Are You Ready For A New Bathroom Tub?

It used to be that if you wanted a luxury bathroom, you needed to include a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub. But today, you have a variety of different luxury bathroom tub options including soaking tubs and air bath tubs. All these tub choices can be conducive to creating a relaxing spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Which kind is best for your family is a matter of individual preference and how you plan to use your bathroom tub.

Whirlpool/Jacuzzi Tubs: The Jacuzzi tub gives an experience that is most similar to having your own hot tub; it's a great place to unwind. This kind of bathroom tub uses a motorized pump to force water through the jets on the sides and bottom of the tub. The pressure of the water depends on the design of the jets, the pump's horsepower, and how much air is added to the water. If you're looking for a strong massaging action in your bath, this is your choice. In many models, the angle of the jets is adjustable so you can ensure that the jet of water hits the right places on your body.

Because of the motor, Jacuzzi tubs are heavier and you may need to reinforce the floor underneath. Also, look for a model that gives you easy access to the motor from a side panel in case you need repairs. Jacuzzi tubs are big and take up more space than soaking tubs, so you may need to reconfigure your bathroom to accommodate a whirlpool. Before you begin the project investigate if your plumbing and electrical systems are up to the additional demands.

Air Baths: If you like the idea of a Jacuzzi, but don't want the hassles of installing and repairing a motor, an air bath may be the way to go. An air bath uses a blower to push heated air through multiple small air holes in the bottom and sides of the bathroom tub. The air bath produces smaller and gentler bubbles than those in a Jacuzzi, so it provides a less forceful massage. Air baths offer a variety of options; most have a volume control, so you can set your bubbles for a low simmer or vigorous movement. The bubbles are more spread out than in a Jacuzzi - where the water shoots in from a few jets. Some models offer more bubbling from underneath while others provide more on the sides. Which kind you get is a matter of individual preference.

Soaking Tubs: Soaking tubs are a relatively new addition to the line-up of luxury bath options in the U.S. These tubs allow more of the body to be covered in water than with a traditional bathroom tub. Some are constructed with special insulation or heating elements that let the water stay hot longer.

Many soaking tubs are modeled after Japanese bathtubs, which are more vertical and deeper than traditional tubs and hold the bather in a seated position with water up to the neck. Their verticality makes them good options for saving space in the bathroom.

Homeowners who want real luxury in their soaking tubs can get chromatherapy models which provide soothing colored lights that the bather can program. Another option is sound therapy tubs, which make the entire bathtub behave like a stereo speaker, distributing the sound waves evenly through the tub's walls.