The Complete Guide to “Baths with Doors”: Which Type is Right for Your Home?

“I just need a bath with a door…”

We hear this phrase almost every day. You know you need easier access—stepping over a high bath rim is becoming dangerous or impossible—but when you start looking, the options can be overwhelming.

Is a “Compact Bath” different from an “Upright Bath”? Do you need a power lift? And will any of them actually fit in your bathroom?

At EA Mobility, we don’t believe in “one size fits all.” A bath that works for a wheelchair user is completely different from one designed for someone who just needs a little extra stability.

In this guide, we break down the 5 main types of walk-in baths we install, helping you decide which hardware belongs in your home.

1. Full-Length Baths (The Seamless Swap)

Best for: People who want to replace their old tub without redecorating.

This is the most popular choice for UK homeowners who want to “future-proof” their bathroom without changing the layout.

• The Hardware: These are typically 1500mm or 1700mm long—the exact same length as a standard British bathtub.

• The Experience: It looks and feels like a traditional bath but features a watertight door and a low entry threshold.

• Why choose it? Because it shares the same footprint as your old bath, our installers can usually slot it into the existing space. You rarely need to move the toilet or sink.

• EA Mobility Tip: If you have a family, this is a great option as it can still be used as a “normal” bath by other members of the household.

2. Compact & Upright Baths (The Space Savers)

Best for: Small bathrooms, en-suites, or downstairs cloakrooms.

British bathrooms are notoriously small. If you don’t have space for a long tub, or if you find lying down uncomfortable, these are the solution.

• The Hardware: These tubs are much shorter—often around 1200mm (the size of a large shower tray)—but they are significantly deeper.

• The Experience: You don’t lie down; you sit upright on a moulded seat, similar to sitting in a comfortable armchair.

• Why it helps: The upright position takes the pressure off your lower back. Plus, the deeper water allows for a full-body soak up to your shoulders, which is fantastic for arthritis relief.

3. Baths with Power Lifts (The Ultimate Support)

Best for: Wheelchair users or those who cannot stand up unaided.

If you struggle to bend your knees or lack the core strength to push yourself up from a seat, a standard walk-in bath might still be difficult. That is where a Power Lift comes in.

• How it works: These baths feature a motorized seat integrated into the design.

• The Process: You sit on the seat before entering the bath. At the touch of a button, the seat gently lowers you into the warm water. When you’re done, it lifts you back up.

• Safety: The seat often operates with a battery backup, so you never have to worry about getting stuck during a power cut.

4. Baths with Seats (Moulded Comfort)

Best for: Those who can walk but need rest.

Unlike the power lift, these baths feature a static, moulded seat built into the structure of the tub.

• Why it matters: Sitting at a natural height (rather than on the floor) means you don’t have to strain your hips or knees to get up.

• Safety: The seat is contoured and textured, preventing you from slipping under the water, which is a common fear with standard smooth bathtubs.

The “Hardware” Checklist: What Else Matters?

Choosing the shape is only half the battle. When you book a Free Home Assessment with us, we also check three critical things that most people miss:

1. The Water Pressure (Twin Waste)

You cannot open the door until the water is drained. As we explain in our Ultimate Guide to Walk-in Baths, with a standard plug this can take 10 minutes (leaving you cold and shivering).

• The Solution: We verify your drainage. Many of our models feature Twin Waste technology—two plugs connected to a pump that drains the water in minutes.

2. The Door Direction

• Inward Opening: Great for tight spaces as the door doesn’t block the toilet or sink.

• Outward Opening: Essential for wheelchair transfers or larger users, as it keeps the entry completely clear.

3. The Installation (The “EA Way”)

You might worry that a new bath means weeks of mess.

• Our Promise: Our in-house teams typically complete the installation in just a few days.

• Peace of Mind: We are a Which? Trusted Trader, and every bath comes with our Lifetime Installation Guarantee. We don’t just fit it and leave; we ensure it stays watertight for life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardware

Q: Can I still use a walk-in bath for a normal shower?
A: Yes, absolutely. Most Full-Length and P-Shape walk-in baths are designed to double as a shower. We can install a reinforced glass screen and a riser rail, allowing other family members to stand and shower just as they would in a standard bathtub.

Q: What happens if the door seal leaks?
A: This is a common worry, but with a high-quality installation, it is extremely rare. At EA Mobility, our doors use a pressure-seal system (the water pushes it shut). Plus, because we are confident in our hardware, we offer a warranty on the seal mechanism for your peace of mind.

Q: How wide is the door opening?
A: This depends on the model. A standard walk-in bath door is roughly 350mm – 400mm wide. However, if you are transferring from a wheelchair, we recommend our Outward Opening models, which provide completely unobstructed access.

Q: Is the seat cold to sit on?
A: The seats are made from high-grade acrylic or fibreglass, which warms up instantly when the water touches it. For the ultimate luxury, we can also install heated seats that warm up before you even turn the water on!

Summary: Which “Bath with Door” is Yours?

• Replacing an old tub? Go for a Full-Length model.

• Tiny bathroom? Go for a Compact/Upright model.

• Need help standing? Go for a Bath with Power Lift.

Still not sure which one fits?
Measurements on a website are useful, but nothing beats an expert eye. We offer a Free, No-Obligation Home Visit to measure your space and check your water pressure.

Book Your Free Home Visit Today