Whirlpool bath. Jacuzzi. Air tubs. Spa. Hot tub. Clawfoot bath
Over the years our lifestyle and personal needs for relaxation has changed. Central air conditioning eliminated the need for a front porch where family and friends would gather on hot summer evenings. Gone are the days where neighbours would actually know each. Another thing that has disappeared over the years are small kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens are more spacious and many bathrooms have become a haven where one can unwind and relax after a busy day.
All bathtubs, regardless of age, shape or material, have a drain and overflow. The overflow comes in handy when you are filling up the tub but forget to turn off the taps! Bathtub taps can be mounted right on the tub's edge or wall mounted.
Bathtubs used to be made of enamel over steel or cast iron and were available as a built-in or stand alone fixture like the clawfoot tub. Modern bathtubs are made of acrylic or fiberglass and are available in the traditional rectangular as well as other shapes. Bathtubs are commonly white in colour but the consumer has also the option of choosing a different colour.

CLAWFOOT
The old cast iron clawfoot tub is a collector's item and is hard to find in a good and usable condition. They can be refurbished to their former glory. However, it may be more economical to purchase a replica made of acrylic or fiberglass. Some clawfoot tubs are equipped with a shower curtain and shower head. These tubs may require more water than a standard sized bathtub. Clawfoot bathtubs are either flat, have one raised end and a sloped bottom (slipper tubs) or have both end raised (double slipper tubs).
Many people are unsure what the difference is between a whirlpool bath, jacuzzi, spa, hot tub or air tub so below is a brief description of each "bathtub"
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WHIRLPOOL BATH
Whirlpool bath have jets in the tub walls that pump out air as well as water. It circulates the water in the bath and provides you with a nice soak that is relaxing and invigorating. A whirlpool bath is drained after each use. When you want to clean the whirlpool bath, you simply put in a special solution for cleansing into the water. It will then run through the entire system, cleaning it all out.

JACUZZI
Jacuzzi is the name of a company the makes whirlpool bathtubs and spas. However, "jacuzzi" is often used generically to refer to any bathtub with massaging jets such as in a whirlpool bath.

AIR TUBS
Air tubs do not have jets that circulate a mixture of water and air as in a whirlpool. Instead, air tubs have around 80 small holes that jet a steady stream of air bubbles into the tub for a soothing, therapeutic experience. Kind of like being in a glass of champagne. The stream of air bubbles can be adjusted to your personal preferences. Air tubs are gentle and have less impact on a single spot than a whirlpool.