Bathtub systems and methods

A method of retrofitting a bathtub, the method comprising:

• creating a U-shaped cutout in a sidewall of the bathtub;
• installing a step saddle having a U-shaped aperture into the U-shaped cutout in the sidewall of the bathtub, the step comprising;
• a first side panel, a second side panel, and an elongated platform,
• a first cavity defined by the first side panel, and
• a second cavity defined by the second side panel;
• installing a selectively removable plug within the U-shaped aperture of the step saddle, the plug comprising;
• a body having a first side, a second side, and a bottom portion,
• a first lateral projection extending from the first side of the selectively removable plug which corresponds to the first cavity, and
• a second lateral projection extending from the second side of the selectively removable plug which corresponds to the second cavity;
• securing the first lateral projection to the first cavity by utilizing a first fastener, and
• securing the second lateral projection to the second cavity by utilizing a second fastener;
• wherein the selectively removable plug cooperates with the step saddle to form a substantially watertight seal when the first lateral projection is seated in the first cavity and when the second lateral projection is seated in the second cavity.

A method of retrofitting a bathtub, the method comprising:

• creating a U-shaped cutout in a sidewall of the bathtub;
• installing a step means having an attachment recess means into the U-shaped cutout in the sidewall of the bathtub, wherein the attachment recess means extends downward from a top surface of the step means,
• installing a selectively removable plug means having an attachment member means corresponding to the attachment recess means;
• and
• installing a fastener to secure the attachment member to the attachment means;
• wherein when the attachment means engages the attachment recess means, the step means is coupled to the selectively removable plug means to create a substantially watertight seal in the bathtub.