5 Pros and Cons of a Walk-In Shower
A walk-in shower is more functional than a standard shower as it provides ease of access and safety. It eliminates the danger of stepping into a bathtub or an enclosed shower, which makes it a convenient and independent alternative for individuals with limited or impaired mobility. It is always important to consider the long-term needs of a user if you are remodeling a bathroom for persons with restricted mobility or the elderly.
Walk-in showers are ideal for accessible bathrooms as they can be combined with customized installations such as grab bars and shower seats to reduce the risk of a fall. Although walk-in showers offer endless benefits to the user, it also comes with its downsides, which should be considered before installing the setup. This article looks at five advantages and disadvantages of a walk-in shower.
Pros of a Walk-In Shower
- Easy to Clean
It is easy to clean a walk-in shower since most of the surfaces are flat and there are fewer corners or areas with less dirt or grime buildup. It takes less time to clean the glass walls and tiled floors as there are fewer crannies and nooks to scrub compared to a traditional shower enclosure.
- Versatile
A walk-in shower can be installed in any bathroom size, as it can be customized to suit your actual space. You will not have any difficulties putting up this type of shower in a room that might be limited in space or of an unusual shape.
- Ease of Access
Unlike bathtubs or shower enclosures, walk-in showers are more accessible and are a perfect solution for individuals with mobility challenges. They eliminate the need of stepping over a high ledge or tripping on a steep threshold while entering into the shower.
- Minimalist Contemporary Design
A walk-in shower is simple and straightforward because it has less moving parts with no doors or shower curtains. Since most models are made of glass walls with a frameless look, no elements can distract the attention from your bathroom décor making it more like a transparent feature.
- More Space
A walk-in shower creates the illusion of a large space even though it can easily fit in tiny bathroom spaces. The shower itself becomes visible, as it is not blocked from view by a shower door. This settle footage is contributed to the entire bathroom doubling the view of your bathroom size.
Cons of a Walk-In Shower
- Lack of Privacy
A walk-in shower does not offer enough privacy, as it lacks a door while other designs are purely made of glass walls. It is not ideal for a commercial space where people share the bathroom as it could mean that only one person can use it at a time. However, people who incorporate a walk-in shower in their washroom have the freedom to customize their level of privacy.
- Feels Colder
You are more likely to feel a lot of cold in a walk-in shower as it lacks a door or a shower curtain. The air that relocates via the door-less entrance makes the room colder. However, you can solve this issue by installing a glowing warmed flooring or mounting a warmth light.
- Water Splashes
There is a high possibility of water splashing into the rest of the shower room depending on your shower design. You can minimize this issue by installing the right type of shower base and mindful planning. Water splashes can make your bathroom a mess and even increase the chances of fall if it is not taken care of.
- High Moisture and Humidity
Regardless of the design, water and moisture will eventually leave the shower in some form either as water splashes or as steam from hot showers. This can cause damage to the entire bathroom since high humidity and moisture creates a damp environment, which is a favorite recipe for mold.
- It is Costly
The price of a walk-in shower can be a major disadvantage to homeowners looking for a minimalistic design. Although it might look simple and straightforward in appearance, it is made up of high-quality glass and complex hidden drainage systems that make it expensive compared to traditional designs.
A walk-in shower is a great focal piece in a bathroom that blends seamlessly with the rest of the space. While it comes with a few downsides, you can minimize its flaws by installing the right showerhead, a non-slippery flooring, and install the drain in a strategic position. Having it installed by a professional is a good idea, as you not only benefit from the aesthetics but also its functionality in an accessible bathroom.