Oval Whirlpool Bathtubs are among the most coveted bathroom upgrades out there. But not all whirlpool tubs are created equal. So even if you’re ready to dive head into your luxury bathroom remodel, read this first! Not only do whirlpool tubs come in different sizes, shapes, and styles, there are also quite a few types that produce very different user experiences. So, especially if you’ve never used a whirlpool tub before, this little bit of lingo will help you find a tub you’ll love.

Oval Shaped Whirlpool Tub circulates water and forces it back out through a series of jets, sometimes mixed with air to give an intense, deep-tissue massage. This is the most intense whirlpool experience, and similar to what you’d experience in your average outdoor hot tub. Importantly you cannot use bath oils or salts in this type of tub, as they can clog the motor and break the tub as they circulate with the water.

The air bath represents the much gentler cousin of the classic whirlpool tub. Instead of water jets, these tubs produce streams of tiny air bubbles. Like the traditional water jets, they can be adjusted in intensity, producing anything from a light fizz to a gentle massage, rather than the deep tissue massages of a whirlpool. Air system tubs are a good choice if you dislike the intense experience of hard water jets and prefer a lighter, bubblier experience. Also, you can use bath oils or salts in this type of tub, as the heated air comes from a separate source and the bath water does not come in contact with the motor or pump.

As the name implies, combo massage tubs contain both water jets and air jets. These tend to have many more jets in them than either other type of tub, but not all of them are necessarily used at once, as both systems can be adjusted independently to get exactly the intensity and type of jet experience you want. Combo massage tubs are an excellent choice if you’re not completely sure which kind of jet you prefer and won’t have the opportunity to try them out. These are also great if multiple people with different tastes will be using the same tub, or if you sometimes prefer a more intense experience and other times want to be pampered. For the same reason as whirlpool tubs, combo tubs cannot be used with bath oils or salts, but they do sometimes come with built in aromatherapy features.

If you’ve read this far and are still feeling a little ambivalent or uncertain about your options, it might be that you don’t want a whirlpool tub after all – you just want a big, deep tub to soak, relax, and unwind undisturbed by man, beast, or pesky water jets. The good news for you is that there are now soaking tubs that are just as deep, long, and wide as your average whirlpool tubs, both built in and freestanding. That means you can enjoy the luxury of being submerged in water without having to go for a full hot tub, plus you can use bath oils or salts to your heart’s content.