Walk-in showers either feature a shallow threshold or have an entrance that’s flush with the bathroom floor. A properly-installed walk-in shower with flexible flanges or a linear drain keeps the bathroom floor from getting wet. If you have mobility issues or are planning for years to come, there are walk-in shower designs that comply with ADA safety regulations. These showers are at least 36 inches by 36 inches with an attached seat. Many people find this size too restricting while seated, and it won’t accommodate a roll-in shower chair. Consider a more spacious walk-in shower for effortless movement in the stall.
Installing a Walk-in Shower
Before you have a walk-in shower installed, call your city hall to ask about local building codes and permits. It’s best to leave the installation to professionals unless you are experienced with shower installations and plumbing. All of our best walk-in shower companies provide installation or can put you in touch with an installer in your area.
Installing a walk-in shower can require a great deal of renovation. You will have the existing bathtub or shower removed, and some plumbing may need retrofitting. A tiled stall looks sophisticated but is very time-consuming and may require knocking down one or more walls. The easiest way to install a walk-in shower yourself is to buy a prefabricated product.
Another DIY option is to buy a walk-in shower conversion kit for your shower over the bathtub. Be sure you feel confident about installing a conversion kit because you will have to cut your existing tub.
Safe Step Walk-in Showers
Safe Step specializes in designing and manufacturing walk-in showers and walk-in tubs for seniors and others with mobility issues. Professionals install Safe Step walk-in showers in the existing space occupied by the current shower or bathtub. This limits the expense of extensive remodeling. All Safe Step products meet or exceed ADA standards and come with a lifetime warranty covering all parts and labor.
Safe Step walk-in showers feature a Tru-Temp anti-scald valve, an adjustable hand-held shower wand with a quick on/off button, a curtain rod, and a shower curtain. Shower controls are easy to reach, and the floor has a commercial-grade anti-slip surface. Safe Step offers several options to customize your walk-in shower, like three different seats, sliding glass doors and metal finish upgrades.
American Standard Walk-in Shower
American Standard’s broad selection of ADA-compliant bathroom fixtures combines to create a custom walk-in shower that blends in with the rest of the bathroom. Shower faucets feature the Hot Limit Safety Stop to prevent scalding, and bases are slip-resistant for safety. American Standard sells numerous coordinating showerheads and trim kits.
American Standard offers several options for walk-in shower bases. We like the ADA-compliant Studio 38-inch by 38-inch Acrylic Shower Base for narrow spaces. The base is made of fiberglass-reinforced acrylic material for years of durability. American Standard is a top North American plumbing and building products manufacturer with a 140-year history.
Freedom Showers
The Accessibility Professionals offer the Freedom Showers line to help people easily remodel their bathrooms for aging in place. The company sells over 50 Freedom Showers-brand walk-in showers for residential and commercial applications. The broad range of choices may sound overwhelming, but the customer care team fully educates consumers about options before they complete their orders.
Freedom accessible walk-in showers are available in sizes ranging from 48 by 37 inches to a 61-by-61-inch corner shower. Some of the 22 ADA-compliant roll-in shower models feature the lowest molded linear drain threshold in the industry. Freedom Showers produces seven transfer showers in sizes up to 48 inches by 39 inches. The Easy Step line has 13 walk-in shower selections with safety bars and seats.
Independent Home Walk-in Showers
Independent Home distributes walk-in shower systems and other products to modify homes for those with mobility challenges. A representative comes to the consumer’s house to see where they want to install a walk-in shower, perform a site inspection and make walk-in shower recommendations.
Independent Home walk-in showers are designed to fill the space of the existing bathtub or shower over tub. Trained professionals with at least five years of experience handle installation. Many units install in one day. Independent Home offers wheelchair-accessible options, many standard safety features and glass door upgrades.
Jacuzzi Walk-in Showers
Jacuzzi has been in business for a century and has been selling hot tubs since the 1960s. The company’s product line expanded over the years to include the Finestra walk-in shower. The attractive high-gloss acrylic alcove measures 60 inches by 30 inches and is 77 inches tall.
Jacuzzi Finestra’s safety features include slip-resistant flooring, an anti-scald guard and designer grab bars on every wall. Jacuzzi walk-in showers come with comfort features you won’t find elsewhere:
- Move the seat securely to any wall, or remove it
- Hand-held and fixed showerheads
- Easily adjust between showerhead, hand-held shower and four body jets
- Shelves are deep enough for large shampoo bottles