The Cleaning InstituteOnce you experience the comfort and appeal of a whirlpool bathtub, it can make it difficult to return to a standard tub. The luxury feature makes it easy to relax and enhances the appeal of a bathroom. With many models available, our team took the time to test and review and determine our top picks.
With our years of experience testing different products across the market, our team has discovered the importance of using categories to rate and compare each item.
Comfort – We reviewed how comfortable each Whirlpool tub was to soak in and if the jets had a massaging effect.
Design – The style and design of each tub contributed to its overall score and rating.
Quality – Our team took a close look at the materials used to construct each tub and if it was durable.
The American Standard Whirlpool tub offers a form-fitting backrest with elbow rests for added comfort. It’s even built with a dual accessory deck area for a high level of functionality.
Most notable upside: We found the Cadet to be relaxing to soak in with flow-adjustable body massage jets that are easy to turn on and off. It comes equipped with a quick connect Safe-T Heater connection system, along with an on/off air switch on the deck. The classic design makes it work well in any style of bathroom.
Biggest downsides: A drain and stopper are not included with the tub, but we didn’t find this to be a significant issue.
This tub is easy to maintain with an EverClean surface that inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. It fits well in small bathrooms and offers an easy installation process.
Most notable upside: The American Standard Whirlpool Bath Tub offers significant depth with eight jets that are relaxing and adjustable. It’s constructed with acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement and also includes an integral apron with a removable access panel. It delivers 1.4 horsepower speed with a self-draining pump and motor.
Biggest downsides: The on/off button is located behind the individual soaking in the tub and would be more convenient if it was in the front. Fortunately, this minor issue isn’t a deal-breaker.
A backrest and dual armrests make it easy to unwind in the tub, which is constructed from fiberglass-reinforced acrylic for extra strength. A pre-leveled bottom is also included.
Most notable upside: We discovered that the American Standard Evolution Bathtub is perfect for bathrooms with casual decor due to a classic design that is minimal but luxurious. It stands out for its depth, along with a backrest that has a perfect slant and makes it easy to unwind without feeling like you have to prop yourself up.
Biggest downsides: The base of the tub could be wider but is narrow due to the armrests. If we had a choice though, we’d choose the comfortable armrests over a wider bottom.
This tub is easy to maintain with an EverClean surface that inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. It fits well in small bathrooms and offers an easy installation process.
A whirlpool bathtub is a fixture in pretty much every 90’s movie; all the cool kids had one, and everyone wanted to be friends with the cool kid! Now you might want to install a whirlpool bathtub in your home so that you can have a relaxing soak or invite friends over for a pool party anytime, but keep in mind that a whirlpool bathtub is not cheap! On average, a good-quality whirlpool bathtub will cost around $2500 to $4000, and that’s not even counting the cost of installation.
In order to avoid buyer’s remorse and regret spending thousands of dollars, you need to consider whether you should get a whirlpool bathtub for your home. Here are some of the most important factors that you should consider.
There are two types of whirlpool bathtub that you can choose from: air jet or water jet tubs. Air jet tubs have dozens of small air jets that send out warmed air to create a gentle bubble massage. Water jet tubs have fewer jets, but they are larger and more powerful. They send out water pulses that are placed strategically to target specific muscle groups. Air jet tubs are used for relaxing, while water jet tubs are used for therapeutic purposes. You can use scented bath oils in air jet tubs to mimic a spa-like atmosphere, but you cannot use oils or salts in a water jet tub because they will damage the water propulsion system.
The size and model of your whirlpool bathtub will impact how much you will spend. There are many different sizes and models of whirlpool tubs available, and you need to choose one that will fit your budget and your available space. There are personal whirlpool bathtubs that are the same size as a regular bathtub, and there are luxury tubs that can fit up to six people! You also need to take weight into account; larger tubs not only need bigger spaces, they also need stronger support. If you only have limited space, you should get a single-person whirlpool bathtub, but if space is not an issue, you can get a luxury drop-in whirlpool tub.
Whirlpool bathtubs come in a wide range of different materials, and you should choose depending on your budget and personal preference. Fiberglass tubs are the most affordable, but if you’re going for a classic and luxurious look, acrylic or ceramic tubs are a great choice. If you’re looking for something strong and durable, you should consider getting a cast-iron tub; however, these are very heavy and can be difficult to install.
Speaking of installation, you need to get a whirlpool bathtub professionally installed unless you have the proper tools, experience, and certifications. Remember that you’re not only handling expensive materials, you’re also going to have to work with your home’s water system! Professional installation jobs can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, but you can be sure that the job is done properly and safely.
If you’re getting a whirlpool bathtub, you might be considering going all the way and getting special features! One common special feature that a lot of people get is a heating feature, which is perfect if you live somewhere cold. Heated whirlpool bathtubs are linked to your home’s electrical system.
However, if you really want to go all the way, you might even consider getting a tub that’s custom-made! You can choose the size, shape, material, and appearance of your tub, as well as any extra features such as the number of jets, heating, and even seats inside the tub for when you want to sit back and relax.
There are some health benefits that you can enjoy if you get a whirlpool tub installed in your home. If you love going to the spa for a relaxing massage or a session in a heated tub, getting a whirlpool tub installed means that you can enjoy these same benefits without leaving your house. People who suffer from chronic muscle pains, arthritis, or gout also report that a soak in a whirlpool tub can help ease their pain.
Whichever way you look at it, getting a whirlpool bathtub installed is not a decision to be taken lightly due to the expenses, as well as the regular cleaning and maintenance that the tub needs. If you’re unsure which model to get, there are actually showrooms that allow you to test different models to see which one you prefer. You can see for yourself how well a certain model fits your needs and budget. You can also see how it performs in terms of how quickly it fills up, how quickly the water drains out, and the strength of the jet pressure.
