The contracted installers were pleasant, too. They removed the toilet and vanity to get the tub in and replaced them when they were through. I had to get local help to repair a leak under the vanity, though, even after another Safe-Step installer had stopped by to tighten it. And the toilet nut still doesn’t seat properly. And the holes in the tiles (from removal of safety grab bars) were only filled with that rubbery grout that they used to seal around the tub. But they cleaned up after themselves.

Safe-Step Sales came down in price two or three times … the last time was after I’d postponed installation several times, and just before I cancelled the order due to the high price. Because I was loathe to lose 30% of my $4500 deposit (see back of contract), I agreed to installation. WISH I HADN’T!

I have a 30-gallon electric hot water tank. Safe-Step recommends a minimum 40-gallon tank, preferably gas powered. I’d thought it was a 40 gallon tank … the installers maybe should have caught that, but they were intent on finishing the installation, not stopping it. The sales rep should have mentioned that the tub does not work well at all with the minimum tank requirements, but she was intent on the sale, not stopping it.

My hot water runs out at about 16 inches – just below the seat. Then I have to sit in my ootbath and wait 30 minutes (because it’s electric, not gas) for the tank to reheat enough water to cover the lowest back jet. Then I sit and wait ANOTHER 30 minutes to get more hot water to cover the second back jet. Fortunately, I’m only 71 and small enough to wedge my self in and out of the foot well … where I wait, sort of scrunched up but warm.

Last night it took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to fill the tub over the top water jet. I augmented the tank capacity with a spaghetti pot full of hot water I had placed within reach, plus endless quarts of water from an electric tea pot that I’d put on the back of the toilet with the help of an extension cord. (Pretty clever, huh?) By the time the tub was full and I could
elax in my noisy bubbling tub with the fancy lights, I was too tense to
elax for more than 15 additional minutes.

In the 10 minutes it took to empty the tub so I could open the door and dry off, I wiped down the tub. Even though I’d showered with the dribble from the hand-held wand before I filled the tub, there was still scum (from the hard water, I guess).

The water did stay warm the whole two hours, though, and I’m thankful that I didn’t scald myself or drop the pots of water as I lifted them.

I’ve called Safe-Step numerous times in the month since installation. I am assured that they are meeting to discuss how to resolve the issue. Originally they said it was not their problem, because I knew I was supposed to have more than a 30-gallon tank. Preferably gas. (Maybe it would only take 3 tanks of water an hour to fill the tub then).

Very pleasant people there at Safe-Step Tubs. And recommended by Pat Boone.

When I was working for Safe Step Walk In Tub Co, I visited a home that had one of these tubs. The couple was older and didn’t have internet access, but their son did and that’s who ordered it for them originally.

To my understanding, the tub arrived with some damage and they were unsuccessful in getting the problem resolved. They had it repaired by the person that installed it, but ended up having standing water just outside the tub whenever they would use it. Turned out that there was another hairline crack that would give way when the tub was filled. We ended up replacing it for them, the installation cost even more than average because it had caused some of the floor joists to start rotting with all of the moisture under the tub.

Click on my name above, it’s a link to Safe Steps website. You can learn more about their warranty there as well.

Mary…

I’m very familiar with these contracts for Safe Step. Although there are many independent branches (which Michigan is), they all keep the same paperwork. If the contract stated that she would be paying a $1,000 deposit, that’s all the proof you need to provide to the bank or credit card company which it was taken from. There’s not a credit card company or bank that wouldn’t side with their account holder over the merchant. Merchants have to pay hefty fees and risk being banned if they fraudulently charge as you’re stating.

The Better Business Bureau, if you were in the right… Would have offered FREE or LOW COST arbitration for your case. Safe Step is a Better Business Bureau accredited business with an A rating, this type of thing would heavily damage their reputation.

The United States Post Office will not allow anymore mail to be delivered to an address if a registered letter is refused or disregarded. This is precisely the reason why registered letters are used in legal proceedings. The letter couldn’t have been returned unless the wrong address was written, or it wasn’t sent as a registered letter.

I’m not an advocate for Safe Step, I actually sell the cheaper Chinese made tubs. However, I did used to work for Safe Step and we STRIVE to achieve a status similar to that of Safe Step Tubs. I found SafeSteps website, it should say more about their BBB Accreditation and how the BBB helps resolve problems, just click the link above (I made the link my name). I’m not calling you a liar by any means Mary…

It just seems as if you’re upset about your Mother purchasing a tub. There are two types of children, ones who will support their parents in any decision as long as it betters themselves, and others who will allow their parents to sacrifice so that they have more to look forward to when they’re gone.

More information on Best Buy Walk In Bath Tubs from the Owner.
Largest showroom in Texas – if you live in TX and can not make it to our showroom
we will bring one of our Walk-In Tubs to your home. We do not send high pressure high sales people, there is no need our Walk In Tub basically sells itself. Best Buy Walk In Bath Tub is made in TX (No imports here) A good thing to remember about the Walk-In Tubs walk in bathtub business is that most walk in tubs are imported mainly from China. Ask yourself this do you want a walk in bath tub that is assembled in the USA (import) or made in the USA?? We are family owned and operated and our tubs are made in TEXAS we do our own shipping and water testing. Nothing leaves our warehouse unless 100% ready for installation by one of our crew, self pick up, or shipping. Another important thing to remember is if you have any issues with your Walk In Tub who are you going to call?
So peace of mind call and purchase an American made product lets keep America in business not China, etc. Call and ask for me, as the owner of Best Buy Walk In Bath Tubs I will answer your questions personally to help you make the right decision. It may not be my walk in bath tub, but at least you gave us a shot.
Donna Aust
Owner
Best Buy Walk In Bath Tubs
4053 Acton Hwy
Granbury, TX 76049
Toll free: 877-416-5289
Local: 817-326-3003

John,
Ruby has a very valid complaint! I have to think that almost anybody would have been very disappointed with the installation of that Walk In Tub. No shower curtain or labels for the buttons to insure safe and proper operation of the jets? Really John??? HOW CHEAP YOU ARE!!! And … you call her a bitch for expressing her dissatisfaction? I have a much better description of you, John. You are a lowly piece of sh*t sales dog. It’s sales people like you who put a very bad taste in the consumers’ mouth, and distrust in their minds. True professional sales people, the ones who, genuinely do care about their customers’ well being and needs, are tired of being associated with greedy, low life, unaccountable, sales dogs like you. I am quite certain that she is not the first to complain, and it is in your frustration that you took it out on her. Stop whining like the loser you are and give Ruby Craver the respect she deserves to have. In addition, give her back some of her money! JERK!

I am a new owner of Bliss tubs. After the contract was signed as well as paid for, I asked the installer who was installing my tub where the tub was manufactured. He told me the tub was made somewhere in china. The salesman sold me on the fact that it was built in the USA. The price I paid for the tub was reasonable but knowing it was made in china i would have spent a lttle more money for a product that was made in the USA.

Best tub for the money. I looked at many tubs before selecting Best Buy tubs. When compared to other American Made tubs there is no comparison in price and quality. I also looked at some imported tubs and found them to be substandard in their construction.

My mother scheduled a consultation and asked me to sit in when the guy came. My father, who has dementia, also sat in. The inquiry was primarily for him because we have such a hard time bathing him since he can’t walk and resists transport assistance. We also thought the jets would help his circulation. I thought it was a bit pricey but didn’t have time to do online research. Installation and delivery was included so over all, it’s not a horrible deal.
Normally, it takes two people to get my dad in and out the tub. When the tub was installed we realized it was going to be harder than we expected to get him in and out. We still needed two people but had a lot less space to work with.
His first bath was a disaster. The first problem was the noise. It makes much more noise than a regular tub when filling. To make matters worse, the noise from the jets is even louder and scared him so we tried to reduce the air force. Since the buttons and knobs are not well labeled, we played around with adjustment and had water shooting all over the bathroom so we turned them off. Then he decided to slide down the seat so the bath ended abruptly. My sister let the water out and got in to stop him before he slid further. The next ordeal was getting them both out. As usual, he resisted help. During the transfer, my sister ended up with my father wedged between her legs, crushing one in the doorway as he slid to the floor. I lifted him so my sister could get her leg out and pulled him out. He was shaking like a leaf and hyperventilating. That was 2 months ago. I’ve used it once since then.
My main beefs with the tub are lack of operating information, difficulty pressing buttons, lack of clear indicators on dials and difficulty getting in and out of it for my dad.
I tried the tub myself a few weeks later. It’s really difficult to relax when you have jet engines roaring in your ears and water shooting in arcs across the room so I turned the jets off and soaked. It was nice but I can soak in my own tub and get much more comfortable. The next day my back and shoulders felt more relaxed so the tub did help, but it’s an ordeal that I’d rather not deal with considering all the things I HAVE to deal with.

If you’re getting the tub for someone that needs considerable assistance, you might want to reconsider.