Usually, bath time is regarded as a fun, enjoyable moment by most of us. However, for significantly aged people, those with injuries or disabilities, bath time can become a moment of fright due to the difficulty of carrying out what is otherwise regarded as an easy task. With limited muscle movement comes the challenge of using regular tubs and showers. Several studies have shown that numerous bath-related accidents happen worldwide due to slippery floors and poorly-designed bathrooms to make it worse.
Products such as the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub are designed to make bath time easier, safer, and more fun for the intended users. With features such as wide-opening doors, low step-in thresholds, and grab rails, these tubs are significantly less complicated to use by old, injured, or disabled people. However, like most bath items, it takes quite some research to identify the perfect walk-in tub. Do not worry, though. Our detailed Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub review will help you decide whether it is the ideal bathtub for you or your loved ones.
Overview
The perfect walk-in tub should balance features, safety, quality, and value for money, among other aspects. The Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub is among the well-known walk-in tub brands in the modern-day world. How good is it, and should it be your next purchase? Here is a brief look at its main advantages and downsides.
Pros
- High-quality, contemporary design
- Low 4-inch step-in threshold
- Numerous pre installed accessories
- Safety handrail
- Wide tub
Cons
- Low on features
- No heated seat
What is the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub Made of?
The Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub features a shell made from glossy acrylic. Unlike tubs made from fiberglass, acrylic tubs tend to be more aesthetically pleasing and durable. There are also preinstalled metal alloy control knobs on the top edge of the device. Besides the knobs, there is also a metallic handrail and grab bar to improve safety. The Empava EMPV is manufactured in the USA and comes with a 3-year warranty on parts.
Our Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub Review
My parents are relatively advanced in age (63 and 68 years as of 2020) and have started experiencing mobility-related challenges. About a year ago, I noticed that while they enjoyed baths in their old regular tub, getting over the threshold was becoming too challenging. I decided to get them a walk-in tub hoping it would bring back the joy they got from baths. I purchased the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub upon a relative’s recommendation.
My parents have used the tub for about 11 months now (I have also used it on occasion). Therefore, I have first-hand experience with the tub and, more importantly, my parents’ opinions regarding it. I will review the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub focusing on build quality, safety, features, and value for money. Since people often have varying needs and expectations, the opinions in this review might vary significantly from those of another user who has used the walk-in tub. Therefore, this article’ will be based on my experience with the tub and what my parents have said about it.
Features (8.6/10)
When shopping for a walk-in tub, features were not a primary concern for me. The reason was that my parents are not exactly tech-savvy and would have been happy with any tub provided it was functional. Still, I was not overly impressed with the features of the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub. I still think it lacks some basic features that many other tubs have.
On the flip side, the included features are quite handy. To start with, the tub comes with preinstalled knobs, which makes the entire installation process relatively easy. There is also an in-line heater to maintain the water temperature for your bath. Still, I would have loved to see conventional walk-in tub features such as water massage jets and heated seats. My parents would probably not use these features often, but it would be great to have them for once-in-a-while use.
Safety (9.1/10)
One of my biggest concerns before purchasing a walk-in tub was safety. I wanted a product that would guarantee the safety of users. With the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub, I was quite satisfied with the safety features. The low step-in threshold is arguably the most important of these features. My parents no longer fancy lifting their feet over high points with the advanced age, and I felt like this increased their chances of tripping on objects.
The low step-in threshold makes entry into the tub super easy. Additionally, the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub features a textured, slip-resistant floor that greatly minimizes the chances of a slip-related bath accident. There are also grab bars on top of and inside the tub to provide further support when getting into the tub and bath. A quick-draining system also ensures that the tub can be emptied super-fast for added safety.
Quality (9.0/10)
The Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub is made from acrylic, which I have always considered the ideal choice for walk-in tubs. I once saw a fiberglass tub that had not aged quite well, and since then, I had my glued on an acrylic tub. The quality on the entire tub is exemplary, to say the least. It is hard to find any fault with the materials on any part of the tub. I feel like the polished chrome drain is a bit too ‘out there’ and would have preferred a black drain, but that is just a personal preference.
Value for Money (9.4/10)
Before I bought the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub, my biggest worry was that I would regret spending thousands of dollars on a product that does not meet my expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised after the first few weeks of my parents using the tub. This Empava does everything it is supposed to and at a fraction of the price that other tubs cost.
I do not think that a tub costing three times the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub would do anything more differently. I would have wanted to have spa-like water jets on this tub, but that would have raised the price disproportionately high. Since my parents can now have their baths in peace and safety, I am more than content with my purchase. Of all the tub’s factors that I have reviewed, value for money is, in my opinion, this product’s most significant advantage.
Final Verdict 9.0
At this point in the review, you can probably tell that my parents and I are delighted with the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub. While it’s a little low on features, it is quite safe to use and offers terrific value for money. There are other more feature-packed walk-in tubs in the market, but they cost significantly more than this Empava. If you are not very tech-savvy and simply want an effective, no-frills walk-in tub, I would gladly recommend getting the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub.
After using the tub a few times and listening to what my parents had to say, I gave the Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub a final score of 9.0/10. It is, by all means, a great product that would make a worthy purchase.
[FAQ’s] Consumer Questions & Answers
How much water can this tub hold?
The Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub holds about 100 gallons of water when full. This amount is enough for most people to be submerged up to their necks when bathing seated. Please check whether your hot water tank can handle such capacity before purchasing the tab.
Does the tub come installed with a heated seat?
No, it does not. There are no heated seats, bubbles, or water jets in the tub. It only comes with the standard fixtures such as a grab bar, faucets, control knobs, and a safety grip.
Can bathwater remain hot inside the tub, and is it insulated? If not, can it be insulated post-purchase?
The tub is not insulated, and the water temperature will gradually decrease. You can easily insulate the tub using foam before installation. Ensure that the material you use to insulate can adhere to the acrylic material on the inside of the tub.
Can I connect a shower attachment to this walk-in tub?
The Empava EMPV-WIT373 Bathtub comes with a shower attachment that makes washing and rinsing very easy. However, feel free to install an additional shower bracket anywhere on your wall if you desire.