Many homeowners today put extra effort into beautifying their bathroom remodel, and one hot trend is transforming them into a spa. Do you know that a spa bathroom does not only elevate your bathing experience, it can also increase your home’s value! And while there are hundreds of ways to give your bathroom a spa makeover, one will never be complete without a relaxing bathtub to soak in.
Picking a spa bathtub can be pretty overwhelming and baffling especially to newbies in the bathtub market. Just like how popular products such as Air tubs and Jacuzzi Whirlpool Tubs are often mistaken as the same, when in fact, they are not. So before you make the wrong choice and waste your hard-earned money, it’s best to understand which option suits your needs and lifestyle the best.
Be a wiser shopper and learn more about the differences, similarities and benefits of an Air Tub and a Jacuzzi Whirlpool with us! Do you know it’s possible to experience both in one tub? Follow this guide to learn about our great combo tubs recommendation just for you.
Difference #1: Mechanism and Sensation
The simplest and fastest way to distinguish the two is to determine the mechanism by which each operates, and what they pump out of their jets: one is AIR and the other, WATER. Each mechanism produces an entirely different sensation and experience.
What is an Air Tub?
An air tub, sometimes called bubbler or bubble massage, became popular for the thermo-air massage therapy it provides. Warm air is pushed through its several pin-hole jets, releasing millions of tiny and invigorating champagne-like bubbles that can surround your body in an instant.
Jets used by an air bathtub are considerably smaller than whirlpool, hence a gentler sensation, making it perfect for a soft-tissue massage. Its soothing bubbles can easily ease your entire body and give you that “weightlessness” feeling, as if you’re floating in water.
What is a Whirlpool Tub?
Unlike the air tub that uses warm air, a whirlpool tub or jacuzzi tub has powerful jets that shoot water to provide a deep and targeted hydro-massage, which can easily pound away the tensions in your muscles and angst of the day.
These jets are strategically placed in the tub and are also adjustable, giving you the option to control the water’s direction and pressure-- from a gentle to a more vigorous pressure.
While you’re at it, here’s a fun fact: The terms ‘Jacuzzi’ and ‘Whirlpool’ are often used interchangeably by many. While they can mean the same thing, it’s good to know that the term Jacuzzi is a trademarked brand, while whirlpool is only one of the various bathtub products the said brand offers.
Difference #2: Maintenance
Contrary to the popular belief that air baths are “cleaner” or more sanitary compared to whirlpools, both can either be “clean” or troublesome, depending on how they are engineered and maintained. To make the most value out of your tub and lengthen its life, choose a bathtub of high quality and observe its regular cleaning and maintenance.
Difference #3: Health Benefits
These jetted tubs can offer much more than just a luxurious bathing experience. Both similarly bring tons of health benefits that are best for your physical and spiritual wellness.
Among other things, Hydrotherapy or the process of using water to relax the body is one of its major perks with scientifically-proven benefits. This kind of therapy has long been used by hospitals and physical therapists for treatment of certain ailments and even some chronic health conditions [source: Medical News Today]. The warm jet massage you get from a hydrotherapy tub does not only relax and soothe sore muscles, but also could improve poor blood circulation and ease joint pains. [source: Healthline]. The whirlpool’s deep-tissue massage, for instance, is great for sport-related injuries as it aids the body’s overall healing process. Whether you’re a person with an active lifestyle or someone whose condition needs hydrotherapy, you can definitely reap the benefits of having a whirlpool tub.
Air tubs are known for their Aromatherapy features, whereby calming fragrances are infused into the water to generate a therapeutic and effervescent experience. This technology, partnered with the air jets’ soft and low-pressure massage, can melt your stress away in no time. If you need a cheaper and more convenient way to unwind, this is the item to buy.
Another bonus: if you want to look healthier and younger, a regular soak in one of these tubs will keep your skin revitalized and rejuvenated as it helps the nutrients from the essential oils penetrate and be easily absorbed by your skin.
One may even add spa bathroom accessories like foot massage, chromatherapy lights and heated backrests for that extra level of comfort. Wanna get cozier? A two person whirlpool tub is also available for you to share with a loved one.
Some of our Air Tub and Whirlpool Tub Products
By now, you probably have a more in-depth understanding of the two. But you may still be wondering: which tub is better for you? Truthfully, neither is better than the other. Each has a distinct feature that caters to different people with different preferences. But the good news is, if you can’t decide between the two types of tubs, you can enjoy both in one tub!
Here at Bathtubs Plus, you can choose from a wide selection of jetted bathtubs that come in numerous shapes and installation types, and one of the most reliable leading brands we recommend is the Venzi Tubs by Atlantis. From Air tubs and whirlpools to combo tubs, the Venzi Tub line offers only sophisticatedly engineered quality tubs, made out of the finest and most durable materials.
If you indulge more in bubble baths with aromatherapy, they offer modern-styled air tubs which are safe for bathing salts and aromatic oils, easy to clean and quick to install. They also have whirlpool tubs, if you opt for a purely deep and vibrant hydro-massage experience. It even has a friction heater which can provide you an extended warm bathing with no extra power needed.
Want that 2-in-1 bathing experience? Try their Whirlpool and Air Combo tubs and enjoy a leisurely soak with microbubbles and high-pressure massage at the same time. Get even fancier and have the ultimate bathroom spa experience with their Venzi Tovilla Grand Tour-- a whirlpool and air tub combined, with chromatherapy lights, upgraded controls, hot tub ozonator, inline friction heater, aromatherapy and more-- all in one.
If you think it can’t get any better, you may add luxury accessories and have these tubs customized, depending on your plumbing condition or relaxation needs.
You see, it saves time and money when you understand first what you’re buying. Follow more of our blogs or get a quote from us to make a purchase that’s worth every penny!
Still confused about which tub is right for you? Consult our Ultimate Bathtub Guide for FREE to know where and how to start.
