Existing bathtub before glass block shower conversion
The problem: Although bathtubs can be a nice feature when bathing small children they can be a major source of danger for an older adult. Trying to step over the tub rail (which in some cases can be up to 20” high) into a wet tub/shower area has resulted in many injuries (especially for those with mobility challenges). Such was the case for an older man in his 60’s living in Grove City Ohio (a suburb of Columbus). His daughter contacted The Bath Doctor and Columbus Glass Block for some input and advice on how to not only make the existing shower area safer but also to add style and improve the value of the home as well.
Glass block walk in shower fold down seat and grab bar
Challenges with the existing bathtub/shower area – Here were the weaknesses of the existing space:
- An old fiberglass tub that was hard to step into for showering.
- No grab bar to make it safer to get into the shower.
- The tub floor surface was slippery when wet.
- Existing shower valve did not offer an anti-scald feature for safe water temperatures. There was only a stationary shower head which made it impossible to shower while sitting down.
- There was no sturdy wall to grab onto in the tub.
- The white fiberglass walls did not offer much style or interest to dress up the bathroom.
