Air Tub vs. Whirlpool: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between whirlpools and air tubs. Both provide jet massages in a tub. But once you are in the market for one or the other, you will quickly realize that there are some important variances between a whirlpool tub and an air tub. The main distinguishing feature that sets the two apart is the mechanism by which the jets operate. Simply put, a whirlpool shoots jets of water while an air tub uses jets of air. This can have several implications in regards to upkeep, function and personal preference.
American Standard Evolution Whirlpool
The most noticeable difference is the sensation. A whirlpool’s water jets come with the classic, high pressure, deep massaging jets that most people have come to associate with hydrotherapy. When you visit a professional physical therapist, this will likely be the type of tub they have. An air tub, on the other hand, is a more generalized, effervescent feeling. Instead of a few concentrated jets, the air tub has numerous air jets that shoot millions of massaging bubbles. It’s a gentler sensation, but still highly relaxing.
Jacuzzi Allusion Air Tub
The other significant difference between whirlpools and air tubs is the maintenance. Both are relatively simple to clean. For a whirlpool, simply add in a cleaning solution (store bought or homemade) and run the jets for a few minutes. It’s also important to remember to never run a whirlpool unless it is filled. An air tub, on the other hand, is self-drying and is thus self-cleaning. Simply drain the air tub and turn on the jets until the tub is completely dry.
Neither the air tub nor the whirlpool is a superior choice. Choosing which one you install in your home is simply a matter of taste.
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Apr 16, 2010I have an Americh Airtub which I thought, like this website states, was “self-drying and is thus self-cleaning. Simply drain the air tub and turn on the jets until the tub is completely dry.” That is totally wrong, because after having my tub for almost 3 years and thinking it was clean, well, now I have the same little black specs floating around the tub in the water that I’m NOT supposed to have with an air tub.
So, don’t be fooled, if you buy a whirlpool tub OR an air tub, it seems you still need to clear out those lines, even if you THINK they’re clean by their ‘self-cleaning’ because they ARE NOT.
Hope my comments can help someone.
Ive been researching tubs for about 2 weeks now. All sites seem to say that there is no way to clean an air tub. All you are supposed to do is run the jets and it dries it for you.
Do you always … always run your jets after you use your tub?
Im going to call a sales rep and ask them.
I’ve had my air jet bathtub for a few months now and I cant be more impressed, I find the functionality better and the clear up quick and easy! I found another interesting article about air jet bathtubs for you to consider if you’re in the market for one.
@Susie, I run my jets after every use just to make 100% sure its dry.
Thanks for the comments. I am about to build a new home and need to select a “luxury” bathtub for our master suite. I currently have a whirlpool. I refuse to turn on the jets because it is just disgusting. Based upon my experience, I would NEVER get into a bathtub anywhere else besides my home. However, my husband and I were at a Hilton in Las Vegas a couple of months ago and I got into a air jet tub. It appeared to not have all those “black flecks” and I loved it. However, I want to make sure that I order the right thing.
I have a Jacuzzi and let it sit for a couple months and had the black specks. A condo we stayed in had an air tub so I was checking into it to see if indeed it is self cleaning, it appears its NOT by these comments. The good news is, I got my Jacuzzi clean. Order Ahhh-some off Amazon and try it. I had to run my tub twice and rinse twice but, alas, its clean. I’ll just put a teaspoon in after each bath (I take only 1 a week) and it should stay clean from now on.
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I totally agree with your comments. Both has its own advantages but i preferred whirlpool although its costlier than air tubs. As long as there are benefits from moving water, whirl pool is here to stay.
If the air=jetted tub has an automatic turn on feature after your bath, it will automatically evaporate water in the air lines eliminating any possibility of bacterial water deposits. We have had 8 air tubs at our BnB and we have yet to have experienced a single dirty air system complaint. They are marvelous. Downside: the air system comes on automatically for 2 minutes after each bath. Some people might be annoyed by that. We just tell our guests in advance to expect it and there is no problem.
I am agreed with your post David, there is not much difference between both and i have both types of tubs. See my bath tubs collection.
Air tubs and water jetted tubs all will have biofilm buildup in the lines. Any surface that comes in contact with water, including the air lines, develop biofilm even though you don’t see it. It’s like the wall of a toilet, it looks clean but you wouldn’t bath in it.
There is a cleaner the lodging industry uses to clean the plumbing lines called Oh Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner. This will clean both air and water lines. Simply fill the tub up high enough to turn the jets on, let the product circulate according to the directions. Drain, wipe the surface down with a good cleaner and the tub is perfectly clean.
A clean jetted bathtub is as safe to use as a well taken care of pool. A dirty tub on the other hand, very high levels of mold and bacteria in the water.