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Hydrotherapy Bathtub Buying Guide: Compare Spa Systems

Choose the Perfect Spa Experience for Your Home.
Modern bathtubs offer far more than just a soak. From the deep-tissue massage of a Whirlpool to the gentle effervescence of an Air Bath or the skin-renewing power of Micro Bubbles, choosing the right hydrotherapy system is key to your relaxation. This guide compares the top spa technologies—including Stream Bath, Heated Soaking, and Cold Plunge—to help you decide which therapeutic benefits match your lifestyle.

Types of Hydrotherapy Bathtub Systems:

• Whirlpool Jets

  Best For: Deep tissue massage and muscle recovery.
  
  Deep tissue massage
  Massage sore muscles & joints
  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. Some jets can be adjusted for direction &/or power. Vigorous, concentrated massage.
  More on Whirlpool Jets →

• Air Jets

  Best For: Gentle, full-body relaxation and soft tissue massage.
  
  Soft tissue massage
  Subtle, bubbly spa massage
  An air bath uses a blower to push heated air through multiple small ports (holes) in the bottom or lower sides of the tub. Think about having a glass of soda with a straw. Blow through the straw to create bubbles in the soda. That is how an air tub works but, with lots of smaller straws.
  More on Air Bath →

• Micro Bubbles

  Best For: Skin exfoliation, hydration, and keeping water warm.
  
  Skin rejuvenation
  Cleanse, heal and restore skin
  Innovative bathing therapy that infuses water with millions of micro sized, oxygen rich molecules. The result is skin that is hydrated, moisturized and restored, feeling soft, smooth and supple. As billions of microbubbles quietly pop, the energy they release also keeps bath water warm.
  More on Micro Bubbles →

• Stream | Drift Bath

  Best For: A quiet, river-like flow without the pressure of jets.
  
  Gentle sound & feel of moving water
  Soft relaxing spa
  The soft sound of flowing water as a gentle current caresses your body. Ports move water from the head to the foot of the tub. MTI offers the ultimate soaking tub when an in-line heater is added to the Stream Bath to maintain the water temperature.
  More on Current Spa Tubs →

• Heated Soaking Bathtub

  Best For: Extending soak time without agitation.
  
  Soak in a bath that stays warm
  Water Stays Warm
  A soak in warm water will soothe the body, boosts cardiac output, lower blood pressure and improve circulation. A soaking bath with an in-line heater will allow you to soak as long as you would like without a drop in water temperature.
  More on Heated Soaking Tub →

• Cold Plunge Tub

  Best For: Recovering from a tough workout, reducing pain & inflammation
  
  Experience the Chill
  Water is Cold
  Whether you’re looking to recover from a tough workout or you simply want to de-stress, there are many benefits of cold water therapy including reduced pain & inflammation, immune boost & enhanced mindfulness. Unlike a standard tub filled with ice, these systems use a powerful electric chiller to maintain therapeutic cold temperatures (down to 37°F) constantly, with built-in filtration to keep the water clean for days.
  More on Cold Plunge Tubs →

• Combination (Dual Therapy)

  Best For: The ultimate spa experience with total customization.
  
  Multiple Systems
  True Spa Experience
  Many of our bathtub manufactures let you combine multiple systems to create your own version of the perfect spa tub.
  Shop with Links Below

Top Hydrotherapy Bathtub Brands

Not all spa systems are created equal. We partner with industry leaders like MTI, Hydro Systems, and Aquatic, who engineer their own pumps and jetting systems in the USA. Unlike generic imports, these manufacturers offer customizable pump locations, quieter motors, and superior sanitation systems like ozone.

Shop Hydrotherapy Tubs by Size & Style

We have sorted all of our tubs by size to help you with shopping. You will find these links below. Before you head there, check out our Master Bathtub Buying Guide →. It covers essential planning tips, including how to measure your space, choosing the right installation style, and understanding electrical requirements for these pump-driven systems.
Helpful Bathtub Information:
• Contact the Tubz.com Bathtub Experts