Disabled Showers UK: The Ultimate Guide to Trays, Pods & Safety (2026)

Safe, Stylish, and Practical: Finding Your Perfect Shower Solution

For many of our clients, the bathtub has become a “no-go” zone. The risk of stepping over a high rim is simply too great. You know you need a shower, but the options are confusing.

• “Do I need a wet room or just a tray?”

• “What if I have a concrete floor?”

• “Are shower pods better than tiles?”

At EA Mobility, we specialise in Disabled Showers. Unlike a standard DIY shower, these are engineered specifically for safety, stability, and ease of use.

While a Wet Room is the ultimate luxury solution, a Tray-Based Accessible Shower is often the quicker, more cost-effective choice. Here is your complete guide to the options available in 2026.

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1. The Foundation: Choosing the Right Tray

The most important decision is the floor. Your mobility level dictates which tray you need.

Option A: The “Low Profile” Tray (Step-In)

• The Height: Usually 35mm – 40mm high.

• Best For: People who are “Ambulant” (can walk) and can manage a tiny step.

• The Benefit: It is faster and cheaper to install because it sits on top of the floor floorboards.

Option B: The “Level Access” Tray (Wheelchair Friendly)

• The Height: 0mm (Zero Threshold).

• How it works: We sink the tray into the floor structure so the lip is flush with your vinyl or tiles.

• Best For: Wheelchair users or those with a shuffling gait (e.g. Parkinson’s) where any trip hazard is dangerous.

Option C: The “Raised Tray” (The Concrete Floor Fix)

• The Problem: If you have a solid concrete ground floor, we cannot dig down to sink the tray.

• The Fix: We install a raised tray on legs (approx 100mm high) to allow space for the waste pipe underneath.

• Access: We then install a gentle ramp to allow wheelchair access up to the tray level.

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2. The “Shower Pod” Alternative (Leak-Free)

A massive trend in the UK is the Self-Contained Shower Pod.
Instead of tiling the walls (which requires grout cleaning), a Pod is a complete unit made of high-grade fiberglass or acrylic.

• The Pros:

  • 100% Leak Proof: No silicone seals to rot or fail.

  • Hygienic: No grout lines for mould to grow in.

  • Quick Install: Can often be fitted in 1-2 days.

• The Cons: Fixed sizes. They are less customisable than a tiled enclosure.

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3. Enclosures: Glass vs. Half-Height Doors

Standard glass screens look nice, but they aren’t always practical for care.

• Fixed Glass Screens: Great for independent users. Modern, stylish, and keeps water contained.

• Half-Height Doors (Carer Assisted):

  • How they work: The doors are split in the middle. You can open the top half while keeping the bottom half closed.

  • The Benefit: A carer can reach over the door to help wash you without getting soaked themselves. This is essential for assisted bathing.

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4. Essential Safety Features (The Checklist)

A “Disabled Shower” is defined by its safety specs. Ensure your installer includes:

1. Anti-Slip Surface: Trays must be R-Rated (R11+). Standard shiny plastic trays are dangerous when soapy.

2. Thermostatic Controls (TMV3): The shower valve regulates temperature to within 1 degree. If the cold water fails, the shower shuts off instantly to prevent scalding.

3. Grab Rails: Strategically placed vertical rails for entering, and horizontal rails for showering. (See our Grab Rail Guide).

4. The Shower Seat: Whether it’s a fold-down wooden seat or a freestanding stool, sitting down reduces fatigue and fall risk.

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How Much Does a Disabled Shower Cost?

Because we don’t have to “tank” (waterproof) the entire room like a wet room, the cost is generally lower.

• Supply & Installation: Typically £4,000 – £6,500.

• Factors: Tray type (Level vs Surface), Enclosure (Pod vs Tiles), and plumbing complexity.

• Note: If you have a chronic condition, you are eligible for VAT Exemption, saving 20%. Read our full 2026 Cost Breakdown here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a wheelchair on a shower tray?
A: Only on a “Level Access” tray. Standard trays are not designed for the point-load weight of wheelchair wheels. We supply reinforced trays specifically for wheelchair use.

Q: Electric Shower or Mixer Shower?
A: We often recommend Electric Showers for elderly clients.

• Why? They run off the cold mains. If your boiler breaks down in winter, you can still have a hot shower.

Q: Will it look like a hospital shower?
A: No. We offer “invisible accessibility.” We use slate-effect trays, chrome fixtures, and modern tiling. It looks like a high-end spa, but functions like a safety shower.

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Reclaim Your Confidence

You shouldn’t have to feel unsafe in your own home. A modern accessible shower restores your independence and dignity.

Book a Free Home Assessment
Our surveyors will measure your bathroom and recommend the safest tray (or Pod) for your mobility needs.