Hello and Welcome to our information site on all things to do with Hot Tubs, Spas, Whirlpools and Jacuzzi!
So what are they really: spas, hot tubs, or whirlpools? Perhaps you've been totally confused and it's making it very hard for you to pick which one will suit you best. So what's the real difference between all these?
Before There Was Whirlpool
In the olden times, whirlpools were actually spas. These were usually concrete either tiled or painted. They were first installed in hotels, a few houses, and health clubs during the 1960s. However, these types were so costly because of the materials used as well as the cost of labor. Thus, mass production was very limited.
Birth of Hot Tubs
It was during in the middle of 1970s when young California entrepreneurs decided to convert their old wooden barrels of wine into portable whirlpools which they could place on the ground. They were called hot tubs. However, despite being so affordable, they were a lot of leaks, especially days after these tubs were installed. Because of these problems, as well as the cost of plumbing repairs, they became just as expensive as whirlpools.
What Is Jacuzzi and Airbath?
A popular brand name for the whirlpool bath, a specific kind of hydro massage bath, is Jacuzzi. Airbath, on the other hand, is a well-known name of air spa manufacturers.
How Do You Differentiate a Whirlpool and an Air Spa?
The whirlpool removes water from the bath and circulates it all over the outside of the bath. It then jets the water to different points of the tub. This is very similar to the tub system commonly found in a lot of hot tubs in wellness clubs. They are normally more affordable when compared to the air spa. A lot of people also prefer whirlpool because of its therapeutic effects. The circulated and jetted water can massage different parts of the body, especially the neck, feet, and back, which can always feel the stress. They are also more pleasurable than the air spa.
Air spa, meanwhile, can blow air, coming from the bottom, towards the bath. This air passes through small holes. They seem to be more costly than whirlpools. However, with regards to quality and components, they are more superior. It is also very easy to clean the air spa, which includes a drying process accomplished once the bath is emptied. Air spas are more used in hospitals and other medical facilities since they are far more distressing and therapeutic than the whirlpool. Air spas are also excellent in homes, since they don't get easily damaged even if children accidentally run them without water. You can also remove and set aside the pump if you want a more relaxing and quieter bath time.
It All Boils Down to the Pump
If you're guessing which of them is more powerful, then the answer lies in the pump. Normally, air spas are equipped with a powerful pump, though several users weren't convinced. This is because air bubbles usually begin as small at the deep recesses of the bath. When they begin to rise, the water pressure starts to decrease. This will cause the bubbles to expand, which can have a big impact of the surface of the water. This only means that when you take a shallow bath, the pressure seems less vigorous. Whirlpools have less jets which can create much more powerful jet effects.
Concrete Whirlpools or Acrylic Hot Tubs?
Unlike the traditional concrete spas and whirlpools, hot tubs made of fiberglass and acrylic appear lighter and thus can be installed in areas where concrete support isn't really necessary. They can even be set up on rooftops. Their interiors are more well designed so you can have a more comfortable seating and can even accommodate a small group of people.
Acrylic spas can also give you more access to jets, fittings, and piping. This means that you can perform a more comprehensive plumbing work without having to remove the shell. Acrylic hot tubs aren't affected by modifications in temperature unlike concrete whirlpools. There have been a lot of reports that whirlpools made of concrete tend to break easily when they are drained and cleaned or when they're filled with cold water. With acrylic hot tubs, there's no need for any twice-a-year maintenance or tile replacement. They can also be priced similarly as concrete whirlpool or spa.
Regardless of what you choose, however, the most important thing is you get what you truly want: great rest in the midst of water after a tiring day.
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