Choosing a Bathroom Tub - Whirlpool, Air or Soaking Bathtub

A whirlpool is best suited for: Those looking to massage sore muscles and joints.

Vigorous, concentrated, deep tissue massage
Some use the term "Jacuzzi" to denote a whirlpool. A whirlpool uses a pump (motor) to force the water through the jets. The amount of force depends on the jet design, horsepower of the pump and the amount of air added to the water. (There is more volume with less pressure when air is introduced into the water as it goes through a jet.)
Customized massage
Jets can be adjustable in direction (angle) or volume. The number and location of the jets are set most of the time. With Neptune and Hydro Systems jets may be added. Motors can be one or multiple speed. A multiple speed motor with adjustable volume and direction jets provides for the most customized massage.
Look for:
• Piping that can't bow down or hold water: All the baths we carry have this feature. No water will sit in the pipes only to come out next bath time as … something you don't want to see. Whirlpool pipes can be cleaned with low foaming soap - automatic dishwasher soap or laundry soap for high efficiency washers. Fill the bath, add a few tablespoons, let dissolve and run the system for approx. 7 minutes. How often this needs to be done depends on how often salts and oils are used.
• Jet location: Where do you want the massage? Back (upper or lower), feet and hips? Jet location or emphasis varies among the manufactures.

An air bathtub is best suited for: Those looking for a softer, sit back and relax, bubbly massage

Subtle, bubbly massage
An air bath uses a blower to push heated air through multiple small air ports (holes) in the bottom or lower sides of the bath. There are two air system styles. Channel - air is forced through a series of channels then through the air ports. Injector - each air port has a valve that will allow air to go through but not allow water to get into the system. All the air baths we carry have a purge system: an automated drying cycle dry air system.
Customized massage
Most air systems have a volume control. The bubbling effect can be at a low simmer or full power moving the water vigorously. Even at the highest setting the massage is soft tissue. The force is spread through out the bath, not in concentrated areas (as in a jetted). Many also have a wave and pulse feature – amount of air is preset to change according to a pattern. There is more noise with an air bath. It is not the sound of the pump that you here but a “popping sound” that occurs when the air surfaces from the water.
Look for:
• Air Port Location: The air ports can be located on the floor of the bath or around the sides near the bottom. With bottom ports, the bubbles will come underneath you, directly bubbling against your skin. With ports around the sides, the air will come out horizontally then up vertically causing the bubbly water to move around you. Both are good systems, just a matter of preference. Some manufactures combine both options with ports around the perimeter and on the bottom. Others add ports to the back.
More Air Tub Information →

A combination whirlpool & air bath is best suited for: Those wanting total control of their massage possibilities

Varied massage
The best of both worlds: choose a deep tissue massage then lay back with the bubbles of an air massage. Both systems can be on at the same time. Two electrical connections are needed – one for the blower and one for the pump.

A Heated Soaking bathtub is best suited for: Those wanting to soak without losing water temperature

A soak in warm water will sooth the body, boosts cardiac output, lower blood pressure and improve circulation. New to the bathing world, a soaking bath with an in-line heater. Soak as long as you would like with out a drop in water temperature.
Here is a line drawing of Hydro Systems Fusion In-line Heater System for a Soaking Tub

Click Here to See all Heated Soaker Baths Sorted by Size

A Soaking Bath is best suited for: Those wanting just to soak

Soaking in warm water will sooth the body, boosts cardiac output, lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Water also hydrates the skin and helps your pores eliminate toxins. The majority of our companies sell their baths as soaking, no whirlpool jets, air systems or heaters.
Click Here to See a Sampling of Soaking Baths Sorted by Size

3-wall Alcove
This style of installation requires a rectangular bath placed against three walls. A front skirt hides the mechanics for the whirlpool or air bath system. An acrylic front skirt is an option for most rectangular bathtubs. A skirt can also be created from other materials like wood or tile. Access will be need to the motor or pump. If the bath is also going to function as a shower look for a bath that is straight up and down by the drain. This will allow the most room for showering. Avoid seats or uneven bottoms to avoid trip hazards. Also avoid tall tubs that would be cumbersome to climb over every day to take a shower.
Also See Tile Flange

Drop-in (or Deck Mount)
A drop-in bath can be any shape. A deck is created (with an opening in the center) and the bathtub is dropped into the surround. The size of the deck is a matter of preference. Access will be needed for the whirlpool pump or air bath motor.

Undermount
This installation requires a flat rim, any shape. The bath edge is mounted under the deck material making the rim of the bath invisible. Make sure to order as an undermount so the electronic controls will either not be installed or installed in a location that won't interfere with the under mounting. Plan for motor/pump access.

Freestanding
Freestanding bathtubs are installed away from the wall, even in the middle of the room. They have a skirt that surrounds the bath. Free-standing baths may require a finished drain (the drain will be visible) and a freestanding or wall mounted faucet. Most freestanding tubs are offered as a air or soaking bath, we do carry a few whirlpool ones.
Click here to view all Freestanding

Front Apron - No tile flange:

A tile flange is not needed to tile your front skirt.

An in-line heater will keep the temperature within 1 to 2 degrees of what the bath water was poured at for as long as the whirlpool is running. When pump is turned on heater automatically turns on. This is a whirlpool or soaking bath option. With an air bath there is a heater on the blower system. An Air Bath heater will not maintain the water temperature.
Air Bath Heater
Works differently than an inline heater. It works like a giant hair dryer, warming the room temperature air by approx. 30 degrees then the motor blows it into the bath. It will not maintain water temperature. Hydro Systems, MTI and Hydro Massage has in-line heater options with their air baths. You would be combining a heated soaking tub with an air bath, 2 motors but no drop in water temperature.

Bathtubs will come with a hole drilled for the drain (in the bottom of the tub) and one for the overflow (side of the bath). A drain and overflow will be needed to fill these holes. In most cases they come as a set. Here are some popular drains:

Lift & Turn Drain- Reach down to the bottom of the tub and lift and turn it to open the drain. The overflow cover is a flat round disc.

Cable Waste & Overflow- Reach just below the rim to the overflow, turn the overflow (dial) and a cable will open and close the drain at the bottom.

Soft (or Toe) Touch- Step on the drain to lock it shut, step on it again to open it. Overflow is a flat round disc.