I would ask in the bath forum

What you need to look for are walk in bathtubs.

Here's one example, but there are others.

Walk in bathtubs

I toured a house that had one of the walk-ins. It looked like a good idea. It had jets and a bench and could be used as a shower as well. It also looked like it would take a lot of water to fill.

Good luck.

How close are you to picking appliances? We bought meditub's jetted tub, and have installed it...we take possession this week, so could let you know!

http://www.menards.com/main/home-decor/home-accessibility/bathroom-accessibility/home-accessibility-walk-in-tubs/jet-massage-walk-in-tubs/meditub-30-x60-left-drain-white-hydrotherapy-jetted-step-entry-tub/p-1444443074460-c-5885.htm?tid=5510177910597010302

(We aren't mobility challenged yet, but wanted to design for accessibility. I don't bathe often, but LOVE a good hot soak when joints are stiff and sore!)

I cannot imagine sitting, wet and cold in a walk-in tub until the tub drained enough to open the door. Yikes! If one has that kind of mobility issues that are not medical, it would behove them to do some occupational therapy or physical therapy to become agile enough to get in and out of a tub. I have a LOT of mobility issues due to my pulmonary problems but due to lots of pulmonary rehab and resistance training at a gym, I have no trouble getting in and out of my tub (which is all I use). I will be 74 in a month.

X2 we thought about sitting in cold water - NOT.

https://www.diamondspas.com/kitchen-bath-collection/custom-baths/

Pricey...but you can have any design you wish.

Here's one example, but there are others.

Walk in bathtubs

I think you can find options between standard-soaking tub and these, which I think are pretty extreme. Expensive to buy, expensive to fill, looks inconvenient.

I'd say stay away from clawfoot and other freestanding tubs; they're "raised" up off the floor, so you have to step out of the tub and down ... it's discombobulating, even if you have no mobility issues. You can have a freestanding tub (not a clawfoot) set "down" into the floor, but you're talking about a specialty installation ... AKA, a lot of money.

I'd lean towards a tub-in-a-deck ... but not too wide. This would give you a place to sit down, then swing your legs "in". Paired with grab bars, I think this is the most reasonable not-out-there-but-still-good-for-limited-mobility tubs.

(We aren't mobility challenged yet, but wanted to design for
accessibility. I don't bathe often, but LOVE a good hot soak when joints
are stiff and sore!)

Just throwing out an idea: If you don't bathe often, would you perhaps be happier with a hot tub? With steps and a handrail for your in-and-out, it might be easier for a person with limited mobility.

I have no trouble getting in and out of my tub (which is all I use). I will be 74 in a month.

I have every intention of living past 100, and I hope to use my tub well past 74 !

MrsPete, our tub is jetted, so basically a hot tub without all the nasty chemicals :)

Ours also comes with the fast-drain option, so that you don't sit in freezing water :)

We are also putting grab bars in all recommended areas around the tub :)

Mrs. Pete, I haven't chosen my tub yet. I know that freestanding tubs are the in thing right now. But, I tend to agree with you that drop in tubs may be more user friendly as far as mobility.

I need to decide very soon.

Ours also comes with the fast-drain option, so that you don't sit in freezing water :)

I have no interest in those door-type tubs, but I have two questions: 1) How'd the water go from cool in the earlier posts to freezing? 2) Why would anyone sit in the water until it's freezing?

Get the 6' instead of the 5' too

Be careful: A bigger tub isn't necessarily better. If you're short, you'll slide down in a longer tub, and that won't be relaxing. Also, a bigger tub requires more water, which means a larger hot water heater, longer to fill, more surface area to cool more quickly.

I don't like the walkin tubs, but they do have some with heated seats so that you are not miserable during the draining process. I still would not buy one, but since there seems to be a concern about freezing during the draining process, thought I would throw it out there.

We had a Kohler Iron Works in our last house. It was 5 1/2 ft. I am 5'6" and it was a little too short for me. It was way too short for my tall dh.

Definitely getting a 6ft tub this time.

many of the tubs give you the measurement of the bottom of the tub if you look at the specs. It's surprising how little difference there is between tubs of different sizes i.e.: 66" vs. 72" tub.

One of the Kohler cast iron tubs (a drop in) has built in grab bars. Can't recall which one.