Whirlpool Bathtub Buying Guide: Deep Tissue Water Jet Systems
A whirlpool tub provides a deep tissue massage through water jets. These water jets provide a powerful, deep, therapeutic massage to specific areas.Find the Perfect Whirlpool Jet Tub
Whirlpools provide the most vigorous type of massage. The water moves quickly - like white water rapids. Water is pulled from the bath, air is added to the water stream and then the water is forced into the jet. The jets target specific muscle groups. Motor power, number of jets, amount of air injected into the water and jet design are all factors that affect the strength of the whirlpool. Shop Whirlpool Tubs →
Hygiene & Sanitation: The "Clean Pipe" Standard
No More "Black Crud": Why Modern Whirlpools are Clean.
In the past, whirlpools used flexible hoses that sagged, trapping water and allowing bacteria to grow. We only sell "Clean Pipe" systems.
• Rigid Piping: Our manufacturers (like MTI and Hydro Systems) use rigid PVC piping that is hand-bent to ensure complete drainage every time the tub is emptied.
• Complete Gravity Drainage: Because the pipes are rigid and angled correctly, all water naturally drains from the system every time you empty the tub.
• Ozone Sanitation: Many models offer automatic ozone systems to sanitize the water while you bathe.
Features of the Perfect Whirlpool Tub
Jet PowerMotor Location
Tub Size & Installation
Options
Targeted Massage Zones: Jet Placement
Customize Your Massage:• Side Jets: The standard configuration. Creates a swirling circular motion for full-body relaxation.
• Back Jets: Essential for lower back pain. V-shaped jet arrays target the lumbar region.
• Foot Jets: Located at the drain end (or center) to soothe tired feet.
Jet Power
Some like a softer massage, others want the most power possible. When it comes to jet number, it is not necessarily the more, the merrier. The whirlpool motor's power is divided between the jets. A smaller motor can handle 6 jets nicely with decent power to each jet. Now double the jets to 12 but, keep the same motor, the jets now have 1/2 the strength they did before. Increase the motor power and the 12 jets are back to being strong.Jet Power Control
Neptune offers a diverter. Turn the diverter and the power moves from the side jets to the back jets. The more you turn the diverter - the more the power is moved. Many of our other manufacturers offer the ability to control the jet power by turning the ring around the jet. Hydro Massage offers a 3-speed motor on some of their whirlpools offering a quick low - medium or high for all the jets.Motor Location
The motor is usually located behind the whirlpool's back slant. Access can be through a front skirt, behind the backrest or the back wall (the last two especially if a closet is located there). The technical sheet for each tub will show the motor location, if the motor fits underneath the tub and if there are optional motor locations. The picture was taken from the whirlpool's technical sheet. It is showing two options: P1 & P2.
Planning for Motor Access
Because whirlpools rely on a powerful pump, service access is required. Codes typically mandate a 16" x 16" access panel. While modern motors are incredibly reliable, planning for access now prevents expensive tile work later. Common locations include a removable front skirt or a panel in an adjacent closet.Options
The list of options can be lengthy. Installation options like skirts, tile flanges and drain are covered in the article Bathroom Tub →In-line Heater
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 the pump is turned on, the heater automatically turns on. Water is pulled from the bath, sent through the heater and then put back into the tub. Whether a heater is needed or not depends on two factors:
• How long do you stay in the tub? If you are in and out within 15 minutes, you probably don't need a heater.
• Do you have enough hot water to let some water out and add more? Some plumbers say that the capacity of the hot water heater needs to be 2/3 of the capacity of the tub, others state 3/4. So expect a 100 gallon tub to take 67 - 75 gallons of hot water.
Chromotherapy Lighting
Chromotherapy is the addition of underwater lights.
• Mood lights have multiple colored caps. Choose the color desired and snap the cap over the light.
• LED lighting has multiple LED bulbs in the light. Turn on the light, and it will sequence through all the colors. Find a color you like, push the button, and it will stay on that color.
Shop by Tub Style
When shopping through our tubs by size or style, you will see a list of the tub systems offered below the tub size and installation style. Look for Whirlpool to find this system.
Helpful Bathtub Information:
• Bathtubs - Features to Consider when Purchasing a Tub
• Spa Tubs | Which System is Best?
• Contact the Tubz.com Bathtub Experts
