Slide-in Tubs: Potential Hidden Costs

Cost is a relevant factor for most people when determining whether or not to proceed with buying a slide-in tub. We have provided a list of some potentially hidden expenses it is helpful for you to be aware of when deciding if a slide-in tub is right for you.

In addition to the cost of the tub and general labor costs to install it, these are some additional costs you may encounter:

1. Door Frames: Measure the interior of all the door frames located between the door the tub will be brought into the home through and the bathroom. If the tub’s dimensions will not pass through the doorways and you are still determined to get a slide-in tub, you will have to pay to have the door frames removed and reinstalled to get the tub in to the bathroom.
2. Water Heater: Confirm the size of your water heater is adequate to handle the higher water demands of these tubs. There is a very high chance you will need to upgrade your water heater, which can cost anywhere from $800-$2,000.
3. In-line Water Heater: Jetted-tubs will often require the purchase of an inline water heater in order to maintain the water temperature, which will typically further require the installation of an additional electrical outlet.
4. Plumbing: You may have to pay to have your plumbing modified to connect the tub and have it run properly.
5. Drain: You may need to purchase an additional pump or a rapid drain to make the water drain out of the tub faster.
6. Floor Structure: The bathroom floor could require extra structural support to manage the weight of the tub when filled with 40-80 gallons of water.
7. Finishing Touches: The tub may be smaller than your existing one, so the floor and walls may need to be repaired around the tub. In some cases extra panels will need to be purchased to fill in gaps.
8. Water Bills: Expect to see a significant increase in your monthly water bills due to repeatedly filling a large tub holding anywhere from 40-80 gallons of water.
9. Electric Bills:Expect to see an increase in your monthly electric bills due to filling a tub with anywhere from 40-80 gallons of hot water and due to the use of the inline heater (if it is a jetted tub).
10. Heat Lamp: You might find you want or need to install a heat lamp over the tub in order to remain warm during the time you are sitting in the tub waiting for it to fill and empty.
11. What’s Included? Many tub sellers will require you to pay extra for parts such as a handheld showerhead, waste and overflow kits, grab bars, and faucets, while others will include this in the package price. Confirm what is, or is not, included prior to ordering.

We hope this list will help you to be a more informed consumer. For more tips on how to select a slide-in tub, visit Slide-in Tubs: Our Advice to Prospective Buyers.

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