Whirlpools Tubs are different from spa baths in that they are filled and drained like a normal bath each time they are used. However, the jets of water in a whirlpool bath are at much higher pressure. It's this high pressure, massaging effect that gives whirlpools their reputation for being therapeutic and relaxing. Not so long ago, whirlpools were prohibitively expensive. Although they're still pricey, in recent years they have come down in price to a level where they're in reach of many more households. What you shouldn't underestimate when buying a whirlpool, however, is just how much more of a major operation installation is when compared to the fitting of a standard bath. Whirlpools Tubs are fitted with a strong motor to power the various built-in jets as well as a heater to keep the water warm as it recirculates and prevent the air injected by the venturis having a serious cooling effect. Installation requires expert plumbing skills, and the electrics have to be wired by a qualified electrician to conform to Building Regulations.
On the subject of building, whirlpools also weigh a great deal more than standard baths, and are often considerably larger and awkward to move around. If you're seriously thinking of having one in an upstairs area of your house you'll probably need to have ceilings strengthened with steel joists - a job for a builder, and one that may require you to seek planning permission. The last thing you want is a tonne of full whirlpool baths crashing through your living room ceiling. Equally, make sure you can actually get your new whirlpool in the house and up the stairs. To resolve both of these problems many people opt to have their whirlpool in a downstairs area.
You should also check that your plumbing can cope with a whirlpool tub . The chances are that if you can fill a normal bath a whirlpool tubs will present few problems - you may only run into difficulties if you live in an area that's remote from mains water and drains. You won't be very happy if the first time you drain your new whirlpool it makes your septic tank overflow.
Despite all these potential pitfalls, most whirlpools are successfully installed. Although they come in all shapes and sizes, there are two basic types: alcove and drop-in models. Alcove whirlpools are mounted (and tend to be shaped) much like ordinary, traditional bathtubs. Drop-ins are either sunk into the floor or else built on a separate mounting. Alcoves suit smaller rooms better, whereas drop-ins are arguably more luxurious. Whichever model you choose, make sure you fit in it comfortably before you buy.
Make sure, too, that you do some thorough research on how to clean your whirlpool. Many manufacturers caution against the use of bubble bath or bath salts - firstly because you'd quickly find yourself at the bottom of a huge mountain of foam as the jets stirred up the soapy water, but mainly because oils and detergents can clog up the pipes and pumps and provide breeding grounds for bacteria.
The principle of a whirlpool bath is very simple - water is drawn out by a suction pump and then squirted back in at high speed, creating a relaxing effect for whoever is sitting in the bath. Specialist venturi pumps inject air into the water as it's reintroduced into the bath, so the jets that squirt into your body and around your bath are heavily aerated with thousands of bubbles. You'll often hear whirlpool baths referred to as 'Jacuzzis'. This is only right in the sense that Jacuzzi is one manufacturer of whirlpools tubs in the same way that hoover is only one manufacturer of vacuum cleaners.