The Best American Standard Walk In Tubs Reviewed
In this American Standard walk in tub review we’ll take a deep dive into this iconic bathroom brand.
A walk in tub is a big investment but a wise one. Stay independent and enjoy more luxurious baths without risking harm. We’re here to help you find the best walk in tub that’s right for you.
American Standard Walk in Tub Top Picks
American Standard Home Depot Exclusive Series
5/5
- Great Value
- Installation Available
- 8-Jet Deep Tissue Massage System
American Standard Value Series Combination Tub
5/5
- Fast Drain
- Outward-Opening Door
- Value Series
- 21 Air Jets
- 6 Water Jets
American Standard
Gelcoat Premium Series
5/5
- 26-Jet Spa System
- Uses Less Water And Space
- Retrofits To Existing Installation
- Chromatherapy Light System
American Standard Walk In Tub Reviews
American Standard Home Depot Exclusive Series
Pros
- Low price
- Watertight door system with a lifetime warranty on the door seal
- Deep tissue massage setting with a 13 water jets
- Chromatherapy light system
- 21 air jets for spa setting
- Whirlpool heater keeps walk in bath warm
- Textured floor for grip and safety bar
Cons
- Lack of manuals on how to install and use
- Faucet and shower seem basic
- Only available at Home Depot
- Curb-side delivery
Walk in Tub Review
The American Standard walk-in tub 409-series collaboration with Home Depot offers all of the desired safety and therapy options of walk in baths bundled together at one low cost.
That means a Portsmouth faucet, a handheld shower head and a range of massage options that make the American Standard walk in tub a great all-rounder for a reasonable price.
Classic bathroom brand American Standard offer a range of walk in tubs with a powerful 8-jet deep tissue massage system. There is also a leg-only setting so you can have a gentler massage if you wish. The jets themselves have three settings controlled by easy push buttons.
While a common problem with walk in tubs is the water going cold that is not a problem with American Standard 409 series thanks to the in-line whirlpool heater.
One disadvantage if you buy through Home Depot is the curbside delivery as they will not carry this heavy piece of equipment inside for you. You therefore need to make your own arrangements for this if you can’t move the 174lb yourself. Of course that doesn’t diminish the bath itself as one of the best walk in tubs.
The quick drain pump helps to empty the bath in under two minutes so you are not left shivering and unable to get out and dry off. This particular Quick Drain technology is patented by American Standard and so differs from other systems on the market.
American Standard’s best walk in tubs are also recommended by the Arthritis Foundation for ease of use.
Value Series Walk-in Combination Bathtub
Pros
- Outward Opening Door
- Watertight door system with a lifetime warranty on the door seal
- Deep tissue massage setting with a 6 water jets
- Chromatherapy light system
- 21 air jets for spa setting
- Whirlpool heater keeps walk in bath warm
- Textured floor for grip and safety bar
Cons
- Much more expensive than the 409 Home Depot series
Walk in Tub Review
The American Standard walk-in tub value series is much more accessible thanks to its outward-opening door that also reveals the seat. That makes it ideal for wheelchair users who can slide onto the seat.
An outward-opening seat is much safer in emergencies where access or an exit is required fast rather than waiting for the water to drain on an inward-opening model.
Otherwise the value series retains all the quality and luxury of an American Standard walk in tub with both air spa jets and massage water jets.
The ADA-approved design means the handles and push-button controls are easy to operate even if you have a condition like athritis.
American Standard Gelcoat Premium Series
Pros
- Watertight door system with a lifetime warranty on the door seal
- Home spa with 26 air jets
- Deep tissue massage with 13 water jets
- Whirlpool heater keeps bath warm
- Textured floor for grip and safety bar
- Retrofits to normal bath space
Cons
- Some customers have found the jets weaker than expected
Walk in Tub Review
A more luxurious American Standard walk in tub, the Gelcoat Premium series is smaller and more compact which means it uses less water than many walk in tubs and easily retrofits to your previous bath space.
The biggest difference between the Gelcoat Premium and the Home Depot Exclusive Series is the home spa system of 26 air jets that make this walk in bath more like a luxury hot tub.
However, the 13-jet deep tissue massage water jets remain. There’s also a setting for a deep tissue leg massage if you only fill the tub half way.
Another improvement is the chromatherapy light system for a multi-sensory bath.
While a common problem with walk in tubs is the water going cold that is not a problem with American Standard thanks to the in-line whirlpool heater.
American Standard walk in tubs come with a good warranty – 10 years for the tub and a lifetime warranty on the door seal. That is important as a walk in tub is useless if the door seal goes.
Why Choose American Standard?
When it comes to American Standard walk in tubs you know you are likely to get a good deal. American Standard are a historic American bathroom brand with an excellent reputation going back 140 years.
American Standard walk in tubs are no exception to that reputation with excellent quality in manufacturing and outstanding customer service.
American Standard walk in tubs come with a good warranty – 10 years for the tub and a lifetime warranty on the door seal. That is important as a walk in tub is useless if the door seal goes.
Most American Standard tubs retro-fit to the same space as your old bath without too much hassile.
Choose from a variety of door and installation configurations to suit you and your home as well hydrotherapy options and even Chromatherapy, a type of light therapy.
American Standard Walk In Tub Styles
American Standard walk in tubs come in a range of styles.
Soaking Tubs
“Soaking” walk in tubs are simply walk in baths. They do not feature any hydrotherapy water jets or spa-style air jets. This means a straightforward transformation from a traditional bath tub to a walk-in tub with a seat. That also means they do not feature the Whirpool in-line heater and so will go cold relatively quickly.
Air Spa Tubs
“Air spa” walk in tubs feature 26 air jets that turn your bath into a spa pool for a more relaxing experience. Again without a heater the hot tub experience may not last long.
Whirlpool Tubs
The “Whirlpool” massage system uses 13 water jets to deliver hydrotherapy massages.
These also have an option for a legs-only massage. Importantly it is only walk in tubs that feature the Whirlpool system that include an inline heater so the bath stays warm.
Combination Massage Tubs
Combination Massage tubs feature both the 26 air spa jets and the Whirlpool 13 water massage jets, including the in-line heater, for the ultimate experience.
Acrylic Vs Gelcoat
American Standard walk in tubs come in acrylic and gelcoat and colours of white, linen and biscuit. Essentially different shades of beige which is disappointing for this American Standard walk in tub review but hardly surprising for a premium product manufactured in smaller quantities which means other colours are unfeasible.
Acrylic is durable and nonporous, so it’s easy to clean under normal use and resists staining and cracking. The color runs through the entire material, so you don’t have to worry about fading, and acrylic reacts to room temperature changes quickly. However, the higher manufacturing costs of acrylic usually make it a more expensive option than gel coat.
Gelcoat is actually fiberglass with reinforced polyester. A shiny coat is applied over the light, strong fiberglass, hence the name. Gel coat has a more porous surface than acrylic, so it requires more maintenance to prevent staining, but does cost less on average.
Right or Left Opening
Make sure you order the correct opening side for your bathroom layout. Most American Standard walk in tubs are available with the door on either side.
Inward Or Outward Opening
Most walk in tubs traditionally feature inward-opening doors as they are easier to manufacture. The water pressure puts more pressure on the seal and so helps to keep it secure.
However, this could be dangerous in the event of a medical emergency as you cannot open the door until the water has drained.
Some American Standard walk in tubs like the popular Gelcoat Value Series 52 in. x 32 in are available with outward-opening doors that mean this is not the case.
Outward opening doors also allow easier access to the tub as the door does not form an obstacle in the footwell and the seat is exposed so you can slide on easily, for instance if you were in a wheelchair.
About Us
We’re a team of experts with a passion for luxury bathing and elderly care who have spent hundreds of hours analyzing and testing individual brands to bring you the best walk in tub reviews.
We began out of frustration in 2015 when our founder, a digital journalist, found their mother targeted by bath-aid salesmen and was struck by the lack of independent research into this vital sector.