Can I see your Bain Ultra installed?

16 years ago

Does anyone have photos of your Bain Ultra installed? Please tell me which tub you have as it's difficult to tell sometimes by the photos. I've just seen them sitting around by themselves, never installed.

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Comments (6)

monicakm_gw
16 years ago
I have the Thallasa: BU's description:"...Standardized dimensions make it an attractive option when undertaking home renovations and replacing an existing bath". This was as wide as we could go without sacrificing more countertop space.
DH hopes to have the last bit of tile work and and all the caulking done this weekend :) Linen shelves and clothes rods and we're finished :) Oh, except for painting touch-ups. Is it EVER done? (sigh)
Monica
raehelen
16 years ago
Monica,

That looks gorgeous! And your tiles look good in that photo_ I remember when you were concerned that the blue glass wasn't going to go...

How do you like the tub? I'm thinking that may be the one I get, but I've never actually been in an air bubble tub.
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I think your perception is accurate. And it's probably just a byproduct of the physics of the bubbles displacing a liquid with a large amount of thermal conductivity. If you move away from the emitter, the effect falls off greatly since there will be less time your skin is exposed to the air within the bubbles then readjusting to the water temp (you'd mostly be in the warmer water). I think that's pretty much what you said in your thoughts as well. Remember, there really isn't a 'heat' function so much as it's just the air being warmed by the turbine motor. Might be a fun physics experiment for the kids to get some real data. :-)
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Thanks for your reply Tom Yes, at full (100%) the water does splash all over the place. It's splashes all over the place at any intensity setting. I expected a *gentle* roll at the much lower settings. Yes, the motor is installed remotely. It's in a closet at the front of the tub. Looks less than 3 feet from turbine to tub. There are 4 *wide* 90 degree bends. Calling customer service is next on my list. I called on Monday but they were closed. Left a voice mail but it hasn't been returned. Just wanted some input from owners and those that work with the tub for unbiased information :) Here is a picture of the turbine. David isn't finished but you can see how far it is from the tub. Tub is just on the other side of that access door. Another question. Shouldn't there be some kind of filter over the air INtake? Monica
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Interesting. Their website is still active. But things change all the time these days. I found looking for tubs similar to looking for appliances. Complaints about each brand everywhere. And plumbing supply houses push the product that gives them the biggest commission. They all have their “preferred brands”. I took a chance with Jason but that was the only company that fit my criteria besides Bain. I wanted a more well known brand like Koehler. I was ready to buy Bain until the retailer was dishonest. Not with Bain but with my other plumbing orders. Good luck. It’s a chore!
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I was in the plumbing supply house this morning, so I asked the counter guy...an old crusty ex-plimber...who wasn't positive...but his ideas pretty much reflect mine. The back and neck heater is effected by heating air, which is then circulated through the air channels in the tub. More air movement means more heat output, or faster heating. The water is not heated directly, but might be indirectly due to the warmer air being circulated through the water. As to a whole tub warmer, a "direct water" warmer isn't offered, as that sort of defeats the theory of the air tub, which is isolating the water from the tub's plumbing. Plus there would need to be a pump for circulating water, a heat exchanger of some sort, he thought that it would be cost prohibitive to incorporate a maintenance-free water heating and circulating system, and that even if they did that, it might still muddle the theory behind the air tub, being that water is held in the tub and not circulated through the plumbing, so you can use oils, salts, etc. He thought that a "whole tub" air warmer wouldn't make economic sense because of the size of it. The air heaters for the back warmer are 700w, so he theorized that an air warmer for the whole tub would have to be 2-3 times that size, and would bump it up into the 220v range for electrical supply. Along the lines of an electric clothes dryer or an electric oven. So...not sure if that help, as it's more his ideas than straight talk from someone who actually knows the answer. Mongo
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monicakm_gw
16 years ago
Thank you raehelen :) Yes, I did have my moments of panic! And it's still not everyone's choice but I didn't design it for everyone so I guess that's ok :) I'm thrilled with it!
The tub is great. The arm rests towards the back take up some of the width and the grab bars do as well. Personally, I would have preferred a wider tub (that might not be an issue for you) but I couldn't/wouldn't sacrifice anymore space. I'll get used to it. After all, I've been in the same tub for 26 years. Anything is going to have a period of adjustment. It's plenty wide for most people tho. I just like a lot of room :) One thing I didn't take into consideration is setting the tub in a mortar bed. You're supposed to (that or the expandable foam). I never realized how much give was in my previous porcelain over steel bathtub. I've got one SOLID and STURDY bathtub but it's like sitting on a concrete slab (lol)
I've got a video of my grandson playing in it (with the bubbles and lights on). If you're interested in seeing it in action, I'll post the YSI link.
Monica
raehelen
16 years ago
Yes, Monica,

That would be great. I'd love to see the link.

Dumb question- do you know if the Bain Ultra comes in a version that doesn't have to be set into a surround? I'm thinking of putting it into our main bathroom (no room in the MasterBath), and I'd rather put the width into the tub not the surround. I've only ever had the porcelain over steel too, so actually wondered if these new acrylic/fibreglass tubs are strong enough to sit on the edge. Guess you don't have to worry; having that surround built around it.
monicakm_gw
16 years ago
raehelen, I use the lower intensity menu for the air jets. The default level was so intense it was splashing all over the bathroom. And this was pretty low for the baby. The chandelier over the tub was at about 50% because I needed some light for the video. The tub lights are more intense with no other room lighting on.
Yes, they do make freestanding tubs. Is that what you're asking about?
Monica
http://download.yousendit.com/4ACD894C4250B32D
minnt
16 years ago
Here is my Bain Ultra 7242. I love it!

Here is a link that might be useful: My blog

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Can I see your Bain Ultra installed?

Comments (6)

monicakm_gw

raehelen

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