You know that feeling when you step into a warm bath at the end of a long day? The hot water enveloping your body, massaging away your stress and tension. Pure bliss. Now imagine enhancing that experience with invigorating jets, soothing aromatherapy, and ambient lighting. An air jetted tub, or AV tub, takes that standard bathtub and transforms it into an in-home spa oasis. If you’re on the fence about whether you really need one of these luxury tubs in your life (and your bathroom), here are a few reasons why every bathroom needs an AV tub. Once you experience one, you’ll never want to soak in a regular tub again.
What Is an AV Tub?
An AV tub, or air vibrational tub, uses air jets to create bubbles that massage your body. Tiny air bubbles are released from dozens of jets lining the tub floor and walls. The jets vibrate, pulsate and swirl the water, giving you a relaxing hydromassage experience.
Compared to a standard jetted tub, AV tubs are gentler. The air jets produce a soft, effervescent sensation rather than a harsh, pounding one. The experience is more like floating in a sea of champagne bubbles. For people with sensitive skin or mobility issues, an AV tub can be a great alternative.
- An AV tub system requires an air blower to produce the air pressure, valves to control the air flow, and air jets placed strategically around the tub.
- The intensity of the massage can be adjusted using the air control valves. More air means stronger bubbles and jets, less air softens the experience.
- Most AV tubs are made of acrylic or fiberglass for insulation and durability. They can be drop-in, freestanding or walk-in styles to suit your needs.
If you crave a pampering, spa-like experience in your own home, an AV tub could be for you. Once you’ve experienced the soothing sensation of tiny bubbles massaging your muscles, standard bathing just won’t compare. Your aching body will thank you, and the stresses of the day will simply float away.
Top Benefits of Installing an AV Tub
An AV tub is a game changer for any bathroom. Here are a few of the top reasons why every bath needs one of these high-tech tubs:
Relaxation
Slipping into a warm bath at the end of a long day is soothing for both the body and mind. AV tubs take relaxation to the next level with features like hydrotherapy jets, chromatherapy lighting, heated headrests, and Bluetooth speakers so you can listen to calming music. There’s nothing quite like an AV tub spa experience for melting away stress and tension.
Health Benefits
AV tubs provide targeted water massage to relieve muscle aches and pains. Hydrotherapy jets placed strategically in the tub help loosen tight muscles and increase circulation. The massaging action can also help reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles. If you have back pain, arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues, the therapeutic effects of an AV tub can be life changing.
Convenience
AV tubs make bathing safer and more convenient for all. Features like grab bars, anti-slip surfaces, and easy-access designs allow people with mobility issues or disabilities to bathe independently. For convenience, look for a tub with a built-in heating system to keep the water warm, automatic cleaning cycles, aromatherapy diffusers, and hands-free faucets.
With a multitude of therapeutic, high-tech features, AV tubs transform a basic bath into an in-home spa oasis. Your body and mind will thank you for the investment in your health, relaxation, and overall well-being. Go ahead, you deserve it!
AV Tub Features You’ll Love
An AV tub is a luxurious addition to any bathroom. Here are a few of the features you’re sure to love:
Adjustable Jets
AV tubs allow you to adjust the strength and direction of the jets, so you can target specific areas of your body. Whether you want an invigorating massage for your back and shoulders or a gentle bubble bath, you’re in control. The adjustable jets make AV tubs ideal for relieving tension and soothing sore muscles.
Air Controls
In addition to the water jets, AV tubs let you control the amount of air mixed into the jets and bubbles. More air means lighter, frothier bubbles while less air produces stronger water streams. Find the perfect combination of air and water for your desired experience. The air controls also allow you to turn the bubbles on or off if you prefer a still water bath.
Multiple Massage Options
With an AV tub, you can choose from a variety of massage styles. Most tubs offer settings like wave, pulse, and rotation to provide different types of massages. The wave setting, for example, produces an undulating massage effect. The pulse setting provides short bursts of pressure. And the rotation setting spins the water in circles for an invigorating massage. Between the jet pressure, jet direction, and massage options, you can craft a custom spa treatment right at home.
Programmable Memory
The best AV tubs allow you to program your preferred jet pressure, temperature, and massage settings into memory. Then with the touch of a button, you can call up your custom bath and step into bliss. No more fussing with the controls to get the water just right every time you bathe. The programmable memory feature makes it easy to recreate your ideal bathing experience each and every time.
An AV tub transform an ordinary bath into an in-home spa oasis. With features like adjustable jets, air controls, massage options, and programmable memory, you’ll wish every room had one!
Choosing the Right AV Tub for Your Bathroom
Choosing the right AV tub for your bathroom depends on several factors. Think about who will be using it, how much space you have, and what features are most important to you.
Size
The size of your bathroom will determine what size tub you can accommodate. Standard tubs are 60 to 72 inches long, while larger models can be up to 84 inches. Consider how much walking space you need around the tub. For small bathrooms, a corner tub may be a space-efficient option.
Shape
The classic rectangular tub is a popular, versatile choice, but you also have options like oval, circular and corner tubs. Oval and circular tubs provide more legroom, while corner tubs fit neatly into bathroom corners to maximize space.
Material
The material impacts heat retention, durability, and price. Acrylic and fiberglass are affordable, lightweight and easy to clean but may not retain heat as well. Enameled steel tubs last longer but can be more expensive. Cast iron is very durable but extremely heavy. Composite materials like granite or stone resin provide natural stone appeal at a lower cost.
Features
Think about what features matter most, like hydrotherapy jets, chromatherapy lighting, heated backrests or in-line water heaters. Multiple jets provide a spa-like experience, while lights and heated surfaces create ambiance. An in-line water heater eliminates the need for mixing valves. Consider how often these features will be used to determine if the additional cost is worthwhile.
Cost
AV tub prices range from $500 up to $10,000 or more for a luxury tub. The specific tub model, size, material and features will determine the final cost. If budget is a concern, choose a standard-sized tub in an affordable material like acrylic or enameled steel with minimal features. You can always add accessories like lights, heated pads or bath pillows later on to enhance your experience.
With some thought about your needs and priorities, you can find an AV tub perfect for creating your dream bathroom oasis. Focus on the factors that matter most to you and your budget to choose a tub you’ll enjoy for years to come.
AV Tub FAQs
Common Questions About AV Tubs
An AV tub can transform your bathing experience, but many people have questions about these luxury tubs before making a purchase. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
Do I need any special skills to operate an AV tub?
No, AV tubs are designed to be simple to use right out of the box. The included remote control allows you to easily adjust the hydrotherapy jets, lights, music volume and more with the push of a button. The tub’s automated cleaning modes also make maintenance a breeze.
How much do AV tubs cost?
AV tubs are an investment, typically ranging from $5,000 up to $15,000 or more for high-end models with premium features. However, their innovative design and quality construction are built to last 15-20 years. When you consider how much time you spend relaxing in your bathtub each week, the cost per use over the lifetime of the tub may be lower than you expect.
Do I need a reinforced floor for an AV tub?
Most standard floor constructions can support the weight of an AV tub when properly installed. However, some older or damaged floors may require reinforcement to handle the additional weight. It’s best to have a contractor evaluate your flooring to determine if any upgrades are needed before purchasing an AV tub.
How long do AV tubs take to fill?
Fill times can vary depending on the size of your AV tub and your home’s plumbing. Most models take between 10 to 20 minutes to fill completely. The tub’s overflow drain system and maximum fill detector help prevent overfilling for safety and water conservation.
Will my water bill increase significantly with an AV tub?
While you can expect some increase in your water usage, AV tubs are designed to be efficient. Their advanced heating systems only activate when the tub is in use, and the amount of water needed depends on how full you fill the tub. Using the tub’s eco-friendly modes and following the recommended fill levels can help minimize the impact on your utility bills.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a few reasons why every bathroom needs an AV tub. After a long day, there’s nothing quite like slipping into a warm bubble bath with your favorite movie or playlist. An AV tub allows you to relax in comfort while also enjoying some entertainment and escapism. For the ultimate luxury bathing experience, the combination of heat, bubbles, and a built-in TV or sound system is hard to beat. If your current bathtub is lacking in the AV department, it may be time for an upgrade. Your body and mind will thank you for it. An AV tub is an investment in your self-care and relaxation that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
