The Best Whirlpool Tubs: Our Expert Reviews And Recommendations

Having the best whirlpool tubs at home is the easiest way to have constant access to a jetted soak. Through the integrated jets that create a swirling motion, many people find these tubs help them relax and ease everyday muscle soreness in a way a normal bathtub can’t. A jetted tub isn’t medical treatment, though, so check with your doctor if you have a health condition. It saves you the trouble of having to go to a spa. You can get all these benefits right in the comfort of your own home.

There are plenty of options out there and that can confuse you as to which one to choose for your home. This buying guide can help you narrow down your choices based on your own preferred features. We made sure to look for different whirlpool tubs that tick off a lot of features such as price, depth, overall size and number of jets. Our picks come from established bathtub brands. Specs below come from the manufacturers and product listings, so confirm them before you buy, since models change.

Comparison Chart for Whirlpool Tubs

Picture	Product	Number of Jets	Motor	Type
	Woodbridge Whirlpool Water Jetted and Air Bubble Tub	10 adjustable body massage jets 10 whirlpool bubble bath jets	2.17HP	Freestanding
	American Standard Evolution	8 Jets	1.4HP	Drop in
	Ariel Platinum	14 multidirectional jets	1.5HP	Freestanding
Picture	Product	Number of Jets	Motor	Type
---	---	---	---	---

Best Whirlpool Tub Reviews

1. Woodbridge Whirlpool Water Jetted and Air Bubble Tub: Best Choice

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“A reasonably-priced jetted bathtub that will not break the bank but has more power and has the most jets for the best massaging effect”

We find this the best among the rest because it has the greatest number of jets. There are 10 adjustable body massage jets plus the same number of bubble bath jets. This equal ratio of water massaging power and air bubble therapy delivers maximum relief from your aches and pains. The massage jets are more powerful but if you are looking for just a light massage, it is easy to adjust it so that only the bubble bath jets are working. You can customize your settings for only 10 jets to work or maximize your usage and use all of them at once.

Pros:

Its listed motor rating is the highest in this list. Like most jetted tubs, it needs its own dedicated circuit (15A for this model, per the listing). Have a licensed electrician wire it, and make sure the circuit has the GFCI protection that electrical codes require for jetted tubs. There’s nothing flimsy or weak about its jet massaging effects. You can go full force and use all jets or simply opt for a gentle air massage through the bubble jets for those days when you just want a relaxing effect.

This freestanding tub measures 67 inches by 32 inches. We like how spacious it is on the inside despite having a bulky and thick frame. Total immersion is possible, even for taller and bigger individuals. Two average-sized people can also cram themselves in it but it might be a tight fit.

It shares one trait with the other bathtubs in this list and that is its acrylic construction. But aside from the use of Lucite acrylic material, which is a known durable material for tubs, the listing says it is reinforced with fiberglass and Ashland resin. As a result, you get a sturdy shell that holds up well during installation.

The smooth acrylic surface is easy to wipe down. Like any jetted tub, though, the jet lines need periodic cleaning to keep residue from building up.

They have a US-based support team. They are easy to call when you have issues with your tub and they act on problems fast.

“The twist overflow function is a nice feature and something you can’t easily find in other whirlpool tubs.”

If you want to drain the tub, simply twist the overflow and it drains automatically. No more sticking your hand in dirty tub water!

We like the simple and minimalistic design. There are no grooves where dirt can easily cling and the material is shiny and glossy, so dirt doesn’t stick to it easily. It also has a curved back, which is great for relaxing.

For a freestanding tub, it is relatively easy to move into place. Check the listed weight of any freestanding tub against your floor, though, and remember that a filled tub plus a bather weighs far more than the empty shell.

This tub has a double-walled design, which helps insulate the water. Water stays warm longer, which is great if you want to soak longer.

Cons:

The air bubble jets have a tendency to be loud when used alone. It’s not a big issue and not a deal breaker but if you find it annoying, you just might end up not using it.

Draining it takes a few minutes longer than others. Again, it isn’t a big issue but can get a little bit annoying.

You can’t turn the underwater mood light off. This might be a good feature for others but if you don’t like staring at that blue light every time you soak in this tub, you might find the light a bit of a downside.

2. American Standard Evolution: Most Affordable

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“This is the least expensive whirlpool tub in this list that is an excellent choice for people who are on a budget.”

A pretty basic tub but has reliable functions, we highly recommend this as a starter whirlpool tub. Don’t expect anything too fancy about this tub given its price but it does what it is supposed to do even if it only has 8 jets. Heads up: the jetted Evolution can be hard to find in stock now, so check availability. If you don’t have a lot of money to burn, but you still want the best massaging effect, we highly recommend this.

Pros:

It is affordable but it surprisingly packs a lot of power. According to American Standard’s Evolution product page, a 1.4 HP single-speed pump drives its 8 adjustable jets.

The on and off control is located at the side for easier access. You can reach it even when lounging in it.

“Its EverClean antimicrobial function is its strongest feature, allowing the tub to remain clean for a longer period of time”.

American Standard molds an antimicrobial additive directly into the water circulation parts to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew in the pipes. That makes upkeep easier, though you should still clean the tub and jets regularly.

The motor has a single speed setting; however, you can adjust the strengths of the jets by turning the outlet collar.

In our view, this one runs more quietly than the Woodbridge. It also has two silent air-volume controls.

With the required Deep Soak Max Drain (sold separately), you get about 3 inches more water depth, which is great for a deeper soak.

Cons:

It is less expensive than others but since it is a drop-in option, you might have to spend more in its setup and installation.

3. Ariel Platinum: Best for Bigger People

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“This is a heavy-duty whirlpool tub with more capacity and more features. Bigger people will find it more comfortable to soak in this tub.”

Bigger is better when it comes to tubs and that is the case with the Ariel Platinum. Get this if you want more room to move around. It’s a more expensive option but you are getting more features with it including Bluetooth speakers and LED chromotherapy lighting for that additional relaxing effect.

Pros:

This thing is huge. It is bigger than the other options and has more water capacity. We recommend this for people who like more room to groove. Check the listed gallon capacity, since a bigger tub may need a bigger water heater to fill with hot water. The average person can stretch out more in this tub. While the Woodbridge is a tight fit for two people, this might allow more space to move around for two people. It’s also a more ideal option for bigger and taller people.

“The multidirectional whirlpool jets integrated make this tub different”.

All 14 jets can be positioned in such a way that they create ripples in the water to provide the best massaging effect. You can customize not just the direction of the jets but also the force of its water flow.

It has all the bells and whistles you can expect from high-end whirlpool tubs. The LED chromotherapy lighting creates a relaxing mood, to make your bathroom really feel like a spa. The Bluetooth radio also contributes to the relaxing atmosphere.

The touchscreen keypad is also a nifty feature. It’s very accessible and you can control the settings of the tub with a keypad that is within arm’s reach.

It’s a gorgeous tub. We like how it looks against modern tiles.

It is quite the durable tub as well. The Woodbridge is still the most durable for us just because of the added resin feature but this one doesn’t lag behind with its fiberglass and acrylic construction.

Cons:

Because there are more features like the touchscreen keypad and the Bluetooth speaker, this is not an easy install. Hire a licensed electrician for the wiring and GFCI protection, and a plumber for the water connections. Wiring mistakes around water are a shock hazard, not just a risk to the electronics.

It takes longer to fill compared to the other tubs. It’s not just the size. The included tubing just doesn’t make way for faster fill. You can replace those with a flex pipe, the stainless-steel type, and that should improve the fill rate.

It’s more expensive than the other picks, but if you are looking for an investment tub, this is a good choice.

Conclusion

The best value for your money is the Woodbridge Whirlpool Water Jetted and Air Bubble Tub. The price is not too cheap but not very expensive either. Since it is a freestanding tub, you skip building a deck or alcove, though you still need plumbing and a dedicated electrical circuit. The massage function isn’t as strong as the one from Ariel but just right in relieving moderate levels of aches and pains. It will also last you for a long time given how rock-solid its construction is.

If money is an issue, go with the American Standard Evolution. It is the cheapest one in this list. It might lack the bells and whistles the other bathtubs have but it makes up for it with its deeper soak and adjustable jets.

If you want to get the full spa experience in your home, we suggest the Ariel Platinum. It is packed with features you can’t get in the other whirlpool tubs. It’s also more spacious, so 2 people can fit comfortably in it.

How to Choose the Best Whirlpool Tub

We want you to make the best buying decision, so here are a few pointers we suggest you go over before deciding which one to buy:

Power and Efficiency

Its motor power can tell you how forceful the jets are. If it has a lower motor power, it might not have a more forceful massaging effect. Compare power and go for the high-powered ones but make sure you can still adjust the jets, so that you can use it efficiently.

Safety

Keep the water at a comfortable temperature. The CPSC advises keeping spa water at 104 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and it has warned about hair getting caught in the suction fittings of spas and whirlpools. Keep long hair up and away from the suction fitting, never leave children alone in the tub, and skip alcohol before a soak.

Number of Jets

The more jets are integrated, the more capable it is in providing a massaging action. Of course, how effective it is in relieving aches and pains will also depend on the placement of the jets. If they can be directed in the direction you prefer, that would be a better option.

Size and Depth

It defeats the purpose of buying a whirlpool tub if it is a tight fit. You won’t be able to relax in that kind of tub, so make sure you check the size and depth specifications before deciding to buy.

“Size is an important factor that can affect your enjoyment of the tub (1).”

Price

Don’t expect to have the fancy features you want in a cheaper whirlpool tub. Prepare to spend more if you want more nifty features.

What’s Next?

Don’t miss our guide on the best bathtubs to install in your home. Let us help you further in making the right decisions on which bathtub to buy.

Sources

• Evolution 60 x 32-Inch Deep Soak Drop-In Bathtub With EverClean Hydromassage System, American Standard
• CPSC Issues Warning for Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs, US Consumer Product Safety Commission