Bain Ultra air tub or MTI Stream Bath?

6 years ago

After weeks of research I was thisclose to ordering the Bain ultra Meridian 50 air tub. Out of the blue I came across the MTI Stream Bath. I really like the air tub hygiene and ease of cleaning (have had jet tubs for 15 years and am very familiar with the gunk). However, the videos of the Stream Bath make the EXACT sound of my favorite sound on earth. The most relaxing sound is running water like a stream! So now what to do? It looks like the Stream Bath is fairly new as I can't find any info outside the MTI website (can't find anything about Meridian 50 either but plenty about Bain on the web).

Apparently the Stream Bath is an add-on to most of their tubs- so does that mean I can have an air tub and Stream Bath too? Or is the Stream Bath essentially jets and require the standard jet cleaners?

There's no good air tub samples for me to sit in locally so I'm buying either of these blind. I do know the Meridian 50 dimensions 60x36 work for me. I'm 5'2 so no need for longer.

Does anyone have insight into either of these tubs? Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Featured Answer

MizLizzie

6 years ago

I love, love, love my MTI tub. Lierally just got out of it. MTI's entire product line is fabulous, made in the USA at an employee-owned company. Our tub is just a plain, deep soaker as that's our preference, but we did spring for MTI's optional high overflow. My sister has the MTI air tub -- has had it for years, and it looks brand new. Hopefully a streambath owner will chime in. We actually went down to MTI to visit their showroom outside Atlanta, and it was so worth the trip. I'm sure they will have one on display if you can get there. For us, it was worth it. (BTW, the factory is so clean you could roll around on the floors.)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (18)

MizLizzie
6 years ago
Okay, really sorry I watched that streambath video! Now I want one.
Related Discussions
Soaker Tub vs. Air Bubble Tub?
Q
Comments (12)
The Bain Ultra tubs (and I would think most airbubble tubs) are very low maintenance unlike many whirlpool tubs that need monthly cleansing cycles. Resale-wise I think alot of people are looking for a master bath with a tub that does something therapeutic, so I don't think it matters if it's air or whirlpool. If you're not worried about resale, I would say do what you feel is right for your lifestyle. Having the air gives you the choice of using the tub as a soaker or as a therapeutic option if your back is hurting, you've pulled a muscle, etc. With the soaker, soaking is the only option you have. I personally, like to leave my options open. Just my $0.02.
...See More
Microsilk vs. Air Tub (Jason) OR Bain Ultra
Q
Comments (114)
Just a quick update. I spent days reading material on air tubs and whirlpools and got my decision down to a 36 x 72" Jason and Purebath. To get an outside opinion, I called an online bath dealer in the Richmond, VA area where I used to live (Whirlpooltubs.com, Steve) and after discussing a lot of models, which he sells as well, he steered me to Mansfield, an UN-fancy company that offered a ton of features and everything I was looking for, at a nice price. I ended up with the Baywood 6 Ariance GentleTouch (air bath version) which has back jets with heated neck/back rest, heated silent air (all offer this), included neck pillow, chromatherapy. This combined the features I thought my husband might benefit from (back jets) with the surround air jets, in a quiet system, as we will put the motor on the other side of the wall with insulation. Mansfield offers the Ariance in 3 models: HealthTouch (whirlpool), GentleTouch (air bath) and DualTherapy. I would love to tell you what I think about this bathtub, but we are still building our home and are months' out yet. This dealer was on the ball and very helpful.
...See More
bain ultra air jet tub
Q
Comments (3)
I initially liked my tub at first too, but it is not very durable or reliable. I have had nothing but problems with my BainUltra 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.
...See More
bath salts okay in bain ultra air tub?
Q
Comments (1)
According to their website, salts, essential oils, mud, etc. are fine - they even sell a line of these for use iin their tubs.
...See More
PRO
BainUltra
6 years ago
Hi Carrie,

Just wanted to share a couple resources with you.

You can learn more about the Meridian here:

http://www.bainultra.com/therapeutic-baths/our-collections/meridian

Our website has a “Find a Dealer” section, select the option “Try out centers” to see where you could try a BainUltra tub near you:

http://www.bainultra.com/find-a-dealer

If you have any questions at all our customer service is open Monday to Friday : 8 a.m to 5 p.m EST and can be reached at 1-800-463-2187

A BainUltra Thermomasseur tub (air jets) offers a high quality deep massage with the bath optimized and designed for therapy. This video goes into a little more detail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gK45qaTPcM

It appears the MTI tub offers the sound that you enjoy but not a massage. So it may come down to which you desire more, the sound or a massage.

We encourage you to try the BainUltra tub at one of our try out centers to get a sense of how wonderful the massage is. Even if you cannot try the Meridian (if it’s not available in a showroom near you) any BainUltra tub will give you a good impression of the therapy that you can enjoy.

If you have any additional questions, we are always here to help.

Have a great day,

BainUltra
y2carrie
Original Author
5 years ago
In case anyone comes across this: I went with BainUltra. MTI confirmed even though the rest of the tub is air jets, the jets that make the stream were normal water intake jets, thereby making them non-air bath jets. Cleaning out the jets would most definitely need to happen, a feature I was looking forward to getting away from.
Laurie
5 years ago
So do you like the Bain Ultra - does it massage?
Adam Seidel
5 years ago
Sounds like we are in a similar boat...deciding between Bain (origami 6632) and MTI (Andrea 4). The Bain seems to have twice as many jets as the MTI for some reason, but I would assume the more the better with this stuff.
kym
5 years ago
We have a Bain Ultra in our Master. I am not sure the model number but it is a two seater( facing each other) with air bubbles.

It is AMAZING!

It retains heat so well, the bubbles are fabulous but the best thing about it is the ergonomics. Maybe that’s not sexy but there is a little notch for your heels that keeps you perfectly relaxed and supported by the comfortable backrest...and the place your arms rest is perfect for me(5’7) and husband(6’2”). We tried so many tubs in showrooms to find one that seemed like we could both use it...I couldn’t love it more and the company was a dream to deal with.

7 years and still in love!
patrick80132
5 years ago
Any chance you can located the model number. My wife and I are exactly your heights and loved your description. We would like to purchase that model if possible. Thank you
kym
5 years ago
Patrick,
Found the manual Amma Oval 7242
72x42x22
I dont know if they still have the same model but if not maybe they have an updated version.

My husband did say the only negative is that if you isolate the airpump in a colder room to reduce noise the air bubbles can blow colder...but that wouldnt happen if pump was under tub probably...
He think they may have updated it since then.

I love it!!
kym
5 years ago
Not perfectly staged photos as bathroom just painted but get the concept
PRO
BainUltra
5 years ago
Hi Kym and Patrick,

Thank you so much for your kind words and happy to hear about your enjoyment of BainUltra's bathtubs. Love the photos!

We still sell the Amma 7242

In terms of the "cold" feeling. All the air entering the bathtub is heated prior to entry. You can test this if you run your bath without water and feel the air. The cold feeling occurs when air and water meet. We introduced Geysair technology to address that feeling. You can learn more in this video.

In terms of the noise. Most of what you hear is actually the sound of the movement of water in the tub, not the blower itself.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us.

BainUltra Inc. 956, chemin Olivier, Lévis, Quebec G7A 2N1 Canada

Telephone: 418-831-7701 or 1-800-463-2187

Fax: 418-831-6623 or 1-800-382-8587

Email: info@bainultra.com
kym
5 years ago
Bain Ultra
Is the Geysair something we can retrofit to the existing tub? Once my bathroom is complete will post final photos that show it better but glad you like them
PRO
BainUltra
5 years ago
Hi Kym, unfortunately the Geysair is not something that can be retrofitted. Good luck on the completion of the bathroom!
User
5 years ago
I was just wondering about BainUltra and MTI which was quieter.
J Inhof
5 years ago
Hi,

Just wanted to say we installed a drop in Bain Ultra in our master bath after much trepidation about having another jet tub after a jacuzzi, etc. etc. Well, we couldn't be happier with the air jets and all the settings. I believe our model is the 'Amma' 72". I use it almost every day. I even do my stretching exercises while the jets are on. If you have sore muscles or arthritis I think you will find the bubbling most effective to ease the pain and loosen joints.

We had our motor installed in a closet about 8 feet from the tub and it works fine.

I also want to say be sure to shop around. I found a price difference of a couple thousand from dealer to dealer.

Another thing--if you are doing a marble or tile surround you may want to consider the version that has a quartz (I think) surround already built in. I think I would try to use that model next time to save some time and money.

We have recommended Bain Ultra to several of our friends.
Laurie
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Thanks j inhof we also put in an Amma and love it. We even had to call to see if we could lower the settings. There are 3 levels in the factory settings before you get to the 10 - 100% setting! It has been wonderful except for water spilling over the edge of the tub, particularly behind your back even after we had the setting lowered. Shower curtain does not cover this area. Do you have this issue? I put down towels ready for it and it won't stop me from the pleasure of using the tub but sure would like to figure out a better way.
Laurie
5 years ago
Oops just realized I was on a different thread sorry to redirect.
mariaoi
5 years ago
Laurie, I also am interested in getting a Bain Ultra tub and came across another post that references how to fix your problem. I hope the link works [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/if-you-have-a-bain-airtub-i-have-a-question-dsvw-vd~2255276[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/if-you-have-a-bain-airtub-i-have-a-question-dsvw-vd~2255276)

Bain Ultra air tub or MTI Stream Bath?

MizLizzie

Comments (18)

MizLizzie

Related Discussions

BainUltra

y2carrie
Original Author

Laurie

Adam Seidel

kym

patrick80132

kym

kym

BainUltra

kym

BainUltra

User

J Inhof

Laurie

Laurie

mariaoi

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Bain Ultra air tub or MTI Stream Bath?

Comments (18)

Related Discussions

y2carrieOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

y2carrie
Original Author