The short answer
An ADA or handicap-accessible shower has little or no threshold, room to move, a seat, grab bars and a handheld shower. The 2010 ADA Standards call for a roll-in shower at least 30 by 60 inches or a 36 by 36 inch transfer shower. Homes do not have to meet the ADA, but the standards are a great blueprint for aging in place.
Roll-in vs. transfer showers
A roll-in shower lets a wheelchair roll straight in, with a threshold of no more than half an inch. A transfer shower is a smaller 36 by 36 inch space where the user moves from a wheelchair onto a seat. For most homes, a low-threshold shower is the practical middle ground: an easy step-in without major floor work.
Key features of an accessible shower
- Low or zero threshold so there is nothing to trip over or lift a wheelchair across.
- Grab bars mounted 33 to 36 inches above the floor and anchored to hold full body weight.
- A shower seat, fold-down or built in.
- A handheld shower on a slide bar, with a hose at least 59 inches long.
- Controls within reach from the seat.
- Slip-resistant flooring and good lighting.
- Anti-scald protection, since the ADA standards cap shower water at 120°F.
Planning a handicap shower installation
- Measure the space, including the doorway into the bathroom.
- Decide between low-threshold, roll-in and transfer layouts based on who will use it.
- Check the floor and drain. Roll-in showers may need the subfloor recessed or the drain moved.
- Plan wall blocking for grab bars before the walls go up.
- Choose a product and installer that does accessible showers often.
Planning an accessible shower? Get an accurate quote.
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No bathing product eliminates the risk of falling. Accessible showers and walk-in tubs are designed to reduce fall risk when used properly.
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Common questions
What size is an ADA roll-in shower?
Under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, a standard roll-in shower is at least 30 inches deep by 60 inches wide, measured inside. A transfer shower is 36 by 36 inches.
Do homes have to meet ADA shower rules?
Private homes generally do not have to meet the ADA, which covers public accommodations and commercial facilities. Many homeowners still use the ADA standards as a proven guide for a safe, accessible shower.
How high should grab bars be in a shower?
The ADA standards place shower grab bars 33 to 36 inches above the floor, and they must be anchored to support a person's weight. Have them installed into blocking or with anchors rated for the load.
What is the difference between a handicap shower and a walk-in tub?
A handicap or roll-in shower has little or no threshold, so a wheelchair or walker can roll in. A walk-in tub has a door and a seat for soaking, but you still step over a low threshold. See walk-in tubs.
Can a bathtub be converted to an ADA shower?
Often, yes. A tub-to-shower conversion with a low-threshold base fits the existing tub space. A true roll-in shower may need floor and drain work to reach a near-zero threshold.
Does Medicare pay for an accessible shower?
Original Medicare generally does not cover bathroom remodels. Some Medicare Advantage plans, state programs, veterans benefits and local aging-in-place programs may help, so ask your plan and your local Area Agency on Aging.
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