Walk-In Showers vs. Bathtubs: What’s Best for Florida Living?

Everyone has to use the bathroom at some point during the day. Why not make it a comfortable, convenient place to be? Walk-in fixtures can elevate your bathing experience and make the room more appealing overall.

How do you decide between walk-in showers and bathtubs for your bathroom? Clearwater Shower Bath explains each fixture in detail below. Our remodeling expertise can help you make informed decisions about how to move forward with your bathroom upgrade. 

The Problem With Typical Shower-Tub Combinations

When you first purchase and move into a new house, you’ll probably notice that it features a run-of-the-mill shower-tub combination. House flippers and residential property managers often opt for these fixtures because they cost less and save bathroom space. They can also accommodate the bathing preferences of small children and adults. 

However, they aren’t the most attractive fixtures, are they? Plus, you need something even more accessible as you age. The tub’s sides are still obstacles that can hinder safe navigation of the space. Thankfully, you have other bathroom remodeling choices. 

How Do Walk-In Showers vs. Bathtubs Work?

Walk-in showers can have doors or doorless entries. You simply step inside, turn on the showerhead, and proceed with your hygiene routine. Each shower has a floor drain for wastewater to escape. 

It may have slightly raised edges to keep water inside the collection area, depending on your design preference. However, some walk-in showers are completely flat and flush with the rest of the floor because the flooring material is fully waterproof.  

A walk-in bathtub has a design that resembles a traditional one. However, it features a gate that swings open so you don’t have to step over the high edge to get inside. The tub basin is also usually bigger than the average bathtub. You can fully fit inside without being cramped. 

Exploring the Financial Side of These Renovations

When weighing walk-in showers vs. bathtubs, consider how an installation will impact your budget and overall property value. You should also think through what you value and need to make your bathroom more accommodating. Let’s look at those financial specifics below. 

Costs

A walk-in bathtub typically costs more to purchase and install than its shower counterpart. You can save a few hundred to a couple of thousand by choosing the shower instead. However, the final price depends on several factors, such as:

• Materials
• Design
• How your remodeling team must renovate the space to accommodate the fixture
• Additional features like stationary benches or faucet hardware 

Shop around for a fixture that falls within your ideal price range. Then, see how much installation services add to the cost in Florida. 

Property Value

If you want to install walk-in fixtures to max out your property’s market value, you should research your area’s market and current bathroom remodeling trends. The walk-in shower is the overall winner for home value, especially in the present market. We’ll get into why many potential buyers view it as preferable below. 

Perks and Pitfalls of a Walk-In Shower

What gives the walk-in shower an edge in increasing your home value? Where might it fall short for personal use? Let’s dive into the shower vs. bathtub pros and cons below. 

Perks

A walk-in shower benefits your home’s value and comfort level by:

• Enhancing bathroom mobility: The shower minimizes how much you lift your leg from the ground, limiting trip or fall hazards. 
• Adding to your adaptable bathroom space: When you remove the tub basin, you can add a non-intrusive glass panel or even keep the whole floor open, depending on the drainage and flooring setup. This leaves room to add benches and other features that make your showers more convenient. 
• Making your bathroom look and feel bigger: Who doesn’t love a spacious bathroom? A shower upgrade often gives you more room to move around without changing the overall design. 
• Offering a touch of spa-like luxury to your home: Increased space plus added conveniences equals luxury.

These are the reasons that walk-in showers are such alluring fixtures, whether you’re renovating for yourself or planning to sell your home. 

Pitfalls

How do the negatives of walk-in showers vs. bathtubs factor into the equation? A walk-in shower may contribute to an elevated property value only if you have a second bathroom with a tub. A house with only shower accommodations can limit prospective buyers who may want to have at least one tub in the house. 

If the rest of your bathroom floor isn’t water-resistant or waterproof, then the water that inevitably splashes out of the shower can contribute to floor deterioration. You might consider extending the waterproofing flooring if you don’t want to redo your whole bathroom floor. 

Pros and Cons of a Walk-In Bathtub

What bathtub replacement considerations should you take into account when exploring walk-in showers vs. bathtubs? Sometimes, the walk-in bathtub far surpasses a shower, especially when your personal preferences come into play. 

Pros

Walk-in tubs are fantastic for creating a spa-like environment. Most people stand in showers, or they have benches for seating. You can fully lie back and relax in a bathtub. This makes it preferable for relieving aches and pains from hard work or strenuous exercises. Plus, you can more easily bathe small children in baths. 

Cons

Not only do walk-in tubs typically cost more than showers, but they also use much more water. A 10-minute shower uses around 20 gallons, while the average tub needs up to 50 gallons to fill it. 

How To Get the Most From Both Choices

If your home has two bathrooms with bathing fixtures, you could explore modern bathroom design options that include both. Install one in each bathroom for optimal property value and personal enjoyment. You could also explore other additions to improve the experience, including:

• Retractable spigots for easy rinsing in the tub
• Benches in the shower for more comfortable and relaxed seating
• Shelving and hooks for product or linen storage

These small details will truly bring out the best bathing rituals and hygiene experiences. Think outside the box! 

Which One Is Best for Your Florida Lifestyle?

If you’re limited to choosing only one walk-in fixture, prioritize safety and accessibility in the bathroom first. What’s your current life stage? How does it affect your decision? Are there others in your household with different needs to consider?

• Adults with no known disabilities or health concerns: If you’re an adult with no mobility issues or aging concerns, you have your pick. What would you prefer? 
• Children: Bathtubs are generally better for bathing small children under the age of 10. If your children are entering their teen years, you have more options. 
• Senior citizens: As a senior adult, you’re probably planning for the future. You might consider a walk-in shower with a bench instead of a bathtub because it limits potential mobility issues. 
• Disabled people: The best option depends on your disability. For example, if you struggle with walking or taking steps, you might feel more secure with a shower. If your condition leaves you sore or fatigued, a bathtub may serve you well. 

Carefully consider your lifestyle needs and discuss them with a remodeling service provider in Florida.

Consult With Clearwater Shower Bath If You Need Help Choosing

Unsure about whether walk-in showers vs. bathtubs are the best choice for you? Call Clearwater Shower Bath at 727-265-1141 to discuss your options. We love helping Floridians remodel their bathrooms to match their lifestyles and needs. Our remodelers are ready to make your bathing rituals even more enjoyable.