Home > Buyers Guides

Portable Walk-in Tubs – Everything You Need To Know

Photo of author
Medically reviewed by Mary White, MD
Updated on

We independently research, test, and review every walk-in tub. We may receive a commission if you click through our links. Learn more

A portable walk-in tub combines the main features of a walk-in tub—a side door and a seat—with wheels, bringing new capabilities to a traditional walk-in tub.

It creates a tub that can go and do things no other tub can. It’s such a unique tub that only a few manufacturers carry portable walk-in tubs. 

Benefits of Owning a Portable Walk-in Tub

Owning a portable walk-in tub can be a game-changer. Portable walk-in tubs are designed to help bathers access a comfortable, enjoyable spa-like experience from anywhere in their homes.

Unlike any other tub on the market, a portable tub can be taken with you if you move. This means that all the money you spend on the tub will not be lost if you have to change your living circumstances.

Portable walk-in tubs remove one of the biggest headaches of buying a walk-in tub — installation. Without a costly, time-consuming installation, you’re free to enjoy the tub from the minute it arrives.

Features of Portable Walk-in Tubs

Portable walk-in tubs contain similar features to traditional walk-in tubs with a few notable differences. The tubs come with wheels. 

The safety features of a portable walk-in tub include all the familiar features of usual walk-in tubs. The tubs include non-slip surfaces on the flooring, a seat, grab bars to help users stead themselves, and strong door seals to prevent any leaks.

The low door entry means that users don’t have to worry when entering or exiting the tub. 

One additional safety feature only found on portable walk-in tubs is locking wheels. These wheels are locked in place before filling the tub. The heavy-duty wheels ensure the weight of a full tub and occupant don’t create problems. Once locked, the tubs become as steady as traditional, wall-mounted ones.  

Despite being engineered to be mobile, a portable walk-in tub can typically hold up to 60 gallons of water, which matches and exceeds what typical tubs provide. This is an ideal amount to soak and enjoy.

Additionally, as a walk-in tub, water jets create a soothing, relaxing tub experience. A tub must not be mounted to a wall to generate calming bubbles. All that’s needed is a power outlet and water.

Who Needs a Portable Walk-in Tub

Individuals interested in reducing the cost of a walk-in tub by a large margin should consider a portable walk-in tub.

The lack of installation means that the cost of a portable walk-in tub shrinks significantly. Walk-in tubs require major home remodeling, including adjusting power and water lines to accommodate the new tub. It’s a serious project with a serious expense. A portable tub avoids this hassle. 

People with severe mobility issues may also find a portable walk-in tub beneficial.

A portable walk-in tub comes to the bather rather than vice versa.

This means that individuals who might not otherwise reach the bathroom themselves, or only with great difficulty, can enjoy a pain-relieving spa bath.  

If you are a Bariatric patient, the best solution is this walk-in tub.

Portable Walk-in Tub Cost + Installation

The good news is that since there is no installation, there is little cost for installation. The space it takes up is the ‘cost’ of a portable walk-in tub. While portable walk-in tubs aren’t enormous, the extra space is something to consider. It might not work in every room.

How can a tub get enough water in any room in the house? A tiny hook-up must be used or added. Portable walk-in tubs offer two different filling and draining options.

The first is a faucet connection. A faucet connection allows the tub to connect to a faucet’s hot and cold water to draw water to fill the tub. It also allows the tub to drain.  

Secondly, some companies will install a connection box to your existing water systems. This small wall unit lets you connect the tub to a specific wall connection to draw and drain water. It’s a small installation compared to traditional walk-in tubs. Regarding insurance, we have a complete post about Medicare coverage of walk-in tubs.

Heavenly Walk-in Tubs have models where you can roll into the tub and take a bath—it’s as easy as it sounds.

Maintenance Issues on Portable Walk-in Tubs

Portable walk-in tubs require less maintenance than typical walk-in tubs. Portable walk-in tubs can be repaired for a much lower price, and much quicker than typical walk-in tubs.

Besides ensuring that the tub has access to water and power to operate, a portable walk-in tub requires no more maintenance than typical walk-in tubs.

Pricing Information