Jetted tub & spas:

This article series discusses current best design practices for kitchens and bathrooms, including layout, clearances, work space, and accessible kitchen and bathroom layout, clearances, turning space, grab bars, controls, etc.

We discuss the following: Soaking or Jetted Tub Designs & Shapes: tub/shower units, primary bath units, two person tubs and spas, and tubs/spas for tight spaces. Handling Noise Issues with Jetted Tubs & Spas. Guide to Types of Jets Used in Whirlpools & Spas or Tubs, recessed, individually adjustable, in-line tub water heaters, built-in cleaning systems for jetted tubs; Jetted Tub or Spa Mechanicals: Pumps & Heaters for Whirlpools, Jetted Tubs, Spas. Recommendations for Heaters for Whirlpools & Spas or Tubs.

We include advice on choosing and installing kitchen countertops, cabinets, and kitchen or bathroom flooring, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures and fixture controls such as faucets. A list of kitchen and bath product manufactures and sources is included.

Guide to Choosing Soaking Tubs and Jetted Tubs

Our photo illustrates a Japanese style bathing tub installed in a Minneapolis home.

Traditional Japanese bathing (wash thoroughly before ever entering the soaking tub) also includes deep tub designs, often fed from a natural hot spring and sometimes installed in a cascade of several tubs of varying temperatures.

As discussed in Chapter 6 of Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction (Steve Bliss, J Wiley & Sons) :

Material choices for jetted tubs and other oversized “soaking” tubs are the same as described above. However, with the added stress of higher water levels, multiple bathers, and the vibration of jets, the choice of material is more critical.

The most durable type of tub, enameled cast iron, has limited offerings and are very heavy so they are not often used. Acrylic is an excellent choice, as are some of the proprietary materials, such as Americast (American Standard), Vikrell (Sterling/Kohler), and Armacryl (Kallista/ Kohler).

A tub with a nonslip surface is recommended for safety.

Soaking or Jetted Tub Designs & Shapes

Jetted tubs come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and depths and are designed for either a drop-in or niche installation with a tile flange.

Typical rectangular or oval units range from 5 to 6 feet long, 32 to 45 inches wide, and 18 to 24 inches high, and many offer an optional skirt to finish the front and conceal the motor and plumbing.

A drop-in requires a custom-built surround and requires more floor space (see Figure 6-52).

Figure 6-52

[Click any image or table to see an enlarged version with additional detail, commentary & source citation.]

• Tub-showers. Some models are available as tub shower combos and others can be adapted for use as a tub/shower.
  
  However, most designs do not lend themselves to showering due to placement of controls, impractical shapes for doors or curtains, high walls, and rounded interiors. A hand-held shower is always an option.
• Primary bath. If this is the home’s only tub, be aware that deep tubs with a wide top edge or tile ledge can be awkward for bathing small children. Also pay attention to the number of gallons required to take a bath, often double the volume of a standard tub.
• Two-person. For two people, look for a tub with a center drain, or a triangular corner model. Taller people will generally need larger tubs to stretch out.
• Tight spaces or retrofits. Many manufacturers make a tapered model designed to replace a standard 30x60–inch tub. Corner models can also save space in a tight layout.

How to Fix Noise Issues with Jetted Tubs & Spas

Jetted tubs can be rather noisy.

If this is a concern, look for a unit with flexible hoses connected to the pump, which helps reduce the vibration and noise transmitted to the tub. Some manufacturers also offer quieter jet mechanisms as an upgrade.

Also see SPA & JETTED TUB NOISE ISSUES

and see SPA / HOT TUB BLOWER UNIT

Types of Jets Used in Whirlpools & Spas or Tubs

Some manufacturers offer different types of jets with different flow characteristics.

Some jetted tub fittings circulate air, some water, and some both, producing the most vigorous massage.

It is best to try out a system at a showroom if possible. Also pay attention to jet locations.

Jets high and on the sides will provide swirling water, while jets placed where bathers will sit and directed toward the back and other stress points will provide a more effective massage.

Some manufacturers will customize jet locations. Other options to consider are:

• Recessed jets that do not protrude
• Individually adjustable jets, including on-off controls
• An in-line heater if long soaks are desired
• A built-in cleaning system to keep the internal plumbing free from mold and other residues.

Mechanicals: Pumps & Heaters for Whirlpools, Jetted Tubs, Spas

Pumps for jetted tubs or spas are usually located at the opposite end from the drain and fill area. Some manufacturers allow the buyer to specify the pump location for better access.

Look for a pump with automatic protection against burn-out if accidentally run dry. Pumps range from 1/2 to 3 horsepower, and many manufacturers offer a horsepower upgrade for a modest price increase, often a worthwhile expense.

For modern hot tub & spa installations, the water circulating pump comes with a cord and plug that requires a GFCI-protected receptacle.

Watch out: Since the receptacle is inaccessible, it should be either downstream of an accessible GFCI-receptacle or on a circuit with a GFCI breaker. Locate the receptacle where it does not block access to the pump.

To ensure safety, make sure that the unit purchased is UL-listed for the entire system, not just the individual components.

Also see SPA / HOT TUB PUMP REPAIR

Heaters for Whirlpools & Spas or Tubs

If the occupants expect to take long soaks in the tub, an accessory heater is advisable.

Energy-efficient models capture waste heat from the motor and pump to provide a modest degree of supplemental heat, while others use a conventional electrical heating element that can maintain the water temperature indefinitely.

For installations where the volume of the tub exceeds the capacity of the home’s water heater, some manufacturers offer an instantaneous water heater that will heat the water as it enters the tub.

Also see SPA / HOT TUB HEATER REPAIR

Jetted and Soaking Tubs Manufacturers & Sources

• american Standard www.americanstandard-us.com
• Aqua Glass Corp. www.aquaglass.com
• Aquatic Industries www.aquaticwhirlpools.com
• Bains Oceana Baths www.bainsoceaniabaths.com
• Eljer Plumbingware www.eljer.com
• Hydro Systems www.hydrosystem.com
• Jacuzzi Whirlpool Baths www.jacuzzi.com
• Kohler Co. www.kohler.com
• Lasco Bathware www.lascobathware.com
• Maax www.maax.com
• MTI Whirlpools www.mtiwhirlpools.com
• Or see BATH & KITCHEN ASSOCIATIONS, PRODUCT SOURCES
• Or see STEAM BATH / SHOWER GENERATOR INSTALLATION

- - Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction (Steve Bliss, J Wiley & Sons) .

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2021-06-01 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - fix the switch on an old jetted tub

@Holly,

Watch out: if you are not familiar with safe electrical testing practices don't fool with wiring and controls as you could be shocked or killed.

That said, an electrician or repair tech would probably try the following steps;

1. After checking first for a loose wire or connection, simply replace the switch as the least-costly trial that might work

2. replace the motor start/run capacitor (if it use one) as a low-cost repair trial cheaper than doing a lot of diagnostics

3. temporarily bypass the jetted tub motor switch, perhaps using an external temporary switch, to see if the motor starts normally

4. measure the current draw when the motor starts: abnormally high current means a failing motor

5. if it's not a bad switch or capacitor nor simply a loose connection, it's probably the motor.

Use the on-page search box above to find our article on ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTICS to see more-detailed procedures.

On 2021-06-01 by Holly

I have an old 1989 jetted tub. The switch works some of the time. What do I need to do? Is it the switch or motor?

On 2021-02-10 - by (mod) -

Mike

We can't make a specific referral Mike but if you do a simple search for plumbers who service spas and hot tubs in Dallas I think you will find there's a tremendous number of them

On 2021-02-09 by Mike Larson

I live in n.dallas,tx. who would I call to come out and troubleshoot a jetted bathtub that is not powering on?

On 2020-05-08 0 - by (mod) -

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Spa-Hot-Tub-Diagnosis-FAQs.php

Has your post, Tony. Please see the reply there.

On 2020-05-07 by Tony Bowling

We have a Jacuzzi Whirlpool bath. It is all sealed up and no model number visible. It make noises now and then and for no apparent reason. The bath rarely gets used.

The noise is NOT connected to the use of the bath.

The noise which is a like a pump just come on for no reason for about 5 seconds, off again and then on again for maybe 20 minutes total. Then there could nothing for a week or so. It is just not triggered by anything we can find. The noise comes from the back side against the wall.

On 2017-07-05 - by (mod) -

Lucinda,

If you are asking about a pump motor for your jetted tub, that pump probably uses a thermal overload switch thatvresets automatocaslly when the motor cools down. So if the motor stays off you'll need access below the tub to check the tub switch tubing and controls themselves as well as the motor to see what needs repair.

There should be a removable access panel cover to get to that area. Some tubs are built such that a whole fiberglass tub side slides up to free it's bottom edge, then swings out to be lifted away.

On 2017-07-05 by Lucinda Sykes

How do we get to the restart switch when the jetted tub is enclosed?

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Continue reading at SPAS, WHIRLPOOLS, INSTALLATION or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see

BATHROOM DESIGN and also BATHROOM DESIGN, ACCESSIBLE

BATHROOM VENTILATION CODES SPECS

HOT TUB SPA WHIRLPOOL OPERATION & REPAIR if you need help diagnosing & repairing your hot tub or spa

SPA & JETTED TUB NOISE ISSUES

PLUMBING FIXTURES, KITCHEN, BATH - home

STEAM BATH / SHOWER GENERATOR INSTALLATION

TUBS & TUB REPLACEMENTS or RELINERS

Suggested citation for this web page

SPAS WHIRLPOOLS SOAKING & JETTED TUBS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BATH & KITCHEN

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

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