This makes them brittle, and if they do crack the only cure is to replace the whole tub. The last choice a person has is the gelcoated fiberglass tub. The problem with it is it has a tendency to oxidize, fade and discolor, like the paint on your car. Other critical design features a customer should ask about are the motor, in-line heaters and jets. This provides flexibility of the jet action, ranging from a mild pulsation to a full force hydrotherapy massage.
All building codes require access to the pump for an electrical hook-up.
If you ever have to get at the pump or motor, it's a lot nicer to have easy access instead of having to rip something up. DiMauro doesn't believe an in-line heater is a necessity. The friction of the water being forced through the pump has a warming effect. And, just like a normal bath, if the water becomes cooler, all you have to do is turn on the hot tap for a few minutes to restore the temperature. The jets in a whirlpool bath are installed into the side of the tub, and then water is re-circulated through the jets using a powerful pump.