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The Difference Between Jacuzzis, Air Tubs And Whirlpool Tubs
The Difference Between These Three Tubs

The Difference Between Jacuzzis, Air Tubs And Whirlpool Tubs

March 22, 2022

When shopping for a tub with massaging jets, understanding the difference between an air tub, whirlpool and a Jacuzzi can be confusing. While each of these tubs is deisgned to relieve soreness and tension, they each have distinct features. If you're considering buying one of these models, it helps to get to know the differences.

JACUZZI

Before you begin, measure your current bathtub alcove around the shower walls. This will help you select the right size tub for your space. Keep in mind that most standard bathtubs are 5-feet long and either 30- or 32-inches wide. Your measurement will be slightly less than those numbers because of the shower wall surfaces (tile, shower surround, etc). Choose the size that is closest to your measurement.

Next, determine the tub’s drain pipe location. To find out what type of tub you need, face the alcove. The side that holds the drain opening determines what type of tub you need. If the drain opening is on the left side, look for a left drain tub. If it's on the right, you need a right drain tub.

WHIRLPOOL TUB

Whirlpool is the generic term for any tub with water jets installed. Designed initially for therapeutic purposes, the whirlpool tub features jets that propel water, particularly focused on areas that benefit from the effects of hydrotherapy. Jets on a whirlpool tub are located on the sides of the tub and can typically be adjusted to direct soothing warm water where you need it.

Since whirlpool tubs circulate the water inside a tub, a heater may or may not be installed. Filling the tub with warm or hot water keeps the bath comfortable for a certain period of time, so periodically adding warm water might be needed. Depending on your climate and preferred bathing time, a whirlpool tub heater might be a desirable feature.

With a whirlpool tub, it's often recommended that you avoid using bubble baths, oils or salts while bathing, which can clog the tubing or damage the motor. Always read the owner's manual before adding these enhancements to a jetted tub.

AIR TUB

Just like a whirlpool tub, an air tub features jets and a pump. But rather than water, air is circulated through the jets. The air jets are typically smaller in size than whirlpool water jets and located on the bottom perimeter of the tub. The jets on an air tub release effervescent, champagne-like bubbles. Both types of tub deliver massaging, rejuvenating benefits, but air jets produce a subtler effect that many people find pleasurable for everyday use.

A heating element is standard with an air tub. The system's fan sucks air from within the room, warms it over a heating element, then sends the air out through the jets. If not for a heating element, room temperature air might actually cause the tub water to become cooler. The heating element in an air tub thus provides a comfortably warm temperature for bathing.

Other features in an air tub include anti-return and water relief valves. These are designed to prevent malfunction by keeping water from flowing into the blower and from draining into the air jets.

CLEANING JETTED TUBS

One of the perks air tub owners can enjoy is relatively easy cleaning and maintenance. After each use, simply turning on the jets once water has drained will dry out the lines and conveniently prevent mildew.

After each whirlpool use, a small amount of water can remain in the tubing. Many whirlpool owners can attest to the fact that, if left unused for a length of time, hard water deposits, bacteria and soap scum can build up, causing a release of debris once the tub is turned back on.

Cleaning with dish detergent or a special jetted tub cleaner on a regular basis can help keep the lines clean and free of debris. Note that anytime you clean a whirlpool tub, water must be filled to a certain height before the jets are turned on to prevent damage to the pumps.

To clean the acrylic on a whirlpool or air tub, use a non-abrasive liquid cleanser to prevent scratches to the surface. Consult the tub's manual for specific cleaning directions. Some manufacturers, for instance, advise against using bleach to clean the tub as it may dry out and damage fittings.

What are the benefits of jacuzzi bathtubs?

Has stress become an integral part of your life? Are you thinking of getting a Jacuzzi bath to help rejuvenate and revitalise yourself? Today, life is tough.  Not only is there no time to relax, but we’ve also forgotten how to relax. Moreover, being baffled with stress can hurt your productivity and can badly affect your health. Yes, in this day and age, it should come as no surprise to learn that stress is one of the leading causes of both disease and death.

The King of all Bathtubs

Today, leaving the house is no longer necessary to have a spa-like experience. An indulgence used in many cultures since Roman times, Jacuzzi baths are so much more than just luxurious pastimes for the super wealthy. What was once a feature found only in hotels and luxury day spas can now be found in homes throughout South Africa. So much more than just big luxury hot tubs, Jacuzzi baths are an investment in your health and wellbeing. Here are four compelling health benefits of a Jacuzzi bath.

#1 Alleviates Chronic Pain, and Revitalises Tired and Sore Muscles

If you’re someone who loves exercise, then you’ll know all about muscle pulls, cramps, and stiff and sore muscles. Or maybe you have arthritis, or you suffer from chronic pain from an old accident or injury. There is no better therapy than hot water therapy for alleviating pain, and revitalising tired and sore muscles and joints. For years, scientists have been studying the effects of hot water on the body, and they’ve found that hot water helps relax and rejuvenate the body. Soaking in a Jacuzzi bath raises the body temperature, and the buoyancy of the hot water brings you to a calm and more relaxed state, thus relieving tension, alleviating arthritis, and revitalising tense and tight muscles.

#2 Reduces Stress, and Eases Headaches and Migraines 

Stress is a silent killer, and if there is one sure way to reduce stress, it’s with water. People have always been drawn to water as a source of healing. From its soothing sound, as it trickles down, to the feeling of it against our skin, as we slip into a steamy, bubbling bath – the water in Jacuzzi baths is therapy to the body and mind. Along with its heat, relaxation and stress-relief benefits, Jacuzzi baths help to dilate the blood vessels, thus decreasing pressure in the head and alleviating headaches and migraines.

#3 Promotes Better Sleep

Using the healing power of hydrotherapy, a Jacuzzi bath not only relaxes tense and tight muscles, thereby relieving high-blood pressure and tension, but it also calms the mind, which promotes better sleep. Once your body temperature has dropped upon getting out of the bath, your mind will be completely relaxed, which will induce the body’s natural sleep mechanics.

#4 Detoxify the Skin

Playing a key role in good health, detoxification is a natural process that occurs with the help of the liver and metabolic system. But if the liver is not able to keep up with the constant onslaught of pollutants, it leads to heavy metal build-ups, acne, wrinkles, fine lines, and dry or oily skin – and this is where Jacuzzi baths come to the rescue. Soaking in a hot tub allows the heat to open up your pores, and gives your skin a fresh and more youthful appearance.

Indulge in a Lifestyle Investment You Can Afford

A lifestyle, self- and home-improvement investment, Jacuzzi baths provide a convenient and accessible way to relax right in the comfort of your very own home. Eliminate your stress, by revitalising and energising with our luxury Jacuzzi baths from Summer Place Spas & Baths. With showrooms in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, our built-in and portable hydrotherapy and jetted Jacuzzi baths can be found in a wide range of designs, sizes and materials. Whether you want a Jacuzzi bath for relaxation, healing, or for other therapeutic reasons, at Summer Place Spas & Baths, we have one of the largest selections in South Africa.

What are the benefits of a whirlpool bath?

You might be considering getting a luxury whirlpool bath for your home, but are you aware of just how much hydrotherapy might improve your life?

This is a serious matter and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Hopefully this article will make it clear just how beneficial a spa bath could be to your well-being.

#1 Helps you to relax

There’s a reason the Victorian’s used to go to places like Bath and Leamington Spa. Hydrotherapy was recognised even back then as being good for the body.

Stepping into a whirlpool bath helps you to destress and forget about the problems of the outside world.

Many Doctors and the NHS recommend a hot bath before you go to bed due to it’s ability to help with falling asleep.

#2 Helps to increase blood circulation

The mix of air and water that is gently circulated in a whirlpool bath by the in-built jets produces a really nice bubbling effect.

This bubbling provides a type of massage for your arteries, veins and capillaries, opening them up and helping the blood to flow around your body more easily.

Increased blood circulation is associated with all sorts of health benefits, such as a reduction in joint pain and aching muscles.

#3 Helps with increased flexibility

Linked to the benefit above, relaxing in a hot whirlpool bath can help with stiff limbs and improve your flexibility.

The warmth and bubbles combined can increase the extensibility of muscles and their connective tissues resulting in a greater range of motion.

#4 Helps to improve your skin

We’ve all heard about toxins in the body that can give pour skin a dull appearance.

A warm whirlpool bath creates a higher level of oxygen intake and can therefore accelerate the process of the toxins in your body coming to the surface and being drawn away, leaving your skin with a much cleaner and healthier glow.

#5 Huge range of luxury whirlpool baths

If these benefits have convinced you that a regular luxury soak at home would be beneficial to your health, then please check out our fantastic range of whirlpool baths on our website.

What are Benefits of Air Bathtubs

Air baths can deliver a number of benefits, and each should be considered before purchasing one of the industry’s finer products. If you’re planning to purchase a new bath system, or if you’re looking for more information about air bath benefits, read on.

#1 Air Baths Cost Less

While whirlpool baths use injectors to spray jets of water, air baths use drilled holes to allow air to enter the bath. The blower produces air, the air travels throughout the bath’s holes and the bath’s surface is breached — soothing the body. Manufacturers are currently refining the modern air bath, imbuing specialized and perfectly spaced holes to offer full, pleasing experiences.

Injectors are costly, and they require regularly checking valves to ensure they continue to properly function. Air bath systems don’t have that issue. Production costs are also lower for air baths. 

#2 Air Baths Stimulate Circulation

Many people purchase air bath systems for their beneficial impact on health. Air baths create a “cocoon” of warmth, stimulating skin tissue and enhancing circulation. Air bath therapy is used in several medical fields, and is believed to release toxins, revitalize loose skin and assist with circulation issues. Each air bath session can heighten your health, removing unwanted skin material while promoting healthy blood flow.

#3 Air Baths are Easy to Clean

While whirlpools and other jet-powered baths require in-depth injector cleans, air baths practically clean themselves. Jet-powered baths require cleaning solutions and dry jet runs. An improperly cleaned whirlpool system can promote mold growth, and any tub lacking proper care can be unhealthy — or even dangerous — for homeowners.

Air baths require simple drainage during cleaning procedures. An air bath’s natural airflow assists with grime and dirt removal, all while placing pressure on “problem areas.” Optimal drainage is achieved via perfect gravity placement; deep areas achieve higher pressure, affecting the drying cycle. Many air baths feature a “burst dry” option, too. Burst dry sessions blast air through the air bath’s hole network, removing unwanted material while ensuring optimal drainage.

#4 Air Baths Consume Less Energy

Jet-powered and whirlpool baths require more “push” than an air bath to produce the same effects. Their increased force is often paid for in the utility bill, and they’re often spared full operation for such a reason. Air baths feature slow-trickle bubbles, powered by energy conservation technology and intuitive hardware. Air baths consume far less energy than their high-powered counterparts, remaining one of the industry’s favorite goods for both luxury and casual buyers.

Additionally, an air bath’s “thermomasseur” structure spares expenses normally used on hot water. An air bath system’s air delivery method heats up the water, reducing the need for hot water use or extra heating systems. Air baths effectively exchange hot water for hot air — making them far cheaper to use on a regular basis.

Each type of bathtub has unique properties and points, so choose the right one for yourself

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