Walk In Tub & Shower Combo: Benefits of Dual-Purpose Bathroom Installations

You are not alone if you have been considering remodeling a tired bathtub and adding a shower–converting a tub to a shower is one of the most popular bathroom projects. In addition to upgrading the bathing experience for the household, tub-to-shower conversions make better use of space, look great, and even make a home more appealing to buyers.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to deciding on the right walk-in tub and shower combo for a dual-purpose bathroom. Some homeowners decide to replace their bathtub and add a separate walk-in shower. Other remodelers opt for a new tub and shower combo unit. Those who are remodeling the bathroom to accommodate people with mobility issues often choose a walk-in tub and shower combo.

Let us look at the various walk in tub and shower combination options to get started with your next bathroom renovation project.

Types of Bathtub Shower Combos

Walk-in tub with shower: Designed with accessibility in mind, walk-in tubs have a door on the side that allows easy entry and exit over a low threshold. These often come equipped with a shower option, making them excellent for those with limited mobility or the elderly who want both benefits without the risks associated with standard tubs.

Walk-in shower and tub combo: If space allows, many homeowners opt to have a walk-in shower and a separate bathtub. Commonly seen in large master baths or family bathrooms, this choice provides the best of both worlds.

Shower tub: The standard shower tub combo is the most popular configuration, featuring a standard bathtub with a showerhead installed above. It’s a practical choice for smaller spaces and when both bathing options are needed. These combos often come with a curtain or sliding glass doors to contain water spray. Also called “shower baths,” shower tubs can either be installed using one-piece, prefabricated units or using a traditional tub with a surround made of panels, tile or other material.

Clawfoot or freestanding tub with shower attachment: Clawfoot and freestanding tubs can have a shower attachment added, often with a circular curtain rod surrounding the tub to protect the rest of the bathroom from water. This choice looks classic and can be a striking focal point in a bathroom.

The Advantages of a Walk-in Tub with Shower Combo

Walk-in tub and shower combos offer unique advantages and are designed for creature comfort as much as for safety and convenience. Key advantages include:

• Flexibility: The best walk-in tub shower combinations offer something for everyone and allow household members to choose how to bathe on any given day. This versatility can be especially useful in households with different bathing preferences–one person may want a quick shower, and another a long soak.
• Accessibility and safety:Walk-in bathtubs are designed with accessibility in mind and are an excellent choice for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues. They are designed for safety and to prevent falls with features such as low thresholds, built-in seats, and non-slip floors.
• Ease of use: Because the bather is seated upright in a walk-in tub, bath controls, hand-held showers and other accessories are within easy reach. If the tub includes hydrotherapy jets or other features, the control panel will be easily accessible to the bather.
• Therapeutic benefits: In addition to safety, walk-in tubs are also designed for comfort. They are deeper than most bathtubs, allowing the bather to sit comfortably on the tub seat and enjoy a good soak. Many walk-in tubs come with features such as hydrotherapy jets, which can help relieve pain, improve circulation, and be therapeutic for those with arthritis, muscle pain, or chronic conditions.
• Space efficiency: Combining a bathtub and shower saves space. You don’t need a giant bathroom to install a walk-in tub and shower combo.

Best of Both Worlds: Walk-in Shower and Bathtub Combos

Walk-in showers are incredibly popular. Spacious and good-looking, they are convenient to use and can be customized to fit any style. Coupled with a striking glass shower door or wall, the walk-in shower can be a dramatic focal point for the bathroom.

However, committed bathers who love a good soak will not find the same satisfaction from a shower, which is why bathtubs are still a fixture in master bathrooms and large family baths. Bathers can select a stylish freestanding tub, tuck a soaking tub into a corner or opt for a jetted tub surrounded by a handsome deck. The options are endless, making this truly the “something for everyone” option.

Shower Tubs – A Timeless Favorite

Many bathroom remodels feature a shower tub that combines a bathtub with a shower. More costly options combine an extra-large or specialty tub with a shower and surround it with custom stone, tile, or other materials. On the other end of the cost spectrum are prefabricated alcoves that combine the tub and shower surround in one durable and easy-to-install unit. These units are available in myriad sizes, colors, and styles, are simple to clean and very leak resistant.

Which Tub and Shower Combo is Right for You?

Bathroom renovations are more complex than other rooms: in addition to electricity, you also must contend with plumbing and ventilation. Installation of bath fixtures, surrounds and other elements must be precise and correct, otherwise, moisture could end up where it’s not wanted, leading to a host of expensive and unpleasant problems. In-home consultations are especially useful prior to starting to remodel a bathroom.

This is where Re-Bath shines. Our team of licensed professionals provides free in-home design consultations to help homeowners realize their visions, understand their options and gain a clear view of timelines and costs prior to starting a new project. Find your local Re-Bath today or schedule a free design consultation to learn more about our bathroom renovation offerings.