Kohler Walk-in Bath Reviews

Walk-in tubs can provide the user with the ability to independently navigate getting in and out of the bathtub in a safe and efficient way. Most walk-in tubs offer a variety of therapeutic modalities, including hydrotherapy and air jets. They are extremely useful for seniors, people with limited mobility, and people with chronic pain conditions.

Both Kohler and Safe Step are among the top ten best walk-in tubs for 2023, but they have their differences. Your personal preferences will determine which one is the right option for you. Here are some factors to consider:

Why Choose Safe Step over Kohler Walk-in Tubs?

Safe Step walk-in tubs are designed with mobility in mind. They offer a low threshold for easy entry, grab bars for safety, and non-slip surfaces to prevent falls. They also have heated surfaces and air jets for added comfort. Safe Step walk-in tubs come in a range of sizes and configurations, so you can find one that fits your specific needs.

Why Choose Kohler over Safe Step Walk-in Tubs?

Kohler walk-in tubs are known for their elegant design and aesthetic appeal. In addition to heated surfaces, they feature wide entry doors and bariatric options for larger individuals. Moreover, Kohler walk-in tubs can be installed in the same space as your regular bathtub, so you won’t have to worry about extensive renovations.

Kohler is with you from start to finish on your walk-in bathtub renovation project. Kohler will first provide you with a free in-home assessment to better understand your needs and to determine measurements, and electrical, and plumbing requirements. Kohler’s certified walk-in tub installation team will remove and dispose of your old tub, then install your new tub! They will walk you through the features of your tub once it is installed and make sure that you are comfortable with all aspects of your new purchase.

It is not recommended that you install a Kohler walk-in tub yourself. Kohler recommends that their walk-in tubs be installed by professional plumbers or licensed contractors who are familiar with the installation process and the local building codes. Improper installation can result in leaks, damage to the tub, or even personal injury. Additionally, installing the tub yourself may void the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s always best to consult with a professional before attempting any installation of a walk-in tub.

The cost of a Kohler walk-in tub can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the selected options and installation cost. The following factors can increase the installation cost:

• Bathroom layout: If the bathroom has an unusual or cramped layout, additional time and effort may be required to install the tub.
• Plumbing modifications: Depending on the existing plumbing configuration, additional modifications may be necessary to install the walk-in tub, such as moving or installing new pipes.
• Electrical work: Kohler walk-in tubs require electrical power for the built-in heater, pump, and other features. If the bathroom’s electrical capacity is insufficient, an electrician may need to upgrade the electrical system, which can add to the installation cost.
• Additional features: Adding premium features, such as jets, air baths, and chromotherapy lighting, can increase the installation cost.
• Professional installation: Hiring a professional installer is recommended to ensure proper installation and prevent any damage or leaks, which can add to the overall installation cost.

It’s best to contact a Kohler representative and schedule an in-home assessment to get an accurate price for the total job, including the tub and installation. As mentioned in the review, the total cost can reach up to $20,000 or more for a Kohler walk-in bath that includes all the bells and whistles.

A Kohler walk-in tub priced at $20,000 or more would likely include a variety of premium features, such as whirlpool or BubbleMassage air jets, heated surfaces, adjustable hydrotherapy jets, chromotherapy lighting, a Bluetooth-enabled sound system, a larger size, bariatric options, and enhanced safety features like grab bars and non-slip surfaces.

On the other hand, a Kohler walk-in tub priced at $5,000 would likely include basic features such as a low threshold for easy entry, non-slip surfaces, and grab bars for safety. It may also have a heated surface for added comfort but may not include higher-end features like air jets or bariatric options.

Kohler walk-in tubs can be purchased through your local Kohler authorized dealer. Kohler walk-in tubs are not available at retail stores.

Here are some tips for getting the best deal on a Kohler walk-in tub:

1. Shop around: Look at different retailers and online stores to compare prices and see if any promotions or discounts are available.
2. Wait for sales: Watch for seasonal sales, such as those around holidays or during the end-of-year clearance. This may be a good time to purchase a Kohler walk-in tub at a discounted price.
3. Ask for discounts: Don’t be afraid to ask the retailer or installer if they have any discounts available. They may have promotional codes or special offers that they can apply to your purchase.
4. Consider financing options: If the upfront cost of a Kohler walk-in tub is too high, look for financing options that can help spread out the cost over time.
5. Choose the right size and features: Selecting a smaller tub or opting for fewer features can help bring down the cost of a Kohler walk-in tub. However, make sure you’re not sacrificing important safety or accessibility features that you need.

Kohler’s website explains that while original Medicare may cover the cost of a Kohler walk-in bath, they won’t pay for it upfront. Instead, Medicare may reimburse you for your Kohler tub. So, if purchasing a Kohler walk-in tub costs $15,000, you’ll be required to pay for it upfront, and Medicare may later reimburse you, but there’s no guarantee. Therefore, it’s worth submitting a claim and trying, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch on this deal!

On Kohler’s website, they offer some basic advice on how to increase your chances of getting your Kohler walk-in tub covered. “Your best chance of receiving financial assistance through Medicare is with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, or Plan C, which enables private insurance companies to contract with Medicare.”

Source: Kohler’s website page, “Will Medicare Pay For a Walk-in Tub.”

In some cases, private insurance companies may cover the cost of walk-in tubs if they are deemed medically necessary and ordered by a healthcare provider. It’s best to check with your specific insurance provider to determine if they cover the cost of a Kohler walk-in tub or any other similar products. You can also ask your doctor about it.

The number of jets that come with a Kohler walk-in bath can vary depending on the model and size of the tub. Some Kohler walk-in baths may have as few as six jets, while others may have up to 20 jets or more. It’s best to check the specific model you’re interested in to see how many jets it has.

To locate authorized dealers near you who offer Kohler walk-in tubs, visit the Kohler website and use their dealer locator tool. You can also search for local plumbing and bathroom remodeling companies that offer Kohler walk-in tubs or similar products. Additionally, consider checking with local home improvement stores or contractors who may be able to help you find a dealer or installer in your area.

Kohler walk-in baths with showers are available. These models feature a detachable hand-held showerhead that can be used for rinsing and cleaning while seated in the bath. Some models also have a built-in showerhead in addition to the hand-held one. You can visit the Kohler website or contact a local Kohler dealer to find specific models and availability in your area.

You can contact Kohler directly by visiting their website and clicking on the “Contact Us” page. From there, you can choose the appropriate department and fill out a contact form with your questions or concerns. You can also call Kohler’s customer service line at 1-800-456-4537 to speak with a representative about walk-in tubs.

Kohler walk-in tubs can be financed through GreenSky, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank. If you’re interested in applying for financing for your walk-in tub, visit Kohler’s website or a Kohler showroom to apply.

Before agreeing to a loan, verify the proposed monthly payment amount to ensure it’s affordable based on your financial situation. Additionally, calculate the total cost of the loan with interest to avoid overpaying for the already expensive Kohler walk-in tub.

To qualify for a low-interest loan, applicants should have a high credit score, low debt-to-income ratio, and low credit utilization ratio. Interest rates will vary depending on the applicant’s credit score and overall creditworthiness. The approval process may take a few days, and once approved, customers can use the financing to purchase their Kohler walk-in tub.

Customers who need financing can also check with their local utility companies or non-profit organizations for financing or assistance programs for seniors or individuals with disabilities. There are also programs for veterans that may help pay for a Kohler walk-in tub.