Tue Aug 08 2023
An Ultimate Guide to a Spa Bathtub – An Essential Item in 2023
The average cost of a spa session can range from $60-$200 depending on the type of service that you are applying for the session. Let’s take an imaginary scenario, where you are a frequent user of a spa that costs you $150 per session. You visit the spa four times a month.
That means you spend up to $600/mo on a session that can last around 60-80 minutes. (NOTE: The time can vary depending on the service that you are using, and the spa treatment center)
But, do you know if you spend twice that money (i.e. $1200), you can have a spa session in the comfort of your home for as long as you like?
How is that? A spa bathtub.
We will discuss in detail the spa bathtub, and its benefits so that you can decide which is the best option, whether using a spa at a spa center or having the spa at your home.
Spa Bathtub – What Is It?
A spa bathtub can be any type of bathtub. It can be a freestanding bathtub or even a corner bathtub, but with one important feature, which is a high-pressure jet fitted inside the tub.
The true purpose of the high-pressure jet is to mimic the spa-like experience. These jets are installed in such a way that the system covers the user’s whole body and allows them to recline in a better position while enjoying the soaking experience.
So, what is the difference between a normal bathtub and a spa bathtub?
A Normal Bathtub vs. a Spa Bathtub
A major difference between a normal bathtub and a spa bathtub is the presence of high-pressure jets. In the normal bathtub, you just have one option, which is to soak for a period of time (usually a 30-minute session).
The other notable difference is the extra hardware attached to the bathtub. When it comes to a spa bathtub, there is more hardware, such as a high-pressure pump, a control system, and the jets themselves.
Apart from that there are no major differences between the normal bathtub and the spa bathtub.
How Does the Spa Bathtub Works
Spa bathtubs mimic the spa-like experience that you get from spa centers? In order to achieve that experience, it is necessary to make the water continuously in contact with the user’s body in a dynamic motion. Meaning the water should not be stagnant. This is where the high-pressure pump comes in. Usually, there are two types of mediums, one is air-pressure jets, and the other is water-pressure jets.
When the water reaches the optimum level inside the tub, the suction plate (that is connected directly to the electric water pump) sucks the water from the tub and ejects the pressurized water through the jet nozzle present inside the tub.
These nozzles are designed in such a way that it covers a lot of surface area, so the pressure can be evenly distributed.
What if you want to either raise or lower the pressure of the water? You can customize the pressure with the help of the pump controller. There are both physical and digital types of controllers available on the market.
NOTE: Some bathtub does require a specific type of controller. It is recommended to check with the manufacturer to learn more about the controller for your bathtub.
The physical type of controller usually involves the knob-syle. You can turn in a specific direction to alter the pressure and speed of the water. The digital controller has a touch button to change the pressure, speed, and even temperature. Comparatively digital controller has more features, but it is also more prone to damage.
Types of Spa Bathtubs
As said any bathtub with pressurized jets is considered a spa bathtub (also known as a whirlpool bathtub, since the jets creates a “whirlpool effect” inside the bathtub) and one of the most popular types of a spa bathtub is the “drop-in bathtub.”
A drop-in bathtub, as the name suggests, is literally dropped in a recess in the bathroom. It is a great idea if you want to save a good amount of surface area in your bathroom. But, if you are worried about aesthetics then worry not. A drop-in bathtub is one of the most elegant-looking bathtubs on the market.
The next popular type of spa bathtub is the freestanding one with pressure jets. The most notable disadvantage of a drop-in bathtub is the installation. Installing a pressure jetted bathtub is already a headache. Along with that, installing a drop-in bathtub can be quite challenging even for a professional.
That is eliminated with the freestanding tub. That is one of the main reasons why it is so popular among the users. The steps of installing one are simple. Find a place where you want to install the bathtub and ensure there is a good plumbing line in that space. The second step is to place the bathtub and connect all required pipelines. It is as simple as that. A professional can take care of the whole process within 2-3 hrs.
The next type of spa bathtub is the corner bathtub. The installation process is almost the same as the drop-in bathtub, but instead of dropping the bathtub into the recess, the corner bathtub (usually either in a circular or triangular shape) is installed in between the two corners of the bathroom walls. The installation process may not be as complicated as the drop-in bathtub, but it is also not as easy as the freestanding bathtub.
Is a Jacuzzi the Same as a Spa Bathtub?
No, it is not. Most people use the Jacuzzi and hot tubs as substitutes for each other. But, that is not the case. A Jacuzzi is a brand known for its hot tubs. There are different types of hot tub manufacturers on the market. But you can make a Jacuzzi tub a spa bathtub.
By installing the pressure jets (either air or water jets) you can transform the Jacuzzi into a spa bathtub.
The Benefits of a Spa Bathtub
The first and foremost benefit of the spa bathtub is muscle relaxation. Pent-up muscles are one of the main reasons for feeling extremely stressed. When the pressurized water comes out of the jets and hits the user's skin, it helps to relieve the tension in the muscles and makes them relax in a short amount of time.
The next benefit is great blood circulation. When the muscles are in a relaxed state, the blood vessels all over the body expand in such a way that a good amount of blood reaches every organ in the body. This helps to regulate another benefit, which is the blood pressure.
Having normal blood pressure significantly reduces the probability of contracting cardiovascular issues down the line. Good blood circulation helps to keep the heart pumping at a normal rate and ensures that there are no blockages in the vessels.
The next benefit is improved skin health. When the pressurized water hits the user’s skin, it removes all the dirt and sweat and stimulates the dormant skin pores. This helps to improve the secretion of required nutrients and the moisture of your skin.
Where there is a Yin, there must be a Yang, and that can be applicable to all the things in the world. There are notable negatives of the spa bathtub that you should know.
Disadvantages of a Spa Bathtub
The first disadvantage is the installation. As said, on top of installing a heavy bathtub, extra hardware makes the installation more complicated than needed. Apart from that, the floor may require extra reinforcement which can make a good dent in your budget. Also, the large bathtub is required for installing pressurized jets, which can provide quite a constraint when it comes to spacing.
The next advantage is maintenance. Maintaining a normal bathtub varies depending on the type of bathtub material. On top of that, you have to constantly care about the whole pressurized jet system, which involves multiple hardware. Even if single hardware malfunctions (usually the motor) there is a good chance that the whole system gets damaged.
If the part gets damaged, then the next step is to replace it, which comes with our next disadvantage, expensive parts. Replacing the damaged parts can cost you significantly compared to a normal bathtub. This may not include the professional repair cost, which can range from $50-$100 per hour.
How Much Does the Spa Bathtub Cost
The average cost of a spa bathtub can range from $800 up to $5000 or more, depending on the type of bathtub material and physical dimension of the bathtub? Also, the price depends on the manufacturer. Certain manufacturers can raise the price for certain spa bathtubs due to specific features or functionalities.
FAQs
With the help of air or water pressure jets, the sucker plate, which is connected to the pump intakes the water from the tub and ejects out pressurized water. This creates a whirlpool effect and ultimately gives you a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home.
A Jacuzzi is a brand known for its hot tubs. There are different types of hot tub manufacturers on the market. You can make a Jacuzzi tub a spa bathtub by installing pressure jets (either air or water jets). You can transform the Jacuzzi into a spa bathtub in this way.
The average cost of a spa bathtub can range from $800 to $5000 or more, depending on the type of bathtub material and physical dimensions of the bathtub.
Final Thoughts
Even a normal bathtub is good for destressing your body and mind. But if you are looking for the best way to relax your body and have good health, a spa bathtub can be a great solution. It also saves you a lot of money, which you can use for other important needs for your household. If you are looking for the best bathtub on the market, then look no further. Magnus Home products provide top-of-the-line bathtubs with air jets to make your freestanding bathtub a spa bathtub. You can access the collection here.
The article hopes to provide you with enough information on spa bathtubs. So, which is better, the spa center or the home bathtub with pressure jets? The answer is easily a home spa bathtub. You can enjoy the experience whenever you want and as long as you want without having to spend a lot of money every time.