A zero-entry shower is a shower that does not have a wall or barrier to step over. Also referred to as a curbless shower or a low-threshold shower, this easily accessible bathing solution is ideal for seniors, people who have limited mobility, or individuals who use a wheelchair or need to be seated when showering.
A curbless shower, or “zero-entry” shower, has no shower pan. There is no elevated curb, lip, or step that separates the shower entrance from the floor. Often, these showers have no door, but a shower curtain can be used to create some privacy.
For people planning to house family members of multiple generations in the same home, a curbless shower is definitely worth it. The accessibility makes aging in place more feasible, and the entire family can benefit from easy entry and exit. However, curbless showers are only as good as their design and drainage.
One con is that they offer little privacy. This may be a problem to some, but it can be minimized by using obscure glass, glass blocks, or curtains. Curbless showers are also colder than traditional showers. Because it's not an enclosed space, more heat will escape.
A traditional, curbed walk-in shower costs about $2,500 to $5,000. Installing a curbless shower will add on another $500 to $700 or more, depending on the tile choices, shower size, and any additional shower waterproofing that is needed.
Curbless showers shouldn't leak especially if a flood test was conducted when it was being built. However, there are scenarios that make it more likely that water can escape past the entrance. A good deal of planning can go a long way to making your curbless shower experience a satisfying one.
Acrylic panels
Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom. Cheaper and with fewer problems than tiling, it can give you the look and functionality you're after at a fraction of the cost.
“For curbless, we recommend placing the drain either across the whole entrance wall—not just the doorway—or across the whole wall opposite the entrance,” Van Landingham says. A drain that's too narrow, or one that only spans the doorway, will cause water to pool or flood beside walls and in corners.
Con: Water Can Get Everywhere
Installed properly, you'll be fine – but if you don't plan it well, you could have some pretty big problems with water and your curbless shower. Without a curb, the shower water isn't contained in the tub area and can get EVERYWHERE.
For this reason, the entire bathroom should be waterproofed whenever a curbless shower is installed. There should be an expectation of water leakage. Shower floor slope is the most important part of a curbless shower design. Water needs to be directed away from the entry area and towards the drain.
Install Shower Corner Splash Guards: These are water stoppers that are placed in the corners at the juncture between the wall and the floor on either side of the shower stall opening. They help prevent the water from leaking out at the corners.
Kelda showers typically save around 50% – 60% of water and energy compared to conventional showers.
For durable, water-resistant, safe (not scratchy or slippery), and easy-to-maintain flooring, ceramic and porcelain tiles are both excellent choices for walk-in showers.
Higher Costs
Curbless showers typically cost more than traditional showers because they require specialized materials and installation techniques. But we'll talk about costs and what you have to keep in mind before jumping into a bathroom remodeling project later on.
Curbless showers typically cost more than traditional showers because they require the floor to be lowered. There are a couple of options that can make the install easier like with a linear drain, but they are still more complicated than a traditional installation.
Doorless showers simply don't retain heat as well as those with doors, and they can even feel cold at times. However, you can install a heated shower floor to help counteract this undesirable effect and keep the space cozy and warm while you're rinsing off.
Cons of a Walk-In Shower
Taking hot showers in walk-in showers raises your bathroom's humidity and moisture levels, which leads to eventual mold growth. Homeowners should also note that water can splash on their bathroom's other parts as the walk-in shower is used, leading to a messy or slippery bathroom.
A doorless shower layout requires a larger footprint than a standard tub or shower stall. Building codes may specify that a standard shower stall must be a minimum of 36 inches by 36 inches while the average doorless shower is about seven feet by four feet with many much larger.
A curbless shower is just what the name says, a shower that doesn't have a curb or threshold. It has a seamless design without the divider between the bathroom floor and shower floor. In other words, the bathroom floor tiles will be the same all the way through without any curb or disruption in between.
A depth of 42 inches is a significant improvement and 48 inches is even better. For most dwelling units, an adequate shower can be designed within the 36-inch to 48-inch width. However, there are people who prefer larger shower areas and others for who need assistance while bathing.
Slope of the shower floor
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) requires a slope of 1/4” per foot (IPC 417.5.
Does Medicare pay for a shower? Medicare does not pay for showers. If you are having difficulty bathing, talk with your doctor about your DME options that Medicare will cover, such as handrails and traction for tiled surfaces.
Custom walk-in showers are typically more expensive than prefabricated options, but they offer a higher level of customization and can add significant value to a home. Additionally, installation of these showers usually requires professional help due to their complexity, which will add to the overall cost.