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April 2015 | ForResidentialPros.com | 45 air is introduced into the water. When systems are tailored to address these issues, such as in Aquatic's Driftbath that moves water with water, the soaking experience receives an extra special touch. "It's taking advantage of the trend of simple bathing, and if you want to introduce a system to it, enhancing that experience," she says. There are some technologies that are increasingly impor- tant, such as inline heaters to keep water warm during a long soak, and surface heaters to keep a bather warm when flling or draining a tub. At the same time, the technology must add value to the room. "Technology that enhances and adds comfort or efciency is important," says Moore. "Technology for the sake of technology isn't really worth the time." UNADORNED BEAUTY Simplicity extends beyond features and options to impact the color, shape and size of bathtubs on the market. Most consumers stick to white or neutral tones for their tub, though they are introducing splashes of color in the overall bathroom design. "We're still seeing that the palette is white and muted beige, and grey is coming on strong as the new neutral," says Kornowa. From there, accents are being added in art, pillows, towels or trim, he says. "We're seeing a lot of creativity in splashes of color in the bathroom." Moore says that white is still the most popular color for tubs, but he is starting to see the consumer bring more style and personality into the space by experimenting with warmer tones, like biscuit, sandbar and dune. Jonathan Carter, marketing director at United Kingdom- based Victoria & Albert Baths, says that the frm only ofers bathtub and vessel basins in classic white, which is by far the most popular. At the same time, he says, the company ofers a material, ENGLISHCAST, rich in volcanic limestone that works VERSATILE AND VARIABLE In jetted systems, the ability to choose exactly the therapies desired is a huge factor, and these therapies must be fexible, adjusting to the specifc user. "Homeowners are looking more and more to new tech- nologies in hydrotherapy that can ofer unique, customized experiences," says Moore. In the past, spouses with diferent preferences might not end up having an ideal experience. "Being able to now ofer our combination hydrotherapy baths is really opening the doors to new and unique bathing experiences," he says. This might include a whirlpool with the company's Bask heated surface technology, or Bask along with its VibrAcoustic technology, which integrates music and vibrations into the tub. Davis notes that there is a demand for adjustable jets that allow for the diferent needs of the bathers, from deep hydro massage to a soothing, relaxing fow like that ofered by the company's Swirl-Way Venturi jet. "Features such as inline water heaters, chromatherapy mood light systems and ozone cleaning systems are allowing consumers to personalize their hydro - therapy experiences," she adds. While consumers are looking for variety, simplicity in design is also important. Nate Jensen, national dealer sales manager for Best Bath Systems, in Caldwell, ID, says, "The average user of these products tends to be part of our growing boomer popula- tion. Easy design, use and cleaning are important." Mars emphasizes simplicity of choice as another important aspect in jetted systems. "The use of intuitive technology con- tinues to grow in many facets of consumers lives," she says. "We believe those consumers who use hydrotherapy and jetted systems want products that are both intuitive and can function in a range of ways." There can be some perceived shortcomings to jetted systems, Aure reports, including noise and coolness that results when Constructed of sandstone with rich, natural veining, the Papillon Bathtub from Stone Forest evokes elegance and organic sim- plicity. The tub features a very distinctive, free-fowing shape. Circle No. 207 on Product Card The compact size of Victoria + Albert 's new ionian bath works well in smaller bathrooms. The freestand- ing soaking tub features a distinctive variable width rim that enhances its oval design, and includes an ergo- nomic design with a deep bathing well. Crafted from ENGLISHCAST, the brand's signature material of natural Volcanic Limestone and high per- formance resin, the ionian measures 24-1/8"x 67"x31-1/4". Circle No. 210 on Product Card The Underscore oval bath from Kohler uses the geometric style of the rec- tilinear Underscore bath, but translates it to an oval drop-in and a freestand- ing bath. The new bath is available as a soaking tub as well as with hydro- therapy experiences, including: VibrAcoustic technology, ProFlex BubbleMassage, Bask heated surface, chromatherapy lights and whirlpool, and a combination of hydrotherapies. Circle No. 211 on Product Card The Bathhaus Collection by Whitehaus Collection features three new luxurious copper freestanding soaker tub models. Each Whitehaus copper bathtub is handcrafted and created with 97% pure copper. The three new models are available in a ham- mered copper and hammered bronze fnish. Circle No. 213 on Product Card The iSteam steam shower controller from Mr. Steam features swipe-touch technology that controls temperature, duration, aromatherapy, chromather- apy and music. The graphic interface was designed by industrial designer David Farrage. Featuring an optional Bluetooth Audio Streaming System, iSteam pairs up to eight devices and four in-shower speakers. The unit is made from fused silica glass and pol- ished cast aluminum, and is available in black and white fnishes. Circle No. 206 on Product Card The Brentwood Suite from Mansfeld Plumbing Products includes a soaking tub, whirlpool and airbath, along with lavatories and toilets. Detailed beveled edges, scalloped corners and clean fat surfaces are seen in all of the suite's fxtures. New to the line is the Brentwood 3260 rectan- gular tub, which measures just 60"x32"x20-3/4". Circle No. 208 on Product Card Aquatic 's Serenity 50 and Serenity 54 tubs feature a low deck height, allowing easier access for the user. The lower profle also enhances the streamlined look. The Serenity 54 features a soft rectangular exterior that transitions into an oval-shaped tub foor. Because of this transition, the walls are softened and curved for a more modern design. Circle No. 205 on Product Card With the moveable Seaside bench and platform and heater wrap around, the Helo Sauna & Steam Seaside Interior was inspired by the experience of sitting by a bonfre as waves gently roll to shore. The bench is shown with the Pikku- tonttu heater and rock accent wall. Circle No. 209 on Product Card Tylo 's Impression saunas use very little space while incorporating elegant design features, including expansive glass to make the room feel larger. The saunas are compact enough to ft in a small bathroom, with some models taking approximately the same footprint as a soaker tub. Circle No. 214 on Product Card The bathtub line from Jacuzzi Luxury Bath includes Bravo, which is available in six colors, two bathing experiences and two installation methods. The two-piece oval tub, fash- ioned from acrylic, is available in freestanding and drop-in versions, with a 5"-wide deck to support deck-mount faucets. In addition to solid white, oyster, almond and black, Bravo is also ofered with a black or almond skirt with white bathing well. Soaking and PureAir technology are available. Circle No. 212 on Product Card