How to Choose Between a Walk-In Tub and a Walk-In Shower

Making your bathroom safer and more accessible is one of the smartest investments you can make, especially if you plan to age in place. But when it comes down to it, many New Jersey homeowners find themselves asking the same question:

Should I get a walk-in tub or a walk-in shower?

Both options offer comfort, safety, and a big improvement over a traditional tub, but they serve different needs. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, mobility, preferences, and long-term plans.

Let’s break it down to help you decide which one is best for your home.

Walk-In Showers: Practical, Modern, and Accessible

If daily ease of use is your top priority, walk-in showers are hard to beat. Designed with low or barrier-free thresholds, they allow you to enter and exit with minimal effort—no climbing, no stepping, no strain.

Why homeowners love walk-in showers:

• Easier to access: Ideal for individuals with limited mobility or those who want to avoid the risk of stepping over a high tub wall.

• Quick and efficient: Showers take less time and use less water than a soak in the tub.

• Easy to clean: Especially when made with acrylic wall systems, which resist mold and mildew.

• Stylish and spacious: Open layouts with glass doors or no doors at all can make small bathrooms feel larger.

Best for:

• Homeowners who prefer showers to baths

• Aging adults looking for daily ease and independence

• Families with multiple users sharing the space

• Smaller bathrooms need better flow

Walk-In Tubs: Therapeutic, Soothing, and Supportive

If you enjoy a warm soak or have chronic pain, arthritis, or circulation concerns, a walk-in tub might be a better fit.

These tubs feature a swinging, watertight door and a built-in seat, allowing you to walk in and sit comfortably while the tub fills. Many models offer therapeutic features, such as hydrotherapy jets, heated backrests, and fast-drain systems.

Why homeowners love walk-in tubs:

• Pain relief: Warm water therapy can ease joint pain, stiffness, and stress.

• Secure seating: Built-in benches and grab bars provide support, reducing the risk of falls.

• Peaceful experience: Offers a spa-like escape for those who value a long soak.

Best for:

• Adults with arthritis, limited mobility, or chronic pain

• Seniors who enjoy bathing as a form of relaxation or therapy

• Caregivers supporting loved ones who need seated bathing

• Homes with more than one bathroom (walk-in tubs take longer to fill and drain)

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding

Still not sure? Consider these questions:

1. Do you prefer showers or baths in your daily routine?
2. Are you prioritizing speed and convenience, or therapeutic benefits?
3. Will more than one person be using the bathroom on a regular basis?
4. Do you have space for a tub, or is your bathroom layout better suited to a shower?
5. Are you planning for aging in place or recovering from an injury or surgery?

What About Combining Both?

In some remodels, especially for larger bathrooms or households with mixed needs, homeowners opt to keep a tub in one bathroom and install a walk-in shower in another. Others install shower-tub combos with seating and handheld wands for more flexibility.

If you have the space and budget, your best option might be to have both available.

Let’s Design a Safer, Smarter Bathroom

At Bathroom Pros, we specialize in accessible bathroom remodeling, whether that means a sleek walk-in shower, a therapeutic walk-in tub, or a custom solution built just for you. Our acrylic products are durable, low-maintenance, and backed by expert installation.

Schedule your free in-home consultation today and let’s create a bathroom that fits your life, beautifully and safely.