A whirlpool bath, or Jacuzzi tub, pumps water through air jets to create a soothing, luxurious massage like bathing experience. To maintain a pleasant, high quality, long lasting experience, consider the following factors before buying the whirlpool tub of your dreams, or you may start to have nightmares.
Size Matters
Although it seems redundant, the size of the bathroom determines what size whirlpool bath will fit in your space. Save yourself the disappointment and headache of having to return a whirlpool bath that is just a fraction too large to fit in your current space by carefully measuring your bathroom and tub area before making the big purchase.
Consider where you need to install the tub to make use of existing plumbing. Often the location of the tub will dictate what shapes can be purchased.
The larger the tub, the more water it will hold, but the heavier it will be. Make sure that your flooring structure is strong enough to support the added weight of the tub.
When in doubt, consult a plumber.
Drainage Anyone?
Sometimes you can move an existing drain. Sometimes, you cannot. It's best to know which situation applies to your bathroom plumbing before you buy a whirlpool tub as the location and size of the drainage you have determines the size and style of the tub you choose.
Again, consultation with a professional plumber, while requiring expense on the front-end, could save you loads of headaches from buying a tub that will not fit into your bathroom.
How Large are Your Doors?
Many people have experienced whirlpool tub heartache when they buy the unit of their choice, only to find out it will not fit through one or more of the doors in their home. What can you do in this situation? Usually, you cannot split the tub in two pieces and you either have to return the tub to the store to get one that fits your bathroom opening or enlarge the opening. Both of these options are unnecessary, expensive and time consuming.
Bathing for One or Two?
Decide if you will generally be bathing alone or with a partner to determine how large a tub you should purchase. If you enjoy your solitude as you relax, you do not need to go to the extra expense of buying a two person whirlpool tub, just to soak alone.
If, on the other hand, your partner or you want to share the relaxing whirlpool experience, do not skimp on a single person tub. Buy a two person unit to comfortably seat you both. Nothing ruins the pleasant experience of relaxing in a tub than trying to cram two people into a tub made for one.
What Shape Do You Prefer?
There are many tastes in bathroom dcor and thousands of whirlpool tub manufacturers to cater to every taste.
Recessed whirlpool baths have three open sides and one finished side or apron. These tubs are generally installed in a bathroom alcove.
Drop-in whirlpool baths generally have no apron and walls surrounding these baths are finished according to the homeowners dcor. These types of baths are installed either on a platform, or sunk below the floor.
Corner whirlpool baths, as the name implies, are installed in the corners of bathrooms. Corner tubs generally have tub aprons that are crescent shaped to accommodate corner spaces. Two open sides are installed flush with bathroom walls.
Freestanding whirlpool baths are finished on all sides and sometimes have freestanding legs. They are installed away from the wall and make a bold bathroom fashion statement. This type of tub is best installed in a large bathroom with suitable drainage.
Size Matters
Although it seems redundant, the size of the bathroom determines what size whirlpool bath will fit in your space. Save yourself the disappointment and headache of having to return a whirlpool bath that is just a fraction too large to fit in your current space by carefully measuring your bathroom and tub area before making the big purchase.
Consider where you need to install the tub to make use of existing plumbing. Often the location of the tub will dictate what shapes can be purchased.
The larger the tub, the more water it will hold, but the heavier it will be. Make sure that your flooring structure is strong enough to support the added weight of the tub.
When in doubt, consult a plumber.
Drainage Anyone?
Sometimes you can move an existing drain. Sometimes, you cannot. It's best to know which situation applies to your bathroom plumbing before you buy a whirlpool tub as the location and size of the drainage you have determines the size and style of the tub you choose.
Again, consultation with a professional plumber, while requiring expense on the front-end, could save you loads of headaches from buying a tub that will not fit into your bathroom.
How Large are Your Doors?
Many people have experienced whirlpool tub heartache when they buy the unit of their choice, only to find out it will not fit through one or more of the doors in their home. What can you do in this situation? Usually, you cannot split the tub in two pieces and you either have to return the tub to the store to get one that fits your bathroom opening or enlarge the opening. Both of these options are unnecessary, expensive and time consuming.
Bathing for One or Two?
Decide if you will generally be bathing alone or with a partner to determine how large a tub you should purchase. If you enjoy your solitude as you relax, you do not need to go to the extra expense of buying a two person whirlpool tub, just to soak alone.
If, on the other hand, your partner or you want to share the relaxing whirlpool experience, do not skimp on a single person tub. Buy a two person unit to comfortably seat you both. Nothing ruins the pleasant experience of relaxing in a tub than trying to cram two people into a tub made for one.
What Shape Do You Prefer?
There are many tastes in bathroom dcor and thousands of whirlpool tub manufacturers to cater to every taste.
Recessed whirlpool baths have three open sides and one finished side or apron. These tubs are generally installed in a bathroom alcove.
Drop-in whirlpool baths generally have no apron and walls surrounding these baths are finished according to the homeowners dcor. These types of baths are installed either on a platform, or sunk below the floor.
Corner whirlpool baths, as the name implies, are installed in the corners of bathrooms. Corner tubs generally have tub aprons that are crescent shaped to accommodate corner spaces. Two open sides are installed flush with bathroom walls.
Freestanding whirlpool baths are finished on all sides and sometimes have freestanding legs. They are installed away from the wall and make a bold bathroom fashion statement. This type of tub is best installed in a large bathroom with suitable drainage.