What Is A Whirlpool Bathtub?

At the end of a long and difficult day, nothing feels better than sinking into the hot bubbling water of a whirlpool tub. A whirlpool bathtub is a self-contained jetted tub. The main purpose of a whirlpool tub is to relax and massage your muscles, so it's an incredible asset for anyone with chronic pain or a lot of body aches.

The two primary types of whirlpool tubs are air jet tubs and water jet tubs. Although they function in different ways, both kinds of tubs serve the same purpose of massaging the user for a relaxing experience.

An air jet tub has dozens of small jets which warm air through and create air bubbles. A water jet tub has fewer but larger jets which shoot out water at high speeds. There are also combination whirlpool tubs, which offer both air and water jets. No matter which type you choose, you may be able to swivel the jets in different directions to target your body's different muscle groups.

Whirlpool bathtubs are available in a wide range of sizes. The tubs themselves are generally sold in rectangular, oval or triangular (to fit a corner) shapes, but there's also variation in the interior shape of the tub. This allows each buyer to choose the tub that's most comfortable for their body.

Before thinking about shape, the first thing you have to consider when choosing a whirlpool bathtub is the available space in your bathroom. Bathrooms that can accommodate a regular-sized tub, of which the standard size is 2 1/2 by 5 feet, should be able to accommodate a whirlpool tub. A standard whirlpool tub is the same size as a standard-sized bathtub. Larger whirlpool tubs can be as large as 6-by-5 feet and accommodate more than one person.

Configuration, or the way that the whirlpool tub is oriented in your bathroom, should be a consideration when choosing a tub. If you don't have a spacious bathroom, it's best to choose a single-person, freestanding, standard-sized whirlpool bathtub. You can remove your old tub so that the whirlpool tub can fit in this space. You have more choices if you have a larger bathroom, such as a corner unit whirlpool bathtub or a drop-in whirlpool bathtub, which are designed to be used in a tub deck.

Most whirlpool tubs are made of acrylic, cast iron and fiberglass. Cast iron whirlpool tubs have a tendency to rust but since they're resistant to chemicals, chipping, scratching, and denting, they're also the most expensive tubs. Acrylic tubs have a natural glossy finish, are lightweight and easy to clean. However, they scratch easily and can discolor over time.

Although more prone to scratches and fading, fiberglass tubs, which have a matte finish, are lightweight and easy to repair and to install. It's less durable than acrylic and cast iron and is the least expensive compared to the other materials.