Whirlpool Bathtubs Ratings

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Whirlpool Bathtub

Christopher Smith

Whirlpool bathtubs feature air or water jets which create circulation in the water in order to provide the tub’s occupant with a massaging, therapeutic bathing experience. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other painful diseases. People who exercise and develop sore muscles will enjoy a relaxing whirlpool bath following a workout, and even those who don’t have any pains and aches can still find enjoyment by having their stress relieved in a soothing tub of hot water. If you’ve ever thought about installing a whirlpool tub in your home, there are five questions you need to ask before you decide which model you want to buy.

What are the safety features included with this tub?

There are a lot of people with arthritis and other joint and muscle problems that would benefit from having certain safety features in their whirlpool tub. For example, some tubs have steps which make them easier to get into. You can also find models that have a slip-resistant coating on the bottom, and strategically-located handles and bars which give tub users added support.

Is there a separate water heater in the tub?

People who plan to spend a lot of time in their whirlpool bathtub may want to think about purchasing a tub with its own internal water heating system. In a regular whirlpool tub you’ll have the problem of the water cooling much quicker than it would in a conventional tub due to the water circulation. Therefore, you have to continue to add more hot water in order to keep the temperature in the tub to your liking. In addition, if you don’t have the right kind of home water heater, you may run out of hot water before you’re ready. If you have a tub with an internal heater, however, these will no longer be problems.

Does the tub have a sensor that alerts you to low water levels?

If the water level in a jetted tub isn’t kept at a certain level and the pumping system is turned on, it could result in the pumps burning out. To keep this from happening, it’s nice to have a tub with a low water sensor that won’t allow the pumps to operate unless the water is at a safe level. Having a sensor like this could save you costly repairs, especially if you have children who might try to turn the jets on at inappropriate times or an elderly person in the household who sometimes forgets things.

How do I keep my whirlpool tub clean?

There will be more to clean when you have a whirlpool bathtub, because in addition to the tub surfaces, you’ll have to keep the jets clean. Different tubs will have different kinds and numbers of jets. Take a close look at what it’s going to take to keep various jets clean so that dirt won’t build up or mildew start to form inside them. Be sure that you’re comfortable in committing to the upkeep of the tub that you buy before you make the purchase.

Is the tub going to fit in the space I have for it?

In order to make sure you don’t get tempted to buy a whirlpool bathtub that’s larger than the space you have to put it in, take some measurements before you go shopping. That 6’ jetted tub may look heavenly, but it’s going to be your worst nightmare if you only have a 5’ space to put it into. If there’s room, it’s fine to buy a tub that’s a different size or shape than your existing tub, but making sure what you buy is going to fit in your bathroom is crucial.