A Relaxing Soak and Massage All in One

Whirlpool tubs have been around since the 1950s, and as their technology gets smaller and quieter, they become ever more popular in modern homes. Water is pumped in through specially placed jets to create a heated soaking bath, while applying gentle massage to pressure points on the body. Whether you call it a whirlpool tub, a jacuzzi, or a hot tub, whirlpool tubs are designed to offer top-of-the-line therapeutic luxury.

A soak in a whirlpool tub is a rejuvenating experience, relieving tension and increasing the body’s circulation. Each moment can be completely customized by adjusting the intensity of the massaging jets and the flow of the water around you. With everything from ambient lighting, to water and air massage, you can bring the health benefits of hydrotherapy and the home spa experience right into your bathroom.

Whirlpool Installation options

Whirlpool tubs provide more than just a soak in the bath, which means they require different assembly. The more common way to incorporate a whirlpool into the bathroom is by building a deck surrounding the tub for both added support and a more aesthetic design.

Drop in: Drop in installation tubs create a raised edge as the lip of the tub sits over the deck.

Undermount: For an undermount installation tub, the deck is installed flat over the top to hide the tub.

Three wall alcove: With walls on three of the four sides, an alcove whirlpool tub has one specific front side, covered by an “apron” or lowered panel to conceal the parts.

Corner: Wedge-shaped corner tubs are backed by walls on two sides, creating a distinct front view that is accented by apron panels.

Drain Placement

The drain placement with whirlpool tubs is very important. It determines the layout of the tub within the bathroom, not only because it connects to the drain, but also because it determines where the access panel should be. As you face the area where the tub will reside in your bathroom, you’re looking at the front of the tub, and the drain placement is the side where the drain connection is located.

A reversible drain placement will mean your tub can be turned to fit to the existing layout, as needed, because it has no specific side designated as the front. If the drain connection is on your right hand side, you need a right drain tub, and if the drain is on the left, you will need a left drain placement tub. As a popular placement for corner tubs, a center drain placement is generally found in the middle and at the back of the tub.

Whirlpool Tub Features

When it comes to selecting a whirlpool tub, check the features, because there are many ways to enhance your home spa experience. There are the basic considerations, such as slip resistant finishes, or additional grab bars to install in the surround, to help ensure safety when stepping in and out of the tub. Several brands offer combination tubs, or whirlpool tubs that also incorporate air bubble effervescence to add to the bathing experience, including Jacuzzi’s Salon Spa line, or Kohler’s BubbleMassage.

Chromatherapy, or light therapy, is an additional feature, allowing you to change the ambiance of the water through the use of LED lights in the water. Change your mood with a little color, encouraging relaxation, alertness, calm, or joy through the rainbow of options available through your tub’s light-therapy features.

A whirlpool tub’s main feature is the water jets, which are dependant on directed water, delivered through tubes. To make sure the water is always clean and never stagnant, manufacturers have developed advanced draining techniques and anti-microbial treated lines, such as with Jacuzzi’s Cleanline system or American Standard’s EverClean. It also means that hot water can be be continuously circulated into the bath, so the long, relaxing soak doesn’t turn cold.

Another feature to consider is sound dampening technology. As the water is pumped into the tub, it agitates and splashes, and along with the noise from the pump, that can be loud and jarring to an otherwise tranquil experience. Sound dampening features help reduce the noise and vibration of the tub and the pump, so you can enjoy the more natural sound of waves in the water. For instance, Jacuzzi’s Whisper Technology can make the experience up to 66% quieter. The more efficient pump can also reduce the amount of energy that the tub uses.

Before You Buy Your Whirlpool Tub

Whirlpool tubs are meant to be more relaxing and luxurious than your average soak, which means they use the bathroom resources differently than most. There are a few extra considerations when preparing to bring in a whirlpool tub.

Space requirements - Whirlpool tubs are large enough for the water to soak in, but also need space for the pump and water lines to make it work.

Plan for not only the tub’s length and width, but also account for any additional space needed for the deck that the tub will be installed in.
Don’t forget that the tub has to be delivered into the room where you want it installed. Make sure the tub dimensions will fit through any doorways, stairwells, or halls between the point of delivery and the bathroom.
The pump access panel has to be located in an area where it can be easily accessed for regular maintenance. Make sure to design the tub surround so that the panel is not blocked by other fixtures or walls.

Specific electrical requirements - Whirlpool tubs require a higher voltage than some homes are equipped for and may require the assistance of an electrician to install a specific circuit. GFCI circuits shut down if there are problems with the electric line going to the tub, such as water leaks.

Water usage - A larger tub naturally means it can hold more water, but there are some often overlooked details that come along with that.

Make sure the floor is strong enough to hold the additional weight of the water, as well as the vibration from the pump.
It may be helpful to update the water heater to accommodate the extra amount of water that a whirlpool tub can use. Another option is a tankless point-of-use water heater dedicated just to the whirlpool tub.

Care instructions - Because of the jets and water lines that make whirlpools unique, they can require unique cleaning and care changes to the usual bathroom cleaning routines.

Newer, high-end models have self-cleaning features to make cleaning easier and to guarantee a longer life for your tub.
Water left in the tub lines can grow bacteria if not used often, so plan to empty and clean thoroughly between uses.
For some models, running air jets after the bath helps dry the tub and prevent problems.

Need Help Choosing Your New Whirlpool Tub?

The tub is the visual centerpiece of your bathroom, so take the time to be sure you’re happy with your choices. Once you have the tub picked out, coordinate it with bathtub faucets and showers. We can help you complete the look with a new vanity, or other everyday accessories for your new bathroom. There are many decisions to make with any bathroom update or remodel, but we’re here to make sure your project goes smoothly. Our product experts can be reached 7 days a week, either over the phone at (800) 375-3403 or via chat, for any questions about your project’s needs.

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