How to Install a Walk-in Bathtub Conversion Kit

You can convert your existing bathtub into a walk-in tub with a door.
This 10-minute video details all the parts and tools that are required, and walks through every step.
Our kit comes with all the instructions and is easy enough that you can do it yourself or have a handy friend or family member help you.
Learn more about conversion kits that add a door to your tub for accessible bathing:
tubkits.com/co...
Get the installation manual here:
tubkits.com/pa...
Free shipping throughout North America!

[@k.Newbbie]

Glad to see you still had BOTH legs at the end 😬👍🏽

[@melkel2010]

I love how he uses his leg as saw table. I am entertained. It's like having a man around the house again.

[@blipco5]

What happened to your man? He cut his leg off?

[@safetybathtubs]

LOL, living on the edge. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@pamfoley5957]

That the first thing I said when he started to saw. Lol.

[@tiffanymoses5761]

Very nice easy for me especially with my multiple sclerosis but I was so nervous of him with that saw and his hand and legs

[@jayr4413]

Works great got mine the other day . My Mother loves it easy for her to get into now. It was a little tricky because I have a whirlpool tub so I had to cut the pipes , she doesn’t use the jet function anymore so it was okay

[@safetybathtubs]

That's great news! This will make getting into the tub a lot easier now. Thank you and take good care!!

[@dynjarren5454]

I found using my 3 inch rotary saw with a diamond blade worked best...no damage whatsoever to the edge of the tub. Good video

[@safetybathtubs]

Thats good advice. Thank you!!

[@nick4leader]

Cutting toward your leg with a jigsaw, great idea

[@mikeylorene]

I wonder if he still has legs?

[@22lyric]

I'm watching KZbin videos with the sound off and reading captions so I don't wake my husband. Your comment made me laugh out loud but he didn't wake up, lol. I'm showing your comment to him in the morning. For the FIRST few seconds I thought you meant that you picked up a good tip from this video, ha ha. Slowly it hit me...

[@Dana-cv7ku]

Seems to be a pro job only

[@safetybathtubs]

@@mikeylorene still has both, although one is a 1/2" shorter.

[@christya2488]

Okay, but the cheerful music in no way convinces me that this would be easy to do.

[@christya2488]

@@safetybathtubs My bad. I thought the video was saying anyone could install it themselves. Yes, a professional handyman makes sense. If I tried to do it myself, I'd have to sell my house! Lol

[@BathroomSolutions1]

i am a bathroom remodeling contractor. i understand the need to finish a job quickly, but with the amount of caulk that's used to assemble everything, it's done too quickly. If I were to install this for a customer, I would only install the stiffener boards first and caulk on the first day. Then come back the next day and inspect the caulking. With the amount of caulking used, it will take a decent amount of time to dry. I know there are 30 minute caulks that dry with a chemical reaction, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I honestly hate 30 minute caulks because you don't get enough time to really finish off the caulk nicely. Don't even get me started on the guy cutting with a jig saw on his leg.

[@dougpope7904]

How would you cut the stiffener boards? Still with a jigsaw, but in a vice?

[@theQueen1997]

How much would u charge for doing a tub like this?? If I buy the kit and the stuff need to make it

[@RC-gf8cs]

Im thinkin this for my 96yo ma she likes product but the right installer is everything n my main concern.n she has glass shower doors.what happens there?.im guessin rod .n jacuzzi tub has..my main issue is installer..yes let caulk dry 2 days ..not like in vid .job like this need great installer

[@safetybathtubs]

You use 100% silicone when installing the kits. Not caulk. We have used the same installation process for over 2 decades. The installation process takes about 2-3hours and you have to wait for 48hrs after installation to use the kit as a bath. This allows the silicone to cure. The purpose of the video is to show the installation process.

[@BathroomSolutions1]

@@safetybathtubs You use 100% silicone caulk. Of course you do. When I used the term 'caulk' I meant 100% silicone caulk. Just so you know, the term 'caulk' is a general term which covers different types including acrylic caulk, silicone caulk and others. But 100% silicones still take at least 24 hours to dry even if when the bead is pretty thin. When applied in large amounts and there is no adequate air flow because the silicone is between two materials, the dry time will take considerably longer.

[@wrenegade1957]

This is so helpful, to see this done! We have a very small bathtub/shower in our guest bath. I think this is DOABLE! Yay!

[@gtubgle]

This is great. I hate the tub because how you must climb over it. Instead of replacing with a walk-in shower, this works

[@DulyNoted505]

In addition to the worst safety precautions NOT USED - I love how the narrator chimes in when he can’t measure correctly!! “You may need to trim off a little more to make this fit.”🤣🤣🤣

[@KingsDaughter1957]

But that's REALISTIC ... even professionals sometimes need to go back and "make adjustments" :)

[@C2IT678]

Seems like the openning could be bigger but i like the idea for people that struggle to step over the tub

[@Michael-r7o6l]

A little bit of a redesign should be done add like 3 inches on all edges so it over lays the material left behind with a water proof seal

[@safetybathtubs]

Thanks for your feedback!! We will look into that.

[@laratheheavy]

Soooo this plastic door thing screws into the wood bracing boards that we measure and put it, but the bracing boards arent really attached/anchored to anything except a bead of silicone…seems like there should be a better way…seems like if someone accidentally steps on this it could easily push the whole thing down….am I wrong on this?

[@safetybathtubs]

Yes! the kit is actually sitting on the tub itself. Where the kit screws to the bracing boards, is just to hold it in place so you can't push the kit into or out of the tub.

[@dennisrambo1983]

Would this work on a cast iron tub? It seemed he had an easy time drilling and cutting the tub!

[@safetybathtubs]

You can install this in a cast iron tub. Care must be taken to ensure you collect all the iron filings. You will need to use a grinder to make the cut.

[@dennisrambo1983]

Makes sense! Thanks!

[@melkel2010]

okay honey, when you want transfer that inside line onto your board, you can smudge some shoe polish on that edge and press the board against it, then you don't have to keep guessing and trying. I know I would end up cutting it too small and you can't go back from being cutting short. Just something I have to say, because there's lots of other imperfect people like me that can't handle scissors.

[@safetybathtubs]

Thats a great idea, thank you!!

[@fungames9682]

Since the insert doesnt cover the slot instead it goes into slot. Weather you use the door or not its going to leak easily.

[@safetybathtubs]

This is not a new concept. We have been producing and installing kits all over North America since 2000. We have thousand's of them installed in bathrooms from residential to care homes. Provided that a good quality silicone is used and is given time to cure, you will not have an issue with the kit.

[@davidcannon3668]

How much do these kits cost?

[@safetybathtubs]

They start at $398

[@mikeglasgow9618]

What do you mean THEY START AT ??

[@samkitty5894]

This kit is not fastened to anything. I'm sure it will easily dislodge if someone steps on it directly. Which will definitely happen as walk in tubs are made for those physically disabled or limited. Kit looks like it's made from styrofoam cooler.,.. The "door" looks so flimsy too.

[@roryobrien7829]

The kit is actually locked in place by the stiffener boards. You can hit it with a sledge hammer, it will not come out. The kit itself is made of roto molded polyethylene and the door is 5/8" thick HDPE (the same stuff used for the decking on boats). Believe it or not, this is an engineered product, although the installer in the video is not an engineered product, lol.

[@samzach2057]

How does this dude still have all of his body parts????

[@safetybathtubs]

He's actually a robot, we just replace the parts that get damaged

[@evolvetravel1]

how long does this take to install?

[@safetybathtubs]

2-3 hours depending on the tub and the person installing it.

[@fryncyaryorvjink2140]

Interesting.. my grandma's tub has a big chunky frame built around it with 2 steps up to the tub, probably all the rage in the 80s when the building was built. Anyway, tearing the whole thing out would be an ordeal, not to mention we'd have to widen the door just to get a walk in tub in. Yes sir, you might be on to something here.

[@ourfunnyclips]

Will this work when the bath has a separate bath panel on the side?

[@safetybathtubs]

Yes, it would work. You would have to remove the panel to cut it separately. You would also have to build a support structure using 2x4's placed on the bathroom floor. The Panel will probably not be very supportive.

[@daveh2404]

Use cardboard to protect floors and tub. Proceeds to use packing paper instead...

[@derwoodstacknick5591]

So where is the shower sliding door?

[@safetybathtubs]

No all tubs have sliding shower doors. With this kit, you would use a shower curtain because the kit is higher than the tub wall, it would interfere with the sliding door runner. You could put a swinging glass shower door on the tub though.......

[@derwoodstacknick5591]

Thanks for the reply, but shower rods and curtains are OLD school.@@safetybathtubs

[@kennyvanh]

What is max width this will accommodate ?

[@safetybathtubs]

8"

[@stephenfoster3610]

Are these available in the uk ? and what are they priced at ? thanks..

[@safetybathtubs]

Hello Stephen, We do not have a UK distributor. We can ship them though. The price of the kit is $595 plus shipping to you.

[@janicespears8054]

How do you even know if this kit will fit the inside slope of the tub? I've a 15" tall tub and there has to be a 4" difference in the tub edge and the slope at the bottom where the wall meets the floor of the tub. This insert looks almost square without any appreciation for the slope.

[@roryobrien7829]

Hi Janice, Good eye!! The kit is basically a rectangular block that you drop into your tub. The slope of your existing tub wall has no effect on it. It seals the exact same if your tub didn't have a slope.

[@maurices5259]

Why is he waggling the drill around when making the holes - why not use the correct bit size and do not jigsaw towards your fingers, you may need them later to hold the mop when water gushes out of this lash-up.

[@moragellis3040]

You're telling me that's going to hold in the bath water and stop my house from flodding... Really? 😂😂😂

[@safetybathtubs]

Yes, really! We will do a water test on one to show you. Video will be posted soon

[@lindafancy6762]

Yup does all my senior clients having this done instead of thousands on tearing out and doing showers

[@mickeyharper3914]

Could I use wood instead of the stiffener board?

[@safetybathtubs]

Yes, you could.

[@sjbohag9476]

What is the point!? If you can't sit and get back up in a regular tub how does this help? Answer. I t doesn't!!

[@capslock4959]

Helps older people get into the tub without having to climb over the original bathtub height. I assume the people needing this feature would be using the shower and not taking a bath, however other people in the household could still use it for baths. Doesn’t really take a genius to figure that out.

[@capslock4959]

Also way cheaper than having a floor shower installed just because you can’t step over your bathtub to get into the shower anymore

[@lindafancy6762]

My senior clients hated they couldn't get into tub anymore due to arthritis or whatever all my clients that had done this love it .Senior get next to nothing to afford thousands for walk in dhowers

[@safetybathtubs]

You are right! the purpose of the kit is to help you get in and out of the tub without stepping over the high tub wall. It will not assit someone getting off the bathtub floor. For this you would need grab bars, bathlift or something else like this.

[@urensutherland3604]

very interested

[@veroniquegallant8131]

Sheer brilliance. √

[@arthurgomez7899]

Did u used 2 type of silicone?

[@safetybathtubs]

Same silicone, we used clear underneath the kit then white for a finishing bead. For the video, we just used what we had to hand. Using white for everything is better approach. Thank you!!

[@retiredyeti5555]

BUT - this will not work if the tub is cast iron! I watched the guy in this video try to saw a cast iron tub with 3 different saw blades, to no avail. Had to sledge hammer the tub to remove it. This kit only works on tubs that are NOT cast iron. Guess who has a cast iron tub in his house, and whose wife would like one of these kits installed. Ain't gonna happen!

[@retiredyeti5555]

@@safetybathtubs - Can you imagine the amount of dust that process will put into the small bathroom space? Thanks for letting me know what to use, but I think I will still pass, as we both have asthma and would not tolerate that kind of dust, even wearing a dust mask, possibly even a respirator would be needed just for cutting it.

[@virginiataylor4038]

@@retiredyeti5555 Don't DIY it. Stay away from the area during the installation. Hire an installer. The installer will clean the area when finished and there will be no dust in the area afterward. Don't use the tub for 36 hours after the installation is finished. Significantly less expensive than having the entire tub removed and a $10,000 to $15,000 walk-in tub installed. The latter process will "kick-up" just as much dust and will take much longer.

[@retiredyeti5555]

@@virginiataylor4038 - thanks for the advice, but as my comment above stated, I will pass. If I could afford to have it installed, I would. I bought a couple of steps that enable my wife to be high enough to step over the tub edge and into the shower, with my assistance. In our 70's, we are striving to remain in our home as long as possible. Both of us worked in the medical community, (but not as highly paid doctors), so we know how to do total patient care for each other if needed. I have installed safety bars in the tub on 2 walls and beside the toilet, installed a high rise toilet, got rid of throw rugs to avoid tripping hazards. If possible, I will have my nephew(works in the home remodeling trade) give me a hand with removing the tub and putting in a shower. Getting the cast iron tub out will be the difficult part, but it can be done with a sledge hammer!

[@stevenmullens584]

You have to get someone who is good with a cutting torch if you have a cast iron tub

[@retiredyeti5555]

@@stevenmullens584 - if you read my comment, you would see at the end that I said "It ain't gonna happen!" and it has not, and will not.

[@davidreece6193]

Looks like a recipe for disaster of biblical flooding proportions.

[@safetybathtubs]

Only if you forget to close the door.

[@jonathantrella832]

couple more tubes of silicone maby it wont leak

[@safetybathtubs]

Don't spare the silicone! good observation!!

[@jayr4413]

What size is this model ?

[@bossmodl3thalpoppa484]

I really like this but i have an oval tub

[@safetybathtubs]

This can be installed in oval tubs, the outside dimension cannot exceed 8"

[@thomasenright5282]

If I even tried to do this I more than likely end up in hospital from loss of blood, very unhandy in every way shape and form.

[@safetybathtubs]

We have dealers and installers that can install for you

[@jayr4413]

Hi what is the stiffener board made of ?

[@safetybathtubs]

It is an expanded polyethylene.

[@lathamshomestead]

What kind of tub can this be used on?

[@roryobrien7829]

all bathtubs. Although some bathtubs are more difficult to install on. Like cast iron, but they can also be done.

[@teresitapenaflor9677]

Sirim interested with the shower chair my dr kay or dr maya coz ghats ghe only i like to nuy from ir office May is ur office is in abroad no amount and see the price on the description no description seen if that will the case better to look for another tykpe of shower. ChAur thanj u

[@MrBowNaxe]

What is the expected delivery time if I ordered today?

[@safetybathtubs]

ships within 24hrs

[@carlthornton3076]

Great!.. #37 🐄🦉✝

[@christya2488]

... and remember, you're not a professional handyman, so simply wait for the tub to leak, and flood your bathroom.

[@sadiemaladyxo]

Where can I buy this?

[@safetybathtubs]

Hi Sadie, Your can buy them here - www.tubkits.com

[@captainbly6011]

Did she say measure twice, cut once, hmmmm 🤔 where have I heard that once or 2 million times before, Gotcha 😆 And I don't have to buy a fancy $190 Diamond wheel

[@roryobrien7829]

Nope, regular blade will do the job on a fibreglass tub.

[@MikeKeel]

5:58 Not content with trying to cut his leg off, he's now going for his hand...

[@danz58]

does the existing tub have to be fiberglass?

[@retiredyeti5555]

@@safetybathtubs - Your installer could not saw through a cast iron tub prior ot removal of it, in one of your videos on tub removal. How do you propose cutting a cast iron tub to fit the kit into it?

[@safetybathtubs]

It doesn't

[@safetybathtubs]

@@retiredyeti5555 With a cast iron tub, you have to use an angle grinder. You also need to mask the entire bathroom off so you capture as much of the iron filing as you can. The install process is the same, but you need to spend a lot longer protecting the bathroom.

[@retiredyeti5555]

@@safetybathtubs -I know, I worked in a grey iron foundry in the 70's - I think a sledge hammer will work quicker - to break it up and put in a shower instead!

[@Christianforjews]

cast iron tub?

[@safetybathtubs]

Yes, these can be installed on a cast iron tub.

[@Christianforjews]

@@safetybathtubs what the average cost

[@safetybathtubs]

@@Christianforjews For the kit with the door, they're CA$549.99 with free shipping throughout North America. You can visit our store at www.tubkits.com if you're interested to learn more!

[@damandbass]

For the love of all things good... DO NOT cut material on your lap with a jigsaw the way this dude did.

[@safetybathtubs]

That's good advice, thank you @damandbass

[@cattleuponahill6282]

Can the kit be used on a porcelain coated steel tub?

[@safetybathtubs]

Yes, it can be installed on any tub

[@216Numbskull]

@@safetybathtubs Sorry no disrespect, but I don't see how it's possible for anyone to install this conversion with complete confidence by using a method like this. Even a pro plumber with 25 years experience I'd think would be hesitant to start cutting into a porcelain tub with no worry. You're rolling the dice everytime you try to make a cut with all the responsibility laying on you, the installer. NO Thanks! Seriously, you can't tell me it's easy-peasy to make clean cuts into a porcelain tub with no problem at all? I don't see how it's possible even if you're using the best diamond blade you can buy. It's still a crap shoot of chipping or cracking the porcelain on the tub no matter how careful you are or how well you prep the area. It's only a thin layer of coated porcelain over those steel tub & forgetaboutit if you try this on a cast iron tub. You'll be there all day making a big mess & probably end up costing you more in labor & buying new diamond blades/wheels than the cost of the bathtub itself. I could be wrong & I'd be the first one to apologize to you if I am. However, I see a problem to properly install this job right professionally with a great looking finish. Please convince me? Thanks!

[@safetybathtubs]

@@216Numbskull Thanks for your reply! We have been producing conversion kits for over 25 years, people have installed their kits in every kind of tub. We have 10's of thousands of kits in all different kinds of bathrooms, all with a lifetime guarantee on the door seal. Care does need to be taken by the installer during install to minimize damage to the tub. Preparing the tub properly and protecting the rest of the bathroom needs to be planned for by the installer. This product is a retrofit, designed for people who are unable to use their bath, who maybe cannot afford to renovate their bathroom but want to stay in their home longer and maintain their dignity by bathing/showering themselves. This product is about functionality and the end user over aesthetics.

[@aquagreens]

Don't try this at home, it's stupid!

[@HelenSciarra]

Who can do this for me?

[@roryobrien7829]

Hi Helen, This is a DIY Kit.

[@HelenSciarra]

@roryobrien7829 I live in Massachusetts and can't find any one to do this Home.Depot and Lowes only do the larger cut that lift out What are your thoughts

[@roryobrien7829]

@@HelenSciarra Local plumber or contractor. Even a family member who is good with tools.

[@jadedavis822]

That looks too high up for my liking

[@raymondward1009]

I was cringing soon as that guy started cutting with the Jigg, NEVER EVER do it how he did! You need a Band Saw to safely cut these type's of shapes!

[@safetybathtubs]

Most people will not have a band saw available to them. However, if you could set one up in the bathroom, it would be easier. Thank you for the advice!!

[@mikeylorene]

Get a transport chair. Don't let that guy assemble it.

[@oldschool72]

Stupidest thing I ever seen. I am almost 80. The whole purpose of a walk in tub is because Seniors such as myself cannot sit or raise ourselves up in a typical tub like the one in the video without assistance. That is what a walk in tub is designed for. This makes no sense. Even if you walked in you still couldn't lower yourself or raise yourself to get out. It would be ok for young adults or kids but they can just step over and sit down easily. Makes no sense.

[@hildacollier2638]

You would still need a seat and grab bars. Maybe a hydraulic seat. But all that is still cheaper than buying a walk-in in tub for ten or twenty thousand dollars.

[@Flamonarchest.]

Territorial me and dead water glistr ephodra haloeo

[@pdxwildchildroberts5586]

Looks like a trip hazard..the opening should twice as wide...'n lower step-in..AND used for showering ONLY

[@safetybathtubs]

If there are tripping concerns, properly positioned grab bars and a transfer bench make this very safe. A major upgrade from a traditional tub, for sure! The door is watertight to use for baths without any issue.

[@pdxwildchildroberts5586]

@@safetybathtubs Wider opening for larger built folks..they're offered by other companies 👍👍👍

[@capslock4959]

@@pdxwildchildroberts5586 so go with another company then lmao

[@hildacollier2638]

There is a wider kit for making a tub into a step in shower. Does not hold water in the tub like this one. Makes it a shower only. But you don't have to step over the side as some people are unable to. With this one you would still need a seat if you are unable to get up out of a tub and grab bars.

[@learntocookketo]

I want my ten minutes back 🙄 This is a fake video just to get $$

[@safetybathtubs]

Unfortunately we can't give you back your time 😥. Thank you for watching the whole video though!!!

[@aquagreens]

Don't try this at home, it's stupid!

[@roryobrien7829]

If you are ever in a position where you can not step over your bathtub wall, you will appreciate this more than you know. It is also very affordable compared to a bathroom renovation.

[@cmsgtgoose6334]

Disaster waiting to happen

[@roryobrien7829]

We have 10's of thousands of these installed in homes across North America. It is a very simple concept that just works.

[@mikeylorene]

This is useless- the whole point of a walk-in tub is so disabled or elderly can sit on an elevated seat because they cannot get out of a regular tub.

[@safetybathtubs]

Hi Mikey, This is not a walk in tub, this is for people who may not have the budget for a walk in tub or who do not want a walk in tub but struggle to get into their existing tub. This is a conversion kit, this makes it easier for you to get into your existing tub.

[@howduc]

I have seen better kits then this !

[@shambhala3090]

Looks ugly.

[@MrSrinivasang]

How much the kit and labor cost?