Home Improvement & House Remodeling. Room Addition, Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling

home / home remodeling guide / bathroom remodeling / whirlpool tubs

For a FREE Estimate Call (800) 724-9946

Bathroom Remodeling:
Whirlpool Tubs

By Ben Shabat

A whirlpool tub is a water bath in which the water is propelled by air to produce a massaging therapeutic action. These tubs are installed with a piping system, planned to circulate water using an underwater suction pumps and several water jets.

Unlike spas or hot tubs, whirlpools tubs are filled and drained with each use. However, much like spas and hot tubs, the water velocity water is often high, making it unsafe for people certain medical conditions, and children.

As whirlpool tubs are becoming popular and in high-demand, the choice of whirlpools continues to grow and manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes, styles, colors, and designs.

Materials may vary. Generally whirlpools are constructed of fiberglass, acrylic, or cast iron, and configuration of pumps and jets, vary as well. As you shop for whirlpools, be sure to check size, shape, and safety features. Try each model to check accessibility. This check is recommended using a hands-on approach. Simply get in the tub and sit down.

Important considerations

As part of your shopping, be sure to consult your contractor and to test your current plumbing system. For example, be sure to verify that your current septic tank is fit to handle the additional drainage demands.

If you are not going for a full home remodeling project or maybe not even a full bathroom remodeling project, make sure that the model you desire can fit into your bathroom without any demolition or room expansions.

Another issue to consider is weight. Whirlpool tubs, when filled up, can add up to 1500-1600 lbs of water. This weight is much heavier than the standard weight loads of standard residential flooring. More often than not, additional floor supports and reinforcement are necessary.

Although planned for a full-body soak, installing a handheld spray head in a whirlpool will make cleaning the whirlpool a much simpler task and will allow you to use it also as a shower.

Additional consideration include: replacing the water heater to support larger volumes of water and special considerations with regards to the type of faucet you will use. In addition, keep in mind that it is recommended to install the pump in an accessible location, allowing simple maintenance and service.

Ben Shabat is a senior project manager for Remodeling California Inc., a leader in the Home Improvement industry. For more information about Bathroom Remodeling, feel free to Email Ben Shabat or call (800) 724-9946.