I am considering buying an Americh Icaro 7242 whirlpool bath.  I have
been unable to find reviews of this tub or even of this brand in the
usual places (Consumer Reports, Google Groups, Epinions, etc.).  I
would like to know if people recommend the brand.  Specifically, are
the products of high quality, are they noisy, and are they reliable?

Hello erspertus-ga,

It seems that the type of tub you?re looking for is a fairly new
development and this may be the reason that standard ratings and
evaluations aren?t available. Nevertheless, my research shows that
Americh is a highly respected luxury brand.

http://www.americh.com/
Since 1982, Americh has been the number one innovator in whirlpool
technology. Whirlpools are what Americh built its reputation on, and
we've earned our reputation by consistently offering the finest
products on the cutting edge of innovation. Our whirlpools are
fashioned from the finest materials available and unparalleled
attention is given to every detail.

==

http://www.americh.com/airbath.html
At Americh, we offer 3 series of whirlpools and AirbathTM systems or a
combination of both, each producing a different kind of hydrotherapy
experience. When you select an Americh bathtub, we'll work with you to
create your own personal system.

==

http://www.theplumber.com/recommendedbrands.html
Jetted Bathtubs:
Americh is great quality.

==

http://www.plumbingstore.com/americh.html
Americh Luxury Tubs
Note: Americh makes tubs on a custom basis and therefore they cannot be returned

==

http://www.bainultra.com/
http://www.bainultra.com/better_way_to_live/hydro_thermo.html
BainUltra ThermoMasseur



The tub model you?re considering buying is an air jet tub. Currently
there are only two manufacturers of air-jet tubs (Americh and Ultra)
compared to the better known water jet whirlpool tubs. Below I?ve
collected a variety of resources to help you with selecting the tub
that?s right for you. It seems that you have nothing to worry about
choosing a whirlpool tub from Americh.

Wishing you many hours of relaxation and enjoyment in your new tub.

~ czh ~



://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Americh+Icaro+7242&btnG=Google+Search
Americh Icaro 7242

==

http://www.ehow.com/how_110244_buy-whirlpool-tub.html
How to Buy a Whirlpool Tub

==

http://www.katherinesalant.com/articles/article.php?nav=6,3,2&id=19&pid=31
Air Jets or Water Jets for Your Whirlpool?

Besides the wider range in pulsations from the jets, the motor for an
air-jet tub is quieter, and you can add bath oils, bubble bath, sea
salt or therapeutic herbs with abandon. If you use any of those things
in a conventional water-jet tub, you can damage or clog the system.
And because no water is recirculated through the air-jet system, hair
and small objects cannot get caught or sucked into the openings.

But the main reason for the increasing popularity of the air-jet tubs,
Thomas said, is that after the bath is over, no water residues will
remain in the harnesses, the pipes behind the jets. With conventional
water jets, a small amount of water can remain in the harnesses after
the tub is emptied; mold, bacteria and fungi can flourish there.

Most manufacturers use acrylic to make whirlpool tubs, but a few still
make them with fiberglass. The "gel coat" finish of a fiberglass tub
looks exactly like acrylic, but it is not as durable. After three
years or so, the tub will look dingy. The acrylic is much more
durable, but it can scratch and "you shouldn't wash your dog in one,"
Thomas advised.

==

http://www.realestatejournal.com/homegarden/20000822-holt.html
A Better Bathtub, By Way of Europe

An increasingly popular solution: air-massage baths, which force warm
air through as many as 70 little holes in the tub floors or walls for
a gentle all-over massage. They've been available for years in Europe
but have only recently started to make a splash in the market here, in
large part because they can tolerate additives such as oils and even
therapeutic mud masks.

Though whirlpool tubs still are top sellers, the market for air-jet
tubs is growing fast. At $1,000 to $4,500, the cost of air-jet tubs is
comparable to whirlpool systems. Air-jets account for about 25% of the
therapeutic baths sold at Tubs & Stuff Plumbing Supply Inc. in
Ansonia, Conn., compared with 10% three years ago, says Kenneth
Shortell, president. Sales are rising even faster at McGuckin Design
Center, a division of Hight Enterprises in Boulder, Colo. Manager Phil
Iwane says 70% of therapeutic tubs he sells this year will be air
jets, up from 15% three years ago.

One selling point: clean-up. Some air-jet makers are marketing their
tubs as low maintenance because air channels stay -- or are blown --
dry after the tub is drained. Whirlpool baths can breed mildew and
bacteria if small amounts of water are left in the pipes, but
manufacturers say properly designed and maintained tubs shouldn't do
that. Some manufacturers recommend cleaning air jets' channels as
well.

==

http://www.abathroomguide.com/html/bath-tubs.htm
How to choose your bathtub

==

http://www.artspace2000.com/executive_match/Luxury_Guide/home-improvement/28000.php
Tips For Buying a Whirlpool Bath Online



===============
SEARCH STRATEGY
===============

americh
air jet whirlpool tubs
americh reliability
whirlpool tubs ratings
Americh  reputation OR rating OR rank

---

Request for Answer Clarification by erspertus-ga on 18 Jun 2006 13:48 PDT

We're planning to get a water jet, not air jet, tub.  (That's why I
said "whirlpool", although I know some people use the term
imprecisely.)  The model we mentioned can be gotten with either or
both types of jets.  Would you answer any differently for water jets?

Thank you.

---

Clarification of Answer by czh-ga on 18 Jun 2006 20:13 PDT

Hello erspertus-ga,

Americh is a well-known and respected brand. I couldn?t find anything
negative about them or anyone complaining about any of their products.
I would expect that if there were problems with the company or one of
their products something would turn up in the news or in a discussion
forum. I also found some hotels advertising that they had Americh
whirlpools or airbaths as a demonstration of their luxury
accomodations.

The most important advice about getting a whirlpool tub is the
recommendation that you try out the specific model you?re interested
in. You should definitely sit in it to make sure about the fit and the
arrangement of the jets.

In the course of my search for additional information for you I ran
across a forum discussing whirlpools and airbaths. I think you?ll find
it interesting. I also recommend that you join the forum and post your
own question. This seems to be a lively group and you will get
information from other buyers that might help with direct experiences
or shopping advice.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/bath/
Bathrooms
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bath/msg1213555915204.html?15
Trying to decide on an airbath

You might also want to read the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports
where they evaluated whirlpool baths. I don?t think Americh models
were included but the general information and the ratings on other
models might give you additional questions that you want to review
before you make your final choice. You can subscribe to Consumer
Reports for $4.95 for one month. This seems like a reasonable price to
get the detailed information.

http://www.wral.com/money/5003290/detail.html
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=consumer&id=3341967
Whirlpool Baths
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports just tested six whirlpool tubs, including ones with
air jets. Others have bigger jets that force out water and a third
type uses both kinds of jets.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/home-improvement/whirlpool-tubs-805/overview/index.htm
Whirlpool tubs

From Consumer Reports, August 2005, the following report includes
Ratings and recommendations for whirlpool tubs. Also included is
information on Jacuzzi tubs and bathtub replacements.

Included in this report (for subscribers):
 -- Overview
 -- CR Quick Recommendations
 -- Ratings
 -- How to choose
 -- Types
 -- Installation and upkeep
 -- Which whirlpool tub?

Subscription available for $4.95 Monthly 

I?m sorry I wasn?t able to find more direct information about the
model whirlpool you?re considering but this seems to be a well-known
and respected luxury brand.

Happy tubbing!

~ czh ~

The researcher provided useful information but did not seem to read my
question or comment as carefully as he or she could.  Specifically,
the responses continued to discuss air baths, even though I never said
I was interested in them and, in my clarification, said I was only
interested in water jets.  Also, I was aware of the Consumer Reports
article and mentioned it in my original post.

Still, I appreciate the information.