Bath Products Review: Hot TubsStylish, Therapeutic Baths Morph into Home Wellness Hubs

Common knowledge has it that a dose of competition is the best remedy for a sluggish business. In the case of whirlpools–which hit the peak of popularity in the 1980s and early '90s–the encroaching popularity of shower systems was just the thing manufacturers needed to reposition these therapeutic vessels for an increasingly time-pressured homeowner.

"The shower is the most important piece today," admits Pat Hénaire, Maax corporate vice president of marketing, sales, and research and development. "It's something you use every day."

Nevertheless, most consumers are hesitant to give up their baths entirely. "We sell a huge number of whirlpools," says American Standard design director Gray Uhl. "Whether people use them or not, they believe that they need one, especially for resale value."

Moreover, a recent consumer study conducted by American Standard indicates that there is a growing interest in the notion of separate baths and showers–each with distinct functions. According to Uhl, "The shower is for being invigorated, getting clean, and getting the day going. The bath is for soaking and relaxation or stress release."

As vice president and chief marketing officer at WCI Communities Northeast Gabe Pasquale sees it, the bathroom has really taken on a number of spa-like features. "Whether it's a move-up or estate home, empty nester or active adult buyer, a second or third home buyer, the bathroom is a huge priority as it relates to the way people start and end their days."

Even at the entry level, he says, "You're going to have a five-piece bath, which typically includes a separate shower, a tub of some sort, two vanities, and a commode." And while whirlpools and the like are rarely included in standard packages, Pasquale notes that improved quality and styling and a broader range of features such as in-line heaters, quiet operation, and chromatherapy across all price points are making the upgrade to a jetted tub more attractive to a growing percentage of home buyers.

"From a design standpoint we worked very hard to simplify our designs," says Uhl. Consequently, American Standard's Evolution whirlpool series sports a flat deck so tubs can be dropped into a surround or undermounted beneath a surface such as marble.

Inside, the bathing well is maximized for optimum comfort with easy-to-clean color-matched jets that hug the sides. For a deep full-body soak the overflow is horizontal on an upper ledge. Furthermore, all of the models are said to be 25 percent quieter than previous versions and are pre-plumbed to accept an optional in-line heater, which Uhl claims can be easily installed at a jobsite.

In general, one of the most common complaints regarding whirlpools has been placement. "We dislike dealing with the motor locations and access panels," declares Newport Beach, Calif.-based Kari Deol, design studio operations manager for Laing Luxury Homes. Kohler addresses such issues with its ProFlex collection, which offers flexible installation for contractors as well as customization options for homeowners.

With a large deck, Kohler's oval Windward whirlpool accommodates all manner of fittings, while adjustable jets allow individual bathers to personalize water flow as desired. For the builder, custom pump locations offer access flexibility for multiple floor plans.

According to Ann Roever, marketing manager for bathing products, "One may allow access through a removable apron panel on the whirlpool, while another may allow access through a vanity that abuts a tiled tub deck." Available in top-selling sizes from 60 inches by 32 inches to 72 inches by 36 inches, as a drop-in or with integral aprons, and with a selection of three- or four-sided flange configurations, this clean design also can be outfitted with a factory-installed in-line heater.

Air Force

In addition to traditional whirlpools, there are a number of newer technologies that offer varying effects. "Air tubs are gaining in popularity," says Uhl, whose new tubs are offered in both air and whirlpool versions. "Traditionally they've been more expensive, which is the only reason they haven't grown faster. But people find them to give a gentler, more relaxing massage than the whirlpool."

Invigorating yet soothing, air baths operate by means of a blower–often capable of being installed in a remote location–that injects warm air into the water via small, non-obtrusive holes around the perimeter or on the floor of the tub. What WCI Northeast customers are really responding to, says Pasquale, is that you can add bath oils and soaps to air tubs–something that cannot be done with a whirlpool.

"It's really a trend in the industry," says Valérie Parent, marketing director at the Quebec firm BainUltra. "We used to be the only ones. Now everybody is making an air bath and they are all growing."

Upping the ante on the style and function of one of its most deluxe ThermoMasseur baths, BainUltra consulted an ergonomics specialist to develop the TMU Amma. Available for alcove, drop-in, undermount, or freestanding installation, it is said to provide a more effective massage due to longer seating, independently controlled heated backrests on both sides of two-person models, and well-placed inverted V-shaped jets.

Designed for the affluent male buyer, MTI's 65-1/2-inch Isis and 71-1/2-inch Osiris freestanding baths introduce air into dramatic stainless-steel-encased black acrylic reinforced with a thick layer of fiberglass, resin, and titanium.

At Toto the elegant Lloyd, Soirée, and Guinevere air baths actually are part of complete suites, a development taking hold with full-line manufacturers. Sixteen jets positioned to target the body's pressure points are said to relieve stress with water warmed by pre-heated air. Meanwhile, spring-loaded anti-return valves to prevent backflow into the air passage and chromatherapy LED lighting add to the wellness factor.

Even whirlpool icon Jacuzzi has added air to its product mix. Available at the luxury level as well as on such models as the Amiga from the builder-friendly Comfort line, the Pure Air bath has a patented air-flow system that circulates air through a heated blower integral to the tub.

More is More

Whirlpool and air aside, Jacuzzi senior vice president of marketing and engineering Paul Salyards claims that the company's most exciting hydrotherapy genre to date is the combination air and whirlpool bath. Dubbed Salon, this hybrid allows bathers to take advantage of each system separately, or in tandem–perhaps the most stimulating massage of all.

"Air-only probably represents 15 percent of our business," says California-based bath dealer Russ Diamond, president of Snyder Diamond. "But we are selling more and more tubs that have a combination of whirlpool jets and air."

In point of fact, air is on the rise. "The reason is now people are looking more for a relaxing experience," says Hénaire. The Maax Living series is a contemporary oval design sporting an integrated grab bar and angled controls that can be outfitted with a choice of massage systems: perimeter air complete with check-valves and heated backrest, whirlpool, or both. Optional water heater and lights are mood-enhancing upgrades.

For utmost selection, Americh offers the same system options in an extensive range of shapes and sizes. Zuma, on the other hand, offers its select Blueline series in carefully edited minimalist designs notable for their textural infinity overflows.

Available in three pearlescent shades plus a selection of neutrals, the Lasco Contours Radius series also marries therapies–in a body inspired by the BMW Z4 sports car. One-touch electronic controls operate the variable-speed blower, pump, and LED lighting, while strategically placed whirlpool jets and air injectors provide the water action.

Eljer too is making a leap into deluxe combination systems with two new models: the Savannah, available in spacious rectangular and oval styles with six or eight whirlpool jets, and the oversized 72-inch Trinity corner model with eight or 12. Each comes equipped with an in-line heater and the company's Soft Air Bubbler system, which can be used alone or together with the whirlpool.

"Builders definitely see luxury models as selling points," says Chris Miller, Eljer director of marketing. "With home prices climbing people are expecting more value for what they're buying. And builders want to appeal to that." For that reason, he concludes, it makes sense to incorporate them into the overall cost of the construction.

Pasquale agrees, "If 70 percent of your buyers are choosing it as an option, you should just build it into your house."

–BUILDING PRODUCTS

Trend Watch

Several 2006 introductions are sure to lure those looking to max out the indulgence factor by several notches:

• Neptune's Tao collection brings multimedia into the bath with its Neptuner technology that creates surround sound throughout the tub walls and water.
• Aquatic reinvents the soak tub with its HotSoak option that heats and circulates water with a bare minimum of movement said to ensure that elusive hot bath.
• Jason's Home Spa brings the sociable notion of a hot tub indoors with a 78-inch-round by 28-inch-deep fill- and-drain air/whirlpool combo.
• Designed for indoor or outdoor installation, Duravit's Sundeck sports a padded seat over an infinity tub.

As for size, experts agree that large multi-person models have appeal, but smaller single-user tubs are put into action more frequently. "After the initial novelty wears off, people don't use them as often," says dealer Russ Diamond. "It takes longer to fill them. They require more water, and sometimes they're not as comfortable as some of the smaller tubs."

–Linda C. Lentz

Neptune

Neptune. Created to provide the extra-sensory experience, the Tao collection sports spa-like options such as an overflow tucked into the top ledge for optimum immersion; a choice of air bath, whirlpool, or combination air/whirlpool systems; chromatherapy; and even music therapy. Neptuner advanced audio technology uses acoustic transducers to produce an integral surround sound system that transmits sound waves through the tub walls. 450-773-7058. www.neptuneb.com.

Jason

Jason. Taking its cues from the social appeal of outdoor spas, this innovative indoor series of fill-and-drain air/whirlpools dubbed the Home Spa collection is designed to accommodate three or more bathers. The HSR6500 200-gallon 78-inch-long-by-28-inch-deep circular tub includes such deluxe features as easy entry, quiet operation, LED chromatherapy lights, integral heating on its two 1-1/2-hp three-speed pumps and variable-speed air blower, hydrotherapy pillows, and 25 jets configured for tailored treatment. 800-255-5766. www.jasonint.com.

Duravit

Duravit. A completely new concept, the freestanding Sundeck tub designed by the Viennese design firm Eoos can be installed indoors within a surround made of wood veneer or outdoors encased in weather-resistant laminate. Outfitted with LED lighting, a remote control, full-depth overflow channel, and air or whirlpool jets, this unique bath transforms into a comfortable lounge when its marine-quality padded top is folded flat over the tub. 888-387-2848. www.duravit.com.

MTI

MTI. Tapping into the growing urban and masculine markets, this stainless steel-clad freestanding air bath measures 41-3/4 inches wide by 25-1/2 inches high in a choice of two lengths–the Isis at 65-1/2 inches and the Osiris at 71-1/2 inches. The sleek black handcrafted Lucite cast acrylic tubs are reinforced with a thick layer of fiberglass, resin, and titanium for durability and temperature maintenance, the maker claims. 800-783-8827. www.mtiwhirlpools.com.

Lasco

Lasco. Inspired by the sleek BMW Z4 sports coupe, the luxurious acrylic Radius series features gentle concave surfaces and pearlescent finishes. Part of the high-end Contours brand, Radius tubs feature quiet air-and-water hydrotherapy systems, in-line heaters, and ergonomic one-touch operation, the firm says. The shapely group includes round, oval, corner, rectangle, and bowed configurations. Chromatherapy lighting and aromatherapy are optional. 800-945-2726. www.lascobathware.com.

Toto

Toto. Equipped with 16 strategically placed jets designed to target the body's pressure points, the minimalistic Lloyd undermount air bath features the 300-watt pre-heated Air Jet system and 1-hp blower claimed to be ultra-quiet. This slip-resistant cast acrylic tub measures 72 inches by 42 inches by 22-3/8 inches and features integral grab bars, chromatherapy, and spring-loaded, anti-return valves to prevent back flow into the air passage. 888-295-8134. www.totousa.com.

The Zuma Collection

The Zuma Collection. Designed for an all-encompassing body soak, the Blueline series is notable for the textural infinity overflow that tops its oval and rectangular drop-in models. Numerous options include a choice of air bath, whirlpool, or combination air bath/whirlpool systems; center or end drains; 11 metallic trim finishes; five wood surrounds; and 15 standard and a virtually limitless array of custom colors. 818-982-1733. www.zumacollection.com.

BainUltra

BainUltra. A total upgrade of the popular TMU air-jet bath series, the new TMU Amma is said to provide an even more effective thermal massage with its ergonomically redesigned inverted V-jets and half seats at one or each end. Independently controlled heated backrests and headrests accommodate two-person configurations in this lineup that includes alcove, drop-in, undermount, and freestanding styles with optional LED chromatherapy lights. 800-831-7701. www.ultrabaths.com.

American Standard

American Standard. Evolution whirlpools, available in 5- and 6-foot lengths, as well as a 5-1/2-foot oval, are designed with such consumer- and builder-friendly features as a horizontal overflow for maximum water depth, power-adjustable jets that coordinate with and are flush against the tub, a motor said to be 25 percent quieter than previous models, optional field-installed quick-connect heaters, a pre-leveled base, and anti-microbial internal fittings. 800-442-1902. www.americanstandard-us.com.

Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi. Part of the Comfort Line, the 72-inch-by-36-inch-by-20-3/4-inch Amiga Pure Air bath is sized for new construction and retrofit with a self-leveling base system. Luxury enhancements include new electronic controls, a contoured backrest, sculpted armrest, and a 600-watt heated air blower said to deliver a balanced 360-degree flow of effervescent bubbles through its 63 air channels. A thermal lumbar comfort area provides an additional lower back massage. 800-288-4002. www.jacuzzi.com.

Maax

Maax. Measuring 72 inches by 42 inches by 23 inches, the ergonomic Living air/whirlpool combination features an integrated faucet area, symmetrical backrests, inclined armrests, electronic controls, an angled grab bar, and an extra-high overflow for maximum water capacity. Alternative 60-inch and 66-inch lengths are available as well as other models. The company's Aerofeel perimeter air system is said to be extremely hygienic due to check-valves that prevent backflow. 800-463-6229. www.maax.com.

Americh

Americh. To satisfy almost every homeowner, this dual airbath/whirlpool system allows users to select the air jets for a soothing yet invigorating soak, the whirlpool for a deep massage, or both therapies in tandem for maximum effect. Available in a broad range of sizes, styles, and colors, this pre-leveled combination bath can be custom configured to suit most any budget. 800-453-1463. www.americh.com.

Kohler

Kohler. Specifically for builders and remodelers, the ProFlex collection claims to simplify installation via a four-side tile-in flange option and integral apron. The oval-shaped Windward whirlpool is one that offers a large deck area to allow for myriad fitting selections. Custom pump locations offer flexible access and optional in-line heaters maintain water temperatures. Also available as a drop-in, all Windward models have bathing wells of 21 inches and measure 60 inches or 72 inches by 42 inches. 800-456-4537. www.kohler.com.

Eljer

Eljer. The company's two new drop-in luxury models include the six- or eight-jet Savannah in a 71-inch-by-41-inch rectangle or 68-inch-by-48-inch oval shape, and the oversized eight- or 12-jet Trinity, a 72-inch-by-72-inch corner style. Pre-leveled for easy installation, each features an in-line heater and Soft Air Bubbler that can be used alone or at the same time as the whirlpool. 800-423-5537. www.eljer.com.