Whirlpool Tub Care and Cleaning Just Got Easier
Stressed out consumers are finding an antidote for hectic schedules
in an unlikely place. They're outfitting their bathrooms with whirlpool
tubs designed to soothe frazzled psyches with jets of soothing water.
Record numbers of new home buyers are specifying more and larger
bathrooms, which are ideal for spacious whirlpools.
At the same time, the bathroom is one of the leading areas for
home renovation with increasing numbers of homeowners replacing
traditional tubs in favor of therapeutic vessels that promise warm-water
massages. Overall, the whirlpool tub market is growing at a rate
of 5 to 7 percent annually, according to industry sources. "In many
ways, the phenomenal growth in whirlpool tubs is part of the overall
spa movement," says Tom Santer, product director for American Standard,
a producer of whirlpool tubs based in Piscataway, N.J. "The big
advantage of the home whirlpool is you don't have to share it with
anyone, and you can relax at any time, day or night."
Helping to contribute to the popularity of whirlpool tubs is new
StayClean technology from American Standard that is making whirlpool
tubs virtually carefree. StayClean tubs are built with self-draining
jets and pumps and they also incorporate AlphaSan antimicrobial
agents in pipes and other water contact areas. Antimicrobial features
are designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microbes
deep inside the inner workings of the tub, which can result in biofilm
or sludge.
Consumers who select tubs fully outfitted with antimicrobial technology,
such as StayClean, can avoid these complications and only need to
do cleanings using chlorine bleach three or four times a year.
Consumers who opt for tubs without antimicrobial technology are
encouraged to clean their tubs with chlorine bleach every week to
guard against microorganisms and internal sludge growth.
"If your whole point in installing a whirlpool tub is to relax
and enjoy yourself, then you also want care and cleaning to be minimal,"
Santer says. "For busy people, our new StayClean tubs with AlphaSan
bring the assurance of a fresh water massage with a minimum of time-consuming
bleach treatments."
AlphaSan antimicrobial was developed by Milliken & Company, a research
and development organization based in Spartanburg, S.C. It is a
silver-based technology, which makes it one of most effective guards
against microbial growth in wet, dark areas. Because the antimicrobial
is integrated into whirlpool components during component manufacturing,
it lasts the life of the tub.
Prices for American Standard whirlpools start at less than $1,000
and for an additional $100 the StayClean option can be added to
any tub model. StayClean protection is standard on American Standard's
luxury Porcher line. "StayClean whirlpool tubs represent the next
generation of bathroom fixtures, which are more hygienic and easier
to maintain," Santer says. "Consumers are demanding both features
in their bath products, and advanced technology is enabling us to
respond."
Courtesy of ARA Content
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