If you’re looking to improve the overall safety of your home as you age, the bathroom is a good place to start. With slick surfaces and mobility hazards, the bathroom is one the most accident-prone rooms in your home, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In fact, roughly 80% of bathroom injuries are caused because of falls, with the most hazardous activities being bathing, showering, or getting out of the tub or shower. One of the biggest improvements you can make to minimize the danger is installing a walk-in tub or shower.
American Standard is one the largest retailers of walk-in tubs and showers and can trace their roots back to 1929. They are known for their excellent customer service and have high ratings on Trustpilot. While you can purchase the company’s products through retailers online and through Home Depot, Lowes, or even bargain sites like Wayfair, buying direct or from a local showroom is often the best option.
In this article, we’ll go over the different styles, functions, and features of American Standard walk-in tubs, as well as costs associated with installation and add-ons. So whether you’re buying a walk-in tub to replace your existing appliance with something safer, or are simply looking to add more spa-like features to your home, this review will help you make the choice that is right for your household.
Pros and Cons of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
As with any costly household renovation, there are pros and cons even with a highly reputable brand like American Standard. Here are a few to consider before you purchase.
Pros
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American Standard is a well known and trusted brand with roots that date back to 1929.
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American Standard offers up to 44 adjustable air and water jets through its RevitaJet hydrotherapy system.
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The company’s walk-in tubs drain in just two minutes.
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Free quotes and in-home evaluations make choosing the right model easy.
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American Standard has an extensive network of licensed and insured installers—the largest in the U.S. and Canada.
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The company offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers bathtub, installation, and labor.
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Every model comes with slip-resistant floor and easy touch controls.
Cons
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Because there are so many customizable options, it’s hard to get an accurate price estimate without an in-home evaluation.
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The company highly advertises their quick-drain technology and 44-jet system but not every model has it.
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Original shipping fees are non-refundable, plus there is a 15% restocking fee. For bathtub returns, add a $100 freight fee or $150 if you’re in Alaska or Hawaii.
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American Standard walk-in tubs are high in quality but often cost more than budget competitors.
Features of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
American Standard Walk-In Tubs provide independence by offering a secure and accessible way for older adults to bathe. While some features come standard on all of the walk-in tubs, others are considered luxury add-ons and cost extra. Below is an overview of what to expect.
Standard Features
- Low threshold
- Built-in grab bar
- ADA-compliant built-in seat
- Slip-resistant textured floor
- Leak-free, outward-opening door
- Wide, wheelchair-friendly entryway
Not Included With All Tubs
- Patented Quick Drain empties water in two minutes with no additional plumbing adjustments required
- RevitaJet Whole Body hydrotherapy system features 44 air and water jet massagers
- In-line heating keeps water consistently warm during the bath and protects from extreme temperature fluctuations
- Chromotherapy (light therapy) with seven colors
- Aromatherapy (built-in option)
- Hand shower
- Solid brass fixtures
Tub Coatings
Generally, there are two options for walk-in tub coatings: gelcoat fiberglass and acrylic. The biggest difference has to do with the porosity of the finish and how it affects the overall longevity of the coating.
Gelcoat Fiberglass
Gelcoat is a polyester resin that is sprayed on fiberglass, reinforcing the fiberglass and giving it a shiny surface—and it’s often the cheaper of the two options. It’s also the more porous of the two, meaning that it doesn’t last as long and can wear overtime, allowing mildew and discoloration to occur. While it may be cheaper in the beginning, it could be more costly in the end when it comes time to make repairs. It has a life of about one to eight years, depending on frequency of use.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a sheet of material that is heated and formed on the walk-in tub. Acrylic may have a higher initial cost, but it lasts a lot longer than gelcoat fiberglass, which means there’s less need for repair. It has a high gloss, non-porous finish that is resistant to color fading and mold and mildew growth, and it’s easy to clean.
Types of American Standard Walk-In Tubs
There are four main types of American Standard walk-in tubs. Each model has its own cost points, as well as special features and functions.
*Cost: Below, we have included estimates based on prices listed with certain models on American Standard’s website. However, the overall price is dependent on model, finish, features, purchase store, and the cost of installation.
