Walk-in bath: retrofit or buy new?

What types of bathtubs with doors are available?

There are three different solutions behind this search term. The walk-in bathtub is a new full-length tub with a factory-fitted door in the side. The sit-in bathtub with door is shorter and higher, allowing you to bathe upright on an integrated seat. This type is often marketed as a bathtub for seniors or as an accessible bathtub. Both options replace your existing tub.

The third option does not require a new tub: a bathtub door is retrofitted. Here, an entry section is cut out of your existing tub, a custom-made door is installed and sealed. In Austria, this is usually called a Badewannentüre or Wannentüre, while some manufacturers refer to it as a bathtub entry.

The three options compared

	Walk-in bathtub (new)	Bathtub with seat and door (new)	Retrofitting a door
Old bathtub	will be removed and disposed of	will be removed and disposed of	remains, the door will be installed
Work in the bathroom	Removal, new connections, bathtub cladding, usually tiling around the tub	as on the left, often with additional adjustment for the shorter tub	only on the bathtub, the rest of the bathroom remains untouched
Duration	several days	several days	1 day
Bathing	Full bath lying down	Bathing while seated, less water required	Full bath lying down as before
Costs	Bathtub depending on model from several thousand euros, plus removal, installation and tiling	Bathtub depending on model from around €1,000, plus removal, installation and tiling	from bazuba at around €2,900 including installation, fixed price after inspection
Suitable if	the bathtub is to be replaced anyway	the bathroom is very small or lying down is difficult	the bathtub is in good condition and a quick solution is needed

Prices for new bathtubs are market estimates without guarantee and vary greatly depending on manufacturer, features, and installation situation.

Retrofitting bathtub door: how it works

A technician will inspect your bathtub and check the material and shape. bazuba installs doors in almost all common bathtubs made of acrylic, steel enamel, and cast iron. Afterwards, you will receive a fixed price. On the installation day, the entry section is cut out, the door in the matching colour is fitted and sealed. This usually takes one day; the next day you can use your bathtub again, including for a full bath. All details can be found on the page. Bathtub door RETROFITTED.

Sit-in bathtub with door: who is it suitable for

The sit-in bathtub is ideal for very small bathrooms and for people who find it difficult to lie down and get up in the tub. You enter through the door, sit down, close the door, and then fill the tub with water. This also means you remain seated in the tub while it fills and drains. If you prefer to bathe lying down, this may not be the right choice for you. And since the old tub must be removed, installation involves renovation work with tiling and cannot be completed in a single day.

Can a door be retrofitted into an existing sit-in bathtub? That depends on the shape and material and can only be assessed on site.

When a shower is the better solution

A door significantly lowers the entry, but a small threshold remains. If you use a rollator or wheelchair, can no longer safely step into the bathtub, or only take showers anyway, a low-level shower is the better option. At Tub out, shower in bazuba replaces the bathtub in 2 to 3 days with a shower, starting from around €4,500, while the remaining tiles stay in place. In both cases, a secure footing is ensured by a Anti-slip finishYou can find an overview of all conversions on the page barrier-free bathroom.

Grant: up to €4,180 from the care fund

In Germany, the long-term care insurance fund pays up to €4,180 for measures that improve the living environment if you have a recognised care level. This includes retrofitted bathtub door, a new bathtub with door, and conversion to a shower. The application must be submitted before work begins. The KfW grant 455-B has not accepted applications since 31 July 2026, but the KfW loan 159 is still available. More information in the guide. Funding for bathroom renovationIn Austria, there are specific grants for accessible conversions depending on the federal state.

The bathtub door for your existing bath

A bathtub door is the ideal solution if you wish to enter your existing bathtub quickly and easily.

Frequently asked questions about bathtubs with doors

How much does a bathtub with a door cost?

A retrofitted bathtub door at bazuba starts from around €2,900 including installation; we will provide a fixed price after a free on-site inspection. For a new walk-in bathtub or sit-in bathtub, the price of the tub is supplemented by the removal of the old tub, installation, and usually tiling work.

Can a door be retrofitted into any bathtub?

In almost all standard bathtubs made of acrylic, steel enamel, and cast iron. Whether it is possible with your tub will be checked by a technician on site.

Is a bathtub with a door watertight?

Yes. With the door closed, the bathtub is watertight, and a full bath is possible. The door must be closed before filling the tub and remains closed until the water has drained.

Which is better: walk-in bathtub or bathtub door?

If your existing tub is in good condition, a retrofitted door is the quicker and usually more affordable option: one day of work, no renovation in the rest of the bathroom. If you are planning to replace the tub anyway, a new walk-in bathtub may be worthwhile.

Does the care fund pay for a bathtub with a door?

In Germany, the care insurance fund subsidises home environment improvements for those with a recognised care level with up to €4,180. The application must be submitted before installation. In Austria, this subsidy does not exist; instead, the federal states support barrier-free renovations.

bazuba Guide for your bathroom

The bathtub door for your existing bathtub

The ideal solution if you want to enter your existing bathtub safely

Bathroom renovation: How long does it really take

How long does a bathroom renovation take and what influences the duration.

Deduct renovation costs in Germany for tax purposes

Here you will find out which costs are tax-deductible and what you need to consider.

The age-appropriate conversion with bazuba convinces

“We found Bazuba through an advert in a magazine. We arranged an appointment and, thanks to the extremely competent advice from Mr Zugmayer, we immediately decided to replace our bathtub with a shower. It is admirable, especially in today’s often superficial times, how precisely the Bazuba installer carried out all the installation work. One can only congratulate the company on having such an employee. This company definitely deserves 11 out of 10 points!”

“I organised the bathtub entry for my mother. We can only recommend this company; from the very first appointment at home to completion, we only dealt with extremely friendly, warm and competent people. We would like to thank you again here!!”

"I cannot thank you enough. For us, it was the best decision. We are more than satisfied with the renovation of our bathroom. Simply a top result from professionals who know their craft. Always punctual, very friendly, helpful and all our questions were answered in advance. From us, it is a clear recommendation. Thank you…."

Bathtub with door: retrofit or buy new?