Whirlpool Bath Info

Introduction
A luxury item found only in the best bathrooms across the United Kingdom, the whirlpool bath is one of the most pleasurable and most cherished bathroom appliances in the country. Also known in some places as a hot tub or Jacuzzi, the whirlpool bath is a regular bathtub fitted out with jets that circulate streams of hot water within the tub.

Many whirlpool baths are made specifically for therapeutic purposes and the health advantages are many. An increasing number of these playfully healthy therapeutic toys, however, are being installed in private homes simply for the sheer fun of the experience. And there is no denying that whirlpool baths are a world of swirling fun.

Depending on your budget, whirlpool baths can come as basic or as luxuriously intricate as you can afford. Whether you need that polished, futuristic look to your modern bathroom or the breezier, softer tones of a subdued comfort zone, whirlpool baths come made from many different materials including steel and extra durable acrylic. You may not mind taking your whirlpool bath apart every once in a while to scrupulously clean the embedded pipes and other hidden parts, or you may appreciate an integrated disinfection system that can take care of all that for you and allow you to never have to worry about it. In every case, there is a whirlpool bath for you.

Certain whirlpool baths offer combinations of the whirlpool technology with other therapeutic or just plain fun effects. There are air spa whirlpool baths that shoot out jets of air as well as water. There are chromatherapy whirlpool baths that feature slowly changing underwater coloured lighting display effects. There are ozone generating whirlpool baths, hydropools and hydrospas, which are two relatively evolved forms of the same thing, jetted hydrotherapy baths, and many more. Whether fun or remedial, what all of these baths have in common is that they all use special nozzles to pump streams of water through the tub to create a full body effect that is both soothing and massaging for the entire person.

History
The ancient Romans were famous for their use of baths that featured rapidly circulating water to both relax their stressed upper class citizens and revitalise their fatigued upper class citizens. The famous Roman baths relied on natural means to both heat and circulate their water systems and were some of the earliest ancestors of the modern whirlpool bath. These baths were are also an important feature of the Roman social structure as they allowed nobles and senators to associate with each other in their down time and develop strong bonds and alliances in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Today, many whirlpool baths are private and individual affairs enjoyed alone or with a friend from the comfort of one’s home. Even though the whirlpool bath has lost much of the original social spice given to it by the Romans, it has still managed to retain all of the original fun and therapeutic effects and has maybe even gotten better with time.

The idea of a domestic whirlpool bath was developed in California in the early 1900s by a group of Italian brothers who were known at the time for manufacturing aircraft and agricultural pumps. Due to the combination of the death of one of the brothers in an aircraft accident and the development of rheumatoid arthritis in one of the children of another brother, these innovative men turned their attention toward developing personal submersible bathtub pumps. Although the original idea was simply to attempt to sooth the suffering of the young boy’s chronic pain, these water-based therapeutic aids turned out to be a hit in the celebrity market and began receiving rave reviews from famous personalities across the United States.

Soon the brothers incorporated the submersible pump and the tub into a single unit and called it the Jacuzzi, after their own last name. These first Jacuzzi units quickly became icons of the luxurious Hollywood lifestyle and were soon being ordered and delivered around the country and then around the world.

The Jacuzzi brothers kept on steadily improving their design until, by the late 1970s, the Jacuzzi whirlpool bath featured an internal heating system to make sure the water stayed warm and an internal filtration system to make sure it stayed clean and fresh. They also began marketing what they called spa units — larger versions of the original Jacuzzi design, geared toward more commercial and public use. Soon other companies around the world began offering their own takes on the jet stream bath concept, which had originated in California with the Jacuzzi brothers, and the modern whirlpool bath was born.

Features
For the most part, whirlpool baths are made from either of two basic materials, steel or acrylic, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Acrylic whirlpool baths generally feel warmer than cold steel to the touch and, therefore, allow the water to warm up faster and retain its warmth for longer. Acrylic whirlpool baths can also be made in more exotic and intriguing shapes than the ones their steel counterparts allow for, giving them a more adaptable and decorative reputation.

Steel whirlpool baths, on the other hand, are the more robust of the two. Their surface is very sturdy and strong, due to the tough makeup of the metal from which they are made, and they can take a lot of roughhousing and strenuous use. They are beautiful in their own right and fit much better than acrylic into many different types of bathrooms.

Most whirlpool baths have various settings for the jet stream action they are famous for. The lowest or relaxation setting is a soft, bubbly ripple designed to sooth the nerves and bring peace to not only the body but also the mind and soul. In this setting, the water flows gently across the skin and calmly hypnotises the nerves and senses. In the slightly more robust massage setting, the water provides a steady pulsating action much like a firm, kneading massage. This setting is designed to relieve sore muscles, knots, and aches with a water pressure that is a little more forceful yet still uniform. The massage setting can typically be enjoyed for great periods in many different positions.

The strongest setting is best enjoyed for brief, power periods and is designed for a thorough rejuvenation of the body. The jets of water churn the surface of the skin, drawing energy and life from within and bringing forth a general feeling of vigour and liveliness. This invigorative setting can pep up the most fatigued soul and help him tap into reserves of energy and longevity that he never before knew existed within him. Each of these settings has its own health benefits and can be used to produce very different and almost opposing yet equally satisfying effects on the body.

Some whirlpool baths feature an air spa option. The air spa action is a form of very light massage produced by combining jets of air with jets of water from the whirlpool bath. This is often enjoyed best by children or the elderly but may also bring light health benefits to the infirm.

Things to Look for
The most important things to look for when purchasing a whirlpool bath have to with the maintenance, durability, accessibility, and safety of the bath. Each of these factors plays its part and, although there may be a bit of give and take between them, in general, a good whirlpool bath will have stellar marks in all four areas.

In the maintenance arena, make sure your whirlpool bath will be easy enough to clean and service. If there are hidden jet spouts or pipes, it is often best that these are self-draining to avoid a lot of extra hassle. If there is an automatic cleaning and disinfection system in your whirlpool bath, make sure the necessary cleaning chemicals affordable and available in your area.

As far as durability goes, your whirlpool bath should be manufactured and marketed by a respectable company with a good reputation and it should come with some kind of warranty service. Make sure that the company’s customer service branch is efficient and helpful just in case a servicing emergency should arise, and find out beforehand if there are any specific conditions in your warranty that you should be aware of so that you don’t accidentally void it.

Make sure all the controls are in top working condition, easy to use, and suitable to your style. Some customers prefer electronic reins for their whirlpool systems and some drool over manual controls. Either is easy to obtain. Sometimes the taps and fittings for your whirlpool bath need to be purchased separately and, if so, make sure that this fits into your budget. If you like full control over both the direction and force of your jet stream, make sure that the jets are fully and easily controllable.

Last and by no means least, make sure your whirlpool bath has all the appropriate safety features. If the water inlet gets blocked, your whirlpool bath should have an automatic shutdown feature to help avoid personal injury. There should be a system in place to make sure that your whirlpool bath does not run if it is empty of water, and there should be an RCD cut out device to avoid electrical shorts. You may need a timer or some kind of built-in alarm if you plan to take naps in the water, and most users generally appreciate a temperature gauge of some type so they can make sure that the water is not to hot before stepping in.

Cleaning
Keeping your whirlpool bath clean is an important part of owning one of these. No one wants to bathe in a dirty bathtub. Here are a few tips to help you keep your whirlpool clean and shiny both inside and out.

To start the cleaning process, fill the basin of your tub to the brim with warm or hot water and make sure the air induction control is switched off. Once the tub is full of still water, throw in half a cup of bleach and a couple tablespoons of regular dishwashing liquid. Step back as far as possible to make sure no bleach gets on your clothes and turn the jets onto a medium setting. Allow them to run interrupted for about fifteen minutes before draining the water.

Once the first part of the cleaning process is complete, fill your whirlpool bath once again with water, this time making it ice cold. This is the rinsing section of the process so withhold the soap. Allow the jets to once again run at a medium speed for another fifteen minutes or so. If you like, you may repeat this rinse one more time just to make sure.

Now that you have successfully cleaned out the inside of the jets and their corresponding pipes, it’s time to clean the tub itself. This can’t be done by simply filling it with water — you’ll have to get in there and scrub. Use a strong detergent that is also tub-friendly, and make sure not to leave it on any surface for longer than the directions on the bottle suggest. Before using any form of detergent on the tub, test it out on a small, barely noticeable section of the surface, allowing it to sit for a short while to make sure there are no adverse effects. Use a toothbrush to get into the cracks and make sure that no spot is left unattended.

Once you are thoroughly satisfied with your scrubbing efforts, rinse out the tub with a good dose of cold water. You may be tempted to take a relaxing bath after all this hard work but it’s best to let the tub sit for at least two hours after a cleaning to make sure all the chemicals have dissipated.

Senior Safety- Falls Prevention and Bathroom safety

It is a sad fact of life that as we age we become less mobile and more accident-prone. The bathroom constitutes one of the biggest safety risks for senior citizens because it combines slippery surfaces with water and soap. However, the bathroom also represents a place where people value their privacy and do not usually welcome the prospect of having to request the help of others to complete everyday tasks such as washing and using the toilet.

In order to assure bathroom safety there are a number of basic measures that can be taken to make the bathroom a safer place for senior citizens while also allowing those individuals to maintain their dignity.

Lighting

Good lighting is critical to ensuring that the bathroom is a safe place. Install a good nightlight that remains lit throughout the night and make sure that the path to the bathroom is clearly lit. Ensure that all light switches are easy to reach and locate and that the lighting provided is sufficient to light all areas of the bathroom.

The floor

Clothes and loose items should never be left on the bathroom floor as they can pose a tripping or slipping hazard. Place a large washing basket in the bathroom to encourage people to place dirty clothes and used towels directly out of harm’s way. Exchange all rugs and bathmats for non-slip mats that are strongly held in place and regularly clean the bathroom floor in order to ensure that it is dry and free of any slippery substances.

The shower and bathtub

Rubber suction mats are critical for both the shower and the tub. Ensure that they are washed regularly and any build up of soap or other cleaning products are frequently removed. In addition to these, it is useful to install grip bars and a bathtub rail at heights that are suitable for the individual who will be using the bathroom. All towels, bath products and appliances should be within arm’s reach and easy to locate.

All of these measures are simple and inexpensive yet they potentially allow a senior citizen to maintain their independence; something that is invaluable.

Seniors are particularly frail and are more prone to accidents and falls than anyone. If a residence is fitted out with the correct safety installations, the risk of falling greatly decreases. The most common place for injuries to occur is the bathroom where water and soapy substances become slip hazards.

Recommended Bathroom Equipment

Handrails

• Handrails are essential for easy grabbing and steadying.

Toilet Seat with Hand Grips

• Seats with special grips attached help the elderly to get on and off the toilet.

Shower Chair

• To reduce bending over, a chair designed for showering is recommended.

Non-Slip Flooring

• Tiles can be covered with a non-slip preparation. A varying range of solutions are available.

Non-Slip Mats

• Non-slip mats should be placed in the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen.

Facing aging can be hard on many of us. Independence is usually the most important aspect of maintaining a quality life for the aged. Assisting in retaining a level of independence is valuable to the well being of our senior citizens.

Davonport is a bespoke kitchen manufacturer and designer offering the finest quality in handmade, solid wood kitchen cabinetry.

Davonport cater for all requirements and tastes, manufacturing and designing kitchens in a wide variety of styles from Shaker to Georgian, Silverline to Victorian and Stop-Chamfer to Bespoke Handleless in a wide range of timbers.

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Davonport was established almost 20 years ago and uses its experience in kitchen cabinet making to constantly improve the quality of its products. Over the years the company has grown significantly and now combines the latest technology with traditional woodcraft and finishing skills, to create cabinets of the highest quality in its thriving workshop in the heart of East Anglia.

Liberty Bathrooms are an online retailer with an extensive range of bathroom suites, shower enclosures, bathroom fixtures and furniture. We choose our products with three principles in mind: Design, Quality and Value.

We continually update the site with hand-picked products of the most recent, innovative and quality designs, giving Liberty Bathrooms a truly comprehensive range of affordable bathroom suites and components.

You can browse and shop for your new bathroom in the comfort of your home safe with the knowledge that our products are of both high quality and superb value for money, with huge discounts off the RRPs.

By sourcing our products directly from the factory and selling solely online, keeping out overheads low, we are able to provide far better prices than if our products had come through a long supply chain of wholesalers and then retailers. To prove that we are serious about low prices, we offer a Price Match Guarantee. If you find the same bathroom selling somewhere else cheaper, we will swiftly match that price once we verify the claim.

Vufold was launched in 2005 when they saw a gap in the market for top quality and the robust system of folding doors which combines the detail and excellent craftmanship of bespoke sliding doors at off-the-shelf prices. Previously, they had identified that this was a massively sought after product range and people loved the simplicity and versatility of folding doors yet were limited by the associated costs and complexity of the traditional doors on the market.

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View the Vufold range of sliding doors, folding doors and patio/French doors to see how the amazing workmanship could compliment your home. Available from 4ft to 16ft, in a range of finishes and with a price promise that ensures they won’t be beaten on price for a like for like product comparison.

Kitchens UK are a family based company with over 10 years experience who offers bespoke kitchens to the majority of the UK.

Whatever size, shape or colour you have in mind for your perfect kitchen, our dedicated team are here to help you create it! We have a wide range of kitchens available so you won’t be short of choice. Our modern kitchens are simplistic, sleek and stylish, our traditional range offers a warm rustic, cosy feel and our classic range boasts a timeless homely feel.

We know how important it is for you to have those fine details that will make-up your kitchen and reflect your personality. Our design specialists use the latest technology to create a 3D image of your new kitchen, ensuring all those little details are included. At Kitchens UK we promise to give you the very best personal service from start to finish, to make the experience of buying your new kitchen a stress free, simple one.

FlooringSupplies.co.uk have been have selling quality wood and vinyl flooring products for over 25 years. With years of knowledge and experience, you can be sure that you will receive the best advice when buying a new floor for your home. Choose from laminate, solid oak, engineered, luxury vinyl tiles, carpet and more.

With the FlooringSupplies.co.uk website you can easily find for your preferred floor with easy to use menus which enable you to filter products by wood type, colour, price, board thickness and even grain type. Also FlooringSupplies.co.uk has a unique feature to the on-line flooring world, where it is possible to search for wooden flooring that only uses sustainable wood sources.

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If you are looking for a bathroom installer in Sheffield, look no further than Splashco. They have over 25 years of experience designing and fitting bathrooms all over South Yorkshire.

Every customer is entitled to a free, no obligation home visit by a qualified installer and a written quotation, complete with price promise.

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Langley Waterproof Systems Ltd http://www.langley.co.uk/ was founded in the 1920s, when in answer to building demands in the aftermath of the first world war, the company started to import clay tiles from Europe.

It is now one of the largest suppliers in the UK of the highest quality roof products with an extensive range of waterproofing membranes. Highly conscious of the need to keep the company’s carbon footprint as low as possible, and to answer the increasing demand for commercial green roofing to mitigate the UHI (urban heat island) effect, it has also become one of the leading experts and suppliers of green roof systems both in the UK and internationally.

In the USA, the company contributed to the makeover of the Ford Company in Dearborn, Michigan, which at over ten acres boasts the largest area of extensive green roofing in the world.

Langley specializes in all types of green roofing: extensive, semi-intensive, intensive and biodiverse (also known as brown roofs) on flat and pitched roofs and it has become the company’s policy to promote renewable sources and suggest ‘green’ options to all its clients. Whether it is for a new or retrofitted roof, Langley offers a range of products and systems, made to the highest technical specifications, to suit every bespoke green roofing project.

A typical Langley extensive roof (flat to a pitch of 14°), is first meticulously prepared and then primed with Siplast primer, the deck is then waterproofed and thermally insulated with layers of compatible materials topped by a graviflex anti-root barrier. Then comes the filter and a nutrifoam drainage mat, finally a ready grown sedum mat which includes the substrate.

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Technical assistance from highly trained staff with an architectural division for technical support is also on hand and recommended for all designers of green roofs. Langley’s contractors are fully trained and MCS accredited and are monitored by experts from the company throughout a roof’s construction or makeover. Its website is packed with information, has a good portfolio and a comprehensive selection of detailed, very well-presented, downloadable pdfs.

Does your bedroom need a makeover? Decorating a bedroom according to a particular theme is often a good idea because it provides a guideline, but it also leaves room for several variations. If you have a style in mind, you can easily choose the decor to fit the theme.

French themes are an attractive choice for women and teenage girls. Popular French themes include the Parisian theme and the French country style. These styles are quite different so be careful to choose the one that will suit you or your daughter. The Parisian theme is usually urban and sophisticated. The French country style is more rustic and relaxed.

The Parisian Themed Bedroom

The traditional colours used to decorate a Parisian themed bedroom are black, white, and pink. It is a good idea to paint the walls in a soft and neutral shade such as pale yellow or cream because black or white walls often look a bit harsh. Many interior decorators use pink and white striped curtains or pink and white curtains with a classic pattern for the windows. Place black and white photographs of French scenes or paintings with black and white frames on the walls to complete the look. Some people like to feature photographs or paintings of French icons, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Opera House.

You should choose elegant and chic furniture for the Parisian-themed bedroom. Many decorators like to use a classic, French style, such as Louis XVI. A four-poster bed with sweeping drapes is often included in this type of room. An antique dresser or a vintage dresser with a large, framed mirror completes the Parisian look.

Choose the best materials for your bed linen in this type of room so that the bed looks as elegant as the rest of the room. Linen, lace, and silk bed linen are often chosen. Pretty pastel shades or classic white bed linen is often recommended by decorators.

The French Country Style Bedroom

The French country style bedroom evokes the charming look of a French country cottage if it is decorated well. It can include elements of shabby chic or a more old-fashioned rustic decor could be used. It is usually a soft, rather feminine style of decorating which is unsophisticated and informal.

Soft, pastel colours are usually used to decorate this type of bedroom. Some suggestions are light or forget-me-not blue colours, light greens, or pale pink colours. Walls could be painted in any of these colours or cream or pale yellow. Material with a floral pattern could be used for the curtains, or you could choose stripes which are not too harsh in a pastel shade.

The style of furniture used in this room should look more informal than the furniture which decorates a Parisian-themed bedroom. Instead of a four-poster bed, for example, choose a bed with a wrought-iron headboard, or a high slat bed made of wood. No French country style bedroom is complete without an armoire. This could be an antique or in a vintage style. A vintage or antique style dressing-table adds a touch of glamour to the room. The colour of the furniture in this type of room is often white but polished wood in a cherry colour also looks good, according to many decorators.

Bed linen could be cotton, linen or toile. Quilts or bedspreads with pretty floral patterns in pastel colours are often used in this type of bedroom. A toile quilt or bedspread placed over plain, pastel sheets is another suggestion. You could add many pillows or cushions in different shapes and sizes to the bed. Make sure that the bed linen doesn’t clash with the rest of the room. The look of the room should be completely harmonious.

Choose the style that you’d like for your bedroom or your daughter’s bedroom carefully. It should suit the personality of the person who sleeps in it. A Parisian-themed bedroom will suit a more sophisticated or urbane woman or teenager, for example. A bedroom should be a sanctuary, so it is important to make sure that it has the right atmosphere for you or your daughter.