What is a whirlpool bath?

By Benjamin Clarke | Published on 14th June 2022

Many people are now taking what they've experienced in luxury spa getaways and recreating it at home in the convenience of their own bathrooms by installing a whirlpool bath. But what exactly is a whirlpool bath and how doe they differ from regular baths. In this article, we'll make it clear and break it down in a simple to understand manner.

How does a whirlpool bath work?

Whirlpool baths operate by recirculating the water that is already in the bath. This type of bath contains a pump that is able to be switched on and off. When switched on, the pump takes water into the chamber and then compresses it. This compressed water is then forced back into the bath through jets which also infuse the water with air, which produces the massaging effect that we typically associate with a whirlpool bath.

In addition to whirlpool baths, there are also air bath systems which blow pre-heated air into the water up from the base of the bath. Many jetted bath allow you to operate the whirlpool and air functionality together or separately.

When were whirlpool baths invented?

The benefits of hydrotherapy (using the power of water to treat ailments) goes back thousands of years. The Romans appreciated the soothing properties of water and traditional Roman baths were an important part of life and society. The Victorians also value water treatments highly and many people were sent to spa towns in the UK to receive various water therapies.

The modern type of whirlpool bath that is recognisable today was created by the innovative Italian-American Jacuzzi family in the 1950s. The bath was invented in response to the son of one of the Jacuzzi brothers, suffering from a form of childhood arthritis. His father realised how effectively water relieved the symptoms of his son and created the modern whirlpool bath so that he could have a permanent place to receive treatment. In the intervening decades, the whirlpool bath has flourished across a whole range of brands and is now an increasingly common site in home bathrooms.

How to clean whirlpool baths

At Luna Spas, we offer baths that are self-draining so that water is not left stagnant in the tub, jets or the system once it is drained. This really helps with maintaining the cleanliness of the bath and jet system. However, as with everything that you value, there is some additional cleaning that needs to be done from time to time in order to keep a whirlpool bath running smoothly and efficiently.

For cleaning the tub, you can either leave the water in after you've used it or fill the water to around two inches above the highest jets. Put in a sterilising tab or a measure of special whirlpool cleaner and run the whirlpool system for around 5 minutes. You can then drain the water and give the surface of the tub a rinse if clean water if necessary. This should leave the tub looking fresh and clean.

It's also important to clean the jets now and again as these can get clogged with skin, hair, oils and other debris over time. Fortunately, the jets on our tubs are really easy to prise out with a flat head screwdriver. Use a mild, non-abrasive liquid bathroom cleaner to gently wipe the jets and clear then of any debris and then they can be easily pressed back into place.

Whirlpool baths at LunaSpas.com

We offer everything you need to transform your bathroom into your own home spa experience. By stocking styles from the best brands you can be sure to find a style that suits your exacting desires and with our large choice of tailor made whirlpool systems, you can truly create your individual showpiece.

Please see below our fantastic range of whirlpools baths we can provide below. These range from the amazing 14 jet Quantum range, to our top quality Tranquility Pools, considered the pinnacle of hydrotherapy.

All baths are made to order and so we can build them to your exact requirements, needs and specification. If you require specific control positions, more jets or bath grips for easy-access, we are more than happy to do this for you. Please note the whirlpool baths we build are eligible for disability VAT relief, so please contact us how to do this before ordering if applicable.

View all our luxury whirlpool baths

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