When a house features a hot tub, there are typically many people who benefit from its use without ever really knowing or caring how the hot tub works. And there’s no problem with that! Worrying about the internal workings of a hot tub is hardly conducive to relaxation. However, some people are naturally more curious about the appliances they use and like to know what makes them work and how they’re put together. This article is for people like that! One of the hot tub components that many users may never heard of is the hot tub blower. What is a hot tub blower? In this article, we go over the component’s function as well as some frequently asked questions.
What Is A Hot Tub Blower?
Simply put, the hot tub blower is a pump fitted with a fan that forces air into the hot tub water. For this reason, they are also known as a bubbler or air pump. That said, the hot tub blower is different from the water jets that provide the massaging action that hot tubs are so well known for. The air blower might work in conjunction with the existing water jets, known as turbocharging or have their own separate injectors.
Why Would You Use A Hot Tub Blower?
Hot tub blowers are typically used to create a more refreshing atmosphere in the hot tub.
The mixture of air and water creates effervescent bubbles which keep the surface of the water moving and results in a stimulating environment. A hot tub will work perfectly well without a blower, but some people prefer the ambiance they create. Hot tub blowers are standard with many hot tub models, but if yours doesn’t have one and the control panel is blower compatible, it’s possible to add one after the fact.
Are There Disadvantages to Having A Hot Tub Blower?
The largest disadvantage of having a hot tub blower is the fact that the air being blown through the water can significantly cool down the temperature of your hot tub. This will increase the amount of energy needed to maintain the water temperature and cause your operational costs to rise. There are blowers on the market that preheat the air before it enters the water to reduce this drawback. Another disadvantage found by hot tub users is that the blowers can be very loud. For those who are sensitive to loud noise, this can be troublesome. However, there has been progress made in noise-reducing efforts by using mufflers and other sound reduction materials.
What Do I Need to Look for In A Hot Tub Blower?
If you’re planning to add an aftermarket blower to your hot tub or are looking to replace one that’s failed, the main things you need to keep an eye on are voltage, size of the air piping system, horsepower and electrical plugs. Hot tub blowers can come in both 110 and 220-volt models. As for air piping, the typical diameters are usually 1.5 or 2 inches. Air blowers usually come in 1, 1.5 and 2 horsepower models. Choosing the right horsepower depends on how far the air blower is away from the actual tub, the number of 90 degree turns in the pipe system, the number of air injectors and how deep the water is. There are a number of different electrical plugs available, so getting one that’s compatible with the electrical setup you have is important. You can also hardwire the blower directly to the control panel to remove the need for another electrical plug.
To find out more information about air blowers and how they work, download a free hot tub buyer’s guide today.