Buyer’s Guide: Spa Bathrooms

The revolution in home hydrotherapy systems means you can enjoy exotic, spa-style bathing in the comfort of your home. The latest models look the business and are crammed with James Bond-style gadgets, and they can even help you feel healthier, too. Here’s our guide to help you choose your perfect spa bath.

What are hydro-massage baths?

Designed to reduce stress, relax and rejuvenate you, the hydro-massage bath will literally bubble away your aches and pains just like a masseur’s fingers. It can also improve circulation and skin tone, and help you sleep better, too.

You’ll find massage baths in every shape and style, but there are two distinct types: whirlpool baths and spa baths.

Whirlpool baths usually have half a dozen or so strong jets of water directed at specific areas of the body (you may need to consider medical advice).

Spa baths feature hundreds of tiny holes in the base of the bath which bubble air upwards for a soft, fizzy feeling over the whole body. Some baths combine both.

A basic whirlpool bath can cost as little as a few hundred pounds and a spa bath just over a thousand; you can even buy kits to convert a standard bath to a whirlpool.

Cheaper styles do suffer drawbacks, including noisy pumps, uncomfortable internal shapes and a lack of sophisticated features, such as touch controls and self-cleaning systems.

Paying more will get you directional and adjustable-flow jets, soft headrests, underwater lights, sanitising systems, whisper-quiet pumps and solid, long-lasting construction.

Several thousand pounds will buy you even greater luxury – and a lot of fun. Flush-mounted, ‘invisible’ jets, heated water so your bath never gets cold, waterfalls, sound systems, dry massage functions and room for two are just some of the features on offer.

The best brands to try include Jacuzzi, Kaldewei, Teuco, Ideal Standard, Huppe, Hansgrohe, Kohler and Bronte Whirlpools.

What are chromatherapy and aromatherapy?

For the last word in relaxation, opt for chromatherapy in the bath or shower. A sequence of coloured lights washes through the water or steam to complement your mood.

It is said that reds, oranges and yellows boost circulation and stimulate the senses, while blues, greens and pinks relax the mind and body.

Some baths and showers also offer aromatherapy, where essential oils are diffused into the air to aid physiological and mental wellbeing.

Kohler, Jacuzzi, J Sha, B&Q and Focus DIY all offer chromatherapy baths; Roman has an Optic Light shower tray.

What are power showers?

The latest developments in invigorating showers promise a super high-tech experience. Combining a fixed head, hand-held shower and several body sprays (called a shower pole or tower) is one option to consider.

Different spray modes ranging from a fine mist (mixing air with water) to a powerful drench (using a ‘blade’ showerhead) is another. And that’s just the beginning.

Remote controls allow you to switch the shower on and leave it to reach your desired temperature before you get in, or digital programming means you can control the various elements of your shower from a single interface, with pre-programmed massage and temperature therapies for a real spa-like experience.

Saving water and energy has also become a concern for shower manufacturers, and precision controls now come with settings that reduce the flow of water (while you’re shampooing, for example) or switch the water off after a certain period of time.

Triton, Hansgrohe, Victory Spa, Roman and Kohler are all good brands to try.

Or, just add steam. Domestic steam showers with vapour-tight doors, a steam generator and seat are becoming increasingly popular.

Basic models start from less than £500, but expect to pay several thousand pounds if you want such luxuries as foot massage, hands-free telephone, MP3 connection and waterproof TV.

B&Q or Focus DIY stock basic models; Kos, Duravit and Boundary Bathrooms offer top-of-the-range options.

What are wetrooms?

Wetrooms are becoming ever more popular in the UK but, as Francis Cunild, managing director of Matki, points out, unless you have a lot of space and don’t mind the room getting splashed or the floor submerged under an inch or two of water, they can be problematic.

The alternative is a large walk-in shower that’s only semi-enclosed, giving the minimal look of a wetroom but with a clear-glass panel that’s straight or curved, which prevents the water from going all over the place.

A floor-level or very low level tray is absolutely essential, and to complete the look you should use the same tiles for walls and floor to ensure a cool, seamless effect.

For wetrooms and wetroom-style design ideas, check out Roman, Matki, On The Level, Jacuzzi and Villeroy & Boch brands.