Installing a Whirlpool Tub? Here is some information to keep in mind...

Whirlpool tubs are now considered a staple item in newly built/renovated home, despite the fact that most people rarely use them.  From most people I've spoken to and most articles I have read online, people use their tub a lot when they first get it and then very sparingly going forward if ever.  But most people will opt to install one just for the option of using it every once and while.  If that is your plan, read on, as there might be something you don't know about whirlpool tubs.

Traditional Whirlpool/Jacuzzi tubs operate with jets, usually a minimum of four jets, one of each side, but with additional jets for bigger/more expensive models.  After use, water gets lodged inside the jets and if a long period of time goes between usages, lots of bacteria, mold and other grossness will grow inside those moist jets. When you next use the jets, all that ickiness shoots into your tub and you bathe in it—gross! Pretty much the only way to avoid this is to completely clean out each jet both before and after every use, but how often do people do that?  If it has been months since you last used your whirlpool can you imagine what has grown inside of it?  And don't even get me started on whirlpools at hotels--icky!

Another little known fact is that traditional jet tubs are not supposed to be used with soap or bubbles at all, as they can get into the jets and gum up the motor. What fun is a bath with no bubbles?  The jet tub companies will have fine print in their manual saying you can't use soap or bubbles so when you try to call in your warranty and they open the motor and find soap scum they will charge you and rightfully say you voided the warranty.

So now you're thinking "Great!  I wanted a Jacuzzi but now I couldn't possibly install one knowing all this information.  Dana, whatever will I do?"  Never fear, I've got another suggestion.

After finding out this information we researched air jet or bubble tubs as an alternative.  The company we found that makes the majority of them is called Bain Ultra and the initially developed air jet tubs for therapeutic purposes, to be used for elderly patients who might get bruised by the force of the side jets in Jacuzzi tubs and who need the ability to add aroma and light therapy to the tub products.  Now the company has a consumer line so we can all have air jet tubs!

Bubble tubs push air through little pin holes in the bottom of the tub, instead of 4, 6 or 8 large jets on the side in a Jacuzzi. The effect is more uniform bubbles with no place in the tub having too much jet pressure or too little. Also those air holes have an automatic drying function after every use so no water gets trapped in there. They are also designed to work with bath oils, bubble baths and soaps specifically and usage will not clog the motor. The motor and the air bubble sounds are also much quieter on a bubble tub making it easier to use at full bubble capacity and still hear your own thoughts. Wow—I sound like a bubble tub saleslady! I even said "full bubble capacity"—I should have gotten a discount.

We purchased the two-person Bain Ultra TMU 900 and couldn't be happier with it.  It's huge, practically has its own weather system, but it works great and we can both sit inside of it (we are both over 6 feet tall) comfortably and without cramping. 

On the side is a picture of our bubble tub towards the end of its installation.  Check out its majesty!

A word of caution, they are a bit pricey than your average Jacuzzi.  The two person model ran us almost 2,000 with comparable sized whirlpool tubs at around 1,200 or 1,300.