Buying guide for best whirlpool bathtubs
The warm massage of a whirlpool bathtub can work wonders on injuries, strained backs and tired shoulders. Not only is a whirlpool a therapeutic way to treat aches and pains at home, but it can also turn your bathroom into a relaxing retreat. These luxurious bathtubs have become a common upgrade as more people strive for a spa-like experience in the comfort of their own homes.
However, choosing the best whirlpool bathtub for your at-home spa can be challenging. Where do you start, and what do you need to look out for? Did you know that there are several different kinds of baths with jets and that some resemble a jacuzzi tub for your bathroom? Those are excellent starting points. Consider the space you have and which whirlpool is better suited for it, such as a corner or freestanding. Then, decide on how many jets you prefer (especially important for muscle massages) and whether you want air or water jets.
After many hours of researching whirlpool bathtubs, the BestReviews Testing Lab found the Malibu Abaka Triangle Whirlpool to be the best. It’s large enough not to feel aquatically confined, has more jets than you’ll ever need and takes up less space by dropping neatly into a corner.
Which whirlpool bathtub is best?
Best whirlpool overall
Product specifications
Type: Drop-In | Dimensions: 59” L x 59” W x 23” H | Number of Jets: 28 | Warranty: Limited 5-year tub warranty | Slip-Resistant: No
We found this acrylic whirlpool to be the best option if you want to place it in a corner, but it is also an overall excellent choice. It has a large central portion for getting a deep soak, but there is also a raised area if you just want to sit and relax. It has a maximum water capacity of 90 gallons and has an overflow opening to prevent spillage.
The best part of this whirlpool is that it has 28 gentle massage air jets and a variable-speed heated blower. To control the flow, intensity and warmth, you only have to lift one finger. It comes with a touch-enabled keypad mounted on the side of the tub for engaging the jets, setting a 20-minute timer and activating the automatic drying cycle.
Best freestanding whirlpool
Product specifications
Type: Freestanding | Dimensions: 59” L x 31.5” W x 23” H | Number of Jets: 16 | Warranty: 1-year limited | Slip-Resistant: No
A freestanding whirlpool is a great option if you don’t have a lot of space in your bathroom or don’t want to undergo extensive remodeling. We think this option from Woodbridge is an excellent choice, as it has 16 air and water jets and an LED control panel.
The tub is deep enough for a good afternoon soak, as the overflow water level is set at almost 14 inches. It comes with a pump, heater and air blower and has an operating water temperature of 86 to 122 degrees. It has six adjustable body massage jets and 10 whirlpool bubble bath jets, and the intensity and modes are controlled through the keypad.
Best whirlpool for massage therapy
Product specifications
Type: Drop-in | Dimensions: 72” L x 36” W x 21.5” H | Number of Jets: 10 | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Slip-Resistant: No
If you prefer a traditional-looking tub with a few jets for relaxation and massage therapy, this drop-in American Standard whirlpool is great. Made from acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement, it has a maximum water capacity of 111 gallons and comes with stainless steel faucets.
We like that it uses the company’s EverClean Whirlpool System, which has an antimicrobial additive to keep the pipes and fittings as hygienic as possible. But the magic happens with the 10 adjustable jets, controlled by an integrated panel with two silent air volume controls.
Best alcove whirlpool
Product specifications
Type: Alcove | Dimensions: 71” L x 47” W x 27” H | Number of Jets: 16 | Warranty: 1-year limited | Slip-Resistant: Yes
Looking to splurge on an alcove whirlpool? There are few that come close to this 71-inch behemoth. It holds 177 gallons of water and has 16 jets placed all around the bottom of the tub.
The best part is that you can relax with a partner, as it has two head pillows built into one side of the whirlpool, and they are lightly padded. The stainless steel-frame tub has a maximum weight-bearing capacity of 900 pounds and comes with a chrome-polished drain, waterfall faucet and a 45-inch detachable showerhead.
The 16 jets are designed to target different areas of your body. There is a set of six to massage your lumbar region, six jets (three on each side) to massage your body and four jets that target your feet. This whirlpool doesn’t have a touch-enabled keypad, but the water flow and intensity is controlled through several large knobs.
Best whirlpool for corners
Product specifications
Type: Freestanding | Dimensions: 61” L x 61” W x 24” H | Number of Jets: 8 | Warranty: 1-year limited | Slip-Resistant: Yes
This corner whirlpool is the stuff of dreams for at-home spa enthusiasts. The freestanding tub fits neatly into a corner, has a small tempered glass window on one side for elegance, and two foam headrests for you and a partner facing each other. Each headrest also has a dedicated holder on the outside wall of the tub for bath and massage essentials.
With a maximum water capacity of 120 gallons, it features a 1-horsepower pump, one jet on each side for lumbar massage and three jets on each side for an overall body massage. It also has a detachable showerhead, three large knobs for controlling the water flow, massage intensity and warmth, and a chrome-polished drain and faucet.
Types of whirlpool bathtubs
Whirlpool bathtubs achieve a massaging effect using air jets, water jets or a combination of the two.
Air jet bathtubs: These tubs use small jets of air to circulate bubbles through the water. These bathtubs may have dozens of small jets, allowing you to adjust your position to get the desired massaging effect.
Water jet bathtubs: Made with fewer but larger jets, these bathtubs recirculate the bath water through a series of jets. The position of the jets can be adjusted to hit different muscle groups and problem areas. Though these whirlpool tubs have fewer jets, they provide a stronger massage than models using air jets. According to research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, a “whirlpool treatment relaxes muscle tension and provides a feeling of comfort. Especially in post-surgical patients, it decreases pain, reduces complications and helps to bring forward the discharge date.”
Combination bathtubs: Some whirlpools provide the best of both worlds with air and water jets. The controls allow you to choose air, water or both at any given time.
Whirlpool bathtub features to consider
A bathtub simply isn’t just a bathtub. They have a specific purpose, and just like many other gadgets and household items, you need to consider which type, shape and features will be best suited for your needs.
Design
The traditional bathtub usually comes in one standard design, built into a specific space of the bathroom. For something a bit different, a freestanding bath is a great idea, while a corner bath takes up less space than others. However, when it comes to whirlpool bathtubs, there are a few more design options.
- Alcove: If you don’t plan to reconfigure your bathroom to accommodate a whirlpool bathtub, an alcove model will likely be your best option. It fits in the same amount of space as a normal bathtub and is surrounded on three sides with fitted walls or tile. These tubs are often used as a tub/shower combo.
- Freestanding: These bathtubs don’t connect to a wall or fit into an alcove. They span the gap between a vintage tub and a modern luxury, but this type of tub requires more square footage than an alcove bathtub.
- Drop-in: These models have a lip and fit into a deck or peninsula that extends into the bathroom. The deck will have to be built and fit specifically to the bathtub. A drop-in tub works best in a large, spacious bathroom because it takes up a significant amount of floor space.
- Corner: You’ll need a sizable bathroom for a corner bathtub, but these often offer the most bathing space. If you want to use the bathtub for a two-person getaway, a corner model is one of the best options because it can feel like an indoor hot tub.
- Walk-in: This is a subtype of whirlpool bathtub because you can find alcove, freestanding and corner walk-in models. These have a door that allows you to step inside before filling the bathtub, making one a smart choice for anyone with limited mobility.
Inline heater
Whirlpool bathtubs use enough water that your water heater might have a hard time keeping up. And when you add air bubbles to the mix, the water cools down more quickly. An inline heater built into the whirlpool system heats the water as it circulates over a heating coil. It keeps the bathwater hotter longer to soak to your heart’s content. Some whirlpool bathtubs include an inline heater, while others require the heater to be purchased separately.
Grab bars
Grab bars increase the safety of entry and exit from the tub. They are particularly useful for those with mobility issues, but grab bars are a good idea regardless of your mobility or age.
Contoured seats and armrests
If you like to soak, contoured seats and armrests can be incredibly comfortable. You’ll find them in bathtubs with single or double seats, and they provide you with a dedicated area that conforms to the shape of your arms or when you sit down. So, instead of sitting on flat plastic, it feels like you are sitting in a molded chair seat.
Jet placement and number
The number and position of the water or air jets can make all the difference in your comfort. Water jets are adjustable, but you still want the placement to be appropriate for your height and body size. If you’re taller than average, a 72-inch or “deep” tub can help ensure you get the best access to the jets. Some models include adjustable jet speeds and temperature controls. Both of these features allow customization of your whirlpool experience.
Weight
A whirlpool tub full of water and people can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds. Not all floor joists can handle that much pressure. You’ll need to be especially careful if you’re installing your tub on a second floor. Slab foundations can take any bathtub design, but homes with wood joist construction may not. We suggest consulting a licensed professional for safety reasons.
Size/available space
Whirlpool bathtubs come in many shapes and sizes, from simple ovals and rectangles to hourglasses and triangles. While you might love a corner model, you must ensure your bathroom has enough space before buying. If you have a small to average-size bathroom, you’ll likely be limited to a rectangular alcove bathtub.
Plumbing
Unless you have experience with plumbing, you’ll probably need to hire a professional to check that the plumbing and electrical setup in your bathroom will work for a whirlpool bathtub. Professional installation will make sure that you have easy access to the motor box in case of any malfunctions or breakdowns.
Materials
Most traditional bathtubs are made from ceramic or hard plastic, but when it comes to something as intricate as whirlpools, you have several options.
- Acrylic: Acrylic tubs have an attractive glossy finish and are lightweight and easy to clean. If you install the tub on the second floor of a home with wood joist construction, acrylic is your best option. On the downside, acrylic scratches easily and may discolor over time.
- Cast iron: Cast-iron tubs are heavy but durable, making them some of the most expensive models on the market. They resist chemical damage, chipping, scratching and denting, but they tend to rust.
- Fiberglass: These bathtubs have a matte finish and are the least expensive models. Like acrylic, they’re lightweight and easy to install, but they lack the durability of acrylic or cast iron.
Whirlpool bathtub prices
As you might have guessed, whirlpools are more expensive than traditional baths, but the comfort and relaxation they provide make it worth it. But even within the whirlpool market, there are several pricing brackets, and the model you have your heart set on could be more than you budgeted for.
Inexpensive: Whirlpool bathtubs start at around $900, but your options at that price are few and far between. These basic acrylic or fiberglass alcove models have either air or water jets and come in a standard 60-inch length.
Mid-range: There are far more models to choose from as you move into the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Many of these bathtubs have both types of jets and may be freestanding, alcove, drop-in or corner designs.
Expensive: Between $2,000 and $3,000 are spacious corner designs with two contoured seats, grab bars, armrests and both types of jets.
Premium: Walk-in whirlpool bathtubs start between $3,000 and $4,000 and continue up to well over $7,000 (where you’ll also find spacious corner models). These also include grab bars, contoured seats and armrests.
Tips
- Decide how often you’ll use your tub. How you plan to use the whirlpool bathtub can help determine what shape and size to buy. If you’ll only be using it occasionally, a standard-size model can still feel like a spa treatment.
- Measure the route from door to bathroom. Whether you buy in-store or online, you’ll have to move the tub through doorways and hallways to get it into the bathroom. Measure all doorways, stairways, turns and bends that lead to the bathroom to ensure the bathtub will make the journey without getting stuck.
- Clean your whirlpool bathtub properly and regularly — especially if you use it a lot. That includes running the jets with the water-filled tub and dishwashing detergent. After 15 to 20 minutes, the soapy water will have run through and cleaned out the tub’s plumbing system, including any residue that has built up in the pipes. The tub must then be rinsed and the surface cleaned using a nonabrasive cleanser. To keep your whirlpool tub clean, you should do a full flush of the plumbing system about every five baths. That means you’ll be doing a deep cleaning about once a week, but it’s worth it for the relaxation benefits.
How did we choose the best Whirlpool bathtubs?
With so many different kinds of whirlpools, it can be challenging to decide on the right one for you. Do you want a corner or a freestanding? Air or water jets? All factors considered, there are a few models that stand out from the rest.
BestReviews reporter Charlie Fripp has covered a wide range of consumer products over the years. To find the best whirlpool tub, he looked at design and construction, comfort and relaxation features, additional components such as the pump power, and most importantly, the number and intensity of the jets. A few jets are great, but for the best effect on your mind and body, an excellent whirlpool has enough to cover your entire body in tiny bubbles of massaging relaxation.
FAQ
Q. Are air or water jets more powerful?
A. Water jets use air and water and are far more powerful than air jets, which only eject air bubbles. If you’re looking for a therapeutic effect, water jets are the best option. Air jets can still massage muscles, but they don’t have the same impact as air jets.
Q. Do any whirlpool bathtubs include a timer for the jets?
A. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re soaking in a hot bath. Some models, such as our top pick, the Malibu Abaka Triangle bathtub (mentioned above), include a timer for the jets, which can help you keep track of time and save electricity.
Q. What are the disadvantages of a jetted bathtub?
A. A significant problem with jetted baths is that they don’t retain the warmth of the water efficiently. However, there are a few models that aim to reduce the need for frequent top-offs by placing heaters in the tubing and sides of the bath. But as with all gadgets that create warmth, it increases your electricity usage and utility bills.
Q. Are Whirlpool bathtubs high maintenance?
A. A whirlpool is great to have in your bathroom, but it requires more maintenance than a regular bathtub. It must be cleaned more often, as bacteria and dirt quickly build up in the jets. Organisms love a moist, warm environment, and if it’s not taken care of immediately, it can make you ill. Then there are also more chances of something going wrong with the components, as it connects to an electrical circuit, water and air pumps and additional piping. That said, if you regularly maintain it, a whirlpool tub can be a highly enjoyable addition to your home.
