Grab Bars: Why and How to Install Them
Grab bars in the bathroom are one of the easiest and most effective modifications you can make.
When you think of Jacuzzi tubs, you probably imagine a relaxing bath and soaking in soothing warm water. Although the Jacuzzi brand name is technically for a line of luxury hot tubs, the name has become interchangeable with both hot tubs and jetted tubs. Many homeowners decide to install a whirlpool bathtub in order to enjoy a relaxing spa experience every time they take a bath.
Seniors and aging adults can especially benefit from a Jacuzzi tub. This guide will walk you through all the important things you need to know about Jacuzzis and other hydrotherapy tub options. We’ll help you decide if installing a Jacuzzi is the right choice for you, considering costs and other important factors before purchasing a jetted tub for your home.
You’ve probably heard the term Jacuzzi used to mean a variety of hot water tubs with jets. This can quickly lead to confusion about the differences between tub types. For example, perhaps you’ve seen hotels advertise their Jacuzzi tub rooms but heard someone else say they just put in a new Jacuzzi in the backyard. One Jacuzzi is a private bath and the other is an outdoor spa on the patio.
Understanding the difference between tub types can make it easier to know exactly what you’re shopping for:
Image 1: Jacuzzi tub
Image 2: Freestanding bathtub
Image 3: Hot tub
Installing a Jacuzzi tub or other jetted tub in your home might seem like an unnecessary luxury. After all, you have a perfectly good shower for bathing. Adding a jetted tub, however, can provide a lot of benefits to you and your home. For example, jetted tubs can increase the value of your home and generally cost less after installation than a walk-in tub.
Although almost anyone can enjoy the health benefits of a Jacuzzi tub, many aging adults find hydrotherapy to be one of the best forms of chronic pain management. Warm water has been used for thousands of years to help promote health and wellness. As we age, our bodies become more prone to soreness or injuries, and it’s important to find ways to stay healthy.
Whirlpool tubs can provide important health benefits for seniors and aging adults, such as:
Making the decision to install a whirlpool tub is only the first step in your purchase of a Jacuzzi tub. You’ll need to consider everything from your bathroom space to whether your water heater is large enough for a Jacuzzi. Aging adults may need to install safety features around your Jacuzzi, such as grab bars, to help reduce your risk of falls when getting in and out. However, if safety is a main concern, some adults may want to look into a walk-in tub with Safe Step instead.
Some of the most important factors to consider for your Jacuzzi tub include:
Jacuzzi tub feature | What to consider |
Size | You can choose between several standard jetted tub sizes or get a custom size to meet your needs. You usually can’t drop the new tub into the space where the old tub was. You’ll need to size the space available for your jetted tub as well as the width of the door to get the tub in the room. A standard Jacuzzi tub is 60 inches long and 32 inches wide. |
Weight | Depending on your flooring, you may need to calculate how heavy the tub will be when filled with water and a bather. Second-floor bathrooms are especially prone to needing floor reinforcement for Jacuzzi tubs. |
Shape | Your bathroom layout may need to be reconfigured in order to fit the Jacuzzi tub in the right spot. For example, a corner tub will be shaped like a triangle, which may not line up the same way as your old bathtub. |
Electrical needs | Jacuzzi tubs can require a lot of power to run the jets. Consult with an electrician on the needs of your tub and if any wiring work needs to be done in your bathroom. |
Color and material | While it may seem less important, a jetted tub usually becomes the focal point of a bathroom. Due to the cost of installing a Jacuzzi tub, you want to make sure you pick a color and material that will stand the test of time. |
Water needs | Check how much water your jetted tub will need and how many gallons of hot water it will use. Make sure your water heater is large enough to accommodate your bathing needs. |
In addition to the basic placement and size, think about what types of added features you want for your jetted tub. If your tub will fit in your bathroom space, you might want to add certain features for comfort or aesthetics.
The cost to install a Jacuzzi tub depends on the brand, size, and features. If you install a brand-name Jacuzzi, for example, the tub alone may cost over $1,000 and up to $5,000. Installation costs only add to that amount:
If you’re investing several thousand dollars into a new jetted tub for your bathroom, you want to know the job will be done correctly.
Once your Jacuzzi tub has been installed, follow its safety guidelines to make sure you are safe when bathing. While Jacuzzi tubs aren’t necessarily dangerous, you can cause damage to your bathroom or the tub if used improperly.
Grab Bars: Why and How to Install Them
Grab bars in the bathroom are one of the easiest and most effective modifications you can make.
Make Your Bathroom Safer with a Walk-In Tub
Learn more about installing a walk-in tub and how it can make your or your parents’ home safer as they age.
Egress Windows: Types, Requirements, and Safety Considerations
Prepare your home for an emergency by ensuring your homes meets egress window safety requirements. In this article, we’ll discuss types of egress windows, international building code requirements, and considerations for installing egress windows.
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