What Features Make a Bathtub ADA Compliant?

A built-in shower or bathtub seat that folds down to useWhether it be due to age, a disability, or any other reason, many people struggle with accessibility at home. One area of the home where this is especially prevalent is the bathroom, where slippery surfaces, high tub walls, and other factors can create plenty of problems for anyone who has issues with mobility. If you or a loved one could benefit from a bathroom that is safer and more accessible, a great place to start would be by investing in an ADA-compliant bathtub.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed in 1990, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It has also helped to increase access to products and services that help disabled people live safer and more fulfilling lives, which is where the importance of ADA-compliant products comes in. But when it comes to bath products, what exactly makes a bathtub ADA compliant? BathWraps can help answer that, and it all starts with understanding certain features you can find on some of the bathtubs we install. To be ADA compliant, a bathtub should feature:

1. Adequate Space

For a bathtub to be ADA compliant, space matters. While a larger bathtub is preferable, the ADA compliance comes down to the area in front of the tub. For a bathtub with a seat, clear floor space should be at least 30 inches wide and 60 inches long to allow for a person with limited mobility to enter and exit easily.

2. Seating

The presence of a seat can make all the difference in accommodating an individual with a disability. A built-in seat is usually best for reliable stability, but even a movable seat that features handholds on each side can be effective.

3. Grab Bars

Grab bars, or rails, provide stability and make entering and exiting the bathtub—as well as rising from or lowering to a bathtub seat—easier. This is why they are a necessary feature for a bathtub to be ADA compliant, and they need to be placed at specific areas for optimal use.

4. Quick Drain Systems

While not specified as a requirement for a bathtub to be ADA compliant, a quick-drain tub can also help improve the safety and accessibility of a bathing area. This feature makes it easier for an individual to get in and out of the tub, minimizing the risk of a slip-and-fall accident.

Make Your Bathroom Safer With an ADA-Complaint Tub From BathWraps

Ready to invest in a bathtub that has all these features and then some? If so, it’s time to get in touch with the team at BathWraps. We offer top-of-the-line ADA-compliant bathtubs that are built with features like handholds, seating, low- and no- threshold options, and more. You won’t need to sacrifice style for the sake of safety, either, as our bathtubs can be customized down to the last detail with your choice of:

  • Styles
  • Colors
  • Patterns
  • Textures
  • Finishes
  • Accessories

What’s more, our bathtubs are built with antimicrobial protection for minimal maintenance requirements and enhanced durability.

If you’d like to learn more about what features make a bathtub ADA compliant and how you can benefit from having a new tub installed at your home, contact BathWraps today.