One reason for the growing interest in air baths is consumer concern about cleanliness of the fixture, he said. It's important to thoroughly clean the jets of the whirlpool between uses. By their nature, whirlpool plumbing lines can collect soap residue, body oils, dirt and water deposits.
Some air baths are designed to prevent any backflow of water into the jets that blow the air into the water. MTI's air baths include specially designed plastic protective jet housings to prevent residue buildup in the fiberglass backing of the bath. A built-in backflow prevention check valve keeps bath water from entering the air lines.