between a wet room and a walk-in bath is even more distinct than the typical question of choosing a shower or a bath. The right answer will depend fundamentally on your bathroom and your style of washing.
The biggest consideration with a walk-in bath is that, because of the door, you need to wait for the tub to fill up around you, which can take up to 15 minutes depending on the size of the bath.
As well as this, the bath needs to drain entirely before you can get out of the bath, and it is highly recommended that you get a walk-in bath with a quick-draining system.
Without one, it can take up to 15 minutes for the tub to drain before you get out, towel dry and warm up. Some walk-in baths have heated