Hot water is an essential ingredient of hydrotherapy. Soaking in hot water quiets the body and slows internal organs. Heat dilates blood vessels and increases circulation in the body, thus allowing enzymes and endorphins (the body’s natural pain relievers) to work more quickly and effectively. It also stimulates sweating and increases the elimination of toxins. In fact, a recent study by the Mayo Clinic found that a hot bath provides many of the health benefits of exercise with less strain on the heart. Soaking in a hot bath increases the heart rate while lowering one’s blood pressure rather than raising it as does exercise. Heat also makes the body more receptive to the benefits of air bath or whirlpool hydrotherapy. MTI Designer models also allow you to maximize the benefits of thermaltherapy with two effective technologies: Radiance® Bath Surface Heating System Whether your preference is soaking bath, air bath, whirlpool bath or a combination, MTI can help you extend the therapeutic benefits of hot water with its inline water heating systems (except for freestanding tubs).

These systems use electricity to maintain bath water heat, not to heat cold water. The thermostat for these systems is pre-set by the manufacturer to maintain bath water temperature at a very comfortable 104° Fahrenheit, so the bather can enjoy the bath longer. Included in some of the standard packages and also available as a separate option, the inline heating system for whirlpools is activated when the pump is turned on, with the jetted water being heated. No separate external switch is needed. For soaking tubs and air baths, this optional system is manually activated by an On/Off switch. The system will gently recirculate the bath water through the inline heater, with negligible disturbance to the water. MTI's Radiance acrylic heat system is a bathing amenity that applies radiant heat technology to warm the interior surface of the tub. Radiance permeates the bath surface with heat, creating a supreme haven for relaxation. Not only does Radiance eliminate the shock of a cold tub for shoulders, neck, back or bottom, but you will continue to feel its soothing warmth throughout your bathing experience.

The ultra-thin Radiance system is integrated in the acrylic bath shell structure to provide an even distribution of warmth where it is needed most. The heated bath surfaces not only provide enhanced bather comfort but also help prevent bath water heat loss. Radiance is not visible but is concealed out of sight within the tub structure. Radiance has been designed to be ready when you are. Using low voltage technology, Radiance can be turned on and left on so that your tub will be warm, toasty and ready when you want it. Golden Retriever Pups For Sale WiNo need to wait for the bath surface to heat up. Replacing Roman Tub Faucet CartridgeRadiance low-voltage design uses about as much energy as the small light bulb in a lamp which you might leave on all the time in your home.Wedding Dress Shop Dundee

So now you can experience warmth above the waterline, as well as below. Or, even without the water. Radiance is available on Designer Collection tubs and most Designer Collection shower bases. Free-Standing Tubs: Pros and Cons To take the edge off the pressures of daily life, many Americans are cultivating ways to relax and de-stress in their own homes by turning their bathrooms into spa-like sanctuaries. New bathroom technologies—from steam showers, body sprays, and hydro-massage shower heads to towel warmers, chromatherapy components, and radiant-heat floors—have emerged in recent years to soothe tired muscles, relax the body, and calm the mind. Related: Free-Standing Tubs: Soaking Up the Luxury Central to many of today’s spa-inspired baths are freestanding soaking tubs, which have replaced the Jacuzzis and sunken garden bathtubs that were ubiquitous in design a few years ago. These old-style soaking tubs forego the noise and vigor of bubbling jets in favor of a deep, quiet soak.

The tubs also come in a wide range of materials and finishes, such as wood, copper, and enamel, and often feature accents like old-fashioned claw feet or organic, modern shapes. According to New York designer Kent Brasloff, vice president of programs for the New York chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), free-standing tubs have largely been a high-ticket item but are now appearing more and more in the middle market. “For those with the additional space, they make a nice change by adding a sculptural element,” says Brasloff, who notes that these tubs are generally better in a non-urban environment due to space and weight restrictions. “This type of tub is a tricky fit in apartments, but in larger condos and single-family homes they can add a feeling of luxury and the sophistication of ‘spa,’” he says. Brasloff suggests choosing a tub made of a material suitable for your space. Cast iron tubs are extremely heavy, for example, while those made of resin and fiberglass can be light by comparison.

“Cast iron, however, retains heat better than any other product on the market and is available in a wide range of colors—it is also among the best at resisting scratching, fading, and chipping,” Brasloff notes. “Fiberglass, on the other hand, is the least expensive option with regard to price and is very easy to install,” although fiberglass products have a “higher risk of scratching and fading, as well as cracking.” Acrylic tends to crack and discolor over time but does provide a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, pleasing to many tastes and wallet-friendly, Brasloff adds. “Wood and stone are both bold choices that make a distinctive style statement, yet both reflect top-of-the-market pricing and require a high level of maintenance to retain their beauty.” Relatively new to the market are solid surface materials that retain heat well; come in an endless variety of shapes, sizes, and colors; and can be easily repaired. “Prices for these tend toward the high end,” says Brasloff.