Whirlpool Tubs

Climbing into a whirlpool tub is like lying down on a masseuse's table. Tension, pain, stress and discomfort all fall away while powerful jets of water massage your body and gentler streams soothe it. Once considered a high-class luxury item, whirlpool tubs, also known as air tubs or bubble tubs, are becoming more readily available and increasingly popular in both new homes and remodeled bathrooms. With a wealth of styles, colors, sizes and features available, you'll have little trouble finding one that fits your budget and your bathroom. Consider the following questions as you shop:

• What designs are available?
• Do you prefer air or water jets?
• What installation considerations should you bear in mind?
• How big should your whirlpool tub be?
• What special features would you like to have?
  
  

Installation Considerations, Construction and Design

The hydro-massage of a whirlpool tub has countless benefits, ranging from relieving stress to promoting better circulation and soothing sore muscles. While top-of-the-line units with fancy features are expensive, basic units won't break the bank and offer the same array of benefits. Because of their larger size, you may find whirlpool tubs are easier to use than a conventional tub when it comes to activities such as bathing children or pets. Showers may be incorporated into some units, allowing you to choose between a quick clean and a slow soak. Air and water jets both provide effective massages, though water jets will require a little more maintenance, so determine how much time you're willing to spend maintaining your tub prior to purchasing.

Installation Considerations: One of the first things you'll have to determine is what size whirlpool tub your bathroom can accommodate. If you're replacing an old tub, you may be somewhat limited in your options. You may also need to upgrade your water heater or consider adding a second one. As a general rule, your water heater should have a capacity around 2/3 of the tub's capacity to provide enough hot water. If you install a heavy tub, particularly one made of a material like cast iron, you may need to reinforce the floor below to support it. If your old unit had a wall-mount faucet and your new tub has a deck-mounted spout, you'll need to reconfigure the plumbing.

• When shopping, take your shoes off and actually sit inside a tub to see if it's comfortable
• Tubs that are 5' long are fairly easy to install and adequately sized for most people
• Look for a tub that is 6' long or more if taller people will be using it regularly
• Consult a plumber if you have a septic tank, as it may not be able to handle the demands of a whirlpool
  
  

Parts and Materials: Pumps, motors, switches and wiring are all necessary components in a whirlpool tub. You'll also need to choose a finish that will hold up well over time, resist scratches and dents and complement the surrounding décor. Consult the chart below for quick overview of each of these vital elements.

Part	Application	Points to Consider
Finish	Protects tub from dents and scratches Provides stylish appearance Many different materials used	Acrylic with gel coating Fiberglass with gel coating Enameled steel Cast iron
Motor	Operates the pump May be brush-style, single-speed induction or multispeed induction	Installing away from tub will reduce noise Multispeed motors offer greater control Induction motors are more durable
Pump	Pushes water through jets Often located behind a panel at one end of the tub or installed in a separate part of the bathroom	Vary from 1/2 hp to 2 hp or greater Multiple speeds offer a wider range of massage options Should be located in an easily accessible area
Switch	Activates the pump Electric switches are located out of reach of the tub Air switches may be on the tub	Timers may be required Electric switches must be located away from tub to prevent shocks Air switches are nonelectric
Wiring	Connects the motor and heater to the tub	Motor and heater will require separate 120V circuits with a ground fault interrupter

Jets: Whirlpools may use air jets, water jets or a combination of the two to move water throughout the tub. All jets have a vented constriction at the opening called a venturi, which injects air into the water. Water jets provide a strong, powerful stream and generally have fewer, larger openings. They recycle the water in the tub, meaning that there may be some water residue left in them once you're done bathing. If not regularly cleaned, this can lead to a buildup of mold and bacteria. You'll also have to avoid using aromatherapy salts and oils, as they may leave residue in the pipes as well. Air jets are a more recent development that uses a larger number of smaller openings to provide a full-body massage. No water flows through them, so they're less likely to be clogged by hair and other debris and are safe for use with bath salts and oils.

• Multispeed pumps allow for everything from a gentle massage to a powerful kneading
• Air and water jets are available in a range of prices and offer comparable performance
• Air jets provide a wider range of pulsations and often make less noise
• Adjustable jets allow you to customize the level of pressure
  
  

Design Configurations: As with regular tubs, whirlpool tubs are available in a number of different configurations. Recessed, or alcove, tubs butt up against walls on one side and both ends and feature one finished side, which is called the apron. Corner whirlpools are ideal in smaller bathrooms or for providing a more open feel. Platform tubs, also called drop-in tubs, are placed in their own platform. This style requires more carpentry work but offers tremendous placement and design versatility. If you want a larger, two-person whirlpool, a drop-in unit may be just what you're looking for.

• Recessed whirlpools are economical and can often be easily combined with a shower
• Corner tubs may feature rounded edges or have two or three finished sides
• Available shapes include round, square, rectangle, diamond, heart and more
• Many models can be installed in more than one configuration
  
  

Features

Heaters: Some tub materials retain heat fairly well, but without a heater, water will eventually become cold. If you like to relax and soak in the tub for a long time, look for a whirlpool with a built-in heater that will keep water warmer longer so you can soothe your aching muscles.

Slip-Resistant Floors: Tubs can be slippery, so look for a whirlpool with a slip-resistant floor to help avoid accidents.

Protected Jets: Motors can be expensive to repair. Protected jets save wear and tear on the motor by automatically cutting the power as soon as the water level drops below the jets.

Mood Lights and Entertainment System: Chromatherapy, which uses a dazzling array of lights to soothe your tired body, is a recent trend in home comfort. Whirlpools that incorporate lights can be used to help you recuperate after a long day or set the mood for a romantic evening. Flat-screen televisions and a stereo system give you the ability to watch your favorite movies and shows in complete comfort.

Waterproof Pillow: Take some strain off your neck and make your time in the tub more enjoyable with the addition of a waterproof pillow.

Handheld Showers: A handheld shower makes rinsing off or washing your hair much easier than trying to contort your body to fit underneath the faucet.