Walk-in baths with whole side entry
These baths are full-length or larger with the whole side opening to form a door.
They may be stepped into, but are usually accessed via a ceiling track or other types of hoist.
These walk-in baths can be suitable for domestic use but are also used in hospital or residential care settings.
Please read our FAQs if you have any questions about how to change information, what the DLF ratings means, etc.
Help and advice
Baths in this section are at least the length of a standard bath and can be wider than average baths with a greater internal width. Two metre long baths are available or the bath can be made to customised lengths and widths.
The side door on these walk-in baths either retracts into the bath b ase or folds out to form a platform for transfers in and out of the bath and/or for use as a changing bench. However they would be regularly also accessed via overhead or mobile type of hoists.
Read our general advice: considerations when buying an alternative bath and our specific advice: baths with side door entry.
Informed advice is available from community occupational therapists (OT's) who are often based in the Social Services department of your local council.
As a possible alternative to walk in baths see our showers section.
The bath must be filled and emptied with the door closed so consider the total length of the bathing process as it will be longer than bathing in a traditional bath. Will the bather have enough stamina and energy? The bathroom may need to be kept warmer than usual so the bather doesn't become too cold. Many full length baths with side door entry have twin waste outlets which shorten the time required to empty the bath.
