All About Hot Tubs and Whirlpools: Types, Costs, and Important Factors to Consider

A hot tub or a whirlpool is a great way to enhance bath and relaxation time in the privacy of your home! With a whirlpool or Jacuzzi, you can transform your bathroom into a spa. A hot tub or a whirlpool improves the skin, alleviates tension, and reduces stress. If you are thinking about installing a hot tub or whirlpool in your bathroom but you have no idea where to start, consider our comprehensive guide below:

Benefits of a Whirlpool or Hot Tub

Physical Therapy

Unlike regular bathtub, a whirlpool generates jets of water and soothing bubbles that gently massage the skin, boosts circulation and relaxes the muscles. A whirlpool is a great tool for at-home physical therapy. It alleviates pain, reduces muscle soreness, and tones the muscles too.

Relaxation

A whirlpool provides the same level of relaxation as a luxurious stay at a spa. The Jacuzzi promotes total relaxation thanks to its massaging action and hosts of other features. Bath time becomes even more fun and relaxing with a whirlpool.

Fun for the Whole Family

You can install the whirlpool indoors or outdoors. Apart from adding more value to your home, a Jacuzzi adds more fun to bath time.

Types of Whirlpool and Hot Tubs

Jacuzzi Whirlpool Tub

This tub utilizes pressure jets to generate soothing bubbles and water jets that massage the skin. A Jacuzzi whirlpool tub stimulates relaxation through deep tissue massage. The tub comes with different features such as bathing wells, jet placements, etc. to provide optimal relaxation.

Air Bath Whirlpool

This tub generates air bubbles by blowing air through the water via an airflow system. The result is a gentler massage that soothes tired muscles.

Jacuzzi Water Heater Tub

This is a heated version of the air bath whirlpool tub and the Jacuzzi whirlpool tub. The tub generates blasts of heated water to massage the muscles and alleviate soreness.

Jacuzzi Steam Shower Tub

This tub brings together the soothing benefits of a regular whirlpool and pulsating, streaming water through an attached steam showerhead.

Costs, Installation, and Other Considerations

The average cost of a whirlpool tub is $1,000 to over $14,000, depending on the size, model, quality and extra features of the tub. Showers generally cost between $800 and $5,000. Larger, more elaborately designed tubs will cost more. Some Jacuzzis comes with extra features such as armrests, a contoured backrest, digital controls, wave pulse control, multiple jet adjustment, heating systems, and chromotherapy or illumatherapy lights. These tubs cost $13,000 and up.

Because installing a Jacuzzi or a hot tub is a big, complex project, make sure you get sufficient clearance to make final connections during the installation. The floor of the structure has to be level and stable enough to support the weight of the Jacuzzi. Generally, allow at least 150 pounds of weight per square foot. It is important to follow directions and all precautions of installing the tub. The electrical wiring and plumbing must be done by a professional and should meet the manufacturer’s recommendations and building code requirements.

Installing a hot tub on your own can be tricky. Even the most hardcore DIY-ers will need assistance from a professional plumber, electrician, and/or general contractor during the installation process. For your safety and to maintain the integrity of your home’s structure, we recommend working with professionals when installing a hot tub in your home.