Frequently Asked Questions

I need a replacement pump, how do I know if my pump is Imperial or Metric?
Click here to view our guide to Imperial and Metric pumps.

How do I upload pictures to Technical Support?
Click here for our new contact form

I have a spa bath and a jet or nozzle has broken, where can I get a replacement?
Click here to see if our replacement Europa jet will work for you.

My whirlpool system draws water to the pump through the waste and the pump keeps surging or hunting and/or the water keeps draining from the bath. What can I do?
Click here to see if the following solution will work for you.

Do I need an extra large bath for a Whirlpool? - No, a majority of our whirlpools are fitted to ordinary baths.

What is a whirlpool? - A whirlpool is made by installing venturi jets into the side of a bath through which water is re-circulated using a powerful pump. The process of pumping water through these venturi causes air to be mixed with the water creating a strong turbulence in the bath. The amount of air can be regulated by turning an "Air" Control on the rim of the bath, enabling the turbulence of the water to be controlled from a gentle to a vigorous massage.

What is a Jacuzzi? - Jacuzzi is probably the oldest and best known whirlpool Tradename - rather like Hoover is to vacuum cleaners.

Can a whirlpool be fitted to any bath? - Our Whirlpool systems can be fitted to any size, colour or shape of bath whether it be Acrylic, Steel or Cast Iron! Simply choose your bathroom suite and then choose a Pegasus Whirlpool System from our online store to go with it.

What is pneumatic switching? - Pneumatic switching is a means of remotely operating the on/off switch by means of a puff of air from a bellows incorporated into the on/off control on the bath.

Do I need an 'In line Heater' to keep the bath water warm? - Not really, the friction of the water being forced through the pump has a warming effect, In addition the air which is introduced into the venturi is drawn in from around the bath and is therefore warm. As with a normal bath your bath water will gradually become cooler, but as with an ordinary bath all you have to do is to turn on the hot tap for a few moments to restore the temperature!

Are there any medical benefits associated with whirlpool? - A whirlpool is fun and relaxing in addition we have received may letters from customers who have found that their whirlpool has helped with stress, strains, aches and pains, rheumatism & arthritis, circulation & migraines. A word of caution - a whirlpool is not a magic cure-all and it won't give the same benefits for everyone. If you suffer from an ailment you should seek advice from your doctor about any benefit that hydro-massage may have.

How much does a whirlpool cost to run? - A pump on a domestic whirlpool system is normally rated at about 4 amps, 0.37Kw and depending on the cost of a unit of electricity will therefore cost around 3 pence per hour to run. This can be offset against the savings on hot water - The hydro-massage action of a whirlpool breaks down the film of cool water which normally insulates the body in a hot bath, therefore with a whirlpool bath the initial temperature does not need to be as high as an ordinary bath!

What is meant by `Pump Protection'? - Pump protection is a device which if it senses the presence of water in the pump allows the pump to be run. Running the pump without water in it could cause it to overheat and damage the pump seals.

What is a `Water Level Cut Out'? - A `Water Level Cut Out' is similar to Pump Protection but will ensure that there is a pre-determined amount of water in the bath before the pump is allowed to run.

Will my whirlpool need regular servicing? - Not really, except for the pump your whirlpool system contains no moving parts. The pump & motor contain high temperature seals designed to last for many hours of continuous running, as your pump will only be operating for regular short bursts of half an hour or so, it will be relatively under-utilised and should give many years of good service.

How do I clean a whirlpool bath? - Because a whirlpool re-circulates water from within the bath it is very easy to periodically add a specially formulated cleanser to a bath full of water and re-circulate it through the whole system. Cleansers can be purchased from our online store.

Can I use Aromatherapy oils in a whirlpool bath? - .The air and water action of a whirlpool bath is one of the most effective means of releasing the true potential of essential oils to work on both the mind and body. In addition a whirlpool bath continually re-circulates the bath water ensuring even distribution of any essential oils added to the bath promoting absorption. inhalation and relaxation. Click here for further information on aromatherapy bath oils.

What is the difference between a whirlpool and a spa? - There are two main differences - Action and Cleaning: A whirlpool is Air and Water pumped through jets installed into the sides of the bath whereas a spa system is simply air blown through holes in the bottom of a bath. A whirlpool system can be thouroughly cleansed by re-circulating a cleansing solution through it. A spa or air bath can normally only be cleansed by filling the bottom of the bath with a sterilising solution and leaving it to soak.

Does a whirlpool involve any extra plumbing work? - A plumber installing a bath fitted with our whirlpool system will fit the bath as he would a normal bath. After fitting the bath, all that is necessary is for the electrical connection from the pump to the 13 amp ring main to be made by a qualified electrician. A whirlpool system does not require any additional plumbing .

Do I need a special electrical supply? - The pump is supplied pre-wired to a pneumatic switch box. Your electrician then has to make a connection from the switch box to the R.C.C.B. and from there into a convenient point on the 13 amp ring main in your house. This takes about one hour and should cost around £35.00 plus VAT

Can I use ordinary bubble bath in a whirlpool bath? - A whirlpool bath is like an automatic (body) washing machine - it needs low foaming bubble baths. You can use ordinary bubble baths if you only use a minute drop - any more and you may float out of the bath on a sea of foam! Please click here for details of our Low foaming aromatherapy bath oils

Can I have jets positioned to massage my back? - With certain limitations, we are able to position your jets and controls wherever you wish on the bath. When back jets are requested we prefer to position a jet either side of the spine rather than one directly onto the spine. Advice we have received from members of the medical profession indicates that long term exposure to a single jet directly onto the spine could cause bruising to the spinal cord.

How can I ensure that I get the best possible advice? - There are many different styles and makes of baths on the market and bath manufacturers are constantly improving their products. We regularly fit to in excess of 150 different types of bath. Feel free to ring us for advice on fitting positions to a certain type of bath, or even for advice on a type of bath for certain fitting positions! Either way you can depend on us for the most up to date advice.

Can I still have a whirlpool fitted if I am having a wooden panel on my bath? - Due to the extremely slim design of our Venturi, we are in most cases able to install our whirlpool systems into a bath with wooden panels. If in doubt - please contact us. Email: technical@whirlpoolexpress.co.uk

What sort of guarantee do we get with our whirlpool system? - When we supply a bath fitted with a whirlpool system it is covered by our comprehensive two year parts and labour guarantee. At the end of the initial two year period you can if you wish extend your guarantee for a further three years.

Could our existing bath be converted to a Whirlpool bath? - Most probably Yes, As long as access can be got to one side of the bath and there are no obstructions in the way of the pump or pipework. Conversion normally takes less than a day and is done without the need to remove your bath. for details on pricing and options Click here.

If your question has not been answered please feel free to contact us via E-Mail or by calling 01633 244555