Suppose a friend of yours got a tub massage and recommended it to you. You might have pictured a person giving massages in tubs, but you’re wrong. Before you ask for the name of the “good masseuse” that your friend met, let’s talk about massage tubs, how they massage, why you need one, and many more.
Massage bathtubs stimulate blood flow circulation that gives relaxation to fatigued muscles using jets that release warm air, water, or both while you bathe. Aside from that, it helps in many health issues that may be relieved with heat and hydrotherapy.
These tubs are becoming popular, especially among younger consumers who like to relieve muscle tension. What makes massage tubs in demand is their features are not present in any kinds of standard tubs. You may be wondering what these are, so I will discuss them with you.
Does Someone Massage You In A Massage Bathtub?
No, the only person in a massage bathtub is the bather. Of course, there is a masseuse in a massage tub, but it’s not what you’re thinking of. Instead, they are the installed jets that blow either heated air or water to massage. They are also called jetted tubs for this matter.
So, do air and water really massage you?
Yes, the heated air warms the water and relaxes your muscles, while the intense water puts pressure on your body, giving off the feeling of physical massage. Different types of massage tubs are specifically designed for every kind of release.
These types of tubs also have health benefits that you may find surprising. But the most common pain they target is sore and tired muscles.
Jetted tubs last for 20 to 50 years, depending on how you take care of them. The lifespan of the tub’s system, which includes the piping, pumps, and fittings, depends on the frequency of use.
Unfortunately, you can’t install them yourself. The massage tubs operate with a system that requires professional plumbers and contractors. Damages may happen if you try doing it with no technical knowledge.
You need to know some things before you purchase a massage tub. From types of tubs to costs, we’ll cover these in the following sections.
What Are The Types of Massage Tubs?
As I have said earlier, the jets in the tubs have different releases, and these differences are the basis of the types of massage tubs available. Each has a unique mechanism that conditions what they release. These types are referred to as air, hydro, and combo tubs.
Air Tubs
The first type we will discuss is air, commonly referred to as an air bath. Apparent to its name, the jets in the tub blast off heated air into the water and surround you with loads of tiny bubbles, and also warm the water afterward.
It’s as if you’re a potato being slowly boiled!
The jets typically sit at the bottom of this tub. It shoots directly to your lower extremities, particularly the legs, hips, and back. These are all common pressure areas, especially if you tend to sit or stand all day.
The heat aids in better circulation within your body which helps relax stiff joints and muscles. Now you’ve got yourself a heat therapy while laying down in your tub!
You can also adjust the intensity of the warm air coming out of the jets according to your preferred massage. If you wish to loosen up after a long day of work or labor-intensive activities, you can choose to maximize the intensity.
Hydro Tubs
The second type of massage tub is the earlier version of jetted tubs. But despite that, people still use it because of its soothing benefits. You may also want to know the kind of therapy it provides.
Hydro bathtubs, also known as whirlpool tubs, create rotating water currents due to the high pressure released by the jets. They generate more power than air tubs since it provides a deep and direct massage to the muscles.
Hydro tubs usually have their jets placed at the side. You can also adjust these to concentrate the pressure on specific areas of your body. You might wonder, is this the same with hydrotherapy? Theoretically, yes, because both use water and serve the same purpose of soothing pains.
Hydrotherapy targets not only muscles but also the stress in joints and bones. If you have rheumatic complaints and diseases like arthritis, taking a dip in a whirlpool tub can help ease the pain, although you should still seek professional care for worse conditions.
These tubs have many other benefits, such as reducing inflammation, wound healing and cleaning, tissue repair, and other scientifically-backed therapeutic effects.
Generally, if you are prone to cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal, and respiratory pains, you may want to check out some whirlpool tubs.
Combo Tub
The last type of massage bathtub is the combination tub. If you’re having trouble choosing because you want both, this tub is a perfect choice!
As the name suggests, it is a mix of the air and hydro tub. You can experience the light, warm bath that an air tub can give and the deep massage of a hydro tub whenever you feel like it.
Generally, the different tub types give a relaxing sensation to our bodies and offer many health benefits. The only difference is how they operate, their target areas, and which suits your preference.
Which Do You Need? Which Is Better?
If you plan to purchase a massage tub but still need more information about the available types, or you can’t simply decide, you can look over the similarities and differences between each tub to help weigh your thoughts.
Before getting your relieving tub massage, I advise you to be aware of the different considerations. Here are some of the things you should take note of:
- You can adjust the water or air intensity settings for both the whirlpool and air bath.
- Air tubs and hydro tubs are bath-oil friendly. The invigorating fragrance adds to your therapeutic bathing experience!
- Air tubs usually come with a built-in heater, while many hydro tubs do not.
- Installation of air tubs may cost you more due to different flooring and fixture structures.
- Air tubs focus on gentle and overall body massage, while hydro tubs provide extensive muscle relief to specific areas.
- You can adjust the jets of the hydro tub to where you want the water to blast, unlike air baths that have fixed jets.
- Hydro tubs use a pump to release water, which causes vibrations and turbulence. This creates noise that you may find disturbing while taking your bath. Air tubs may be a better choice since they are a lot quieter.
- Some bath products are suited for air tubs that you cannot use in hydro tubs.
- You can clean air tubs by simply turning on the installed jets of the tub to blow air. Hydro tubs need more maintenance since they can’t self-dry, and mold may form when not cleaned properly.
If you’re a new owner of a massage tub or just moved into a new house that comes with a whirlpool tub and you’re not sure how to clean it, then this easy-to-follow walkthrough will help you:
Available Shapes and Styles For Massage Bathtubs
Massage bathtubs, like any other tub, come in all sorts of forms and sizes, thanks to the versatility of acrylic. Whether you have a large or small bathroom, you may select from various types.
Massage tubs differ in shapes and sizes; for example, air baths can come in an alcove, drop-in, corner, walk-in, and undermount. These styles apply to whirlpool tubs, too. Some modern varieties display a glass wall that adds a luxurious vibe.
You can find massage tubs in classic rectangular, oval, round, and square sizes. There are also irregular shapes and extra-large sizes that can fit up to two people.
Why You Need A Massage Bathtub
We all need a good massage bathtub in our homes, especially since not all of us have the time to go to spas. Imagine going home after an exhausting day and taking a quick massage bath before getting some shut-eye. It would be nice to have a go-to relaxation spot within our reach!
Aside from the rejuvenation we can experience from a tub massage, it also benefits our well-being. While we immerse ourselves in our baths, our bodies release endorphins (our happy hormones) that vitalize a positive mood and emotions, giving us that lighter feeling.
Therapies like hydrotherapy and heat therapy from taking a bath in a massage tub are also among the best perks. Heat therapy could benefit you if you have injuries, sore muscles, and getting ready for an exercise.
Meanwhile, hydrotherapy helps you with obesity and can be considered a better and more convenient way to lose weight without much pain and fatigue. It can also aid in managing stress, headache, and depression.
With All The Information Given, The Real Question Now Is:
How Much Does A Massage Bathtub Cost?
Air tub and hydro tub prices may be affected by location, manufacturer, material, and other additional expenses. It might be harder to install a new bathtub if you need renovations. This will also increase your potential costs.
Air tubs can cost an average of $900 to $2,500, while hydro tubs can cost $1,000 to $4,000. Higher-quality massage tubs can reach up to $15,000.
The installation, including labor costs and other miscellaneous materials, costs around $1,000 for air tubs and $900 for whirlpool tubs. It is a different expense from the tub fixture itself and can increase when replacements and renovations occur.
High-end installations that include additional jets, lights, and other preferences can reach up to $18,000. You should expect costs like these, considering that massage tubs are different from standard tubs and have more advanced features.
The overall cost is worth it, particularly if you enjoy baths and massages and want to elevate your bathing experience. I would also recommend it to people who always do physical activities and experience frequent body pains.
The extra benefits of heat and hydrotherapy alone are also worth considering the price, right?
In a Nutshell
Now you know that massage bathtubs are tubs equipped with jets that expel heated air or pressured water to relieve muscles through heat and hydrotherapy. They are different from normal bathtubs because of their unique system.
There are three types of massage tubs: air, hydro, and combo tub. Each of them works differently and focuses on specific areas of the body. They also come in many shapes, sizes, and styles to fit your preferences and needs.
Although they might be pricey compared to other bathtubs, they are worthy of what you’re paying for. You can always look for the suitable suppliers that give a good deal.
Your bathtub will give you many benefits, so observe proper and regular maintenance to make it last longer. Now, go get that tub massage that you deserve!
