What size water heater do I need for a walk-in tub?

What size water heater do I need for a walk-in tub?

You just installed your new walk-in tub and are ready to take a hot bath but it is halfway full and the hot water is gone. If this has this happened to you, It is because your hot water heater is too small.

Making sure the water that fills your Ella Walk in Bathtub is adequately heated will provide the most rejuvenating experience.  We recommend using a 60+ gallon gas water heater due to the larger capacity and ability to regenerate much faster than electric units.

The typical walk-in tub requires at least a 50-gallon water heater. Even if your tub is not that large, you have to be able to fill it at least two-thirds full of hot water. Otherwise, your hot bath is going to be awfully chilly. And nobody else can use the hot water for a while.

What to Ask Before You Buy

An important questions that you need to ask about the tub before you purchase it is what size water heater you will need. If your water heater has to be two-thirds the size of your 75-gallon tub, you will need at least a 60+gallon water heater.

You certainly do not want to spend all your money on a new tub just to find out you need a new water heater also.  If the tub you want requires a larger water heater, you may have to upgrade.

The size of walk-in tubs varies, they are typically about three or four feet high, approximately 30 inches wide, and 60 inches long. Most walk-in tubs fit into the size of a regular bathtub but are taller and hence hold more water.

Add on another 10 gallons to the size of the hot water tank you are going to need if you live with other people. For those who want to wash their hands or do the dishes while you are using the walk-in tub. It is probably best to get a water heater that can fill your tub and have some left over.

Tankless Water Heater

A separate (designated in-line electric tank less water) heater can be installed that will assist your primary water heater in keeping you warm and comfortable. These units are fairly inexpensive and provide a great solution if you cannot use a gas water heater or have limited capacity. They also have a longer lifespan, lasting more than 20 years on average. Either way, just make sure you have enough hot water for your walk-in tub.

Whether you got that walk-in tub for therapeutic reasons or for safety reasons, it really does not matter if you cannot fill it up with warm enough water. The best time to think about how much water you need is not after you buy the tub because they can be a pretty big investment.