Who doesn’t enjoy the luxury of a long soak in the bath? But what do you do if you only have a shower stall? Or if your bathroom is being renovated?
A portable bathtub might just be the answer. Here we review seven of the best portable bathtubs for adults. And we take a look at the factors to consider before you make your purchase.
- Generous size is comfortable for even taller adults
- Excellent thermal qualities
- Attractive design
The Best Portable Bathtub of 2023
1. UNIKON Portable Foldable Bathtub (Our Top Pick)
This portable bathtub from Unkion is ideal if you want to turn your shower stall into a spot for bathing.
It’s round, with a diameter of 27.6 inches, and it stands 25.6 inches high. And because it’s foldable, it has a bit of giving.
If you’re a taller person, don’t fill it too high. That way you’ll find you can stretch it to more of an oblong shape when you get in. Even six-footers have used this tub in comfort!
There’s no need to pump in any air. When you’re ready to use it, just unfold it, place it in position and add water. Watch the temperature as you do so, though. The PVC liner will crack if the temperature exceeds 60 degrees centigrade.
The dense surface cloth and 6mm thermal foam will keep the water warm. Expect to be able to soak for up to an hour without getting chilly.
When you’ve finished, just empty out the tub and fold it back up again. It will pack small enough to sit beneath a bed or behind a door.
The cotton cover is an attractive design, and you can use this with disposable plastic liners too.
Buy them separately and sprinkle a little water on the inside wall of the bathtub before inserting the liner. That way it will stick closely to the inside. It’s a good option if you’re planning to use bubble bath or bath salts and make clean up far easier.
If you’re using a liner, though, the water won’t be able to drain directly away. Some people have dealt with this by cutting a hole in the liner when they’ve finished. Others have used a bucket to partially empty it first.
And be careful about where you position the tub before draining! It holds a lot of water – so if it’s covering the base of the shower stall, it can easily overflow.
Position it slightly to one side of the plughole to deal with this. Remember to do this before filling it up as it will be too heavy to move afterwards. Alternatively, use a bucket to empty out some of the water first.
Finally, it’s worth noting that this is a high-walled tub. That means you’ll get a lovely deep bath. But the sides aren’t rigid. If you have mobility difficulties, you may find it a struggle to get in – and especially out.
Pros:
- Generous size is comfortable for even taller adults
- Excellent thermal qualities
- Attractive design
Cons:
- The high sides may be difficult for people with mobility difficulties
- Take care where the valve is positioned to avoid flooding your shower stall when draining it out.
2. G-Ganen Happy Life Portable Plastic Bathtub
G-Ganen’s Happy Life is another portable bathtub with generous dimensions. It measures just over 29.5 inches in diameter, with a few inches extra on the inflatable rim. It’s 29.5 inches tall too.
G-Ganen says it will fit two adults, but they’d need to be pretty small. It is, though, plenty big enough to provide a roomy soak for one person. Just bear in mind you’ll need to be flexible enough to get out afterwards. If you have grab rails in your shower stall, that will be much easier.
The design here is utilitarian. The cover is blue, with darker blue text in an oriental language on the side.
The assembly instructions are in the same language too. Fortunately, they’re accompanied by helpful pictures and the tub is very easy to put together.
You’ll need to inflate this before use, but it comes with a pump. That works brilliantly for set up, but it’s not so effective at deflation.
If you want to keep your tub set up for regular use, that won’t be a problem. But if you prefer to deflate it each time, invest in a mattress pump or similar. It will make life much easier.
This tub offers excellent insulation: your water will stay hot for well over an hour. (Just make sure it’s not too hot when you fill it, or you’ll be waiting ages to take your dip!)
Drainage is at the side, and works best with a gap between the bottom of the tub and the shower stall. Some people have found a wooden bath mat makes a good platform. And make sure the drain is positioned on the same side as your plug hole.
There are no hoses included in the package. So if you want to soak in your living room, be prepared to empty it out with a bucket afterward!
We wouldn’t recommend using bath oils with this one. They’ll make the plastic slippery, so getting in and out of the tub will be hazardous. Epsom salts are a better option.
Pros:
- Very generous dimensions
- Excellent insulation – this will keep your water hot for hours
- Side drainage
Cons:
- Needs to be inflated before use
- Not suitable for use with bath oils.
3. LUCKUP Portable Bathtub
If you’re looking for a stylish bathtub, LUCKUP’s model has to make your shortlist.
It comes with a choice of two different covers. There’s midnight blue, with white crescent moons and shooting stars, or powder pink with flamingos. We love them both!
This is another tub that’s a good size for one adult. It measures 25.6 inches high, by 27.5 inches in diameter. It will hold a maximum of 50 gallons.
But if you’re worried about your water bill, remember that you won’t need to fill it up! The water will be displaced as soon as you get in. So leave enough space at the top to avoid flooding your bathroom when you step inside.
The cover is dense flocking so it’s smooth but hard-wearing. You won’t have to worry about rips or tears. It’s also robust enough to be used outdoors as well as indoors.
There’s a layer of thermal foam between the outer cover and the PVC liner. That will keep your water warm and toasty. And the lining is food-grade PVC, so you won’t have to worry about chemicals leaching into your bathwater.
It’s lightweight and easy enough to fold down. LUCKUP says you can get it to a thickness of below two inches. We think the insulation makes that a struggle, but it’s certainly a small enough package to slide easily under a bed.
The drainage is on the side and bottom. The side-valve comes equipped with a short length of pipe to help the water drain away. When there are just a few inches left in the bottom, open the drain at the base to remove it.
There is a bit of a plasticky smell here. LUCKUP suggest placing orange peel inside or wiping the sides with moist tea leaves to get rid of it.
Not ideal, but more practical than their final suggestion of filling it with milk and leaving for half an hour. Unless you’re Cleopatra, using 50 gallons of milk in your bath may be a step too far.
The smell will go after a few uses. But if you have a sensitive nose, you may prefer other options.
Pros:
- The attractive cover makes this a cut above other tubs in the style stakes
- Robust enough to be used outdoors and indoors
- Two drains make removing the water easy
Cons:
- There’s a bit of a plasticky odour for the first couple of uses
- Watch out for those high sides when getting in and out.
4. Watebom Portable Plastic Bathtub
This plastic bathtub from Watebom doesn’t have any inflatable parts. It’s simple to assemble, and you can have it up and running in just a few minutes.
Its plain blue cover will suit any minimalists. And the construction is both robust and effectively insulated. It will work well for anyone who enjoys lazing in the bath for ages.
The cover is made of super heavy-duty material. And there’s a centimeter of insulating foam between it and the PVC lining. The lining is non-toxic, so there’ll be no plastic nasties leaching into your bath.
The bottom is padded, so it’s nice and comfy. You won’t need to worry about pressure on your tailbone. And it’s one of the biggest tubs on our list. It has a diameter of 31 inches and a height of 28 inches.
If you plan to use this in your shower stall, take care to position the outlets above the drain. It works best if slightly elevated, so the weight of the water doesn’t overwhelm your pipes. Just don’t try and lift it when it’s full – it will be far too heavy.
One of the best features of this tub is the option to add a flexible hose to the side outlet. This allows the water to be guided away to a nearby drain. The hose is purchased separately and extends to about 27.5inches long.
There’s a plug at the bottom too to get out those last few inches of water.
This is a great portable tub, but it does have a plasticky smell when it’s first used. And although it’s robust, it won’t last forever. The weaker points in the design are the drains. Expect the plastic spigot to snap eventually, and you may find it starts to leak after a few years.
Overall, though, this is a generous portable tub that will give you plenty of service for not much cash.
Pros:
- No need to inflate or deflate
- Comfortable padded bottom
- Handy flexible hose available to guide water from the side drain
Cons:
- The plastic spigot and drain at the base are prone to failure over time
- This is another tub with a plasticky smell on first use.
5. Weylan Tec Foldable Bathtub (Upgrade Pick)
If you like the idea of a portable tub that’s shaped more like a traditional bath, consider Weylan Tec’s offering.
It’s available in either blue or pink and in small, medium or large. You’ll need the large one for an adult. That’s 39 inches long, 20 inches wide and 22.4 inches high.
It’s still only suitable for more petite people. If you’re taller than about 5 foot 7 inches, or heavier than 145 pounds, this won’t be the best choice.
But as long as you can fit, this has plenty to recommend it. First and foremost there’s no assembly required. And when you’ve finished bathing, the clever design allows it to fold up easily. Plastic clips are included in the package to keep it folded uptight.
And because the sides are rigid, it will stand up too. So you can prop it next to your shower cubicle if you choose.
It’s BPA free too. It’s suitable for use with bubble bath. And it comes with two star-shaped plugs – one for use and one for spare. Pop them in the bottom and pull them out when you’re finished to allow the water to drain away.
The base is non-slip. And the lower sides here make this a better option for anyone who may struggle to access a deeper tub. It’s higher at the back though, providing a comfortable headrest.
On the downside, the length means it won’t fit into smaller shower cubicles. If you’re considering this one, make sure you measure the space first.
And while the folding design is great for easy storage, the folds will give a little if you press on them. It doesn’t affect the tub, but it makes it feel less sturdy than round versions.
Pros:
- Easy to fold and store
- Lower sides and non-slip base make this a good option for less flexible bathers
- Can be used with bubble bath
Cons:
- Not as deep as other options
- The shape means it needs more space if you want to stand it in your shower cubicle.
6. HIWENA Inflatable Portable Bathtub
If you’re looking for a bathtub to stretch out in, HIWENA’s inflatable version is worth considering.
The internal measurements are 48 inches long, by 23 inches wide and 27 inches high. That makes it considerably bigger than the oblong version from Weylan Tec. But it still won’t be long enough for taller adults to lounge as they would in a full-sized bath.
Anyone up to about 5 feet 5 inches tall will find they can sit upright with their legs straight out in front of them. Much taller than that and you’ll need to bend those knees. Happily, it’s nice and deep, so they won’t be sticking out of the water when you do!
The backrest is higher than the sides too. That means you can rest your head and shoulders comfortably against it.
The inflatable construction means the external dimensions are a fair bit bigger. Make sure it will fit where you need it to go. You’ll need room for its 60 inch length and 34 inch width. And you’ll need to have a fair bit of puff or purchase a separate pump to blow it up.
Its designed with two side outflows towards the bottom of the tub, one above the other. It will work best if you can position it near a floor drain in a wet room.
The two drains double the speed at which water is removed – but it’s still not the fastest. And you’ll need to tip it up to get the last few inches of water out.
Pros:
- More room to stretch out your legs than in round versions
- Comfortable backrest for neck and shoulders
- The pure white finish looks good in the bathroom
Cons:
- Needs to be inflated and deflated – and there’s no pump included
- Drainage takes a while.
7. EOSAGA Portable Bathtub
EOSAGA’s portable tub is another round design. It’s a generous 29.5 inches tall and the same diameter, plus a little extra for the inflatable rim at the top.
The drainage design means that this works best inside a tub or shower stall, where the water can drain straight out. Although it comes with a stretch pipe, that doesn’t fit as tightly as it should. If you use it, you’ll probably have to put up with some leaks.
But if your shower stall is slightly smaller than the tub, don’t worry. It will squeeze in without difficulty. If you need to, you can leave out a couple of the supporting struts without causing any issues.
It’s utilitarian in appearance. There’s a pale blue cover with darker blue text with safety instructions printed on the side.
But if you like a few extras with your bathtub, this is a good choice. It comes with a foot pump, inflatable pad (a little extra cushioning for your behind!) and even a cover. If you like the idea of keeping your water warm and returning to your tub later, it’s perfect.
And if you want to, you can pop your head and arms through holes in the cover. That turns your regular bath into a spa experience!
It’s made of non-toxic, three-layer PVC, so it’s tough. But the height does mean it needs a certain amount of agility to climb in and out. If you’re not steady on your feet, other designs may work better.
Pros:
- Comes with its own foot pump
- Includes a cover to create a spa experience
- Tough and non-toxic PVC construction
Cons:
- The stretch pipe doesn’t fit tightly – prepare for leaks if you use it
- The utilitarian design isn’t the most attractive.
Buying guide
If you’ve read our reviews but still aren’t sure which is the portable bathtub for you, never fear! Read on for our guide to the questions to ask yourself before you buy.
What shape will work best for you?
Is your priority a deep soak? Or do you long to stretch out your legs?
Round designs will allow you to get water right over your shoulders. But you’ll need to bend your knees to chest or sit cross-legged as you bathe.
If you want to stretch out, look for oblong designs. But check the dimensions. If you’re taller, you may find you still won’t be able to get your legs completely straight.
And bear in mind that the height of the sides will affect how easy it is to get in and out of your tub. Generally speaking, round tubs have higher sides.
And if you’re putting your tub inside a shower cubicle, don’t forget to measure the space first! Some tubs will give a bit – but you may have to do without some support struts to make them fit.
Do you use bubble bath?
Bear in mind that whatever you add to your tub will get onto the lining. So check it’s up to the job.
Most baths will cope with Epsom salts, but bubble bath is a different matter. It may make the sides and bottom slippery and dangerous, so take care.
If you want to use bubble bath, we’d recommend the less slippery surfaces of the Weylan Tec. An alternative may be bath liners – but check the specifications to make sure they’re recommended for use with bath foam.
Check the drainage
Finally, make sure you’ll be able to get water out of your bath as well as into it!
Remember that a full tub is very heavy, so don’t expect to move it when you’ve finished. Some tubs have drainage in the bottom. If you’re emptying it into a shower tray, the weight of water can overwhelm the pipes. And that, of course, means flooding.
The problem is alleviated with dubs that have drains in the side too. And a couple offers extending pipes. These can be handy if you want to guide your water a short distance to an outlet.
Finally, some tubs have only side drainage. That means you’ll have to tip up the tub at the end to get out the last of the water. And you may have to wait a while for them to get to that point.
Ready to choose?
That brings us to the end of our guide to seven of the best portable bathtubs for adults. We hope you’re now feeling confident about making the right choice for you.
Our top pick is UNIKON’s portable bathtub. We love its attractive design and excellent thermal qualities.
And if you’re less steady on your feet, we’d recommend Weylan Tec’s foldable tub. The lower sides and non-slip bottom will make this a more practical option.
Whichever option you choose, we hope you’re soon enjoying a lovely, relaxing soak!
