Walk-in bathtubs chosen for safety, convenience

When Tropical Plumbing & Bath installed three walk-in bathtubs at the Kuakini Home Residential Care facility in January, it was the company’s first installation in a major medical center. For company president Charlie Beeck, it was a validation of a product he pioneered in Hawaii more than 10 years ago.

“The fact that a highly regarded medical and care facility made the decision to add these fi xtures for the safety and convenience of their elder residents demonstrates the increasing acceptance of walk-in tubs,” Beeck said.

The tubs were installed in bathing areas for men and women in Kuakini Home, an adult residential care facility offering 24-hour supervision, meals, laundry service and general health monitoring for the elderly in a comfortable, home-like protective environment.

Beeck made a donation of $500 to the Kuakini Foundation, a non-profit subsidiary of Kuakini Health System located on the 10-acre Nuuanu/Liliha campus (see photo).

The tubs, from a Chicago-based manufacturer, feature 80-second, dual-drain technology, stainless steel frame, hydrotherapy jets, air massage, inline water heater to maintain temperature throughout the tub as the water circulates, hand-held shower, grab bars and other accessories. (See photo)

A wide variety of models is available from Tropical, which, as a general contractor, also installs the fi xtures and provides the necessary plumbing for new construction and remodeling for single-family homes, town homes and apartments.

Designing and remodeling bathrooms for “aging-in-place” and multigenerational living is a specialty of Tropical Plumbing & Bath, Hawaii’s leading resource for sales and installation of walk-in tubs and showers.

“Barrier-free showers are also a strong trend,” said Beeck, a Building Industry Association Remodeler of the Year. “Walk-in showers, which are available with an assortment of special fi xtures and seating, are commonly specifi ed when we do a major bathroom remodel. Once ‘the most neglected room in the house,’ the bathroom is becoming a private oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.”

To arrange a free consultation for bathroom design, alterations and installations, including walk-in bathtub and shower systems, contact Tropical Plumbing & Bath at 847-0970.

TROPICAL PLUMBING & BATH
contact // 847-0970