The process of purchasing and placing a whirlpool tub or cold tank in a facility, whether that be an athletic training room, therapy clinic, wellness spa, or hospital rehabilitation center, should be carefully considered to ensure that the right hydrotherapy tank is selected, the plumbing is designed and located to accommodate the specific tank, and that the flow of traffic and athlete/patient number accommodation is adequate to meet the anticipated needs.

To ensure that this happens, it is always important to communicate effectively with the athletic trainer, therapist, or healthcare practitioner who will be working in the facility and servicing the athletes/patients.

1. Mobile whirlpools save time and are more accommodating as no special plumbing connection is required.
2. Mobile whirlpools offer convenience as they can be placed and easily moved anywhere, as reversing turbines (standard with mobile units) pump used water out of the hydrotherapy tank via a hose assembly and into an available sink or drain.
3. Heavy-duty locking casters ensure smooth transport to accommodate mobility and security of positioning.
4. Mobile whirlpools do not use the Separate Drain and Overflow Assembly (SDO) device.

1. Stationary whirlpools require permeant plumbing connection (or are to be positioned over a drain or drainage trough) and are therefore limited in where they can be placed. NOTE: the drain is located at the end of the tank (end with the turbine) so drainage must accommodate this configuration.
2. These whirlpools offer direct connection to drain and water supply.
3. Stationary whirlpools come standard with a high-capacity gravity drain – to facilitate a faster draining time.
4. The Separate Drain and Overflow Assembly (SDO) option can be purchased for this unit.

1. Stationary whirlpools with legs require permeant plumbing connection (or are to be positioned over a drain or drainage trough) and are therefore limited in where they can be placed. NOTE: the drain is located at the end of the tank (end with the turbine) so drainage must accommodate this configuration.
2. Reversing turbines (standard with stationary whirlpools with legs) pump used water out of the hydrotherapy tank via a hose assembly and into an available sink or drain.
3. Legs give height to the whirlpool making clean up under the tank easier.
4. Stationary whirlpools w/Lets do not use Separate Drain and Overflow Assembly (SDO) device

Thermostatic Mixing Valve (MXT15-OTG): a chrome-plated, lead-free brass

thermostatic mixing valve that can deliver tempered water from 0.5 to 15 gallons (1.9 to 57 liters) per minute. This assembly must be attached/mounted to the wall directly above the turbine. It is also recommended that the therapy tank be positioned 1 foot from the wall.

Washout Hose Kit for Whirlpool Mixing Valve (MXWH): A wash-out hose kit that attaches to Whitehall’s MXT15-OTG thermostatic mixing valve. The kit includes the attachment to the valve with a vacuum breaker, 8 foot (2.44 meter) hose, wall mount hook, and ultra-spray head handle. This is used to clean the tub as well as can be used to wash down the athlete/patient before they get into the tub, or after they get out of the tub.

Separate Drain and Overflow Assembly on Stationary Whirlpools (SDO): offered only on stationary whirlpools and is furnished in lieu of the standard combination drain and overflow system. This option features a quick open/close, lever-operated 2-inch drain valve and 2-inch overflow with perforated strainer. This provides surface scum removal and greater overflow handling capacity. This device is primarily recommended if the therapy tub is located in a space that is on an upper floor (as compared to the ground floor) or if a floor drain is not available.

Separate Drain with Pump - for mobile whirlpools and stationary whirlpools with legs (SDP):

The pump is typically used on the underside of a mobile whirlpool tank and facilitates the draining of the tank. A hose connected to the pump exits through a hole on the bottom skirt of the tank. The addition of this option will raise the height of some whirlpools by 2 inches (50.8 mm). This will also be available on Stationary Whirlpools with Legs.

Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI): This option provides a safety feature that immediately shuts off the circuit if excessive current amps are drawn, as can be the case if water comes in contact with connections. This device is not needed if the facility already has a GFI receptable in the wall.

Auxiliary Drain Hose Assembly (ADH): This 12 inch (305 mm) hose with chrome-plated brass fittings attaches to the drain valve of a mobile whirlpool. The hose directs the flow of water when emptying to a floor drain outlet.

Related Reading:

For additional helpful information, click HERE to view the article, What are the Top 5 Therapy Tubs for Universities, Colleges, and High Schools?

 For additional helpful information, click HERE to view the document, A Comprehensive & Convenient Guide to Whitehall Hydrotherapy Tanks (Whirlpools), Cold Tanks, Turbines, and Accessories