Whirlpool vs Air tub

May 26, 2015

Have you ever wondered about the difference between freestanding whirlpool bathtubs and freestanding air bathtubs? At first glance, they seem to be pretty much the same thing. However, there is a distinct difference; air bathtubs shoot streams of air, while whirlpool bathtubs shoot streams of water. You should consider this difference when deciding which high-end bathtub is right for you.

Why is this difference so important? Both provide a massaging jet experience while you bathe, and both provide the owner with a deep soak. However, the variation can make a big difference when it comes to your bathing experience, tub maintenance, and needs.

The most noticeable difference between a freestanding air bathtub and a freestanding whirlpool bathtub is the sensation. The whirlpool tub shoots water jets, while an air jet tub shoots jets of air from the bottom. This difference delivers two different massage experiences.

Therapeutic Massage

The water jets in a whirlpool bathtub are most often associated with hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is frequently used by athletes and people with chronic pain conditions, and so they're often found in athletic institutions and healthcare facilities. The prestigious New England Journal of Medicine and the National Arthritis Foundation have recognized and recommended whirlpool hydrotherapy as an effective way to improve blood circulation, which is very important in the alleviation of diabetes and arthritis pain. If you frequently experience pain or soreness that could be alleviated by hydrotherapy, then a whirlpool tub could be the high-end bathtub option for you.

Light Massage

Freestanding air bathtubs offer a gentler alternative to the deep massage of the whirlpool jets. Instead of water jets, the air bathtub shoots many concentrated streams of air, producing thousands of little air bubbles. This provides a gentle soft tissue massage than whirlpool jets. Many people prefer this effervescent feeling over the heavier whirlpool water jets. Though the air jets produce a gentler sensation than the whirlpool tub, the sensation is still very relaxing.

Maintenance is also a factor worth considering when in the market for high-end bathtubs. Though neither type is very difficult to maintain, the whirlpool tub requires a bit of extra effort. To clean a whirlpool tub, you pour the cleaning solution into the tub (which can be either store-bought or homemade), then run the jets for a few minutes. After that, just drain the tub.

You shouldn't run a freestanding whirlpool tub unless it's filled with water. However, you can and should run an air jet bathtub while empty from time to time. Air tubs are self-drying and therefore self-cleaning, so an occasional dry run of the air jets is all you need to keep them clean.

Sanitary or Not?

Some mistakenly believe that air tubs are more sanitary than whirlpool tubs since a whirlpool tub requires more cleaning effort. However, this is untrue. A high-quality whirlpool tub has rigid piping for easy drainage. It must also meet UL and National Plumbing Standards, which means it will be a sanitary addition to your bathroom.

People often associate whirlpool tubs with high-end tubs, but air bathtubs also offer a luxurious experience . A person who prefers a gentler massage might be disappointed and uncomfortable with the heavier whirlpool jets, while someone seeking a deeper massage might be dissatisfied with the softer air jets. It's important to know your own needs since there is no right or wrong choice. It all comes down to your own preferences. Whichever tub you choose, they both add a rejuvenating massage experience to an otherwise normal bath.

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