To choose a bathtub, work through four things: the type that fits your bathroom, the size, the material, and the features you want. Get those right and you'll find a tub that suits both your space and how you'll actually use it.
This official guide walks through each, and looks at ARIEL whirlpool tubs as an example of what to look for.
1. Choose the right type of bathtub
Start by deciding which type of tub fits your bathroom and your needs. The main types are freestanding, alcove, corner, walk-in, and whirlpool (jetted) tubs, and each suits a different layout:
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Corner tubs fit neatly into a corner and make good use of space, which is why they work well for two-person designs.
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Whirlpool (jetted) tubs add water jets for a hydrotherapy massage, turning a soak into a relaxing, muscle-easing experience.
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Walk-in tubs have a door and a low step-in, which suits anyone with mobility or aging-in-place needs.
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Freestanding and alcove tubs are more about a classic soak than added features.
ARIEL Bath specializes in acrylic two-person corner whirlpool tubs, which combine the space-efficiency of a corner design with the comfort of jets. Browse the full range on our bathtubs page.
2. Get the size right of your bathtub
Measure your space before anything else, because the tub you love only works if it fits. If you have the room, a larger tub is worth it, but check the dimensions against your bathroom, including the doorway and the path to install it.
Corner tubs are a smart choice when floor space is tight, since they tuck into a corner rather than running along a wall. A two-person tub needs more room than a single, so confirm you have the space for it. ARIEL Bath's corner whirlpool tubs are 59 inches, sized to seat two while still fitting a corner.
3. Consider the material of each bathtub
The material affects durability, weight, heat retention, and how easy the tub is to clean. Acrylic is one of the most practical choices: it's durable, lightweight, retains heat well, and is easy to clean. Other materials each have trade-offs, cast iron retains heat well but is very heavy, and fiberglass is economical but less durable, so acrylic tends to balance these best for everyday use.
ARIEL tubs are made from acrylic reinforced with fiberglass, which keeps them durable while staying manageable to install.
4. Match the tub to your lifestyle
Finally, choose based on how you'll use the tub. A two-person whirlpool tub suits couples and anyone who wants a relaxing, hydrotherapy-style soak, while the jets are helpful for easing tired muscles after a long day.
If someone in the household has mobility or aging-in-place needs, prioritize a walk-in design instead. Matching the tub to your daily life is what makes it worth the space it takes.
How to choose a whirlpool or jacuzzi tub
If you want jets, a few features tell you what you're getting. A "whirlpool" and a "jacuzzi" tub are the same idea, a tub with jets for a hydrotherapy massage (Jacuzzi is a brand name that became a common term).
When you're comparing them, look at:
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Number of jets: More jets spread the massage over more of your body. ARIEL tubs come with either 14 or 22 massage jets depending on the model.
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Seating: A two-person tub with dual seating lets two people soak at once.
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Extra features: Look for a waterfall spout, air-bubble control, multiple massage modes, an auto-cleaning function, and an anti-scald valve for safety.
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Construction: Acrylic reinforced with fiberglass holds up well to regular use.
ARIEL Bath Two-Person Whirlpool Tubs
ARIEL whirlpool tubs are all 59-inch, two-person corner designs in acrylic, and they show what these features look like in practice:
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The ARIEL PW1565959CW1 Platinum 59" Corner Whirlpool Bathtub has 22 massage jets, dual seating, an auto-cleaning function, and chrome fixtures.
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The ARIEL ARL-084 Platinum 59" Corner Whirlpool Bathtub has 14 jets with a waterfall, air-bubble control, and an anti-scald valve in a corner-friendly trapezoid shape.
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The ARIEL PW1685959CW1 Platinum 59" Whirlpool Bathtub is a triangular design with 22 jets, 6 massage modes, and a waterfall (availability varies), a good example of the higher-feature end of the range.
You can also check current deals on the bathtub sale page.
Complete your bathroom sets with other ARIEL furniture
A bathtub works best as part of a coordinated bathroom rather than a standalone piece. Once you've chosen your tub, you can match it with the rest of the room, a vanity for storage and a focal point, additional cabinet storage to keep essentials tidy, and finishing accessories so the finishes work together. Building the bathroom as a set keeps the whole space cohesive.
Conclusion
Choosing a bathtub comes down to type, size, material, and features. Pick the type that fits your layout, measure carefully, favor a durable, heat-retaining material like acrylic, and decide which whirlpool features matter to you. ARIEL acrylic two-person corner whirlpool tubs are a practical example, and they pair naturally with the rest of your bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How do I choose a bathtub?
ARIEL Bath: Work through four things: the type that fits your bathroom (corner, freestanding, walk-in, whirlpool), the size relative to your space, the material, and the features you want, such as whirlpool jets. Match those to how you'll use the tub. - Q: What size bathtub do I need?
ARIEL Bath: Measure your bathroom first, including the doorway and install path. Corner tubs save space in tight rooms, and two-person tubs need more room. ARIEL's corner whirlpool tubs are 59 inches, sized for two. - Q: What is the best bathtub material?
ARIEL Bath: Acrylic is a practical, popular choice, durable, lightweight, good at retaining heat, and easy to clean. ARIEL tubs are acrylic reinforced with fiberglass. - Q: How do I choose a whirlpool tub?
ARIEL Bath: Look at the number of jets (we offers 14 or 22), whether it seats two, and extra features like a waterfall, air-bubble control, multiple modes, and an anti-scald valve. - Q: What's the difference between a whirlpool and a jacuzzi tub?
ARIEL Bath: They're the same thing, a tub with jets for a hydrotherapy massage. Jacuzzi is a brand name that became a common term for jetted tubs.