American Standard Walk-In Tubs Review and Pricing

If you're looking to safety proof your bathroom with a walk-in tub – or you just want the spa-like features they offer, such as massage jets for arthritis1 and achy joints – American Standard is one of the country's leading walk-in bath providers. With more than 150 years in the plumbing appliance business, American Standard gets a lot of praise for its customer service. The Better Business Bureau gives it an A+ rating, and its walk-in tubs earn the Arthritis Foundation's “Ease of Use” seal. You can find American Standard walk-in tubs at major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's and online through sites like Wayfair. You can also shop directly through American Standard, which we recommend.

In this review, we'll take a closer look at American Standard to see how they compare to competitors like Kohler and Universal Tubs. Overall, they earn high marks for quality, all-in-one features, and an impressive warranty that includes installation and labor. On the downside, they're not the cheapest (walk-in tubs are already expensive), and nailing down a firm price is tough with nearly 100 feature combinations. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

American Standard Walk-In Tub Lineup

Below, we break down the various walk-in tubs American Standard offers, their features, and whom they're best suited for.

Popular Walk-in Tub Features

As we've mentioned, American Standard offers a wide range of features that you can customize to fit your needs. Below are some of the most standard features, along with luxury add-on options.

Standard features:

• Low three-inch threshold
• Built-in grab bar
• ADA-compliant built-in seat
• Slip-resistant textured floor
• Leak-free, outward-opening door (left- or right-opening available)
• Wide, wheelchair-friendly entryway

Luxury options:

• Patented Quick Drain empties water in two minutes so you can exit quickly. No additional plumbing adjustments required
• RevitaJet hydrotherapy system features 44 air and water jet massagers
• In-line heating keeps water consistently warm during the bath and protects from extreme temperature fluctuations
• Chromotherapy (light therapy) with seven colors
• Aromatherapy (built-in option)
• Hand shower
• Solid brass fixtures

The Different Types of American Standard Walk-In Tubs

American Standard offers four main categories of walk-in tubs: air baths, soaking tubs, whirlpool tubs, and combo massage tubs. Let's take a look!

1. Air bath: Multiple air jets create gentle massaging bubbles you can adjust for comfort. This type of tub is best for seniors with minor aches and pains or sensitivities who want hydrotherapy but need milder massaging jets than water. If you've ever been in a hot tub or jacuzzi and felt like the water jets were too intense, an air bath is a great alternative for you!
   

   American Standard air bath

2. Soaking tub: This tub is like a regular tub but deeper with a slightly reclining seat, making it ideal for longer soaks. We recommend a soaking tub for budget-conscious seniors who want to prioritize safety. If you're not interested in lots of bells and whistles and you just want a nice soak after a long day, go with a soaking tub.
   

   American Standard deep soaking tub

3. Whirlpool tub: Six water jets create a jacuzzi-like massage effect with adjustable stream strengths and locations (e.g., legs or back only). Whirlpool tubs are our pick for older adults who have arthritis or other aches and pains who need massaging heat therapy.
   

   American Standard whirlpool-jet walk-in tub

4. Combo massage: Get the full spa treatment with both air and water jet massagers. A combo massage tub is best for older adults with arthritis or other circulatory issues who need highly adjustable massage settings.
   

   American Standard combo massage walk-in tub

American Standard Pricing

Prices range dramatically by tub type, features, and installation, which is typical for the industry. You can get a basic walk-in soaking tub for as little as $1,900 from Home Depot. But that only gets it to your house; you still have to get it to the bathroom and install it. Factoring installation in, American Standard walk-in tubs cost anywhere from $5,000 to $11,500. If you buy directly from American Standard, you can get 12 months of zero percent financing and no payments.

American Standard Warranties

Here's where American Standard outshines the competition. It's the only company that offers a lifetime warranty on the whole shebang: the bathtub, installation, fixtures, parts, and labor (if you purchase and install directly through them). While you might pay more upfront, it's a substantial long-term benefit if something goes wrong.

How to Purchase and Install an American Standard Tub: Top Five Tips

You can purchase American Standard walk-in bathtubs a few ways:

• In-person at a showroom or retailer
• Online via a retailer
• Online directly through the manufacturer with a consultation

Installation is the hard part. You can buy an American Standard walk-in tub from a retailer and install it yourself. But unless you're installing a no-frills soaking tub, many walk-ins require additional plumbing or retrofitting. From purchase to installation, follow these five best practices to get the smoothest experience:

1. Buy direct. Buying a walk-in tub directly through American Standard is the easiest way to get the right setup and proper installation. That's because they require a consultation to assess your space and offer a warranty on the work. If you go through a retailer, choose one that provides a similar service.
2. Buy online with caution. Price shopping online can save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars upfront. Google “American Standard walk-in tubs,” and you'll see hundreds of results. Just remember, buying online usually means you have to arrange for installation yourself. If you must buy online, purchase through an established e-retailer with a good seller reputation, or order online through a physical retailer like Lowe's. They usually have better return policies and may offer prevetted delivery or installation options.
3. Talk to a human. Walk-in tubs have dozens of options. Installation can involve a huge amount of work. Most sizes are standard, so you don't have to walk into a physical store. However, talking through the choices and requirements with a representative can save you from post-purchase headaches and repair costs.
4. Get an in-person evaluation. American Standard offers a free online quote, but to get exact pricing, you'll need to have them assess your space. You don't want to buy the fancy jet model only to find out it requires all-new plumbing or significant renovations.
5. Invest in professional installation. Installing a walk-in tub can be tricky. One of American Standard's biggest selling points is its network of licensed installers. This adds to the total cost, but the lifetime warranty covers the tub, fixtures, installation, and labor.

American Standard Walk-In Tubs: The Verdict

Buying a walk-in tub is expensive, but with 80 percent of older-adult falls happening in the bathroom, it can be a vital safety measure. In terms of established reputation, American Standard is up there with known brands like Kohler. Their tubs can be more expensive because they have more all-in-one models. However, they offer the best warranty. If you want spa-like bells and whistles, American Standard provides good overall value.