Need help finding a bathtub (pool, install, bathrooms, showers)

[joseph_675]

Hello all, I am starting the processing of renovating our house. Its 43 years old. The most expense renovation will be the bathrooms. In the upstairs portion of the house is my mother's bathroom. She is a senior and I would like to install a walk-in bathtub. Can anyone give me any feedback on these tubs?
On the lower-level, which is called the in-law apartment, which is where I live, I have a very small bathroom. 6ft wide by 10ft. I want to change the bathtub to something that I can soak in. (I'm 5'11") And I'm on a budget. The bathtub enclosure is an alcove. Measuring the length and width of the existing tub, the space is 60" x 30". So I need a tub that will fit into that space. However, I want a tub that is at least 27" deep. Any suggestions?

[K'ledgeBldr]

Always, always, always, think resale when making major changes to a house. Even if you plan to be there the rest of your life- "somebody" has to sell it.
Is your mother going to require care in the future? Will that care be in home? Is there a possibility that she may end up in a wheelchair?
There are lots of things to consider...
Tub vs. shower, door widths, steps, grab bars, etc.
I built a home for a customer that had a similar situation- And we built-in those considerations. Although the aging parent was not physically impaired at the time, the bathroom was built without a tub, but a zero entrance shower with a built-in bench. Additional blocking was added to the walls for grab bars; when that time arose. We also changed the regular 2/4 door for a 3/0 door and reversed the swing (out of bathroom).
All of these things didn't drastically alter the overall look/feel of the home-
As far as your bath is concerned, that footprint is the standard size for a tub. Most manufacturers also build tubs that are 72"L. But as far as depth- most are from 17- 22" deep. You may find a "soaking tub" but I don't think you'll find it with that footprint.
The other alternative would be to "build" a soak tub in that footprint and use either tile or cultured marble panels. But that probably won't fit your budget.
Good luck-

[Coldjensens]

Instead of a bath tub, we put in a zero threshold tile shower with a built in bench for when we get old. We love it now. Why wait until we get old. Our kids line up to use our shower instead of their bathtub showers (they have to do something special to earn the privilege).

Three things that we did that really made things great:

Thermostatically controlled shower valve (mechanical, not electronic). Slightly more expensive, but well worth it.

Sunflower shower head with a hand held option - wonderful! Like taking a shower in a waterfall. Does not really waste water because you rinse your entire body in a few seconds.

Extra large shower area. This is extremely convenient and comfortable. No banging elbows into walls. Big enough to hold a wheel chair. Two people can shower at once (actually, four or five might squeeze in there, but we are not that weird).

[Boomerang]

I bought a very deep acrylic whirlpool tub at Lowe's for very little money.
Downside is the upkeep; there aren't many products you can safely use that are easy and quick to use, and won't scratch the surface. In desperation I finally tried the "hasn't scratched yet" brand of scrubbing powder and it was OK, but you have to read the instructions that come with your own tub. I had a choice of either a 5' or 6' model.
Good luck and major kudos for taking such good care of your mom.

[jacabwilliams]

The tub is a matter of choice and I would suggest you go to a plumbing supply or try the Disabled Baths and look at the various tubs available
Good luck