 |
Whirlpool Bathtub FAQ |  |
|
Question: Why a custom whirlpool bath? Answer: Because everyone is unique. People come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and one size does not fit all! We offer over six different styles of jets and many, many options on how those jets are plumbed. You can sit in the tub and locate where you want the jets. We have a demo tub that you can experience and you are welcome to come wearing your bathing suit and sit in it to feel the different types of jets. (With appointment please.) See the systems page for more information on the different types of jets and systems. In addition, everyone has their own reason for buying a whirlpool bath to begin with; Some people buy a whirlpool bath for relaxation; Some for medical reasons; Some for investment purposes. Q: What's the best jet? A: The answer depends on the person. We try to find out as much about why a person is buying a whirlpool to answer that question. What might be the best jet for one purpose is not the best jet for another purpose. That's why we build custom systems. It's common to have 2, 3 or even more different types of jets in a custom system. Some jets will only fit in some tubs and only in some locations in others. Q: What kind of maintenance does a whirlpool bath require? A: Very little if used often. We recommend a thorough cleaning once a year if the tub is used on a regular basis. Fill the tub with hot water, add about 3 table spoons of GEL type automatic dishwashing liquid and run for 15 minutes. Drain the water, refill with cold water, run to rinse and drain again. If the tub is not used at least once a month, then you should perform this cleaning operation once a month. If the tub has not been used for more than several months, you should run a pre-cleaning cycle. Fill the tub with hot water, and add 1/2 cup of bleach. (Nothing else.) Run for 15 minutes, drain and fill with cold water, run 5 minutes to rinse and drain the tub. Now run the standard cleaning cycle. DO NOT MIX BLEACH with any other cleaning agent! Q: What are the electrical/building requirements? A: This may change slightly based on your local building codes, but generally each whirlpool tub requires it's own dedicated 20Amp GFI circuit. If you go with one of the optional electrical heaters, it too requires it's own 20Amp GFI dedicated circuit. You will also be required to have an access panel to get to the pump should it need servicing. This access panel does not have to be ventilated, but it should be big enough to get the pump out. We suggest 12"x18" but you can go down to 12"x12" if need be. The larger access panel will make it a lot easier to service the pump. If the electric heater is not located near the pump, it too will require it's own access panel. 12"x12" is fine. (The passive heater is always mounted on the pump, so an additional access panel is never required.) Q: Can I really put a custom system into an cast iron enameled tub? A: Yes! We charge more for it, due to the extra difficulty, but we can do it, and we offer a 100% guarantee against damaging the tub. (I.e, if we damage the tub during drilling, we'll replace it with a new tub at no charge.) Q: What size pump do you use? A: We use pumps from 1/3hp to 2hp. Since every system is custom, we will match the pump requirements to the system. Physically it's about 15" long and 10" tall. The electrical draw is from 9amps to 16amps, depending on the horsepower rating, 110Volts. (220 available for most sizes.) Q: What's the single biggest factor in whirlpool system performance? A: How it's plumbed. Smooth bends in large pipes (when possible) work better than PVC elbows. Rigid PVC heated and bent works better than flexible PVC. How the water is distributed from the pump's discharge to the jets has an enormous effect on the jets performance. Minimizing turbulence at the jets is also paramount. The suction (intake) of the system is also very important. (Most are way too small.) We have systems here in the shop that use a smaller motor than the competitors, but because the pumping is right and the suction is sized correctly, it actually performs better than the competition! All of this just comes down to experience. Some people take the easy way out by slapping a big pump on the system and telling you it'll "blow your socks off." Maybe it will, but it'll also increase your electric bill needlessly, and it's really done to overcome shoddy plumbing practices. Q: How much does all this cost? A: If you own the tub, it's $600 for any acrylic, cultured marble, plastic or fiberglass tub. If it's cast iron, the price is $1000. This is for 6 standard jets. You still get to place the pump where you want it, and of course, the jets where you need them. If we provide the tub, the prices range from $600 to $3200, depending on the system selected. The "average" price is about $1200. If you are a plumber, contractor or builder, inquire, we have special prices for you. Q: Can you ship the tub? A: Yes. The price is about $100 for shipping most tubs. Cast Iron may be slightly more. We'll add to this FAQ as you send us Questions! | ||
| Our Phone Number is 520 888 4466, Our Fax Number is 520 888 3100. You can reach us via email at sales(at)arizonawhirlpool.com Our normal business hours are 10am to 4pm, Monday - Friday. Other times and days by appointment. | ||