Your Complete Guide to Air Tubs: Soak in Their Features, Benefits, & Options


About air tubs - 56" Boyce Acrylic Freestanding Air Tub About air tubs - 56" Boyce Acrylic Freestanding Air Tub

For anyone who enjoys incorporating the latest technology into their homes for elevated convenience and comfort, look no further than the air tub. Offering a host of benefits that converts the bathing experience to anything but basic, follow along as we dive into their unique features.

What is an Air Tub?


A type of jetted tub, an air tub transforms your bathroom into a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere. Initially created for hospital use, the air bathtub was developed in Europe to provide therapeutic massage while maintaining the highest hygienic standards. Now, you can enjoy these rejuvenating bubble baths in the comfort of your home.

59" Sheba Acrylic Slipper Bathtub

How Air Tubs Work


The mechanism in an air tub features an air blower that pushes air towards a distributor, which directs the air through multiple jets strategically installed within the bathtub. Each jet of the air massage system is positioned to surround your lower back, hips and legs when you are in the water. For additional comfort, some models warm the air to body temperature through a heating element integrated within the blower.

72" Sheba Acrylic Double-Slipper Air Bathtub

Air Tub Features

Remote control for freestanding air tub

Remote Control

A buoyant, water-resistant remote control is included with your air tub to adjust your motor speed and functionality with ease from within the tub. Our remotes work within a twelve-foot radius for controlling the tub before you get in as well.

closeup of 65" Boyce Acrylic Tub with Air Massage jets

Air Jets

An essential for air tubs, air jets are placed intentionally throughout to massage and relax during a soak. Continue reading to learn more about their benefits.

65" Boyce Acrylic Tub with Air Massage

Double-Walled Sides

Air tubs are generally constructed with a double-walled design, with the air between acting as a thermal insulator for longer soaks.

Air tub drain trim kit for air jet tubs

Trim Kit

Included with your air tub is a pop-up drain with matching drain cover and overflow plate in a corrosion-resistant finish of your choice.

Remote control for freestanding air tub

Remote Control

A buoyant, water-resistant remote control is included with your air tub to adjust your motor speed and functionality with ease from within the tub. Our remotes work within a twelve-foot radius for controlling the tub before you get in as well.

closeup of 65" Boyce Acrylic Tub with Air Massage jets

Air Jets

An essential for air tubs, air jets are placed intentionally throughout to massage and relax during a soak. Continue reading to learn more about their benefits.

65" Boyce Acrylic Tub with Air Massage

Double-Walled Sides

Air tubs are generally constructed with a double-walled design, with the air between acting as a thermal insulator for longer soaks.

Air tub drain trim kit for air jet tubs

Trim Kit

Included with your air tub is a pop-up drain with matching drain cover and overflow plate in a corrosion-resistant finish of your choice.


Air Tub Massage Benefits

The benefits of air bath massage include:

  • Relaxing muscles, while stimulating the production of endorphins

  • Making muscles more receptive to the benefits of the massage

  • Activating the lymphatic system and blood circulation

  • Relieving pain related to arthritis, rheumatism and other concerns

  • Releasing tension after a hard day of work

Diagram showing the benefits of a standard air tub, whirlpool air tub Diagram showing the benefits of a standard air tub, whirlpool air tub

Air Tubs vs Whirlpool Tubs


The key difference in functionality between these two tubs is that while whirlpool tubs shoot jets of water, air tubs release jets of air.

66" Sheba Acrylic Slipper Air Bathtub

While both target muscle tension and deliver a spa-like experience, water jets offer a more direct, powerful massage while air jets create an ultra-soothing, weightless sensation from the release of thousands of tiny, invigorating bubbles.

Since air jet tubs are self-cleaning and self-drying, you may find that they are easier to clean than whirlpool tubs as well.

65" Boyce Acrylic Freestanding Air Tub

Tub Sizes and Installation

Air tubs are available in standard tub sizes, ranging from 56"-72" to ensure bathrooms of all sizes can enjoy their luxurious features.

Air tubs are installed above your subfloor, but underneath your cement floor or tile, so you do not need access below the fixture. If you are unfamiliar with installing plumbing fixtures, we recommend consulting a professional.

Materials & Styles


You can find air tubs in the same configurations as traditional tubs, including freestanding, alcove, and drop-in—through freestanding air tubs allow for more customization through material and silhouette.

72" Sheba Acrylic Double-Slipper Freestanding Air Tub

You’ll find air tubs most commonly available in acrylic. This material is relatively lightweight, which allows your tub to be easily transported and installed on any level of your home. Acrylic is also easy to maintain and repair. These tubs offer a streamlined look, available in classic rectangular and oval shapes to double-slipper designs.

Another popular air tub material is copper, due to its heat-retention and bacteria-resistant properties. These tubs are handmade, giving them a one-of-a-kind texture and appearance. Copper air tubs are available in single- and double-slipper designs as well as Japanese soaking styles for a deep, seated option.

48" Raksha Hammered Copper Japanese Soaking Air Tub

Are Air Tubs Worth the Money?


With the cost of air tubs ranging from a few thousand dollars to more extravagant options reaching over ten thousand, their luxurious features come at a price. For anyone who struggles with chronic pain or simply enjoys spa-like soaks, the short- and long-term health benefits certainly make air tubs a worthy investment.

60" x 32" Bradenton Acrylic Alcove Whirlpool Air Bathtub
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