Air Tub vs Jetted Tub

Air tub vs jetted tub – decisions, decisions. What’s best for your remodel project depends on two factors.

The first factor is the physical sensation you prefer. The second is the configuration or style of the tub itself.

Physical Sensation

A jet tub, also known generically as a whirlpool tub, uses jets of water pumped under high pressure from nozzles on the sides of the tub that can usually be adjusted for direction to focus the streams of water where the user wants. The whirlpool tub may or may not include its own heater.

By contrast, an air tub uses jets of air, also under high pressure, rather than water to produce its effect, which is more relaxing than therapeutic.

So, to the occupant, the difference between the two tub types is the sensation delivered. The water jet feels a bit like a deep-tissue finger massage and is what most people think of as hydrotherapy.

On the other hand, the air jet, which delivers numerous streams of bubbles provides a “fizzing” sensation. This is more gentle than the water jet but very relaxing.

Some therapy tubs come with a combination of air jets and water (whirlpool) jets. These are great.

Air Tubs & Jet Tubs on Amazon

Air & Jet Tubs	Description	Dimensions
	WOODBRIDGE 67″ x 32″ Deluxe Whirlpool Water Jetted and Air Bubble Freestanding Bathtub, B-0030 / BTS1606 White, Whirlpool & Air tub	67 x 32 x 23
	Woodbridge 71″ Whirlpool Water Jetted and Air Bubble Freestanding Bathtub with Chrome Overflow and Drain, BTS1611,White	71 x 31 x 28
	ANZZI Jarvis Whirlpool Air Jetted Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub in White \| Over 200 Aero-Therapeutic Bubble Massage Jets Socking Tub with Light Up Control Pad and Four Colored Bath Lights \| FT-AZ077	66.9 x 33.4 x 23.6

Tub Configuration

This brings us to the second decision factor we mentioned earlier. The configuration or style of the tub itself.

The admitted starting point of this site in recommending a therapy tub within the context of a bathroom remodel is aging-in-place and Universal Design. Accordingly, we are principally concerned here with accessibility.

Step Over Tubs

In an aging-in-place application, a step-over therapy tub should be installed with the liberal use of grab bars.

All in all, we do not think this is a good option and would instead recommend the walk-in therapy tub.

Walk-in Tubs

In an aging-in-place application, we absolutely recommend the walk-in tub rather than the step-over tub, as being a better long-term solution.

However, that said, and given the very great comfort of having a tub to soak in, especially when it is a therapy tub. When you put the cost of this type of tub in the context of your overall remodeling budget, you may well find that by making savings elsewhere in the budget, the cost of a walk-in therapy tub suddenly becomes doable.

Financial Assistance for Walk-In Tubs

While Medicare itself does not cover these items, it is an open question whether Medicare Advantage programs may. However, they do appear to be tax-deductible as a medical expense. Check with your financial adviser as we do not give tax advice.

Walk-in Tubs on Amazon

Walk-in Tubs	Description	Dimensions
	60″ x 30″ Companion Massage Walk In Tub	30 x 60 x 38
	American Standard 30″x52″ Right Hand Premium Series Walk in Combo Whirlpool and Air Spa in White	51.5 x 29.8 x 42
	Ella OA3252HM-R Monaco Acrylic Hydro Massage and Microbubble Therapy Walk-in Bathtub with Right Outward Swing Door, Thermostatic Faucet Set, 2″ Dual Drains, 32″ x 52″ x 43″, White	32 x 52 x 43