Cost guides › Walk-in tub
Canada
Walk-in tub cost
Replacing a standard bathtub with a walk-in tub with hydrotherapy jets typically costs $5,500 installed before GST/HST, with most quotes between $4,300 and $7,150. A basic soaker model with a door and seat runs about $3,350, while an air-and-water jetted tub with a heated seat and fast-drain pump comes to about $8,700. Figures are for 1 tub(s).
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Cost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $3,450 | $5,700 | $8,850 |
| Saskatchewan | $3,350 | $5,550 | $8,700 |
| Alberta | $3,250 | $5,500 | $8,650 |
| British Columbia | $3,300 | $5,500 | $8,650 |
| Ontario | $3,300 | $5,500 | $8,650 |
| Manitoba | $3,250 | $5,450 | $8,600 |
| Nova Scotia | $3,300 | $5,450 | $8,600 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $3,200 | $5,350 | $8,500 |
| New Brunswick | $3,200 | $5,300 | $8,450 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Removal and disposal of the existing bathtub
- Walk-in tub with watertight door and built-in seat, hydrotherapy jets
- Faucet, drain and fittings
- Tub set in place, connected to the existing supply and drain, and leak tested by a licensed plumber
- Dedicated GFCI-protected circuit for the pump and heater, run by a licensed electrician
- Carrying in, floor protection and cleanup
What affects the cost
Soaker, hydrotherapy or air and hydro
A soaker tub is just the shell, door and seat, with no motors, so nothing needs power and there is less to maintain. Hydrotherapy adds water jets and a pump, which needs its own protected circuit. Air-and-hydro models add an air blower, and premium units often include a heated seat and backrest and an inline heater to keep the water warm.
Fill and drain time
You get in before the tub fills and wait until it drains before the door opens, so time matters, especially in a cool bathroom in winter. A fast-drain pump, included in the premium tier, shortens the wait, and a high-flow faucet shortens the fill.
Hot water supply
A walk-in tub is deeper than a regular bath and can hold much more water. The estimate assumes the existing water heater can fill it; if it cannot, a larger tank or tankless heater is an extra cost to budget for.
Door type and entry height
Inward-opening doors seal as water pressure pushes them closed but take up room inside the tub; outward-opening doors make wheelchair transfers easier but need clear floor space. Check the step-in height and seat height against the person who will use it.
Size and fit
Most walk-in tubs are made to fit a standard 5-foot alcove. Wider or longer models, or a space that needs framing or wall repairs, add labour; tiling beyond the tub surround is not included here.
Electrical work
Jetted and heated models need a dedicated GFCI-protected circuit, and the heater can need a heavier one. A long run from the panel or a full panel adds time. The work must be done by a licensed electrician, usually with a permit.
How to save
- Choose a soaker model if the goal is safe access rather than therapy; it needs no electrical work.
- Get quotes that list the tub, installation, electrical and removal separately so you can compare the same scope.
- Confirm your water heater's capacity before ordering, so you are not surprised by an extra upgrade after the tub is in.
- Ask whether a low-threshold walk-in shower would meet the need; for people who do not need to soak it usually costs less.
Grants, tax and rules
Home Accessibility Tax Credit
The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit applies to up to $20,000 of eligible expenses per year for people aged 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit. Keep the invoices for the tub and its installation.
Permits and licensed trades
Plumbing and electrical work needs licensed trades and usually a permit. Ask whether the electrical permit is in the quote.
GST/HST
GST/HST applies to renovation work. Our figures are before GST/HST (for example 13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in Alberta).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a walk-in tub cost installed in Canada?
A walk-in tub with hydrotherapy jets typically costs around $5,500 installed before GST/HST, including removal of the old tub and a dedicated circuit. A basic soaker model is closer to $3,350, and an air-and-hydro tub with a heated seat about $8,700.
Is a walk-in tub eligible for a tax credit?
It can be. The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit covers up to $20,000 of eligible expenses per year for people aged 65 or older or eligible for the disability tax credit. Check the eligibility rules for your situation before claiming.
How long does it take a walk-in tub to drain?
It depends on the drain size and the model; standard gravity drains are the slowest. A fast-drain pump, as in the premium tier, shortens the time you sit waiting before you can open the door.
Do I need a bigger water heater for a walk-in tub?
Often, because walk-in tubs are deep. Compare the tub's capacity with your water heater before buying; a heater upgrade is not included in these figures.
Walk-in tub or walk-in shower?
A walk-in tub suits people who want to soak or use jets and can sit through the fill and drain. A low-threshold or curbless shower is easier for wheelchair users and quicker to use, and usually costs less.
How long does installation take?
Replacing a standard tub in the same alcove is often done in one or two days, including the electrical work. Wall repairs, framing changes or a heater upgrade add time.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 19.2 · Labour: $999 · Materials: $4,514
Sources: Job Bank wages (Employment and Social Development Canada); Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates.