Indicates subscriber only content
Bed & bath
January 2008
send to a friend printable version
Types: Weigh the type of massage you want against noise and cost

WATER-JET

Best for those who like a more vigorous, concentrated massage. Water is drawn into a pump and forced through jets on the sides and ends. Benefits include less splashing and noise than air tubs.
But some water-jet whirlpools may be too vigorous for some people. Neither bath salts nor oils can be used, since they can coat and block the pumping system. Pumps on some models can be damaged if run with an empty tub.
Price $500 to $3,600 for most.

  AIR-JET

Best for those who like a subtler, more enveloping massage. Air is forced through tens or hundreds of pinholes along the tub walls and bottom or through mushroom-shaped caps on the bottom. Using bath salts and oils in air-jet tubs is OK, since water doesn’t contact the pump.
But they tend to splash more and make more noise than water-jet tubs. Those we tested also lost heat more quickly, so you might have to add hot water sooner.
Price $1,200 to $3,600 for most.

  COMBINATION AIR/WATER

Best for those who prefer a varied massage. These allow you to run water
or air separately or together, combining water’s targeted massage with the enveloping effect of air-jets.
But these tend to cost the most and use the most energy when their water and air pumps are run together. They also include the same drawbacks for water- and air-jet models, and require two electrical
connections for their two pumps.
Price $1,300 to $5,200 for most.