Walk-In Tub Wholesalers from China

 

If you were interested in purchasing a Walk In Tub, this site from a Chinese walk-in tub manufacturer might have been very helpful. Content is from the site's 2010 archived pages.

Although there may have been advances in the design of walk in tubs since this site was first created, much of the information is still relevant. As my parents aged, I began to make adjustments to their apartment to accommodate their needs. I first started with eliminating many of their oriental carpets which made using a walker or a wheelchair an issue. With my parents' blessing I found a local Persian rug cleaners NYC company to deal with all their precious carpets. A representative inspected all the carpets and suggested we not only clean the carpets but also do a moth prevention treatment before they went into storage. After learning that carpets should be cleaned once a year, I ended up using the same company on all my carpets. I then started looking for improvements and adjustments in my parents' bathrooms. Doors where widen to accommodate a wheelchair. Toilets were changed to have a higher seat, and a walk in bathtub was installed.I bought a higher end acrylic model with some of the extra bells and whistles. My parents loved the hydrotherapy options that added either a whirlpool or air bath feature. They now could have a spa-like experience from their own functional and safe tub with its massaging water jets or air bubbles. When my kids visited their grandparents they always wanted to take their bath in the walk in tub. And who could blame them!

But it should be noted here that these walk in tubs are not just for the elderly. My younger brother works in the high tech field in the arcane area of search engine optimization (you may have to look this up, but it's basically a new way of implementing websites that rank well in Google). As one of the very few expert consultants in high level search, he trained with TNG/Earthling's SEO guru Bob Sakayama in NYC for several years before setting out on his own. Now he is in great demand and often burns the midnight oil working on projects for some of the top high tech firms. He simply adores his walk in tub. After long hours reviewing proposals and code functionality he feels he deserves the luxury of his bathing experience. And my parents are able to use his tub when they visit, so double win!

 

ABOUT

We are a Walk in Tub manufacturer located in South China. We supply walk in tubs to North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand .
Since 2005 we have been in the walk in tub field and have been in the forefront of the development of walk in tub production in China.
 
There are two different types of production methods for walk in tubs. 1. Acrylic formation by vacuum machine and 2. gelcoat surface with a fibreglass multi-layer lamination. Both ways result in a smooth and high quality surface.
 
We have many years of experience making and selling wholesale deep, one-piece walk in tubs

 

Walk-in Tubs Articles

1. How to choose walk in tub?

 

After a hard work day, relieving the tiredness and stress by relaxing in the bath would be ideal. However for those who have arthritis, or who have limited mobility or are handicapped, getting into or out of a bath is not only difficult, but also dangerous. Every year many people end up injured after slipping and/ or falling as they climb in and out the tub.

How to solve the problem and reduce the accident of slip and fall? Bathtub manufacturers solved this problem by designing a bathtub with seat and low entry. This tub was named a walk in tub. The walk in tub is designed with a low entrance threshold, an approximately17" high seat, an anti-scald bottom design, safety grab bars, contour insides, along with the option for hydrotherapy, water jets massage, and ozone sterilization. Some walk-in tub designs include other options as well.

What to look for in the design of a walk in tub./p>

1. There are 2 main types of construction: the acrylic walk in tub or the fibreglass walk in tub. Both of them have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

  • Acrylic walk in tub is high gloss surface, color will not fade, easy to clean, more deluxe. But price is more expensive due to the scrap rate is much at least 20% during vacuum formation process.
  • Fiberglass walk in tub has a matt surface. The color is more likely to fade and look old more quickly. Another issue is with its more porous surface quality it is not aseasy to clean. There is the potential for bacteria to easily multiply in the porous surface. However the fiberglass walk in tub is less expensive because there is almost no scrap rate during production. It is not made by vacuum machine formation.

     

    2. The door seal is important to walk in tub, generally adopt silicone rubber tube.

    3. Grab bar must be bolted

    4. Fast fill and fast drain, big faucet inlet and double drains is better

    5. Latch is easy to be operated for seniors and disabled

    6. One-piece walk in tub looks more beautiful

    7. Has an access panel to fix plumbing when needed

    8. With extension skirt to fill 60"

    9. Inward door and outward door: inward swinging door is fit for small bathroom and door is sealed more tightly when water pressure force on it. Outward swing door is better for bigger bathroom, more convenient for going in and out the tub, people does not have to maneuver the leg. And easy to escape when emergency happens.

     

    2. Acrylic walk in tub and gel coat fiberglass walk in comparison

     

    Acrylic is a sheet of material that is heated and vacuum-formed over a mold, creating a continuous waterproof membrane. It is then reinforced with fiberglass for added stability and insulation value. Acrylic is non-porous by nature, warm to the touch and retains its gloss finish better than any other material. Acrylic is well recognized for its ability to withstand constant use and cleaning. It is usually recommended that you avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners since acrylic is easily scratched.
    Gelcoat fiberglass is a colored polyester resin sprayed onto a mold then reinforced with fine glass particles. Being more porous and brittle than acrylic, the gelcoat/fiberglass surface has a greater tendency to dull and discolor over time. Some other drawbacks to using fiberglass are the fact that they can flex or break if they are not adequately supported and they show scratches over time that cannot be repaired. There are some pros to owning a fiberglass tub which include the fact that they are lightweight which makes them easy to install, they are inexpensive, and cracks are easy to repair with an epoxy resin repair kit.
    Let’s compare fiberglass to acrylic on some very specific characteristics –


    Acrylic      

    Fiberglass

    Non-Porous 

    Porous

    Excellent repairability

    Good repairability

    Color fast- Excellent

    Color fast-Fair

    Useful life- 30+ yrs.

    Useful life- 1-8 yrs.

    Initial cost- Moderate 

    Initial cost- Low

    Strength- Strong 

    Strength- Fragile

    Surface- High Gloss

    Surface- Matte

    Thickness- .60-.125

    Thickness- .008-.02

    Cleanability- Excellent

    Cleanability- Poor

    Styles- Wide Variety

    Styles- Moderate Variety

    Colors- 200+  

    Colors-  Good

    Value- High 

    Value- Fair

    The big plus with acrylic is that it is solid surface, meaning it has a very high filler content and does not have a gel coat. If you have Corian or similar countertops in your home, then you know what solid surface material is. No mildew, mold or bacteria can penetrate because it is non-porous.  Acrylic; being a solid surface, is easier to clean, has a glossy finish and will last for many years. It will not fade over time as the color is all the way through the material, not just on the surface. Whereas, with gel coat fiberglass the gel coat rubs off and then the pores/fibers of the fiberglass are exposed.  Once the pores and fibers are exposed they can harbor bacteria, mold and mildew and grime and soap scum get imbedded into the surface which begins the breaking down of the product. Using a gel-coat is like having a paint sprayed onto the fiberglass to “seal” it.  It wears off over time which is why it fades and wears and becomes even harder to keep clean.
    While fiberglass costs less, it will never last longer or as long as acrylic therefore in the long run it is probably well worth the added expense to get a walk in tub made with a surface material that is more durable and that will last for many years.

     

    3. How a Walk-In Bath Preserves Independence?

     

    A walk-in bath is a fairly straightforward concept that can be one of the most important items in a home. One of these bathtubs replaces a home's standard tub and features a sealed door that swings either out or in. The purpose is simple: allow easy access to and from the bathtub. For those with limited mobility, this type of tub can be a liberating piece of safety equipment.

    Much like other bathtubs, walk-in baths are typically made from acrylic material, fiberglass, porcelain, or steel. Acrylic tubs are durable and are able to insulate well, but are generally more expensive than fiberglass. Porcelain is not as durable, but it is easy to clean and resistant to corrosion. Fiberglass is inexpensive and light but can accumulate scuffs easily. Steel is often utilized as a sturdy frame for other tub materials. Other considerations may matter more for some customers, but it is still a good idea to learn about the different tub materials before committing to a purchase.

    Features that vary among walk-in tubs include the type of door, the size, the inner bench seat, the inclusion of faucets, and various jet options. There is not a significant difference between an inward and outward swinging door, but some users may find that an outward swinging door permits more room to make oneself comfortable before the door shuts. The size of the walk-in bath is important because it needs to fit the intended space. If at all possible, it should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the largest user in the home. Many people with limited mobility appreciate a bench seat so that they do not have to get down to ground level in the bathtub. For this reason, most walk-in tubs include these seats. Many people also enjoy massaging jets in a walk-in bath. Both water jets and air jets are available, and some tubs provide both options. If hydrotherapy is helpful for the tub's user, make sure that jet options are included with the tub. On the other hand, if price is a concern, eliminating some of the extra options can significantly cut down on costs.

    A walk-in bath can be an extremely valuable item in the home of a person with limited mobility. Independence is an important commodity and equipment such as walk-in tubs can permit the elderly to maintain a great deal of independence for many extra years. When it comes to something highly personal like bathing, independence is truly at a premium. People know it is important to stay clean, but they also do not want to depend on others to bathe them. This puts many people in a difficult position. A walk-in tub helps to solve this dilemma by allowing the user to take a bath without assistance. For those living alone, the bench seat is especially important. Those with limited mobility are at risk to get stuck at the bottom of a conventional tub. Even if there is a way to call for help, the situation can be dangerous and very upsetting. Walk-in tubs are valuable on both a physical and emotional level.

    A walk-in bath is a piece of safety equipment that can help you or a loved one maintain independence for many years to come. With such an important item, it is important to perform adequate research before making a purchase. Carefully consider all of the available options and take the time to decide what will work best for your situation. Searching online is a fast way to find detailed information and brochures for walk-in tubs. If possible, talk to a tub manufacturer or other expert before reaching a final decision.

    Andy West is a writer on many subjects, including home health care. Bathing is one of the most basic human needs and a walk-in bath can help those with limited mobility meet that need.

     

    4. Walk-In Tubs Can Help Seniors Stay in Their Own Home

     

    Seniors like to stay in their own residence for lots of reasons: the familiarity of neighborhood & property, the ability to keep their pets, socializing with neighbors, gardening, local markets, & more. The giant intangible reason: the ability to keep one's own independence.

    The choice is an assisted living facility or nursing home. An assisted living facility provides "hands-on" personal care as well as medical look after those who are unable to live by themselves, but do not need constant care provided by a nursing home. Nursing homes provide expert nursing care round the clock.

    However, there's hard financial reasons to stay independent as long as feasible. Usually, seniors already own their home, which is an investment & a residence. The long-term trend of actual estate has been up, so the net worth of the elderly who live in their own homes continues to rise.
    In contrast, a private one-bedroom in an assisted living facility cost a US average of $2,825 per month, according to Genworth Financial's 2009 annual survey. The cost has been increasing at the rate of 4.7% per year over the last four years, double the rate of inflation.
    Similarly, the cost of a private one-bedroom in a nursing home is $6,099 per month. Again, the cost has been rising at the rate of 4.3% per year, double the rate of inflation.

    Often the main reason for having to move is the fear of falling & injury. More falls happen in the bathroom & stairs than anywhere else in the house. This is where a walk in tub can help. With a low step threshold & a chair, the risk of falling is dramatically reduced. Some are wheelchair obtainable, meaning the person can slide off the wheelchair onto the chair of the tub without assistance.

    Walk in tubs, fully installed with accessories, range from $6,000 to $13,000. This compares favorably to the cost of $34,000 for one year in an assisted living facility.Walk in tubs can save seniors money & permit them to keep their independence by safely staying at home.

     

    5. Walk in Tubs Make Your Life Easy

     

    Traditional shower design often fails to take in to consideration the limited mobility factor that available walk in bathtubs address. This creates challenges for the user who experiences physical impediments that make bathing a frustrating and complicated method. Showers often lack grab bars, anti-slip protection as well as a proper seating area common to walk in tubs for a safe and relaxing bathing experience.

    Handicap available bathtubs are a comfortable and easy-to-install alternative to traditional showers and provide all the safety features usual set-ups miss. Every year, manufacturers introduce handicap bathtubs that include height-adjustable, easy-to-use taps and shower heads as well as strategically located grab bars. In other words, walk in tubs are all about your comfort and safety.

    While handicap available showers feature a very low threshold or are even level with the floor for the final accessibility, walk in tubs offer the flexibility of either having a shower or enjoying a pleasant soak in warm water without worrying about the way you will get in and out of the bath. Having the choice for a bath is not a luxury - soaking is therapeutic, easing bodily aches and pains. These baths usually come with a shower head that can be either hand-held or wall mounted and can be adjusted to the exact height for your needs.
    An astonishing variety of walk in bathtubs are available on the market today. What all of them hold in common is some kind of inward or outward opening door in the side of the tub. This allows for a low threshold that is far safer and simpler to step in to than in traditional baths. Outward opening doors are thought about to be safer in some cases, as the door can be opened even when the tub is full in case of an emergency. However, inward-opening doors are advantageous because they are "self sealing" due to the pressure of the water on them when the bath is full, and they also need less room.
    A majority of the most popular models are termed as "sit-in" tubs and feature a chair-height chair that is simple to get in and out of. These are great for showering as well as bathing. Alternately, other models feature powered seats that can lower and lift you safely and basically in and out of a traditional height bath. This lets you experience full-length bathing without the worry of slipping and falling. In addition to anti-slip surfaces and convenient grab bars for added safety, a few models also feature hydrotherapy jets, which have therapeutic properties that can aid further in easing achy joints and sore muscles.

    Handicap available tubs come in several different sizes and types to meet your needs and lifestyle. Shorter models can be found for a variety of hard to fit places, including bathtubs that are specifically made to take up the same amount of space as a standard shower stall. Long tubs are more like traditional baths and give you more room to relax and enjoy your soak.
    As you'll need to be inside the tub both while it fills and empties, most walk in tubs have special features. One important feature is a thermostatic mixer, a temperature regulator that makes definite all water comes out at the right temperature for your comfort and your safety. Plenty of units have quick filling features as well. Another major issue is how quickly the water can drain. Seniors could catch a chill from sitting for several minutes in chilled water as they wait for the tub to empty. Plenty of models offer dual drain systems, or even pumps that can drain the unit in under a minute, to solve this issue.

    Whether you mostly prefer showers with the occasional bath, or you'd like to be able to soak in the tub every day, walk in bathtubs make your life simple by offering the final in safety and in comfort.

    6. Advantages of Hydrotherapy in Walk-In Bathtubs

     

    For those affected with mobility concerns, getting in & out of a standard bathtub can range from being a scary experience to being impossible. The elderly & those who are injured or disabled are vulnerable to the prospect of serious slip & fall injuries. Fortunately, walk-in bathtubs provide an excellent solution to this issue, & lots of of these specialized tubs include the added benefit of hydrotherapy jets to soothe aches & pains.

    Walk-in bathtubs have been designed to minimize the risk of injury associated with taking a bath, while making it simple for those with limited mobility to enjoy a pleasant soak without assistance from others. These convenient baths usually feature a door in the side of the tub to provide a low threshold for simple entry, a comfortable chair-height chair inside the bath, & grab bars & anti-slip surfaces for maximum safety. There's now hundreds of different shapes & sizes of walk-in tubs available to fit lots of different spaces & needs of individuals. Lots of of these baths have additional options such as hydrotherapy jets that can be included.

    Four times the bather is safely inside & positioned comfortably on the built-in contoured chair, the door is closed. Then, the tub is quickly filled with water as high as four feet from the floor. This higher profile of these bathtubs allows for the water level to span up to a person's shoulders for increased exposure to the hydrotherapeutic benefits of a warm bath. A hand-held showerhead which may even be wall mounted at adjustable heights provides further bathing or showering options for maximum convenience while in either a seated or standing position.

    Hydrotherapy jets can be installed in lots of walk-in tubs. This whirlpool bath option provides gentle, soothing massage throughout the body while temperature-controlled settings make definite warm comfort without risk of scalding. A calming whirlpool soak comes with lots of physical & psychological health benefits, serving to relax worn out & aching muscles, improve mobility & range of motion & relieve arthritis & other chronic pain while easing body pressure on the joints in the coursework of the soak. It may even increase blood circulation, decrease blood pressure & help respiration. Hydrotherapy can ease mental stress, tension, anxiety & depression as well as promote better sleep.

    For the elderly or disabled, physician consultation prior to using whirlpool baths is recommended. After physician approval, a professional installer can answer questions & help individuals select the best options & features for their needs, as well as review & measure the area in which the tub is to be placed. Four times this consultation is complete, a walk-in hydrotherapy bathtub can be basically & effectively installed.

    A walk-in tub is not only therapeutic, but also provides the dignity of having the ability to bathe oneself safely without assistance in a manner that is less clumsy & more comfortable than a standard bathtub or shower. Special features enhance the bather's safety, while optional hydrotherapy whirlpool baths are available to make definite both maximum enjoyment & maximum health benefits from soaking are feasible. With so lots of different types of walk-in bathtubs available, there is definite to be one that can meet anyone's needs

     

 

Walk-In-Tub.org