Tips on How to Determine Where to Put a Safety Grab Bar in a Shower/Bathtub so It's Accessible
1. Vertical Positioning
Position an 18 to 24- inch safety grab bar vertically along the front edge of the shower/bath tub wall. The bottom of the bar should be 32 to 38 inches above the bathroom floor. Positioning a safety grab bar like this gives assistance to anyone getting in or out of the bathtub. It can be used by persons who use the shower as well.
2. Angled Positioning
Position a long safety grab bar at an angled position on the back wall of the shower/bathtub. The bottom of the bar should be 6 to 10 inches above the top of the bathtub. A safety grab bar put in this position can help persons getting in and out of the tub, and it can give assistance to persons taking showers too.
3. Horizontal Positioning
Position a long safety grab bar across the back wall of the shower/bathtub. The bar should be 36 to 38 inches above the bottom of the tub. This position is good for persons who take showers, and best for those who primarily use a shower chair in the bath tub. However, the bottom of the bar should be 18 inches above the top of the bathtub for chair users. It's a good idea to seat the person in the chair in the tub to determine how high the safety grab bar should be.
Other Information
Safety grab bars come in assorted sizes such as 12, 16, 18 and 24 inch. You can choose the size that works the best for you. And, you can install more than one safety grab bar in a shower/bathtub if need be.
Published by Kassidy Emmerson
Kassidy Emmerson has studied Journalism, Creative and Non-Fiction Writing and Computer Programming. She has worked as a professional freelance writer for over a decade. Emmerson has 6,000+ articles published... View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentGreat tips
Great advice
Well done, Kassidy!
You always come up with the most interesting how-to's. I've heard of so many tub and shower accidents because there was nowhere sturdy to grab.
Great safety advice
This is very helpful. We'll need to add one when we move (if there isn't one there). Before I read this article, I would be like you if I were asked where to put it. ... huh?
I hadn't considered all the different locations where you could install a safety bar. Good work, Kassidy!
Sophie
Excellent topic & tips! My dad has one and finds it very useful.
Boy do I need one. We have a very small and narrow tub. If I fell in it, I'd probably break several bones. It's awful. I usually stick to showers because I'm afraid to take a bath.
These are some good tips for people who are buying a bar for their shower.