For The Media

March 25th, 2009

For Trade Professionals: Super-Fast Drains and Low-Threshold Doors Introduce Improved Functionality for Walk-In Tubs

Chromatherapy, Aromatherapy, and Bubble Jets Add Luxurious Home Spa Features

Dallas, TX – Designed with input from actual customers, a new generation of walk-in bathtubs features faster drains, low threshold doors, and luxurious home spa features such as deeper soaking dimensions, chromatherapy, bubble jets, and self-cleaning technologies.

Safety Tubs® walk-in tubs now offers patented and patent-pending comfort-enhancing exclusives including:

• The Minute Drain™ that empties Safety Tubs up to eight times faster than conventional drains eliminating the discomfort of waiting to exit.
• The patented T5™ Door System that eliminates the need to step over the front of the tub allowing safe and effortless entry, and guaranteed watertight for life.

Water healing, or hydrotherapy, has been used for thousands of years to treat common ailments such as arthritis, back pain, muscle cramps and many others said Rob Buete, chief executive officer of Safety Tubs, LLC.

“It’s not an experience you can get from a shower,” Buete said. To make hydrotherapy a reality for more people, Safety Tubs invested in what matters most to users: eliminating the discomfort of waiting for the water to drain, and making it easier to get in and out of the tubs.

The Minute Drain is a powered pump that drains water up to eight times faster than typical drains. Equipped with safety suction and an on/off control, users can easily activate the system with a touch of a button. The Minute Drain™ requires no additional plumbing.

The T5™ Door System Technology has a watertight seal created by Safety Tubs’ Santoprene® tube that runs the length of the door edge and sits snugly against the doorframe. When the door is shut, the seal is flattened against the frame, creating a watertight boundary. As water fills the tub and the water pressure against the door increases, the weight of the water further compresses the tube, creating an even tighter seal and preventing any water leaks.

Installed as a pre-hung door unit, the T5™ Door System Technology is tested to support over 350lbs. The strong powder coated aluminum frame and hinge maintain structural integrity, preventing the tub from warping or twisting over time due to moisture changes in the bathroom.

All Safety Tub models have comfortable built-in wide contoured seats at an ADA-compliant height and built-in color-matched handrail. Desirable options include:

• The Hydro Massage Air Bubble System™, Hydro Massage Jet System™ or both in the Dual Massage System,™
• The exclusive Legs Only Massage™ option directs the flow of water solely to the well area of the tub for a quick, rejuvenating leg massage
• Deluxe Back Massage of multiple, strategically positioned jets for the most comfortable and therapeutic lower back massage available.
• Chromotherapy with multicolored lights in the basin of the tub to illuminate the water.
• An aromatherapy kit with four fragrances, distributed through the jet or air bubble massage systems.
• A self-cleaning sanitary system that oxidizes and eliminates disease-causing microorganisms.
• An in-line heater to keep water warm, eliminating the need for refills and reducing water and energy usage.
• Premium faucets with rapid fill rates and scald-prevention.
• Hand-held shower for the added convenience and safety of seated showering
• Sizes that fit existing tub spaces to minimize installation costs, as well as larger sizes. A bath extension kit adjusts smaller tubs to fit an existing recess.

Safety Tubs are supported by a patent-pending freestanding, precision welded metal support frame with five fully adjustable leveling feet to insure stability and the structural integrity of the tub.

Safety Tubs was the first to engineer cast acrylic walk-in tubs, which is low-maintenance and easy to clean. Since acrylic is nonporous, the tubs are better able to resist mold, mildew and staining over time. Safety Tubs acrylic models retain their color and luster to stay in showroom condition year after year.

“Walk-in tubs can help many people feel better while maintaining their independence and dignity,” Buete said. “We take that responsibility seriously and continually innovate to make the entire process better: from sales to installation to the bathing experience to maintenance.”