I can identify with you on so many fronts. I have a master bath remodel that has sat untouched for over 2 years, which has turned out to be a blessing because I have made the big plunge to an airjet for the exact reasons that you describe. My Aquatic Whirlpool Serenity 2 came in last week, and although it is only sitting on the floor, I already love it.

A friend who has owned both whirlpool and now airjet, highly recommended the air spa tub, along with her grumpy ol' husband who likes nothing. She loves the effervescence of the bubbles, being able to use salts and bubblebath (which is not recommended in whirlpools) and the quiet of the air blower as opposed to the noisier pump on her old whirlpool. I like to not have to worry about bacteria in the tubes, because although treating with the appropriate products will keep the jets clean in a whirlpool, I am not likely to remember to do that until I am ready for a soak. (Too late, then.)

I also opted to stay away from a claw foot, because as we grow older (and wider) it IS harder to get up and down in a tub. Stay closer to the ground. At the end of your bath, some type of a little blower thing comes on automatically and dries out the gizmos under your tub so that there is no chance of bacteria. So it is quiet AND clean.

I am not familiar with Bain Ultra, but it is probably great. Specialty bath stores here in Houston carry the Aquatic, which is the brand my friend recommended so highly. The tubs also come in a variety of lengths and widths, to accommodate a variety of Hineys. Ted at the link below carries specialty products and was marvelous with answering my questions...and had the very best value. When you call him, tell him Anne from Houston sent you. :)) I almost forgot, you can also go to the Aquatic Whirlpools site for info on specifications.

Hold out for the airjet. Good Luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: oldetymehardwarde

I have the Bain Ultra 7242, which also comes free standing, so it gives you the look of an old fashioned tub. I love that the water completely covers me. I am also a bath soaker, I can be in it for an hour without batting an eye. We mounted our blower remotely, down in the lower level of our house, from the master bath. I am sure it decreases the noise of the mechanics, but the noise of the water is pretty intense when it is at high speed. We have a central stereo system and I cannot hear our stereo when the water is bubbling and the stereo is set at a normal volume.

The other thing that is a bit disappointing with my tub is that the air that is going through the small pin holes is COLD. I can feel the cold air coming into the water. I can feel each pin hole on my bottom. It is very distracting and I am not sure what to do about it. I have only been taking baths in our new tub for two weeks. I haven't read the instruction manual yet, either.

It is true that there is less bacteria with an air jet tub than a traditional whirlpool tub. It blows the tubes out about 10 minutes after you finish. The feel of the air tub is a bit different, less intense. I used to love to put my aching feet on a whirlpool jet and massage my toes. Can't quite do that with the jet tub. Here is our tub installed. I wouldn't get a traditional whirlpool to replace it, been there, done that.

Here is a link that might be useful: Amma 7242

Minnt, I read your blog and your new kitchen (and bath) is lovely. I am delighted to hear your comments about the actual use of an air tub, because as beforementioned, mine just came in and is sitting on the unfinished bedroom floor. I am glad to hear of some of the quirks.

After reading your post about feeling the COLD air blowing in through the jets, I went back to the specifications on the Aquatic and they mention a '600 Watt Air Heating System' that 'releases thousands of warmed bubbles to excite the skin and massage the entire body'. Makes for great marketing hype, doesn't it? Wonder if the air really is warm. I will call my sales rep on tomorrow and pose the question, since he has the tub himself, so I understand, and I think he sells both products.

At any rate, if I can ever finish this remodel, I will be able to tell for myself. However, from everything I hear, people love the air spas. I have also heard that the noise of the water can be greater than the noise from the blower. It is the sensation of the 'champagne-like' bubbles that is supposed to be so pleasant.

I agree that you should try to find moment (however fleeting) to read your use manual. It may address the issue of the cooler air, although I saw no reference to it in the Bain Ultra specs.

Happy Bathing, and your bath and cabinetry is beautiful.

Here is a link that might be useful: aquaticwhirlpools

I have mixed feelings about the Serenity aquatic V air tub I chose. I wanted a tub large enough for me to soak in, but failed to take into consideration how much water it would take to fill it. Our 40 gal. heater only fills the tub half-way. This particular model has an elevated seat, which makes it shallower at that end...so there is even less water there. Also, with the uneven bottom, I can't "scoot" lower into the water.

The air blowing in is warm, so that's good, but it is very loud. Motor is under the tub.
I've never had a whirlpool tub, so can't compare the two, but I do like the fact that air is blown through the holes 20 minutes after water is drained.

I sent BainUltra an email and got some answers. I will start a new post. BTW, thank you for your compliment on my bathroom and kitchen. I can't wait to be DONE!

Here is a link that might be useful: My blog

Let me give you my two cents. I have had nothing but problems with my Bain Ultra jet tub. My tub would turn on randomly throughout the night, so I would be in bed and hear air rushing from the tub in the middle of the night. Within a year of installation the lights on the keypad stopped functioning. Called their customer service department and they will not honor their warranty. Apparently their electronics and keypads are poorly constructed. The Bain employee I spoke to suggested I replace the tub altogether.