A modern whirlpool tub can turn a bathroom into a more relaxing retreat, but the right choice depends on more than jet count. Measure your space, check the installation style, and decide whether you want a heater, air bubbles, lighting, or room for two. These five picks range from a space-conscious alcove design to wide two-person tubs. Compare their features and installation needs before choosing.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Style | Massage and comfort features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empava 71-Inch Alcove Whirlpool Tub | Alcove | 20 water and air jets, heater, dual waterfalls | A modern alcove remodel |
| Maxsa Innovations 71-Inch Freestanding Whirlpool Tub | Freestanding | Whirlpool and air jets, heater, LED lighting | A spa-style freestanding centerpiece |
| Maxsa Innovations 69-Inch Square Air Bubble Tub | Square | Air bubble massage, push-button control | Deep soaking with simple controls |
| Carver Tubs 72-Inch Two-Person Whirlpool | Drop-in | 12 adjustable jets, heater | A roomy shared bath |
| Homary 70.8-Inch Two-Person Whirlpool Tub | Back-to-wall with three-sided apron | 18 air and whirlpool jets, heater, chromatherapy lighting | A two-person bath with included components |
Our Picks: Best Modern Tubs And Whirlpools reviews
1. Empava 71-Inch Alcove Tub with Waterfalls and Heater
The Empava combines an alcove layout with a set of spa-style features. It measures 70.9 by 33.7 inches and has 20 water and air jets, a built-in heater, and two waterfalls. Its white acrylic surface and matte black hardware give it a contemporary look without requiring a freestanding installation.
The controls operate the massage, bubbles, lighting, and temperature functions. A water-level sensor keeps the pump and heater from engaging until the water is above the top jets. That is a useful safeguard, but it also means you need to fill the tub to the specified level before using those features. The tub is ETL-certified and comes with a stated three-year limited warranty.
This is a strong fit if your remodel calls for an alcove tub and you want more than a basic soaking bath. Compared with the freestanding Maxsa model, it has a built-in alcove format and waterfalls; compared with the Homary, it is not described as a two-person tub. The supplied product data marks this model unavailable, so verify listing status before building your project around it.
Pros:
- Alcove form can suit a built-in bathroom layout.
- Water and air jets offer two kinds of massage action.
- Heater, waterfalls, and coordinated matte black hardware are included.
- Water-level sensor helps prevent dry operation.
Cons:
- Requires enough space for its 70.9-by-33.7-inch footprint.
- The supplied listing data marks it unavailable.
Verdict: Choose the Empava if you want an alcove whirlpool with a heater and decorative waterfalls, but confirm availability and fit before planning your installation.
2. Maxsa Innovations 71-Inch Freestanding Whirlpool Tub
This freestanding acrylic tub pairs whirlpool jets with air jets, so it offers both moving water and a gentler bubbling effect. An integrated heater is designed to help maintain bath temperature, while soft-touch controls handle the jets, LED lighting, and temperature settings. The white oval shape is intended to work as a focal point in a modern bathroom.
The flexible placement is a key part of its appeal: the product description says it can sit in the center of a room or against a wall. That freedom still depends on your room layout and the connections needed for installation, so plan the location before ordering. The acrylic surface is described as stain-resistant, but the supplied details do not give exact width or depth measurements beyond the 71-inch length.
This model suits shoppers who want a freestanding look and both types of massage. It adds LED lighting that the Empava does not list, while the Empava offers waterfalls and a specific alcove footprint. The supplied product data marks this tub unavailable, so check whether it can be purchased before selecting it.
Pros:
- Combines whirlpool jets with air bubbles.
- Includes an integrated heater and adjustable LED lighting.
- Freestanding style allows several possible placement arrangements.
- Acrylic construction has a stain-resistant finish, according to the product details.
Cons:
- Exact width and depth are not provided in the supplied details.
- The supplied listing data marks it unavailable.
Verdict: Consider this Maxsa if you want a freestanding tub with air and water massage, but confirm its current listing status and dimensions first.
3. Maxsa Innovations 69-Inch Square Air Bubble Tub
This square acrylic bathtub focuses on deep soaking and air-bubble massage rather than a long list of electronic features. A manual push button controls the bubble function, making the setup more straightforward than models with several control settings. Its clean, square shape can suit bathrooms where a more angular design works better than an oval freestanding tub.
The product is described as suitable for deep baths and cold-water soaking. It does not list a heater, water jets, or built-in lighting, so it is a simpler choice than the Empava, freestanding Maxsa, or Homary. Its 69-inch length is given in the title, but confirm the complete dimensions and installation details before ordering, especially if you are fitting it into an existing space.
For shoppers who value a clean look and basic bubble operation over a full whirlpool system, this is the most pared-back option in the group. It is marked available in the supplied product data, though you should still check the listing for current details.
Pros:
- Square shape offers a modern alternative to oval tubs.
- Push-button control keeps the bubble function simple to operate.
- Acrylic surface is described as smooth and easy to care for.
- Can be used for deep soaking or cold-water bathing.
Cons:
- Does not list a heater, water jets, or lighting.
- Full dimensions are not included in the supplied description.
Verdict: Pick this model if you want a square soaking tub with a simple air-bubble feature and do not need a heater or water-jet massage.
4. Carver Tubs 72-Inch Two-Person Whirlpool Tub
The Carver is a wide drop-in whirlpool designed for two bathers. Its rectangular shape measures 72 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 18 inches high, so it calls for considerably more floor space than the other tubs in this roundup. The acrylic is reinforced with fiberglass, and the tub has 12 adjustable water jets and a heater.
Its broad interior may also appeal if you simply want more room for a solo soak. The motor is positioned on the left side, which matters when planning access for installation and future service. This model is intended for deck, wall, or floor-mount faucets, but the faucet is not included. The supplied details also state that the drain and overflow are not included, so account for those components when comparing the full setup.
Compared with the Homary, the Carver is wider and has 12 listed jets rather than 18, but it is explicitly described as a two-person tub. The supplied product data marks it unavailable, so confirm that it is obtainable before making it part of a remodel plan.
Pros:
- Wide interior is designed for two bathers.
- Includes a heater and 12 adjustable water jets.
- Fiberglass-reinforced acrylic construction is described as scratch-durable.
- Motor location is specified for installation planning.
Cons:
- Its 48-inch width requires substantial bathroom space.
- Faucet, drain, and overflow are not included; supplied data marks it unavailable.
Verdict: Choose the Carver only if you have room for a very wide drop-in tub and are prepared to source the faucet and drain components separately.
5. Homary 70.8-Inch Two-Person Whirlpool Tub
The Homary is a 70.8-inch acrylic tub designed for two people, with a back-to-wall shape and a three-sided apron. That design can work in an alcove or tile-in layout while keeping a cleaner, more built-in appearance than a freestanding bath. It has 18 air and whirlpool jets, a built-in heater, and chromatherapy lighting.
The listed package includes a faucet, drain assembly, pump, and blower, which may make it a more complete starting point than the Carver. It is designed for 110V wiring, and installation by two people is recommended. Confirm the electrical setup, measurements, and surrounding layout with a qualified installer before committing; included components do not remove the need to plan the installation carefully.
Among the two-person options, the Homary offers a back-to-wall format and more listed jets than the Carver, while the Carver is wider and also includes a heater. The Homary is marked available in the supplied product data. It is a practical choice if you want a shared bath with lighting and several included components.
Pros:
- Designed for two bathers in a back-to-wall format.
- Combines 18 air and whirlpool jets with a heater and chromatherapy lighting.
- Faucet, drain assembly, pump, and blower are included.
- Three-sided apron suits an alcove or tile-in layout.
Cons:
- Requires careful planning for its 110V wiring and installation.
- Installation by two people is recommended.
Verdict: The Homary is the most complete pick for a two-person, back-to-wall whirlpool if its dimensions and electrical requirements suit your bathroom.
How to Choose a Modern Whirlpool Tub
Measure the bathroom and the installation path
Start with the tub’s length, width, and height, then compare those measurements with your available space. Leave room for the faucet, controls, and any access panel needed for the pump or motor. Also check doorways, hallways, and stairways along the route into the bathroom. The Carver’s 48-inch width, for example, makes it a very different fit from a typical narrower alcove tub.
Match the tub style to your remodel
An alcove tub is designed for a built-in layout, while a freestanding tub is intended to stand on its own and can serve as a focal point. Drop-in and back-to-wall designs have different finishing needs around the rim and sides. Choose a style that matches your bathroom plan, rather than assuming every tub can fit the same opening or accept the same surround.
Choose the massage system you will actually use
Whirlpool jets move water, while air jets create bubbles. Some models combine both; others offer only air-bubble massage. A higher jet count does not automatically mean a better fit for you, so consider whether you want targeted water flow, gentle bubbles, or both. If simple operation matters, a push-button system may suit you better than a tub with multiple settings.
Think about temperature and lighting features
A built-in heater can help maintain water temperature during a longer soak, while LED or chromatherapy lighting changes the atmosphere of the bath. These features add convenience, but they also mean more controls and components to consider. Check the product details to understand which functions are included and how they are operated.
Check electrical and installation requirements
Whirlpool tubs have pumps and other powered parts, so confirm the electrical requirements for your chosen model before purchase. The Homary is listed for 110V wiring, while the Empava includes a water-level sensor that requires water above the top jets before the pump and heater engage. Have a qualified installer assess wiring, plumbing, access, and service needs for your specific bathroom.
Check what comes in the box
Included faucets, drains, and other parts can affect the total effort and cost of a remodel. The Homary lists a faucet and drain assembly, while the Carver’s details say its faucet, drain, and overflow are not included. Check the full product listing and installation instructions so you know what must be purchased separately.
Consider upkeep and access for service
Acrylic surfaces are common across these models and are described as smooth or easy to care for. For a jetted tub, also plan how a technician could reach the pump and related components if service is needed. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, and make sure the installation leaves access where the product requires it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between air jets and whirlpool jets?
Whirlpool jets push water through the tub for a moving-water massage. Air jets release bubbles for a gentler sensation. Some tubs, including the Empava and Homary, list both types of massage features.
Does a built-in heater keep bath water hot indefinitely?
No tub should be assumed to maintain a set temperature indefinitely. The product descriptions say the heaters help maintain comfortable water temperature, but performance depends on the tub, settings, and bathing conditions. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact heater function.
Can a freestanding whirlpool tub go against a wall?
The Maxsa freestanding model is described as suitable for placement in the center of a room or against a wall. Confirm its measurements and the location of plumbing and electrical connections before deciding where it will go.
Which option is designed for two people?
The Carver and Homary are both described as two-person tubs. The Carver is 72 inches long and 48 inches wide, while the Homary is 70.8 inches long and uses a back-to-wall design. Check their complete dimensions and interior layout to see which better fits your space.
Are faucets and drains included with every tub?
No. The Homary lists a faucet and drain assembly as included. The Carver description says its faucet, drain, and overflow are not included. For other models, confirm the latest package details before ordering.
Do whirlpool tubs need special installation?
They can require more planning than a basic soaking tub because they include powered components and may have specific plumbing, wiring, and access needs. Review the installation instructions and consult a qualified professional before purchase.
Which tub is best for a simple soaking experience?
The Maxsa square tub emphasizes deep soaking and air bubbles with a manual push-button control. It does not list a heater or water jets, so it may suit shoppers who want a simpler feature set rather than a full whirlpool system.
Final Recommendation
For a two-person bath with a back-to-wall design, heater, lighting, and several listed components, the Homary is the most complete choice in this group. The Empava stands out for an alcove remodel with waterfalls and both air and water massage, while the square Maxsa is a simpler option for soaking and bubbles. Before choosing any model, verify its current availability, exact measurements, included parts, and installation requirements with the product listing and a qualified installer.
