Whirlwind Whirlpool Education

So you've decided to buy a whirlpool tub. That's great; it will not only improve the value of your home, but your quality of life. After all, what's better after a hard day of work or play than a relaxing soak in a whirlpool tub? What better way to soothe tired muscles or all of those tension aches? The stress will just melt away and it's important to take care of yourself with just as much commitment and attention to detail that you'd give anything else.

There's a wide range of value and options when considering your purchase and it's vital to be educated about the product so you get exactly what you're looking for within the parameters of your budget. Whirlpool tubs are no longer just a luxury for those with more disposable income. A base model can be purchased and installed in your home for $1000 or less. Though, there are some larger, more luxurious models that can run over $10,000.

First, you need to decide if you want water jets or air jets. When using air jets, you can add bath salts or oils to your bath because the air jets don't recycle the water through their system, but push a steady stream of air into the bath. While water jets recycle the water through the tub and are harder to maintain, allow for swivel heads and adjustment of the water pressure. What this means is that you'll get something more akin to a massage than just a soak. The systems are comparable monetarily, there's no real wallet advantage or disadvantage to either.

There are some other things to consider in your installation package. (It should be noted that this should be installed by a certified contractor.) Adding a dedicated water heater will allow you to maintain the water temperature throughout your bath as well as allowing for other hot water usage in the rest of your home.

If maintenance isn't your strong suit, consider a tub with a self-cleaning option. Though, this is only available on the water jet systems.

The number of jets and placement is something to consider in your purchase as well. It's possible to add extra jets to target problem areas of the body, such as your back.

Tub basins can me made from many materials which will vary the size, shape and life of your tub. The most versatile material for whirlpool tubs is acrylic. Acrylic is easiest to customize for personal style. Fiberglass is the least expensive and the least difficult to install. If you have a little more to spend, a cast iron tub is the way to go. Cast iron is a tougher material and will have a longer life than some of the lower-priced tubs.

And finally, there are extra safety options such as slip-resistant coatings, rails for safe entry and exit of the tub and emergency shut-off features. These add a little to your cost, but it's worth ensuring the safe enjoyment of your whirlpool tub.