Walk-In Tubs vs. Curbless Showers: Best Bathroom Remodel for Aging in Place in Colorado

You shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and safety in the home you love.

As we age, everyday spaces—especially the bathroom—can become unexpectedly risky.  A slippery tub wall or a hard-to-reach showerhead can turn a daily routine into a daily hazard.

That’s why aging in place is more than a trend; it’s a promise: to live independently, with dignity, and without compromising on care.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling, two solutions often rise to the top—walk-in tubs and curbless showers.  But which is right for you?

📌 Key Summary

Walk-In Tub or Curbless Shower?

Choosing between a walk-in tub and a curbless shower depends on your priorities. If you value therapeutic soaking, warmth, and seated safety, a walk-in tub might be best. Prefer sleek design, water efficiency, and easier access for mobility aids? A curbless shower is likely the better fit. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and Colorado-specific factors to help you make a confident, future-ready decision.

Why the Bathroom Matters for Aging in Place

The bathroom is where the most fall-related injuries occur—especially for adults 65 and older. Narrow layouts, slippery floors, and awkward entries turn everyday routines into hazards. The Mayo Clinic highlights that modifying the bathroom is one of the most impactful steps in reducing fall risks and increasing safety for aging adults, including grab bars and non-slip mats.

That’s why accessible bathroom design is more than a luxury—it’s peace of mind. Choosing the right features can preserve independence and add comfort for years to come.

Walk-In Tubs: Soothing, Safe, and Supportive

What Is a Walk-In Tub?

Walk-in tubs are deeper than standard tubs and include a watertight, swing-open door.  This allows users to enter without having to lift their legs over a high edge.  In their Medical Safety Guide 2025, SeniorSite shares that they highly recommend walk-in tubs due to their built-in seating, grab bars, and optional hydrotherapy jets that make them a safe and therapeutic bathing option.

Pros of Walk-In Tubs

• Easier Entry & Safer Seating: Ideal for users with joint pain or limited mobility.  The low threshold and upright seat make getting in and out less stressful.
  
  
• Therapeutic Comfort: Many walk-in tubs offer hydrotherapy jets.  According to Harvard Health Publishing, warm water helps relieve arthritis, sore muscles, and stress.  Especially beneficial in Colorado’s cold winters.
  
  
• Increased Home Appeal: For buyers planning long-term residency, aging-in-place features like walk-in tubs add future-ready value.
  
  
• Warmth When It Matters: There's nothing like a warm soak when temperatures drop below freezing in Denver or Colorado Springs.

Cons of Walk-In Tubs

• Longer Fill & Drain Times: Since the door can’t be opened until the tub is empty, you sit and wait—often in a chilly room unless it's well-heated.
  
  
• Water Usage: They require significantly more water than a shower. That’s a downside in a state focused on sustainability.
  
  
• Bigger Footprint: A walk-in tub may not fit well in smaller bathrooms, and retrofitting can be expensive.
  
  
• Not Great for Quick Use: It’s not ideal for daily “in-and-out” hygiene routines or multiple household users.
  
  
  

Curbless Showers: Sleek, Safe, and Adaptable

What Is a Curbless Shower?

Also called barrier-free showers, these have no raised edges or thresholds, making them easy to enter—even with a walker or wheelchair.  They can be customized with slip-resistant floors, benches, handheld showerheads, and grab bars.

Pros of Curbless Showers

• Exceptional Accessibility: Zero-step entry means safer transitions for all users—especially important for those using mobility aids.
  
  
• Water Efficiency: Compared to bathtubs, showers use less water per use, helping reduce utility bills and conserve a critical resource in Colorado.
  
  
• Minimalist, Modern Aesthetic: These showers look beautiful and can make bathrooms feel larger and more open.
  
  
• Low-Maintenance: Fewer joints and corners mean less cleaning and mold risk.
  
  
• Highly Customizable: You can design your curbless shower to meet evolving needs—think fold-down seats, grab bars, or heated floors.

Cons of Curbless Showers

• More Intensive Remodel: Removing a threshold may require altering the subfloor and drainage system.
  
  
• Water Containment Issues: Without proper sloping and drainage, water can spread—especially on larger floors.
  
  
• Colder Floor Surfaces: Tile floors can feel icy in the winter unless you install radiant heat or heated mats.
  
  
• No Soaking Option: If you love to soak, a curbless shower won’t replace the comfort of a bath.
  
  

Colorado-Specific Considerations

1. Cold Climate Reality

Colorado winters are no joke. A walk-in tub offers a warm, immersive escape. On the other hand, a curbless shower can feel chilly unless paired with heated flooring or high-quality insulation.

2. Water Conservation Culture

With ongoing drought concerns and water restrictions in many areas, a walk-in tub’s high water usage might not sit well with eco-conscious homeowners. Curbless showers with low-flow fixtures are often a better fit for water-wise living.

3. Home Size & Layout

From older homes in Boulder to new builds in Castle Rock, bathroom sizes vary wildly across Colorado. Walk-in tubs demand space. Curbless showers, however, can often be designed to fit compact or unusual floorplans more easily.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Walk-In Tubs vs. Curbless Showers

What the Experts Say

• Safety is Essential: According to the National Institute on Aging, safety upgrades like grab bars, non-slip floors, and easy entry access are critical—both walk-in tubs and curbless showers deliver here.
  
  
• Think Long-Term: In a recent article, the AARP recommends factoring in how needs will evolve over the next 5, 10, or 20 years.  Will you want a shower chair? Will another family member eventually need access?
  
  
• Therapeutic Needs Matter: As mentioned earlier, Harvard Health Publishing notes that hydrotherapy can significantly benefit seniors with arthritis and muscle tension—something a shower simply can’t replicate.
  
  
• Conserve Where Possible: The EPA’s “Saving Water in Colorado” fact sheet promotes water-efficient bathroom solutions—something curbless showers with low-flow heads are well-positioned to support in Colorado’s dry climate.

How to Decide: Ask These Questions

To help you better determine your needs, consider this questionnaire.

• Do you prefer quick showers or long, relaxing baths?
  
  
• Is hydrotherapy a must-have for your daily comfort?
  
  
• What’s your bathroom’s size and plumbing layout?
  
  
• Are multiple people using the space?
  
  
• How important is water conservation to you?
  
  
• What’s your remodel budget, and how much disruption can you handle?
  
  
• Are you remodeling to age in place—or prepping for future resale?
  
  

💰 What About Cost?

According to Kohler, professionally installed walk-in tubs typically range from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on features like hydrotherapy jets, heated surfaces, and installation complexity. Curbless showers, on the other hand, often cost $6,000 to $12,000, especially if subfloor work or drainage upgrades are needed.

At HomePride Bath, we understand that cost is a big factor when planning to age in place. That’s why we offer flexible financing options, including low monthly payments and no-interest plans for qualified homeowners—so you don’t have to delay making your bathroom safer, warmer, and easier to use.

“Chris and Dan installed our walk-in tub. Did a great job. Ran into a few problems due to the house being 100 years old. They solved every problem, cleaned up and made sure we knew how to run our new tub. They were friendly and professional. We would recommend using Home Pride for any bathroom project.”

— Don & Bernadette W

Our Take: What’s Right for You?

At HomePride Bath, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.  If you’re asking yourself, “what is the best aging in place bathroom remodel for me?”—your lifestyle, health, and home layout should lead the decision—not a trend or sales pitch.

• Choose a walk-in tub if your top priorities are therapeutic soaking, warmth, and seated safety.
  
  
• Go with a curbless shower if you want sleek design, water efficiency, and long-term versatility with minimal maintenance.
  
  

Better yet? Some Colorado homeowners opt for both—especially in multi-bathroom homes—using a walk-in tub in the master suite and a curbless shower in a secondary bathroom.

Final Tip: Consult a Specialist

Before making a decision, speak with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) or an experienced remodeler who understands Colorado codes, climate, and homeowner needs. The  right expert will help you think through access, future-proofing, and resale value—so you get more than just a remodel. You get peace of mind.

Ready to explore the right solution for your home?

With over forty years of combined experience and thousands of Colorado homes remodeled, we’re here to assist you through any of these additions and more.  Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with a HomePride Bath expert. We’ll walk you through every option—whether you’re leaning toward a walk-in tub, curbless shower, or both—so you can remodel with confidence.  We can also share with you the various finance options that may be available to you.  Appointments often book 2 -3 weeks out, so start your journey to a safer bathroom today.

👉 Start your consultation now