Corner whirlpool
Corner whirlpool: the corner in the bathroom put to good use
A corner whirlpool is a bathtub with massage jets whose basic shape is cut to fit a room corner. The advantage lies in the floor plan. A corner is in many bathrooms the area that is otherwise hard to make use of. It is precisely there that a corner tub creates a generous bathing area, without a whole wall length being occupied. At Seniorbad the category comprises 36 models in seven series.
Why the corner shape brings more tub for the same wall length
A straight tub needs a continuous wall of 170 or 180 centimetres. A corner tub distributes its area over two walls and therefore makes do with shorter wall sections. Inside, a wide lying area is created that offers considerably more freedom of movement than a narrow standard tub.
In practice this means: you can sit down, bend your legs and still lie comfortably. For two people there is also enough room on the larger models. Anyone who, by contrast, wants to fill a narrow niche is better served with a straight tub.
A second point speaks for the corner shape, and it is rarely mentioned. Because the tub borders two sides with the wall, a wide rim area is created on the third side. This can be used as a shelf, and when stepping in you can support yourself there. On a narrow tub with a high rim this area is missing.
Series, dimensions and designs
The range comprises the W02, W05, W06, W20, W25, W60 and W70 series. For the square corner tubs the dimensions 135 x 135 cm, 140 x 140 cm, 150 x 150 cm and 152 x 152 cm are available. In addition there are asymmetric shapes in 135 x 180 cm and 120 x 182 cm, each in both orientations. The asymmetric models are of interest when the corner has walls of unequal length.
Some of the models carry the abbreviation TH and are equipped with a thermostatic mixer that keeps the set temperature constant. Many tubs additionally come with a cleaning function that rinses through the jet pipes after bathing. This detail is in the equipment list and should not be overlooked when comparing.
Three points ultimately decide the choice. First the shape: square for an even corner, asymmetric for unequal wall sections. Second the equipment of the massage function, that is, how many jets are fitted and whether the intensity can be regulated. Third the question of a door entry, which is explained in the next section.
The models with a side entry door
Two series in the range, W60 and W70, have a side entry door with a safety lock. So you do not climb over the high tub rim, but go through the door into the tub, sit down and then let the water in. A low threshold remains, that is due to the construction. But it is considerably lower than a tub rim.
These models therefore combine the generous corner shape with an entry that requires less effort than a tub rim, and keep the massage function. If the easy entry is the priority for you, a look at the senior bath tubs and at the bathtubs with door is also worthwhile, where you will find further designs with a door entry.
Installation, care and related categories
The tubs are made of fibreglass-reinforced acrylic. The material is light, which considerably eases transport into the bathroom, and feels warmer to the touch than steel. During installation, access to the technology is decisive: the pump and pipework must remain reachable even after panelling, which is why an inspection opening belongs in the planning.
For care the same applies as for all tubs with jets: the pipes want to be rinsed regularly. Tubs with a massage function in particular you will find under whirlpool bath, the entire tub range under bathtub.
Frequently asked questions about corner whirlpools
It needs more floor area, but less continuous wall length. A straight tub occupies a wall of 170 or 180 centimetres, a corner tub distributes itself over two shorter wall sections.
Which variant fits therefore depends less on the number of square metres than on the layout of the room. In a square bathroom with a free corner the corner tub is often the better solution, in a narrow galley bathroom the straight one.
Considerably more than a narrow standard tub, because the lying area is wider and the jets must be completely under water. The exact filling quantity is in the technical data of the respective model.
It is important that your hot water tank can supply the required quantity in one go. With small instantaneous water heaters or old tanks it is worth checking this before buying.
It rinses the jet pipes through with fresh water after bathing, so that no residual water stands in the pipes. It is precisely this residual water that is the cause of deposits and odours in whirlpool tubs.
Models with this function are marked accordingly in the range. Anyone who uses the tub regularly should pay attention to it, because it noticeably reduces the care effort.
Yes, the W60 and W70 series are equipped with a side door including a safety lock. You go in, sit down, close the door and then let the water in. Before getting out, the water drains again. A low threshold remains due to the construction.
This means that a bath takes a little longer than in an ordinary tub, because the fill and drain time are added. In return, climbing over the tub rim is eliminated completely.
Yes, and this is the most commonly overlooked thing during installation. The pump, pipework and control sit under the tub and must be reachable in case of maintenance. That is why an inspection opening belongs in the panelling.
Plan the opening at a spot where no piece of furniture will later stand in front of it. Anyone who walls the tub in solidly pays the price for it at the first repair.