Choosing the Right Whirlpool

Easing into warm water, relaxing as the jets pulse, envisioning it all right in your very own master bath- that is the fun part about choosing a whirlpool for your bathroom. But this should be the last step in choosing and buying a whirlpool. Before you run out and buy a new whirlpool for your bathroom, there are many important questions to ask yourself to avoid expensive mistakes. The following questions should guide you in choosing just the right one for you.

What will fit? Make sure that you measure your bathroom carefully, including any space you might gain taking down dividing walls or showers. Most whirlpools come in three standard sizes. These are five feet, five and a half feet and six feet. But you can’t just consider the tub size because they are all designed to be dropped into a deck and that will take up more space, with the bare minimum adding at least a half-inch to your measurements on all sides. If you think you would like to hold a lot of stuff like candles and oils near the water, you will also need extra space on the deck. If you are over six feet tall, you may want to forfeit deck space for more tub room.

What will fit through the door? In remodeling applications, the tub must be sized so it will fit through the door. Many doorways in older baths allow less than 24-inch access. If the tub’s height will fit through the doorway, it may also require enough clearance to turn around before being set into place. Tubs set into new construction do not face all the same constraints since doors are not installed and walls are not sheet rocked.

What does it weigh? When you are working with a wood joist floor construction you will need to consider tub weight plus how much it will weigh full of water and people, and add support or bracing as necessary. This is especially important in a second floor installation. But if the unit is installed on a slab, or is an acrylic replacement for a properly supported cast-iron standard tub, extra support will not be an issue.

Where is the plumbing? A plumber has to be able to get in the space to hook the whirlpool up. The motor box also has to be accessible so you can get to it in case the whirlpool breaks down, you can not tile over it. The easiest, most cost-effective way to make sure you do not have plumbing headaches is to ask the store for the specifications for any model you are interested in and then hire a licensed contract plumber. Show him the specifications and the space you are working with before you buy anything and he will tell you what you need to make it work.

How is my wiring? The electrical needs of a whirlpool tub can be even greater than the refrigerator so you need to make sure the outlet nearby can supply the voltage. If not, you may need an electrician to do some rewiring.

How and how often will I use it? Don’t just put any whirlpool in your bath - find one that works with your lifestyle. If you and your partner is looking for a little romance, you might want a two-seater so you can soak together. If you are an avid soaker, you might want to get some better features and spend a little more money than the person who knows they’ll just use the tub one or two times a month.

What makes sense with my design? The accepted wisdom is that oval-shaped whirlpools with rolled decks have a more traditional look and the rectangle shape with a flat deck is more contemporary. But the style of the tub fillers and faucets really set the design tone. The treatment of the deck can also dictate a tub’s style. Wood surrounds are more traditional, while tile can evoke different styles depending on the pattern. Solid surface Corian is more sleek and contemporary.

What features do I want? Try out models with different features, like grab bars or arm rests, to see what you would really like when you’re down to choosing between a couple models. Some people also prefer the relaxation of bubbles to the force of jets. For those with limited mobility, tubs with doors are available which offer jets as a therapeutic option.

Kohler K-1106 Proflex Whirlpool Bath Tub: Kohler K-1106 The ProFlex bath whirlpool offers a distinctive basin shape and integral lumbar support, bringing style and comfort to your bath. This unit features a 1.25-horsepower pump with innovative technology that provides a strong, steady level of hydro-massage and six adjustable ProFlex whirlpool jets for a luxurious bathing experience.

Bellagio - The Best 63″: This is a 2 person tub beautiful tub called The Best for a reason. It has every feature available for bath tubs and for an incredible price. Features 12 Whirlpool Jets Powered by a 1.5HP Motor and 8 Air Bubble Jets and 2 Hydro Lower Back Jets with 3 underwater lights.

Comfort Line Spa-N-A-Box: The easy, affordable way to enjoy a soothing spa experience anywhere, anytime. Portable Spa-N-A-Box sets up in about 20 minutes and plugs into a regular household outlet. Its micro air-jets provide a vigorous body massage to soothe aching muscles at a fraction of the cost of traditional hot tubs. Easy, no-tools setup - anyone can assemble the spa in less than 20 minutes with no special wiring or plumbing needed.

Jacuzzi EA60 Luxura 5′ Pure Air II Whirlpool Bath Tub with Integral Skirt with Right Blower: Jacuzzi EA60 Luxura means “luxury,”and what more could you ask for your bathing experience? Simply, your bath never felt this good. The included trim is available in several finish options. Features: Available in Black, Almond, White or Oyster finish, includes Trim -Sculpted armrest, safely use salts and aromatic oils, contoured backrest, eclusive 360 Balanced Air Flow system, 600 Watt heated air blower and Integral skirt with access panel.

Whirlpool Tub by Kohler - K-1154-F in Biscuit: This 54-Inch corner model offers six adjustable ProFlex whirlpool jets for a soothing hydro-massage. Constructed of high-quality acrylic for durability and luster, the bath features an integral tile flange to prevent behind-the-wall water damage, and is available in a palette of KOHLER colors to complement any decor.

Whirlpool Tub by Jacuzzi - G932 in White: Fontana, Exterior Dimensions: L 72 in. x W 54 in. x H 28 in. Interior Dimensions: L 45 in. x W 36 in. Operating Gallons: 88. 4 Fully adjustable PowerPro jets with max flow rate of 45 GPM per jet. 2 AccuPro tm neck jets. Built-in cascading waterfall. Underwater lighting. Magic Touch on/off control system. Water Rainbow Fill Spout.

Linea Aqua - Air & Whirlpool Combo Tub - Eva: Width - 25″; Length - 64″; Material - Acrylic; Color / Finish - Pearlized; Installation - Drop-in; Shape - Round; Outlet switch ; (110v) ETL Listed/Certified ; Underwater Light ; 10 Bubble Jets; 4 Large Massage Jets ; 6 Small Massage Jets ; Circular Water Cover ; Bath Filler with LineaAqua Hand Shower ; Water Temperature Control; Function Switch; Computerized Control Panel; Water Pressure Massage; Jet Count - 20.


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