How to Transform Your Bathroom With a Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi tubs are one of the best upgrades a bathroom can get. These bathtubs feature ergonomic seating, hydromassage functions, headrests, and sometimes even colorful LED lights. They can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, boost your quality of sleep, support blood circulation, and even improve your range of motion and soothe aching muscles.
Switching out your shower space or outdated tub with a jacuzzi bath is a surefire way to transform the atmosphere of your bathroom – and elevate your Saturday nights.
You might be wondering where to get started with bathroom remodeling, especially if you’re considering replacing your existing tub with something more opulent. Today, we’re guiding you through a frustration-free transformation of your old tub into a spa-like retreat.
Table of Contents
1. Types of Jacuzzi Tubs
To get started, we’ll need to cover the different types of walk-in tubs and jacuzzi models you can choose from. It’s always important to consider the pros and cons of every option, before settling on the one that sounds best for your needs.
1.1 Step-In Tubs
The most common type of jetted tub is a regular, step-in jacuzzi. The bath has a wall system fitted with jets, which the user simply climbs over when they want to get in and out of the tub. Grab bars are often added to the side of the tub to help with stability. Still, some older users may find the walls too high to climb over.
1.2 Walk-In Tubs
Walk-in jacuzzi tubs look similar to the step-in ones but come fitted with a door to enter or exit the bath through. You can either walk in and take a seat (if your tub has an inward-swinging door) or sit down and then swing your legs in too (if your tub has an outward-swinging door). These tubs are perfect for people with reduced mobility and can be fitted with a number of different jets and extra features. They also fill up pretty quickly, so you’ll only have to wait a few minutes before being immersed in a flurry of bubbles.
1.3 Whirpool Tubs
Also known as jetted whirlpool tubs, these jacuzzi baths are fitted with jets that circulate water around the bath. Their intensity and direction can be adjusted to hit wherever feels best, whether that’s your lower back, or around your neck. This form of relaxation is known as hydrotherapy and can be incredibly beneficial to people with joint problems, sore muscles, and back pain.
1.4 Air Tubs
The air tub might seem similar to the whirlpool, but it does have one key difference. Instead of water coming out through the jets, it’s air. These jets are usually fitted on the bottom of the tub. They produce small, fun bubbles that feel great for sore muscles and aching joints. The overall hydrotherapy benefit is similar to that of the whirlpool tub, but we would describe the bubbles as a bit more effervescent. Air tubs come fitted with safe and efficient technology to prevent water from getting into the blower, and coming out of the jets.
Now that we’ve covered the four main types of jacuzzi tubs, let’s take a look at some important things to consider before choosing to undergo a jacuzzi bath remodel.
2. Three Things to Consider Before a Jacuzzi Remodel
2.1. Don't Attempt to Convert a Regular Tub
There are some companies that specialize in converting cast iron baths into whirlpool tubs. But this option is not the most budget-friendly, or long-lasting solution.
To convert your bathtub, they cut through the existing one and add the jets and electrical work inside. This is not only a pricey process, but the new fixtures may leak after the seals wear off. Malfunctions in the electrical panel may be difficult to repair, and converted tubs don’t usually come with warranties longer than a year or two.
Converting a bathtub also means you’ll have to replace the damaged or missing tiles on the walls too.
2.2. Maintenance Will Be Needed
When it comes to whirlpool tubs, installation day is not the end of the job. Regular maintenance will be a necessity for as long as the tub stays functioning.
Because hot tubs have things like jet streams, remote control panels, and other fancy features, they require consistent upkeep and regular at-home maintenance. If its parts are not well taken care of, the tub can grow mold, show unpleasant water lines, and look downright unhygienic. Cleaning the tub regularly is also critical for safety, as mold and fungi can cause allergies and respiratory illnesses.
To avoid this, you’ll have to use a special cleaning solution designed for jacuzzi baths. This looks like filling the tub, adding the cleaner, and allowing the tub to circulate (produce bubbles and jet streams) for a while. Consistency is key here because mold can start building up fast if you miss even just a few weeks of cleaning. And once the mold is visible, getting rid of it becomes a whole new challenge.
2.3. Think Long-Term
You may have heard of people choosing to get rid of the jacuzzi baths after a few years. This is often because they fail to plan long-term.
Many people simply can’t keep up with the consistency of maintenance. But a more frequent reason is that elderly people simply find it too hard to climb in and out of the tub! A 20″ wall surrounds the edges of many jacuzzi baths. Especially if we’re talking about a premium brand tub. As people retire and their mobility or stability issues increase, they can grow fearful of accidents in the tub and choose not to use it at all.
It’s therefore important to consider aspects like your age, and the amount of free time you are willing to dedicate to upkeep.
If you feel like a jacuzzi might be too much right now, why not consider a shower upgrade, or getting a completely new shower instead? With these three points kept in mind, you should be well on your way to starting planning your dream bathroom. There are many jacuzzi bath remodel dealers and contractors who can help you through the installation process. But before you close on a deal, there is another aspect of jacuzzi bath remodels that you must carefully consider: pricing.
3. Budgeting for a Bathroom Remodel with a Jacuzzi Tub
The price of a jacuzzi bath remodel can start at $2,500 and go all the way up to $10,000. The national average cost of a jetted bath remodel is $6,500. These numbers include the cost of the tub, the installation process, and any extra materials needed.
Labor costs for the bathtub installation can range between $450 and $2,000. This excludes any extra work that might be needed on your new bathroom, such as hanging new walls or pouring a concrete slab.
If your bathroom is not big enough to accommodate a jacuzzi tub, a complete remodel might be needed. A design consultation with a trusted contractor can be beneficial in such a case. They can help match your ideal tub with your bathroom aesthetic and give you an idea of what the results might look like, and will usually provide a free estimate on labor costs.
4. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel Cost
The price of a jacuzzi bath remodel depends on the shape, size, and type of tub you’re installing, as well as the additional labor costs. Generally speaking, an above-ground model will be less expensive than an in-ground tub
Try searching online for some bathroom remodeling services, specifically for jacuzzi baths. Be sure to read reviews, compares prices against your budget, and ask if a free design consultation is possible.
5. Factors Affecting the Cost of a Jacuzzi Bath Remodel
5.1. Size of the Tub
The size of your jacuzzi tub will greatly influence its overall installation price. The larger the tub, the more expensive it will be. This is because larger tubs are often more complex in design. They come with a higher number of jacuzzi jets, and often need some floor reinforcement and sometimes even new plumbing.
5.2. Shape of the Tub
There are many different tub shapes that can fit all kinds of installation spaces. Keep in mind that unusually shaped, or custom-made tubs will cost more than standard soaking models.
5.3. Type of Tub
The jacuzzi tub alone can cost between $1,500 to $15,000 and more. This is the most important thing that influences the price you will pay for your complete bathroom transformation. A two-person walk-in, whirlpool tub will likely cost more than a single person sit-in tub with just one or two jets.
5.4. Cost of Labor
Labor costs for a jacuzzi bath remodel can start at just a few hundred bucks, and may go up to $2,500 or even higher. Most tubs come with easy installation and take only a day or two to set up. But extra work like plumbing, or a new tile layout may increase this time – and the price. Labor prices will also depend on your location. Contractors in urban, expensive cities will generally charge more than ones in quiet, rural areas.
6. Most Common Services Offered During a Jacuzzi Bath Installation or Upgrade
- Installing a new pipe: $400 to $1,900
- Fixing a leak: $150 to $350
- Replacing a water heater: $800 to $1,600
- Upgrading an electrical panel: $500 to $1,800
7. Jacuzzi Remodel: DIY Attempt Vs. Professional Work
The costs of a complete bathroom transformation can add up fast. Some homeowners might feel tempted to take matters into their own hands and attempt the remodel by themselves. However, there are several important reasons why it’s best to rely on professional bathroom remodeling services.
A contractor will be able to work with the space available, planning the best possible layout for your bathroom. They can hire subcontractors to install plumbing or do any necessary electrical work. They will also ensure that local building codes are met for quality and safety purposes.
An inexperienced DIYer probably won’t have the equipment and knowledge needed to reconstruct a bathroom and install a jacuzzi tub. Without the right tools and team, an installation can take weeks or even months to complete. A professional contractor will be able to complete the bathroom faster than a DIYer could, without the need for a traditional weeks-long renovation period. You’ll be free to use the bathroom within your own home, without having to deal with weeks of construction.
Finally, a professional contractor will be able to avoid mistakes that cost money down the line or ruin the bathroom aesthetic. Think flaws in the plumbing, uneven tiles, and improper framing.
It’s always better to hire a professional for remodeling jobs that are of higher complexity. Installing a jacuzzi bath is definitely one of them, so we highly recommend getting in touch with a contractor near you.
8. Questions to Ask Before Signing a Jacuzzi Remodel Deal
- Is your company officially licensed, insured, and bonded?
- Can I get some photos of your completed work?
- Can you hire subcontractors for any plumbing or electrical work?
- How long will installation take?
- Will you obtain any necessary permits for the remodeling and installation?
- Do you provide a free consultation?
- Do you offer a warranty? If so, what kind?
- Do you offer a payment plan? If so, what does it look like?
- Who will lead the installation process?
- What are your working hours?
- What does your policy for damages during the installation process look like?
- Can you take care of the removal of my previous tub?
- Does the installation need to be inspected upon completion?
9. Hydrotherapy and Its Benefits
We’ve covered everything there is to know about jacuzzi bath remodeling. But what about the benefits of having a jetted tub in your home? Here are the seven most well-known hydrotherapy benefits that jacuzzis have to offer:
- Stress relief
- Deep muscle relaxation
- Improved quality of sleep
- Pain relief (joints, aches, sore muscles)
- Better cardiovascular health
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Calorie burn
Concluding Thoughts
Installing a jacuzzi bath in your master bathroom is an instant way to upgrade, and transform the space. Be careful to consider the above-mentioned aspects, and choose the tub that best suits your needs.
At WA Construct, we have decades of experience in home design and building and specialize in bathroom remodeling. If you’re looking to transform your bathroom into a luxurious place for relaxation and rejuvenation, our team is at your service. Contact us today for more information on what we offer, and to set up a meeting with our dedicated team
