Aker Plastics Company:
Whirlpool Tubs—A Quest for the Best

Most homeowners want a whirlpool in their bathroom. Typically, homeowners select a whirlpool based on visual appearance, features, and price. But, is that all they really want?

Several years ago, Aker Plastics Company Inc., conducted a market research project among homeowners who had various brands of whirlpool tubs in their bathrooms. What they uncovered was surprising and disturbing.

The research team discovered that a large number of homeowners rarely used their whirlpools after the first six months. Further research indicated that this was a widespread phenomenon and was not isolated to any particular brand. The research team decided to investigate this trend further.

So, a broader study was conducted to determine what factors affect homeowners’ decisions to reduce or stop using their whirlpool. The study found that in the beginning, having a whirlpool in the bathroom was an exciting new feature for the homeowner. Soon, however, the time constraints of a hectic lifestyle limited the time that the homeowners had available for enjoying the whirlpool. This finding came as no surprise to the researchers. However, the researchers identified additional data that did surprise them.

Many homeowners had envisioned themselves lounging away their stress in blissful surroundings. While their expectations were real, most had found that their tubs were uncomfortable and that eventually, the discomfort overpowered their anticipated pleasure and they stopped using their tubs altogether.

The bottom line – most of the homeowners had never sat in the tub prior to making a purchasing decision. It became clear that whirlpool manufacturers, in designing the shape of the tub, had failed to account for body shape. In addition, the researchers found that the angle of the back support area in the tubs were also problematic – users were either sitting up too much or were reclined back too far into the tub — and made lounging difficult. The bottom line — long sessions in a whirlpool can be uncomfortable.

This enlightening experience led Aker to design a new tub that is shaped to fit the human body. The design process started using anatomical data that defined various body dimensions of the general population. The inner tub well had to be carefully proportioned to provide adequate shoulder, hip, and leg room. Arm rests had to be reshaped to allow for a relaxed position, while providing the controls within easy reach. Additionally, the seating area was shaped based on the contour of a seated person with extra area along each side to provide space between the body and the jets. Finally, various angles for the tub end were tested, along with the positioning and depth of the lumbar support.

The concept stage was followed by a series of prototype designs, which were tested by numerous individuals. Refinements were made and full-scale product development followed. In the spring of 1998, the first series of the design was introduced, launching the start of the BODYFIT tub series.

Currently, Aker offers 21 versions of the BODYFIT technology in various tub shapes and sizes. Sales of this series have been tremendous and homeowners are able to compare sitting in a BODYFIT tub along with a traditional tub. The difference is amazing. And while Aker has no solution for providing homeowners with extra time in their busy schedules, they have found a way to make the whirlpool experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Homeowners are invited to visit the Northeastern Bath & Kitchen Studio in Bel Air, Maryland, and try out the Aker whirlpool, as well as other models, on display.

The Aker Family: Back row, standing, from left to right: Gary Aker, Sr., son; Lisa Poczik, granddaughter; and Mark Aker, son. Front row, seated, from left to right: Jayne Aker, daughter; Gary Aker, Jr., grandson; and Founder, Don Aker