The definitive guide to buying a whirlpool bath in 2023

While a whirlpool bath may seem like a luxurious purchase, it’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to your home, or hospitality business. That’s because the benefits of owning a whirlpool bath are long-lasting and far-reaching.

From hydrotherapy massage, quite literally, being on tap, to a combination of sound and light creating a spa-like experience, whirlpool baths are a cornerstone of accessible tranquillity – any time you like. But with so many brands, shapes, and accessories on the market, we understand the process of choosing your perfect whirlpool bath can be a daunting one.

To help arm you with the tools to make the right decision for you, we’ve put together our definitive guide to buying a whirlpool bath in 2023.

Location, location, location

Firstly, it’s important to consider where your whirlpool bath will go. This is because the size and shape of the area will determine the type of whirlpool bath you can opt for. It might be that you’re replacing an existing bath unit, or if your bathroom is undergoing a renovation, you may have more options and wish to go for something completely different. The good news is, that regardless of where your whirlpool is going, we can create a bath to suit. 

Size & shape matters

Once you’ve established where your whirlpool will live, you will have a better understanding of the best shapes and styles to fit your bathroom. Here’s a whistlestop tour of some of the varieties on offer:

Corner whirlpool baths: If you’re short on space, we recommend a corner whirlpool bath. We offer many different products when it comes to corner baths, from Carron’s Omegaand Oriole to Edition’s Harrow and Plymouth, and Aquaestil’s Satellite and Gloria.

Single ended whirlpool baths: Our single ended whirlpool baths have the tap, overflow and waste position at the end (rather than the centre), a steep side allowing for an optimum showering experience, and a sloped edge for comfortable bathing while led down. This is also a great space-saver, offering all the luxury of a whirlpool bath with no compromise on space. Check out the Modena for calming curves, or the Plane Solo for contemporary geometrics.

Double ended whirlpool baths: Our varied choice of double ended whirlpool baths have the waste and taps fitted in the centre of the tub or fitted to the wall. This means that both ends of the bath have a gentle slope and that there’s enough room for two people to bathe together. We love the Islington, Dorchester and Soho

Shower whirlpool baths: To further save on space, whirlpool baths can include overhead showers, offering relaxation and practicality at the same time. This innovative design provides the best of both worlds in one space-saving bath/shower combination. Select from 1200 – 1699, or 1700+ length to fit your bathroom perfectly.

Freestanding whirlpool baths: If your bathroom is on the roomy side, then a freestanding unit might be your preference. The ultimate in luxury, our Portofino freestanding whirlpool bath has been crafted with central taps, plus a deep base for the ultimate in relaxed bathing. It also comes with state-of-the-art chrome c-lenda flush mini jets and operating controls as well as an anti-vibration 1HP pump and stand for a smooth, uninterrupted soak.

Inset whirlpool baths: Turning the level of luxury up a notch, inset whirlpool bathtubs are incredibly versatile and are a popular choice in modern, contemporary bathrooms. Our Chester whirlpool bath by Edition has a rounded shape with curved corner details, designed to be sunk or inlaid into a preformed case.

Make your whirlpool yours

Once you’ve selected the location of your whirlpool, and the perfect size and shape for your bathroom, you can move onto customisation; choosing the elements that will truly make the whirlpool experience bespoke to you.

Jets: The use of water jets as a form of physical therapy dates back to the 1940s. The combination of warm water and massage jets found in our whirlpool bath systems can support hydrotherapy, leading to improved circulation and relief of muscle aches, cramps, and, even, insomnia. Because wellbeing needs differ from person to person, we offer complete customisation in our whirlpool baths. So, depending on preferred pressure, you can choose the number of jets your whirlpool bath comes with. The result being access to a tailored massage, at home, any time you like.

Lighting: The effects of light can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. For this reason, our whirlpool baths allow the inclusion of 1, 2 or 3 LED lights, which gently illuminate the rippling water to offer the complete package for relaxation. You can also add our Chromo Relax LED package to your whirlpool bath. Drawing on the benefits of healing through light, our high spec low energy ultra-bright COLOUR STOP lighting system allows guests to enjoy a myriad of changing colours. From a warm sunset to a soothing azure pool, or the glow of a sunny afternoon.

Sound: Bath Sound turns a whirlpool bath into a giant speaker. This sophisticated piece of technology converts your chosen bath into a unique piece of audio equipment, with superb sound quality. The Bath Sound system produces crystal clear sound, and it can also be heard underwater, through the bubbles of the whirlpool. Simply connect any smart device via Bluetooth and stream directly.

Ensure longevity with aftercare

As noted at the start of this post, a whirlpool bath is an investment with long-term returns. And although relatively low maintenance, there is some level of aftercare required to ensure your whirlpool bath continues to run smoothly for years to come.

Here are our top tips for keeping your whirlpool bath in tip-top condition:

• To keep your whirlpool or spa in good working order, we recommend that you clean it every 2 – 3 weeks using whirlpool bath and spa cleaner. This will ensure that the pipework and jets are kept clean and fresh.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning solutions or creams – all chrome finishes should be cleaned with warm water.
• Keep bleach away from chrome plated and gold fittings.
• Only use approved low foam bath oils and salts – do not use regular bubble bath, oils or salts…otherwise your house will be filled with bubbles!

As you can see, whirlpool bath systems are not one-size-fits-all – they are a completely customisable purchase that can be tailored to your every need. If after reading this guide to buying a whirlpool bath you’re keen to find out more, please get in touch with our team who will be happy to advise. We’ve been producing bespoke whirlpool baths for many years and have the know-how to deliver your dream whirlpool combination for the ultimate in day-to-day relaxation. Ready to take the plunge?