Air Massage, Hydro Massage and Heated Seat Options Explained

Air massage and hydro massage are two different therapies, and you can have both in one tub. Air massage releases gentle air bubbles up through the floor and seat of the tub. Hydro massage uses water jets placed on the back, hips, feet and calves for a deeper, more focused feel. A heated seat and back is a separate option that warms the acrylic surface, and the inline heater helps your bath stay warm once the tub is filled.

Air Massage: More Than Just Bubbles

It is easy to think air massage is only a bubbly surface, but it is a real massage. The air jets are small, flat jets (16 in total) set into the seat and floor of the tub. They kick out pressure by moving water, so you feel a soothing massage along with the bubbles. There are three speed settings (high, medium and low), so you can choose a gentle fizz or a livelier feel.

If you would like to compare the two systems side by side, see hydro massage vs air massage and how to use the controls.

Hydro Massage: Targeted Water Jets

Hydro jets are larger than air jets and sit flat on the tub walls. They are strategically placed to reach the back, hips, feet and calves, which gives a more intense massage.

Using Both Together

Air massage and hydro massage can be combined in one tub, so you can enjoy bubbles rising around you and jets working on your muscles. Some models are built around this pairing:

• The Hydro Massage Lay Down walk-in tub includes hydro massage.
• The Transfer 60 walk-in tub is available with bubbles and hydro massage.
• The E2C tub has hydro jets for the back, calves and feet, plus air jets on the seat and below the feet.

The E2C also offers an independent foot massage. Fill the water to just below the kneecaps and enjoy a spotlight foot massage. If you are curious about the finer bubbles some tubs offer, read about infusion microbubble therapy and which tubs offer it.

Heated Seat and Back

The heated seat and back is an optional, button-controlled feature. It warms the acrylic surface so it is not cold while you wait for the tub to fill. It does not change the temperature of your water. The option includes the control box and transformer.

The heated seat and back is made of pads glued to the tub, and it is non-refundable once installed, so it is worth deciding on it before installation. You can learn more in how the optional heated seat and backrest works.

The Inline Water Heater

The inline heater built into the hydromassage therapy sustains the temperature of the water in your tub, which extends how long your bath stays warm. It does not reheat cold water, and it does not change the starting water temperature. Fill with water at a temperature you enjoy, and the heater helps you keep it. For more detail, see what the in-line water heater does and does not do.

Common Questions