How to Choose the Best Whirlpool Bath for Your Home
When it comes to choosing the perfect whirlpool bath for your new bathroom or bathroom remodel ? don't get carried away with all the superb styles and all the luxury features available before you consider some absolutely essential factors. This will avoid any huge disappointment and ensure you get the most from your new whirlpool bath.
What fits?
Sounds obvious, doesn't it? But you?d be surprised how many people forget to measure the actual space available in their bathroom, and whether the bath will be able to be carried through the house to be installed there without problems with doorways or stairs.
Firstly, measure the space you have to work with, including space for any base or decking if you want a sunken whirlpool. Also consider how much space you would like to leave around the whirlpool bath for items such as a small table, shelving, space for candles or similar items. Then, check out sizes of whirlpool baths suitable for the space you have.
Additional weight
Some whirlpool baths are larger than a normal bath, and therefore hold more water. In the case of installation in a second floor bathroom, you?ll need to calculate the weight of the bath when it's full plus the weight of the heaviest person in your family who will use it, to make sure that it won?t cause a problem. If required, additional support can be installed before installation to boost the flooring capacity to bear the extra load.
Plumbing and electrical
A whirlpool bath is a little more complicated than just a traditional regular bath. You?ll need to make allowances for the air pump installation and ensure that it's accessible in case of maintenance or repair issues in the future.
When it comes to the electricity supply, you?ll need to make sure it's in line with building regulations and also the specifications of the particular whirlpool bath you choose. If you have an idea of the model of whirlpool you would like ? it's worth consulting a qualified electrician and plumber regarding what will be required to install the tub in the location you want. This will avoid any unforeseen last minute problems ? and additional expense.
Additional features
Once you've considered the basics, and you're sure the tub will fit, and that water and electricity supplies and drainage won?t be a problem, you can think about any additional features you?d like to include in your whirlpool bath. There are so many features available nowadays you can be spoilt for choice, but probably the best way to approach it is to consider what features would be really handy and most useful. For example, arm rests and grab bars can make using the whirlpool easier and safer, especially if there are older members of the family who will be using it. Then there are items like in-line water heaters which keep the water in the tub warmer for longer ? almost essential if you plan for long, lazy soaks.
If you consider all of the above before making a final decision, you?ll end up selecting the best bath for your bathroom, and your needs, as well as your budget, and can look forward to enjoying it for many years to come ? without any disappointment.