HYDROTHERAPY TUBS
In regards to offering ultimate relaxation and health benefits, hydrotherapy tubs remain unchallenged. The use of water for therapy dates back hundreds of years where it formed an essential part of traditional medicine practices. From the bathhouses of Ancient Rome to the spas of the modern-day these tubs have evolved to be more precise in targeted relaxation.
What is a hydrotherapy tub? Hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve discomfort, treat various conditions like arthritis and promote physical well-being. A hydrotherapy tub is any tub that uses water for therapeutic purposes. They can be used to alleviate muscle pain and inflammation, headaches, anxiety, stress and a plethora of other physical and emotional complaints.
Construction of Hydrotherapy Tubs
The three critical factors to consider in a hydrotherapy tub are; the jet placements, the number of jets, adaptability and fit. The total number of jets is insignificant in comparison to their arrangement. Different body areas require different types of massage action to relieve tension.
A good hydrotherapy tub has the jets strategically placed and coordinated with the seating to ensure the targeted muscle groups are expertly massaged. Recessed jets concentrated on the neck and back as well as the soles of your feet are guaranteed to give you maximum relaxation.
Regarding adaptability, hydrotherapy tubs are fitted with a control panel that allows the user to customize his or her experience for ultimate comfort. The control panel will enable you to adjust features like the temperature of water, flow and intensity of the jets, music, aromatherapy and chromotherapy options. Cold water therapy option exists in some of these tubs that allows the bather to adjust their temperature to as low as 60°F.
With all these excellent features a hydrotherapy tub won’t mean much if it is not a good fit for you. Luckily, these tubs come in a variety of different specifications to suit the extensive preferences of the consumer. Look out for hydrotherapy tubs with armrests, lumbar support and place to rest the head.
A majority of hydrotherapy tubs are made from a lightweight acrylic material which offers resilience, scratch resistance, durability and a wide range of colours. The other quality option is solid surfacing with a slip-resistant floor.
Electricity (120V or 240V depending on the tub) is a must to run the tub’s pumps and motors. Concerning plumbing, there should be a drain and a half inch hot and cold supply lines. For bigger tubs consider three-quarter inches supply lines.
Take a soak test before purchasing hydrotherapy tubs to ensure the seat height and depth of the tub fits your body size and relaxation needs.
Designs, Shapes and Sizes
Hydrotherapy tubs come in a variety of shapes- round, rectangular, oval and angle in the case of a corner hydrotherapy tub. This diversity enables them to be fitted anywhere in your bathing area.
Hydrotherapy tubs can be either whirlpool baths, air baths, whirlpool/air baths, freestanding tubs and soaking tubs. Whirlpool hydrotherapy baths are characterized by high-pressure water and strategically placed air jets to soothe the muscles instantly. Air baths on the other hand release thousands of tiny bubbles throughout the tub to envelope the body and gently massage the skin.
Whirlpool/air hydrotherapy tubs combine the technology of air tubs and whirlpools to create a harmony of pressurized water and fizzy bubbles. Hydrotherapy soaker tubs are more in-depth than the standard tub with deep wells that allows you to be wholly immersed in water.
Freestanding tubs are the most versatile when it comes to placement and style options. Freestanding hydrotherapy tubs either have feet like the claw feet tub and others sit on their bases or have pedestals. An acrylic hydrotherapy tub with claw feet or stand turns luxury up a notch.
The color and finishes available include chrome, white, black, oil rubbed bronze, polished brass and brushed Nickel among others.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Hydrotherapy Tubs
Although hydrotherapy tubs are drained after every use, and presence of moisture could trigger the growth of mold. That being said, most hydrotherapy tubs are sloped to ensure they are completely drained. Also, some of the tubs are fitted with a sanitation system that the water runs through to kill bacteria.
Want to release the tension that has accumulated throughout your body? How about a gentle massage after an extreme work out? Hydrotherapy tubs are precisely what you need.
