Warm Air jetting is one of the most soothing and gentle hydrotherapy experiences available. A warm stream of air is blown through flexible tubing by a blower—similar to a hairdryer—and released into the bathtub through strategically placed jets located in the floor or walls. Even though the temperature of the air will be around 112 degrees when it leaves the blower, it will cool in the air pipes and still feel cooler than the water in your tub when it meets your skin.
Warm air jetting will not increase the water temperature in your bathtub.
Types of Air Jets
There are three primary jet types:
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Pin Hole Jets
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Flat Face Jets
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Button Jets
While pin hole and flat face jets can be blocked when sat on, button jets sit slightly above the tub surface and feature side slots that continue to release air even when covered. This design also allows air to be dispersed in multiple directions for a more even experience.
Do Button Jets Interfere With Comfort?
Not at all. When you're immersed in water, your body experiences a natural buoyancy, making any contact with the button jets minimal and barely noticeable during a soak.
Are Jet Positions Important?
Absolutely. Jet placement is critical for maximizing therapeutic benefit. Sidewall jets often release bubbles that rise without making direct contact with the body. Floor-mounted jets ensure bubbles move upward along the immersed body, gently caressing sensitive areas like calves, thighs, and lower back for a more immersive experience.
Do Air Jets Affect Water Temperature?
They can.
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Remote blowers (especially those located in unheated areas or with long tubing runs) will definitely cool the air before it reaches the tub thereby reducing water temperature.
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Integrated blowers—positioned under the tub skirt/pedestal or within the cavity—naturally warm the air as they operate, often delivering bubbles at a very similar temperature to the bathwater itself.
Although warm, the air may feel slightly cooler against the skin due to natural evaporation. The overall water temperature isn’t significantly affected unless there are too many jets or a poorly placed blower. To improve warmth, run the blower for 1–2 minutes before entering the tub.
Are Air Bubbles Therapeutic?
Yes. While not providing deep massage, air bubbles can stimulate circulation and offer a relaxing sensation as they gently move across the skin. It's more about soothing than intense muscle therapy.
What Blower Strength Is Best?
A 0.5 HP blower is typically sufficient for most tub sizes. For a customizable experience, a variable speed blower is ideal, allowing you to adjust from a gentle bubbling to a more vigorous, invigorating flow. Too much power can cause splashing over the tub’s edge.
How Noisy Are Air Blowers?
Noise levels vary depending on the blower's manufacture, power, placement, and speed settings. Air blower manufacturing is not an exact science. Ten blowers may give little noise and one may be very noisy. Responsible, conscientious manufacturers will check the noise levels before shipping. Lower speeds are quieter. Remote blowers can be virtually silent if placed in a distant location, though they will impact air temperature and hygiene.
How Hygienic Is an Air Jet System?
Air jet tubs are designed to be clean and low maintenance. Most modern systems feature built-in backflow prevention at the jets, minimizing moisture in the air lines. After each bath, it's recommended to run the blower for 10 seconds once the tub is drained to dry any residual moisture. Some systems have automatic purge cycles that activate 20–30 minutes after use.
Is Ozone Sanitization Necessary?
Only if your system lacks jet-level backflow prevention. In systems with it, ozone adds little value. Without it, ozone can help reduce bacterial buildup.
Can I Use Bath Salts or Bubble Bath?
Yes. Bath salts and bubble baths are safe to use with air jetted tubs. Just be cautious—bubble bath combined with air jets can create an abundance of foam, which might overflow.
Is the System Safe?
Yes—UL-listed jetted tubs must meet strict safety standards. Whether the blower is built-in or remote, safety requires two UL-approved methods of backflow prevention between the jets and blower. Backflow prevention at the jets themselves is also recommended. Combined with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), this provides robust protection. In the unlikely event moisture reaches the blower, the GFCI will immediately shut off power.