Top 5 Benefits of a Tub-to-Shower Remodel in Colorado (2025 Guide)

You know that tub you never use?  The one collecting dust—or rubber duckies—in your Colorado bathroom?  It might be doing more harm than good.

It’s wasting water.  Eating up space.  Posing a fall risk.  And if you’ve got aging parents (or plans to age in place yourself), it’s time for a rethink.

A tub-to-shower remodel isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade.  It’s a lifestyle improvement that’s smart, safe, and deeply Colorado-savvy—especially with water conservation top of mind across the Front Range and beyond.

Let’s dig into what this transformation looks like, and why thousands of Colorado homeowners are making the switch.

What Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion?

At its core, it’s exactly what it sounds like: we remove your old tub and replace it with a sleek, step-in shower.  That includes updated plumbing, waterproof walls, new fixtures, a shower base, and typically frameless glass doors to keep things clean and open.

Even better?  In most cases, we can do it in as little as 2 - 3 days.  Sometimes shorter, all based on the scope of work and materials.

It’s not just fast—it’s transformative.  You get a safer, more accessible, more stylish bathing experience that’s easier on your knees and your water bill.

Top 5 Benefits of a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

1.  Major Water Savings (Your Wallet and the Planet Will Thank You)

Colorado’s semi-arid climate doesn’t mess around.  As of July 2025, over half the state is experiencing drought, and local governments are tightening up water use regulations.

The good news?  A 10-minute shower typically uses just 25 gallons of water.  A half-filled bathtub?  Try 70–80 gallons.  That’s a 45–55 gallon savings—every single time you step in.

And if you upgrade to a modern low-flow showerhead?  You can save even more.  Many Colorado cities (like Fort Collins and Broomfield) now require low-flow fixtures in new builds.  A tub-to-shower conversion helps you align with those standards—and get ahead of them.

Here are some interesting statistics, as provided by The Water Footprint Calculator, CNet, Wellfor, and the U.S. EPA:

Average Water Usage Per Person

Estimated Annual Utility Costs (Per Person)

• Daily Baths: $195–$220/year
• Standard Showers: ~$65/year
• Water-Efficient Showers: Save $75+ annually with WaterSense-labeled heads

According to the U.S. EPA, installing a WaterSense-labeled showerhead saves the average family 2,700 gallons of water and more than $75 per year in combined water and energy costs.

In short: switching from a daily bath to a water-efficient shower could cut your water use in half—or more—and trim your utility bill while you’re at it.

💡And in a drought-prone state like Colorado, that’s not just good for your wallet. It’s the right move for your community, too.

💰Live in Boulder or Fort Collins?  You may qualify for water rebate incentives—ask us how

2.  Safer, Smarter Accessibility (Especially for Aging in Place)

Stepping over a 14-inch tub wall?  That’s a hazard for anyone, especially if you’re older or have limited mobility.  And for many Coloradans 65+, it’s a daily fall risk.

According to the CDC, over 230,000 nonfatal bathroom injuries occur annually in the U.S. for individuals over 15, with seniors being the most affected.  Most injuries happen in or around the tub or shower, and stepping over high edges is a leading cause.

Swapping that tub for a low-threshold (or curbless) shower with a grab bar drastically reduces the risk—by up to 75% following a slip or balance loss, according to the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.

Add in features like:

• Built-in seating
• Non-slip flooring
• Handheld shower wands

...and you’ve got a bathroom that works for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents to weekend warriors recovering from their latest trail run injury.

It’s a universal design upgrade with real-life impact.

🛡️Planning to age in place?  Ask about ADA-compliant designs and grab bar packages

3.  More Space, More Functionality (Without Moving Walls)

Most tubs hog 30–35 square feet of floor space.  Showers?  You can go as small as 9 square feet (think: 36” x 36”), and still feel luxurious.

That reclaimed space opens doors—literally and figuratively.

Think: double vanities.  Smart storage.  Natural light.  Spa-like vibes.  As designers, Bay State Bath points out in a recent article, “Showers with clear glass doors open sightlines to the wall, making the bathroom appear larger.”

In smaller homes or condos—especially in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, where square footage comes at a premium—a tub-to-shower conversion is a space-maximizing game changer.  The improved functionality often includes built-in niches for toiletries, bench seating, and multiple shower heads, providing a luxury experience and convenience.

4.  Strong ROI and Higher Home Appeal

Let’s talk resale value.

Bathroom remodels remain one of the best returns on investment in real estate, and tub-to-shower conversions are leading the charge.

According to the Journal of Light Construction Cost vs. Value report, a midrange bathroom (5 x 7) recoups on average 74% in cost value.  In Colorado, these upgrades typically recoup 60–80% of their cost at resale.

High-quality installations using brands like Kohler LuxStone or the Onyx Collection typically cost between $14,000 and $20,000, but can increase home value by $18,000–$25,000. (That’s not just a nice bathroom—it’s a smart move.)

Even better: buyers love them.  Bathrooms sell homes.  Just like kitchens, they’re one of the first spaces buyers evaluate—and one of the most expensive to update after closing.  Today’s homebuyers—especially aging boomers and design-forward millennials—are looking for move-in ready bathrooms with modern, accessible features.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

• Millennials want turnkey homes.  With limited budgets and rising home prices, they’re looking for properties that don’t need a major bath remodel after move-in.  Most of their savings go toward down payments and furniture, so updated fixtures, finishes, and layouts are non-negotiable.
• Boomers, on the other hand, are planning to stay put.  Houzz reports more than 56% of aging baby boomers are proactively renovating their bathrooms with accessibility in mind—adding walk-in showers, grab bars, seating, and safer layouts to prepare for the future.

For Colorado homeowners, this means a tub-to-shower conversion isn’t just about convenience—it’s a wise investment that speaks directly to two of the most active buyer segments in today’s market.

5.  Less Cleaning, Fewer Headaches

Let’s be honest: no one wants to scrub grout lines every Saturday morning.

Modern shower systems use solid surface walls—no grout, no mold traps, no problem.  As Modernize Home Services states in a recent review, materials like Kohler LuxStone and Onyx resist staining, scratching, and mildew, and they clean up with a quick wipe-down.

Colorado’s dry climate helps, too.  Less humidity means less mold and mildew, period.

So you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing literally anything else.

BENEFIT OVERVIEW

💡Thinking about converting your tub?

A tub-to-shower conversion can be one of the smartest updates you make—but like any remodel, it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Before you commit, let’s walk through a few key considerations to help you avoid costly surprises. Click here to schedule a conversation—no risk, no cost or obligation

Is a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Right for You?  Know the Tradeoffs.

While the benefits are compelling, converting your tub to a shower may not be the right move for every household.  To determine what is best for you, here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

• No More Soaking Option
  Removing your only tub means giving up relaxing baths entirely—something many homeowners value for wellness, stress relief, or post-ski recovery.
• Not Ideal for Young Families
  Tubs are essential for safely bathing small children.  Families with kids under eight often won’t consider homes without a bathtub, which could limit your future buyer pool.
• Resale Risks (Especially with One Tub)
  Real estate professionals recommend keeping at least one bathtub in the home to maintain broad market appeal.  Removing your only tub could extend time on market and reduce resale value.
• Missed Opportunity for Therapeutic Use
  Many aging homeowners rely on warm baths for joint pain and muscle recovery.  A shower-only setup removes that option.
• Perceived Loss of Luxury
  In certain markets, especially family-friendly neighborhoods, the absence of a bathtub can make a home feel less complete or less upscale.

💡Bottom line: If this is your only tub, and you love your soaks, have kids, or plan to sell soon—it’s worth weighing the long-term impact before making the switch.

Solid Surface Showers: A Quick Look at Quality Options

While you're weighing the pros and cons of a tub-to-shower conversion, don’t overlook what goes on the walls.

Solid surface shower systems are one of the smartest upgrades you can make.  They’re easier to clean than tile (no grout lines to scrub), many include built-in antimicrobial protection, and the high-end look of natural stone adds both beauty and long-term value to your home.  If you’re investing in a better bathroom, this is the detail that makes it last.

Here are a few of the solid wall options you may consider for your home—backed by reputations for value, quality, and durability, as well as third-party reviews and homeowner ratings.

Ready to Remodel?  Let’s Talk.

At HomePride Bath, we specialize in water-wise, walk-in shower solutions tailored for Colorado families.  We’ve completed thousands of tub-to-shower conversions throughout the state and understand the ins and outs of these complex projects.

Whether you’re looking to save water, prevent a fall, or give your bathroom the glow-up it deserves, we’re here to help.

✅ Free, no-pressure consultations
✅ Fast installs, often in 1–2 days
✅ Local pros who know Colorado’s building codes and climate challenges

📞 Call now or book online to get started.  Your future shower—and future self—will thank you.