Whirlpool baths, commonly referred to as Jacuzzi tubs and spa bathtubs, have become a must have in today's home. Commonly made of fiberglass or acrylic, these therapeutic bathtubs have a soothing appeal thanks to their exceptional depth and high powered massage jets. Learn what to look for when shopping for a whirlpool bath and what to expect when replacing your old bathtub.
Choosing a Material for your Whirlpool Bath
The primary choices in whirlpool bath material is acrylic. The easy to clean, scratch resistant nature of acrylic makes it a prime choice for a low maintenance bath solution. While it is more expensive and softer than fiberglass, acrylic is impossible to stain and holds temperature very well, an important quality for long, therapeutic soaks.
Fiberglass whirlpool baths are generally cheaper and much more common. They are impervious to scratching and resistant to stains. They dissipate heat quickly, making an in-line water heater a must. This accessory continually heats the water of your whirlpool bath while in use, making a soothing 102° bath massage a great escape from daily stresses. This accessory is something we suggest you spend a little extra money on, a cheap in line heater diminishes the value of your entire whirlpool bath experience.
Choosing a Layout for your Whirlpool Bath
Whirlpool baths come in three basic sizes:
- Retrofit
- Corner
- Drop-in
Retrofit Whirlpool Baths
Retrofit whirlpool baths fit in the same space a traditional bath/shower enclosure would occupy. These are most commonly found in corridor shaped bathrooms with very little space. The entire front apron is removable to inspect and adjust any of the plumbing, and the overall shape is more manageable when fitting the enclosure itself through your home's doorways. Keep in mind that there are two sizes of bathtubs, 60" and 72". 72" baths tend to have a "swimming pool" feel due to the extra buoyancy experienced by smaller users, which may not be enjoyable.
Corner Whirlpool Baths
Corner whirlpool baths are becoming increasingly common in new construction across the country. This rise in popularity is due to the increased size of the typical master bathroom and how efficiently it utilizes corner space that is otherwise wasted. These whirlpool baths vary in size, giving you a spacious, spa like experience. This is one of the easiest baths to set up, thanks to its large access area and open design.
Drop-In Whirlpool Baths
These luxury whirlpool baths are designed to be dropped into an enclosure, either in the ground or a raised platform. Because of this, there is a very custom, one-of-a-kind feel when using a drop-in whirlpool bath. These can be very expensive, and are often featured as a centerpiece in the master bathrooms of luxury homes. These often come in oval or round shapes to highlight their difference from common whirlpool baths.
Whirlpool Bath Buying Tips
Get a good in-line heater:We can't stress this enough. It's rather disappointing to spend 20 minutes drawing a bath, only to find that it's run cold by the time you get in. With the massive volume of water in a typical whirlpool bath, adding hot watter just isn't enough to keep a relaxing water temperature.
Know the motor: Be skeptical of any whirlpool bath that doesn't highlight the specs of the pump used. Horsepower is a much more important spec than maximum pressure or maximum flow. If budget allows, try to have 1hp or more in total motor strength.
Test the jets before buying: There are dozens of different varieties of whirlpool bath jets in the market. From traditional high-pressure jets to air-blown "champagne" bubble jets, it is worthwhile to drive to a dealer showroom or whirlpool bath specialist to experience these jets before buying.
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