Extras distinguish whirlpool baths

Dear Jim: I have looked at whirlpool tubs for my bathroom remodeling. They all look great, but the prices really vary. What are critical features and will I need a new water heater for the extra hot water? – Joe D.

Dear Joe: Not too many things feel better than a warm hydromassage after a long day at the office, taking care of the kids all day or just doing home improvement projects around the house. Just a decade ago, a whirlpool was a special feature in homes, but now most new homes include one or more.

If you are installing a standard one-person whirlpool to replace a bathtub, your existing water heater should have the capacity to supply adequate hot water. Most hydromassage whirlpools are used after work in the early evening when there are not many other hot showers being taken.

If you install a larger whirlpool or plan to use it in the morning when other family members are showering, you may need a larger water heater or an additional small dedicated one for the whirlpool. Some models, such as Kohler and Westendorf, offer internal water heaters to heat the water or smaller ones to just keep it warm.

The construction of the whirlpool tub can make a difference in how well it will perform and look over the long term. They all look nice and shiny in the showroom when they are brand new. Over time, the finish on some can break or delaminate from the supporting structure, usually fiberglass.

A gelcoat finish has the best, deep glossy appearance. It is reasonably priced, but not the most durable and may come loose from the fiberglass. Acrylic is a more durable material because it is a single sheet formed into the shape of the tub. Adding an adhesion layer between the fiberglass and glossy finish, as Westendorf does, improves the durability of gelcoat.

The type of jets has the greatest impact upon the hydromassage sensation. If you select a model with standard water-air jets, look for adjustable jets (both intensity and direction). There are also different types of jets you can order for various locations in the tub to target your back, legs and neck.

Some the newest designs in whirlpools use air jets. These tubs have more than 100 tiny jets built into the bottom and sides of the tub. This provides a different type of massaging action, which some people prefer. Ultra Baths makes one of these with heated air bubbles and heated headrests.

If your budget is not limited, select a whirlpool with electronic controls. These allow you to program and sequence jets to target specific sore spots. Some of Kohler’s models sequence the jets up and down your back to simulate a real massage. Also, a floating remote control is a convenient feature.

The following companies offer high-quality whirlpools: American Standard, (800) 223-0068, www.americanstandard-us.com; Jacuzzi, (800) 288-4002, www.jacuzzi.com; Kohler, (800) 456-4537, www.kohler.com; Ultra Baths, (800) 463-2187, www.ultrabaths.com; and Westendorf, (800) 747-0500, www.whirlpooltubs.com.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244, or visit www.dulley.com.