The short answer
- We drop-ship walk-in tubs anywhere in the United States and Canada.
- You can install it with your own licensed plumber or contractor.
- We send spec sheets and rough-in dimensions before delivery so your installer is ready.
- Every tub includes the manufacturer’s warranty; Aging Safely Baths adds a 1-year labor warranty on supply-only orders.
- Canadian buyers should ask for freight, brokerage and duty costs so the delivered price is complete.
- Contractors, care facilities and property managers can order for clients.
Who buys a walk-in tub online, and why
Most walk-in tub companies will only sell you a tub if their own crew installs it. That model works for some people, but it leaves a lot of families out. We hear from these buyers every week:
- Homeowners with a plumber they already trust. They want the tub, not a second contractor.
- Rural families. Big installation companies often will not drive to their address.
- Canadian homeowners. Most U.S. walk-in tub brands do not install north of the border.
- Contractors and remodelers installing accessible bathrooms for clients.
- Care homes, group homes and property managers upgrading more than one bathroom.
- Adult children coordinating a project for a parent in another state.
Buying online with DIY delivery gives all of them access to quality senior walk-in tubs, with a specialist to answer questions, without being forced into one installer.
How ordering a walk-in tub online works
We keep it simple, and there is always a real person on the other end.
- Tell us about the space. Call 1-888-779-2284 or use the quote form. Share the alcove size, the side your faucet and drain are on, doorway widths, your water heater size and who will use the tub.
- Get a recommendation. We suggest two or three models that fit, explain the trade-offs and answer questions about doors, seats, jets and drains.
- Receive a written quote. The quote shows the tub, options and freight to your address. Canadian quotes should include brokerage and duty so there are no surprises.
- Share specs with your installer. We send the spec sheet, rough-in dimensions and electrical requirements before the tub ships, so your plumber can prepare.
- Delivery to your door. The tub is shipped by freight to your address. Plan for help to move it inside.
- Inspect on arrival. Check the packaging and the tub for damage before signing the delivery receipt, and note any damage on the paperwork.
- Installation on your schedule. Your installer sets and connects the tub. We are available by phone if your installer has questions.
Source: Public Health Agency of Canada, Seniors’ Falls in Canada: Second Report and PHAC infographic.
Show the numbers
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Seniors who fall each year (upper estimate) | 20–30% |
| Injury hospitalizations caused by falls | 85% |
| Hip fractures caused by falls | 95% |
| Fall hospitalizations that begin at home | 50% |
Shipping walk-in tubs to Canada
We ship walk-in tubs to homeowners and contractors across Canada. That matters, because Canadian seniors face the same bathroom risks American seniors do. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that 20% to 30% of seniors fall each year, that falls cause 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations, and that half of the falls that lead to hospitalization happen at home.
What Canadian buyers should know
- Ask for the full delivered price. Freight to your address, customs brokerage and any duties or taxes should be clear before you order.
- Hire a licensed local plumber. Walk-in tub installation involves plumbing connections and, for jetted tubs, electrical work. Use licensed trades and follow local codes.
- Check electrical requirements. Jetted tubs and in-line heaters need a dedicated circuit that meets Canadian electrical code.
- Keep every invoice. Canada’s federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit lets an eligible senior, or an eligible family member supporting them, claim up to $20,000 in qualifying renovation expenses per year, for a credit of up to $3,000. The Canada Revenue Agency requires documents that identify the vendor, describe the goods or work and show the amount paid.
- Look at provincial programs too. Some provinces offer their own seniors’ home-safety or accessibility programs, and the medical expense tax credit may also apply to some expenses.
See our grants and tax credits guide for more on the Home Accessibility Tax Credit.
What your installer will need
A walk-in tub is more demanding than a standard tub, so your installer should be comfortable with these tasks. We provide the manufacturer’s documents for each one.
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Precise leveling | The door gasket must seat evenly along its length to stay watertight |
| Drain alignment | The tub’s drain must line up with your existing drain or be relocated |
| Supply connections | Fast-fill faucets need adequate supply lines to fill at their rated speed |
| Dedicated GFCI circuit (jetted or heated tubs) | Pumps, blowers and heaters need their own protected circuit |
| Wall finishing | Extension panels or a wall kit close up the surround cleanly |
| Full fill test | Proves the door seal and drain work before the job is called done |
If your installer has never set a walk-in tub before, that is fine, but they should read the installation manual before the tub arrives and call us with questions. Setting the tub level and testing the door seal with a full fill are the two steps that prevent almost every problem.
Choosing the right tub when you are buying online
Buying online means you will not sit in a showroom tub first. Here is how to choose well anyway.
Start with how the bather moves
- Walks with little or no help: a standard inward- or outward-swing walk-in tub.
- Uses a walker or cane and struggles with steps: an outward-swing door with a low threshold and a wide opening.
- Uses a wheelchair or transfers from a seat: a wheelchair transfer tub with an L-shaped outward door.
- Larger or taller bather: a bariatric or extra-long tub with a wider seat and more interior room.
Then match the space
- Standard 60-inch tub alcove: most 52- to 60-inch walk-in tubs will fit, with extension panels filling any gap.
- Small bathroom or shower stall: look at compact walk-in tubs such as Ella’s 26-by-45-inch Mobile or 32-by-40-inch Front Entry.
- Large bathroom: a lay-down or two-seat tub becomes possible.
Then decide on comfort features
- Soaking only for the simplest, most affordable option.
- Air jets, water jets or dual systems for massage. See our hydrotherapy guide.
- Heated backrest or seat to stay warm while the tub fills and drains.
- Dual drains to shorten the wait before you can open the door.
Finally, check the water heater
Use the calculator below to see whether your heater can fill the tub you are considering with hot water.
Will your water heater fill a walk-in tub?
Pick your numbers. The math runs in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.
Assumes a 120°F heater setting and that roughly 70% of a tank’s rated capacity comes out hot before the temperature drops. The first-hour rating on your heater’s yellow EnergyGuide label is the more exact number.
The brands we ship
- Ella’s Bubbles. Aging Safely Baths has been an authorized Ella’s Bubbles dealer since 2012. The lineup runs from compact models such as the Mobile and Front Entry to the 30-by-52-inch Capri with a 20-inch seat and outward door, wheelchair transfer tubs such as the Transfer60, and the 36-by-80-inch Big4Two two-seat tub.
- Hydro Dimensions. Often our best value. Hydro Dimensions offers 16 models across its standard and specialty series and backs its walk-in tubs with a lifetime warranty on the shell, frame, door seal, motors and parts.
- Meditub. Additional walk-in tub options in a range of sizes.
- Bestbath. Including Rane walk-in tubs and transfer baths, plus Bestbath roll-in showers for households where a shower is the better answer.
For shower kits, bases and wall systems, our sister site Showers4Less ships nationwide.
Buying online vs. buying from an in-home salesperson
| Buying online with Aging Safely Baths | Typical in-home sales model | |
|---|---|---|
| Who installs | Your choice: our installers where available, or yours | Company crew only |
| Brands | Several manufacturers | Usually one house brand |
| Price visibility | Written quote with tub, options and freight listed | Often one bundled price |
| Pressure | No-pressure phone consultation | In-home presentation, often with same-day offers |
| Coverage | Anywhere in the US and Canada | Limited to the company’s service territory |
We are not against in-home consultations. Some families like them. We simply believe you should be able to choose.
Tips for a smooth delivery
- Confirm the delivery address and any gate codes or access instructions.
- Measure every doorway and turn between the truck and the bathroom before the tub ships.
- Have two or three strong helpers, or your installer, on hand at delivery.
- Inspect the crate and tub before signing, and note any damage on the delivery receipt.
- Store the tub indoors, flat and protected, until installation.
- Keep all packaging until the tub is installed and tested.
Warranty and support on online orders
Buying online does not mean buying alone. Every tub includes the manufacturer’s warranty, and Aging Safely Baths adds a 1-year labor warranty on supply-only orders. If your installer has questions during setup, call us. We have been helping families choose walk-in tubs since 2012, and Aging Safely Baths is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating.
Understanding freight delivery
A walk-in tub is too big and heavy for ordinary parcel carriers, so it travels by freight. If you have never received a freight delivery, here is what to expect.
- Scheduling. The freight carrier usually calls ahead to set a delivery window. Make sure the phone number on your order is one you answer.
- Where it is dropped. Many freight deliveries are to the curb or the end of the driveway rather than inside the home. Ask us what service level your quote includes, and plan helpers accordingly.
- Liftgate trucks. Residential deliveries often use a truck with a liftgate to lower the crate to the ground. Addresses on narrow or steep roads may need special arrangements.
- Inspection. Open or look through the packaging before the driver leaves. If anything is damaged, write it on the delivery receipt before signing. This is the single most important step for resolving a shipping claim.
- Moving it inside. Most tubs need two to four adults to carry safely. Measure every doorway, hall and stair on the way to the bathroom before delivery day.
A printable checklist for your installer
Hand this list to your plumber or contractor before the tub arrives.
- Read the manufacturer’s installation manual start to finish.
- Confirm the drain location matches the tub’s drain side and rough-in dimensions.
- Confirm supply line size and water pressure for the fast-fill faucet.
- For jetted or heated tubs, install a dedicated GFCI-protected circuit to the manufacturer’s amperage and to local code.
- Check that the subfloor is solid and level, and repair any water damage.
- Set the tub and level it precisely in both directions.
- Connect the drain, overflow, supply lines and any therapy system.
- Install extension panels or a wall kit and seal all seams.
- Fill the tub completely and check the door seal along its full length.
- Drain fully, confirm no standing water, and run every jet, heater and control.
- Walk the owner through the door latch, faucet, handheld shower, jets and drain.
For contractors, remodelers and care facilities
If you install accessible bathrooms for a living, we can supply the tubs and showers while you keep the client relationship. Contractors tell us they appreciate:
- Multiple brands from one supplier, so they can match the right tub to each client.
- Spec sheets up front, so framing and plumbing can be prepared in advance.
- Roll-in showers and transfer baths from Bestbath alongside walk-in tubs, for projects where a shower fits better.
- Delivery to the jobsite, anywhere in the US or Canada.
Care homes, group homes and property managers often need several units over time. Tell us about the project and we will help plan a consistent product choice across rooms.
Buying from a specialist vs. a big-box store
Walk-in tubs are also sold through large home-improvement retailers and general online marketplaces. That can work, but there are real differences.
| Specialist dealer (Aging Safely Baths) | General retailer or marketplace | |
|---|---|---|
| Help choosing | A specialist who knows seniors’ bathing needs | Usually none beyond the product listing |
| Model range | Several manufacturers, including wheelchair and bariatric models | Often a narrower selection |
| Installer support | Spec sheets and phone help for your installer | Varies |
| Canada | Ships to Canada | Often US-only |
| Warranty help | We help you work with the manufacturer | You deal with the manufacturer alone |
Whatever you choose, buy from someone who will answer the phone when your installer has a question on a Saturday morning.
Sizing worksheet: write these down before you call
Having these numbers ready makes your consultation fast and your recommendation accurate.
- Alcove length, measured at the floor, middle and top of the tub area (use the smallest).
- Alcove width, measured the same way.
- Height from the floor to the bottom of any window or shelf above the tub.
- Which side the faucet and drain are on as you face the tub.
- Width of the bathroom door and any tight hallway or stair turns.
- Water heater tank size in gallons, and gas or electric.
- Whether the bathroom has an unused electrical outlet or circuit nearby.
- The bather’s height, and whether they use a cane, walker or wheelchair.
Our measuring guide shows exactly where to put the tape measure.
What happens if something arrives damaged
Freight damage is uncommon but it happens. If it does, the steps are straightforward:
- Note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing, even if it looks minor.
- Take clear photos of the crate and the tub from several angles.
- Call us the same day so we can start the claim with the carrier and manufacturer.
- Do not install a damaged tub. Installation can make a claim much harder.
Ask about return and damage terms before you order so you know exactly how your purchase is protected.
Door styles explained for online buyers
The door is the heart of a walk-in tub, and it is the first choice to get right when you are buying without a showroom visit.
Inward-swinging doors
The door swings into the tub. Because it does not need clearance in the bathroom, it suits tight spaces where a toilet or vanity sits close to the tub. The trade-off is that the door takes up some space inside the tub as you enter, and water pressure helps hold it closed during the bath.
Outward-swinging doors
The door swings out into the bathroom, which leaves the full opening clear to enter. Outward doors are easier for people who use a walker or need a wider path, and they are standard on most wheelchair transfer tubs. You need enough floor space in front of the tub for the door to open fully.
L-shaped transfer doors
Transfer doors wrap around the corner of the tub and open very wide, so a wheelchair user can pull alongside and slide across onto the seat. Ella’s Transfer60, for example, uses a 36-inch L-shaped outward door with a 22-inch-wide seat.
Front-entry doors
A few compact models place the door on the short end of the tub, which can solve very narrow bathrooms. Ella’s Front Entry, at 32 by 40 inches, is one example.
Will the tub fit through my house?
This is the question that causes the most trouble for online buyers, so measure before you order.
- Measure the narrowest point on the path: often the bathroom door, a hallway corner or a stair landing.
- Compare that to the tub’s packaged depth and height, not just its length. A tub can often be tilted on its side through a doorway.
- Remember door stops and trim reduce the clear opening. Measure between the narrowest points.
- If the path is tight, removing a door from its hinges often gains an inch or more.
Send us your measurements and we will check them against the tub’s shipping dimensions before you order.
Spec-sheet terms in plain English
Product listings use terms that are not always obvious. Here is what they mean.
- Threshold or step-in height: how high you lift your foot to enter. Lower is easier.
- Seat height: how high the seat is from the tub floor. Chair height makes sitting and standing easier.
- Seat width: the usable width of the seat. Bariatric bathers need more.
- Water depth: how deep the water gets when you are seated. Deeper means a fuller soak.
- Gallon capacity: how much water the tub holds. Check this against your water heater.
- Fast-fill faucet: a high-flow faucet that shortens the fill time.
- Dual drain: two drains, or a larger drain system, to shorten the wait before you can open the door.
- Inline heater: keeps jet-circulated water warm during the bath.
- Anti-scald or thermostatic valve: limits maximum water temperature.
Buying a walk-in tub for a parent who lives far away
Many online orders come from adult children coordinating a tub for a parent in another state or province. A few things make long-distance projects go smoothly:
- Get the measurements from someone on site. A neighbor, a local relative or the plumber who will install the tub can send photos and numbers. Photos of the tub, the faucet wall, the bathroom door and the water heater label answer most of our questions.
- Line up the installer first. Ask a local licensed plumber whether they will install a walk-in tub, and share our spec sheets with them before you order.
- Choose a delivery day when someone can be there. Freight carriers need a person to sign and inspect the delivery.
- Plan the walkthrough. Ask the installer to show your parent how to use the door, faucet and drain, or join by video call so you can help later.
- Keep the paperwork together. Invoices, the warranty and the manual should live in one folder at your parent’s home and one copy with you.
We are glad to speak with both you and your parent, together or separately, so everyone is comfortable with the choice.
Ready to order?
Call 1-888-779-2284, get in touch with our team, or send the quote form with your ZIP or postal code and a few details about the bathroom. A specialist will call you back, confirm the right model and size, and send a written quote with freight to your door. If you later decide you would rather have our factory-certified installers handle everything, and your address is in one of our installation areas, we can switch the order to one-day installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a walk-in tub online and have it shipped to my house?
Yes. We drop-ship walk-in tubs to homes and jobsites anywhere in the United States and Canada. We provide spec sheets and rough-in dimensions so your installer can prepare before the tub arrives.
Do you ship walk-in tubs to Canada?
Yes. We ship to homeowners and contractors across Canada. Ask for freight, brokerage and any duty costs when you request a quote so the full delivered price is clear.
Can I install a walk-in tub myself?
A handy homeowner can do some of the work, but walk-in tub installation involves plumbing, precise leveling for a watertight door seal and often electrical work for jets or heaters. We recommend a licensed plumber and electrician, especially for jetted tubs.
What does my installer need from you?
The spec sheet, rough-in dimensions for the drain and supply lines, electrical requirements for any jets or heaters, and the installation manual. We send these before the tub ships.
Is there a warranty if I install it myself?
The manufacturer’s warranty applies, and many manufacturers require proper installation to keep it valid. Aging Safely Baths also provides a 1-year labor warranty on supply-only orders. Ask us for the written terms with your quote.
Can contractors and care facilities order through you?
Yes. Contractors, remodelers, care homes, group homes and property managers order walk-in tubs and roll-in showers from us for their projects.
How is a walk-in tub delivered?
Walk-in tubs ship by freight because of their size and weight. Plan to have helpers available to move the tub inside, and inspect it before signing the delivery receipt.
Can I claim a tax credit on a walk-in tub in Canada?
Canada’s Home Accessibility Tax Credit allows eligible individuals to claim up to $20,000 of qualifying renovation expenses per year for a senior or a person eligible for the disability tax credit, for a credit of up to $3,000. Walk-in bathtubs are commonly listed as eligible. Confirm your situation with the CRA or a tax professional.
Sources
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Seniors’ Falls in Canada: Second Report
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Seniors’ Falls in Canada infographic
- Canada Revenue Agency, Home Accessibility Tax Credit
- ConsumerAffairs, Ella’s Bubbles walk-in tub models
- ConsumerAffairs, Hydro Dimensions walk-in tubs
- U.S. Department of Energy, Water Heating