What is Air Bubbling Therapy?
While water jet therapy has long been known for its pain relieving benefits, air bubbling therapy is somewhat of a newer concept. The delicate sensation of light tingly bubbles has more recently been recognized for its gentle, soothing relief. Hot tubs with air bubbling systems include an air blower that pushes air into a variety of inlets, or air injectors, within a spa, creating the desired soothing bubbling action.

The Pros
Air bubbling systems provide both entertainment and stress relief, which are universally appealing to hot tubbers of all ages. The light, tingling feeling provides stress relief with an overall sense of wellbeing. Some have described this sensation as “sitting in a bucket of champagne”. This light bubbling sensation is a welcome alternative to the much more powerful, invigorating massage typical of water jet therapy.

The Cons
Not all manufacturers make air bubbling systems available in their hot tubs. As a result, many unsuspecting spa owners come to realize only after their purchase, that their new spa did not come equipped with one. An unfortunate realization really, especially since bubbling systems cannot be added on after a purchase.

Another drawback to some air bubbling systems is their lack of range in control of intensity, often too strong or too weak to achieve a desired effect. A quality bubbling system can deliver from the slightest level of fermenting bubbles to a full-frothed discharge of air.

If you are considering a spa with an air bubbling system, you should be aware of the differences between systems out there. Some actually pull in outside air and pump it into your spa water. This contributes to rapid cooling of your hot tub, especially during colder months, and in cooler climates. Depending on how frequently you use your bubbling system, this can significantly increase your heating costs.

Another potential nuisance is noise. A poorly engineered bubbling system can be somewhat loud. This can be disturbing to people attempting to relax in peace and quiet.

The Solution
In order to solve the rapid heat loss problem associated with most bubbling systems, a handful of hot tub companies have begun utilizing something called co-generated heating. To explain, when these hot tub designers discovered that there was quite a bit of unharnessed heat being generated from motors, heaters, and other internal workings of a hot tub, they soon found a way to put it to use. By taking air from this pre-warmed internal chamber for use in their bubbling systems, they were finally able to dramatically reduce heat loss during frequent bubbling system use.

Further, with the use of proper soundproofing, the noise issue associated with bubbling systems is no longer a problem, but only with the better, properly insulated hot tubs of today. So with a little research, you can have a warm air bubbling system that’s both cost efficient and peacefully quiet and relaxing.

Summary:
Air bubbling systems have become a popular feature on many spas because of a growing popularity in air bubbling therapy. There are many differences in quality of these systems however. The ideal bubbling system will be quiet, have a wide range of power, and will consume less energy by utilizing co-generated heat.