Kohler Walk-in Bath Reviews in 2023

For seniors with mobility or health issues, stepping over the side of a traditional bathtub can be a difficult and dangerous endeavor. In order to ensure their safety when getting in and out of the tub, many seniors opt to install a walk-in bathtub with a low entry threshold. A walk-in tub’s therapeutic features, such as water and air jets to ease sore muscles, are another reason why seniors buy them.

The KOHLER Walk-In Bath, also known as the Belay Walk-In Bath, stands out for its cutting-edge hydrotherapy technology and chic design. KOHLER has produced a stylish product with a wide variety of safety and comfort features that is sure to be popular with customers who can afford its high price.

One of the most well-known producers of walk-in bathtubs, Kohler, will be examined in more detail in this review.

Read more: 15 Best Non-slip Shoes for the Elderly – Elder VIP

Fast Facts About Kohler Walk-in Bath

Kohler Company was established in Kohler, Wisconsin, in 1873. is a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, providing 30 brands to consumers in more than 50 countries. One walk-in bathtub model from Kohler comes equipped with safety and therapeutic features as standard. Additionally, Kohler provides a walk-in bath and shower combo and sells its walk-in baths only through a nationwide network of dealers as opposed to other retailers.

• Best for: Advanced hydrotherapy
• Price: Custom pricing
• Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
• Therapy types: Heated backrest, whirlpool jets, BubbleMassage
• Main safety features: Low step, handrails, textured surfaces, wide door

Regular KOHLER tubs come in a variety of styles, including the Sunward drop-in tub, the Archer alcove tub, and the Stargaze freestanding bath. The KOHLER Walk-In Bath, on the other hand, is only offered in a single design with standard dimensions of 52″ x 28″ x 39″. However, because each KOHLER Walk-In Bath is customized during installation, these can be altered to fit your available space.

Each KOHLER walk-in bath can be customized with a variety of finishes, an accompanying bath wall, and a selection of colors. White and Biscuit are the available bath colors, and polished chrome and vibrant brushed nickel are the two available finishes for the stylish KOHLER walk-in bath faucets.

Things to Consider before Buying Walk-in Bath

The use of walk-in bathtubs is strongly advised, especially for elderly individuals with mobility issues. They are able to bathe alone and safely thanks to it.

Everybody is at risk when taking a typical shower, not just elderly people. A walk-in bath on the hand prevents slipping and falling in the bath. To choose one, though, can be a little confusing because there are so many options available at various prices and features.

Here are some things you should consider before spending your money to install a walk-in bath;

Size and Quality

Despite the fact that walk-in baths come in a variety of sizes and shapes, many of them are designed to fit inside a standard bathtub. The typical bathtub measures 60 inches in length. However, you can have it designed to smaller or wider sizes depending on your needs. For someone using a wheelchair, for instance, a wider size would be more practical.

If the tub’s size would fit easily through your home’s doorways or hallways, that is something else to consider. It would be impossible for the installers to fit the tub inside if it were too big for the door.

The quality of the walk-in bath you purchase is another aspect you should think about. You should do some research to find out about various products and check out reviews from previous buyers. Make sure the tub you choose has a lifetime leakproof guarantee and extensive warranties on the operating system, door, and tub.

Fast Fill and Drain

The need for the bather to sit in the tub while it fills and drains is a drawback of walk-in bathtubs. It may be a little uncomfortable and chilly because of this. To speed up the process, you can choose models with quick-filling faucets and pump-assisted drainage systems.

Door Options

Most walk-in baths have inward door options. Because it swings inside the bath rather than outside, this type of door takes up little room. For those who are large or use wheelchairs, it might be uncomfortable. In these circumstances, you might want to take baths with external openings. They occupy more room but are simpler to enter.

Budget and Pricing

Walk-in tubs are more expensive than standard tubs. It is best to think about all the things a walk-in tub would need to do both now and in the future. Purchasing a walk-in bathtub only to discover later that you require a different model would be quite expensive.

In addition, keep in mind that walk-in tubs will require additional installation fees, which you might want to factor into your budget. The cost of installation is typically determined by the model and size. Smaller models typically require less money for installation.

Detailed Facts About Kohler Walk-in Bath

Features

Seniors and people with limited mobility benefit from the safety and spa-like features of Kohler’s walk-in bathtub when bathing. Additionally, Kohler makes it simple to modify your walk-in bath so that it matches the style of your bathroom. An overview of the safety, luxury, and personalization features of the Kohler walk-in tub can be found below.

Comfort Features

Kohler’s hydrotherapy feature improves circulation and muscle relaxation, creating an overall comforting experience. Its walk-in tub has the following options:

• Bask heated backrest: This feature provides heat to your neck, shoulders, and back during your soak. To help you find the perfect level of comfort, the backrest has three settings.
• Extra-wide seat: The 21.5 inch seat from Kohler is 30% deeper than seats on other walk-in tubs currently on the market. The angle and lower position of it are at the ideal comfort level for soaking.
• Fast-drain technology: A quick-fill feature helps you save time before the bath and Kohler’s patented quick-draining design allows you to empty your tub in about two minutes. Drain and fill time varies based on your bathroom plumbing.
• Hydrotherapy whirlpool jets: A soothing and therapeutic experience is produced by the BubbleMassage air jets, which discharge thousands of bubbles at three different intensities. Your legs, back, and neck will feel the pressure from its ten strong water jets.

Safety Features

The Kohler walk-in tub’s safety features include low-step entry and grab bars compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Design. The full list of safety features will be broken down below.

• Easy-to-reach controls: The controls for the Kohler walk-in tub are conveniently placed close to the interior handrails. All bathtub features, including the heated backrest and whirlpool jets, are controlled by this control panel.
• Ergonomic hand grips: For better support when standing and sitting, handrails are positioned on the outside frame and inside the tub. The ergonomic design ensures a firm grip for added stability.
• Extra-wide door: Those who have trouble moving around can easily enter and exit the tub thanks to this feature. According to Kohler, its door is 20% bigger than those on other walk-in bathtubs. Despite sealing shut to stop leaks, the door is sadly not wheelchair accessible.
• Handheld shower head: Bathing is made simpler by the multipurpose hand shower’s pivoting design. For greater convenience, the showerhead has three spray settings.
• Low three-inch step entry: The walk-in tub from Kohler has one of the lowest step-in heights on the market. This safe step reduces slipping risks and makes for easy transitions in and out of the tub.
• Non-slip flooring: Extra safety is provided when moving around in the tub by the textured flooring. You can enter and exit the tub safely thanks to the surface’s lack of slipperiness.

Customization Options

To help your new walk-in tub fit in with your existing bathroom design, Kohler offers a number of upgrades and customizations. Its walk-in tub is made to fit inside the space of your old tub, making installation easier. The typical walk-in bathtub dimensions from Kohler are 52 inches long, 39 inches tall, and 28 inches wide. Tub sizes can be adjusted from 52 to 60 inches long and from 28 to 32 inches wide.

To complement their new tub, homeowners can choose from a variety of solid and patterned LuxStone bathroom walls. Made from engineered stone materials, these low-maintenance, durable surfaces surround your walk-in tub and complement your bathroom design. Kohler also provides faucet finish and bathtub color customizations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Streamlined Installation: You would be right if you thought that installing a new bathtub would be labor-intensive. Fortunately, Kohler will take care of every step of the process, from determining whether your bathroom is suitable to handling the installation itself, which typically takes just one day.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Kohler asserts that the quoted price includes everything, as opposed to other businesses that frequently advertise one price and then tack on extra fees for installation and warranties, avoiding any complications on installation day.
• Safety Features: Kohler walk-in tubs are made to be safe, from their incredibly low step-in thresholds to their textured seating and flooring, so you can concentrate on enjoying a relaxing bathing experience.
• Comfort Features: Despite being among the safest available, Kohler walk-in tubs don’t skimp on comfort. Their tubs are fitted with hydrotherapy jets, heated backrests, and fast drain technology, turning your bath into a spa-like experience.

Cons

• No Ozone Cleaning: Ozone systems kill bacteria, contaminants, and other waste to keep baths clean. Sadly, this feature is not available on Kohler bathtubs. If this type of self-cleaning is important to you, then I’d recommend checking out a tub from American Standard.
• No Wheelchair Accessibility: Although a Kohler tub is a fantastic option for people with mobility issues, they do not currently have any models that are completely wheelchair accessible. If you want wider doors, a bariatric bathtub might be a great choice.

Cost&Warranty&Installation

Cost

Although Kohler doesn’t provide pricing information for its own walk-in bathtubs, it believes that prices typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the brand and features. Costs could rise by $1,000 to $5,000 as a result of additional features like additional grab bars and decorative wall covering. You should also consider labor costs for installation, which could add $2,500 to $8,000 to your project.

Your local Kohler dealer considers the following factors when calculating a quote:

• Bathroom size: In addition to your bathroom’s square footage, your dealer will check the width of your doorways, stairs, and walkways. Pricing will go up if your doors need to be altered to accommodate the tub in your bathroom.
• Current bathroom design: Your current tub, shower, and bathroom fixture arrangements will be examined with an eye toward your safety. To create the best environment for safety when entering and exiting the tub, additional adjustments might be needed.
• Customizations: Adding faucet finishes, LuxStone bath walls, and other upgrades will impact your final quote.
• Electrical panel: The electrical capacity of your home will be examined by Kohler installers to make sure it can adequately power your walk-in tub. You will be charged extra if any changes are required.
• Tub location: Bathrooms on higher floors will require additional labor and could extend the project timeline, affecting your overall budget.
• Water heater capacity: The amount of water needed to fill walk-in bathtubs is higher. Your system may need updating to accommodate the increased water capacity. Kohler recommends installing a 50-gallon water heater to properly support the extra water capacity and its temperature.

Warranty

Every bathtub made by Kohler is covered by their limited lifetime warranty. Since each Kohler walk-in bath is installed by a Kohler expert, you can be sure that everything will function as intended; however, in the unlikely event of a defect, their warranty will cover a free repair of just about anything. The door seal, hydrotherapy systems, faucet, and handshower are all covered by this warranty, ensuring your Kohler tub is there to stay.

Installation

A Kohler walk-in bath typically requires one day of installation. Your bathroom’s design, electrical capacity, and plumbing, however, may affect the timeline. What to anticipate on installation day is described in general below.

• A team of Kohler-authorized installers will arrive with all the necessary equipment to complete the job. Along with tarps to cover your bathroom, this also includes safety gear and protective shoe covers.
• They will also take care of any required plumbing and electrical work in addition to installing the bathtub.
• Your old bathtub will be removed and disposed of by the team at no additional cost. It has been replaced with a new bathtub.
• Your Kohler team will check that the tub is operating properly and give you a run-through of all of its features and functions. Any inquiries will be addressed by the crew.

Customers’ Reviews

Maintaining Independence Without A Nursing Home

I was growing older and more clumsy on my feet. I didn’t want to fall and I thought that surrounded by a tub, of being able to get in and out, was what I needed. Kohler is a reliable company and first of all, my mind was thinking, “If I purchased this bathtub, the cost would not exceed that of two or three months spent in a nursing home, which I could prevent if I did not trip and fall.”

——Yvonne

Trusted Brand, Comfortable Bath

I just love my new walk-in bath. Because of the catchy name, I’m really glad I waited for Kohler to produce a walk-in bath. It is very comforting and cozy, but safety is the main factor. Simply put, I adore it.

——Doreen

Handshower Makes Independent Bathing Possible

It looks wonderful and never gets cold. Because I was able to take care of myself, the handshower portion has changed significantly for me! Even when my friends came over to look at it, they were astonished by how it appeared.

——Helms

Attractive Bath With Excellent Comfort Features

The comfort and how well it fits in the bathroom are what I liked best about it. My husband said it had upgraded our bathroom significantly. It is a stunning piece of machinery.

——Felicia R.

3 Alternatives to Kohler Walk-in Bath

If cost is a major factor in your decision to purchase a Kohler walk-in bath, there are several more cost-effective options to take into account.

Bathtub Chairs

Similar in function to bathtub transfer benches, bathtub chairs are smaller and located inside the bath. Most are made so you can still sit down and lift each leg over while getting into the bath, but getting into them can be a little more difficult because you can’t sit on something that is directly beneath you; instead, you must angle yourself toward the tub first. This makes them unsuitable for everyone because they do raise the risk of falling. However, some have a convenient swivel feature that makes the process simpler.

However, since they are entirely contained within the bath and you won’t have to maneuver around them when moving around the bathroom, they can be more practical for small bathrooms than benches. And they’re cheaper, costing anywhere from $20 to $100.

Bathtub Transfer Bench

In order to use a bathtub transfer bench, all you need to do is sit down on one end of the bench, lift your legs over the step while sitting, and scoot (or slide) down to the other end of the bench that is located in the tub itself. Once you’re set up, you can take a shower while still sitting down, which for many elderly people makes the process much simpler.

Bathtub transfer benches are reasonably priced, costing between $40 and $200. There’s a variety of styles and types to consider – some that make it easy to slide down the bench, some that offer padding, others that are designed to take up less space outside of the bath for small bathrooms. For a lot of consumers, this option will suffice and set you back way less than something like a walk-in tub.

They do not permit you to be submerged in a bath, which could be a drawback. This may seem like a disappointing compromise if you enjoy the experience of taking a bath.

Bath Chairlift

Neither of the aforementioned options will suffice if you want a solution that still enables you to immerse yourself in a bath, but a bath chairlift should do the trick. These enable you to get on the chairlift before being lowered into the bathtub. Chairlifts for bathtubs come in a few different varieties. Battery power is the most popular type; all you have to do is press a button to turn it on. You can also find inflatable chairlifts that fill with air in order to reach high enough for you to sit, then deflate to lower you into the tub. Additionally, bath chairlifts with a crank rely on you to lower and raise the chair each time you enter the tub by turning the crank.

However, with the battery-powered option, you’ll need to remember to replace the batteries every so often. All of these options are fairly simple to install and use. These do, however, fall into a higher price range than those other options, usually costing between $300 and over $1,000. Even so, they are still considerably less expensive than buying a walk-in bathtub made by Kohler, which, if you enjoy taking baths, may be well worth the price.

Conclusion

As long as you can afford its high price point, the Kohler walk-in bathtub is well worth a look. The Kohler tub is a great product because it has a ton of safety and comfort features, making it perfect for customers who have limited mobility or who need to use a spa to solve their problems. Additional advantages, features, and conveniences that traditional bathtubs cannot offer are provided by Kohler’s walk-in bathtub. You or your loved ones can take a freestanding bath safely thanks to the safety features of this bathroom, such as the wide doors, additional grab bars, and low entry thresholds.

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