The Empava EMPV-59AIS11 is a 59" boat-shaped freestanding whirlpool tub and, by Empava's account, its most popular freestanding style, one it says adapts to any house layout. It measures 59.1" L x 28.7" W x 29.5" H, holds 45 gallons at a 13" soaking depth and comes with the faucet and hand shower.
8 Jets and a 45-Gallon Soak
Empava calls it the top choice for those who enjoy bathing and reading at the same time. Unlike tubs with a wide curve around the elbows, the rim forms an angle at the approximate elbow position for the average man and woman, which Empava says gives comfortable elbow support for extended periods of reading.
The layout is symmetrical: eight hydromassage jets, four on each side, spaced evenly along the tub, with a headrest at both ends, so you can face either way and get the same massage. The jets target the back, waist and legs, and Empava says the pump is built into the tub; it plugs into a grounded 110/120V, 15 amp outlet. The headrests are removable.
Empava lists four benefits for the acrylic. The shell has no pores and does not absorb water, so it resists cracks and mold and needs less scrubbing, and it insulates the water well. The tub weighs 99.21 lbs empty. Empava also offers a brushed gold fixture set for this tub, with the drain cap, faucet, hand shower and controls.
Planning Around a 59.1" x 28.7" Footprint
Plan for an overall size of 59.1" L x 28.7" W x 29.5" H; empty, it weighs 99.21 lbs. It holds 45 gallons at a 13" soaking depth. The drain is in the center, with a 1.65" opening. Empava's manual plans for a 31.5" drain pipe with the floor drain 12" from the tub drain, and 1/2" hot and cold supply connectors. For power, Empava lists 110/120V, 15A.
Choosing Within Empava's AIS Whirlpool Range
If you are weighing options within Empava's AIS freestanding whirlpool range, the models closest in nominal size are the EMPV-59AIS12, the EMPV-59AIS04 and the EMPV-59AIS06. Each is listed with its own photos, specifications and documents, so you can compare size, capacity, jets and drain position against this model.
Empava designs its jetted tubs for fill-and-drain use: the tub is drained after each bath and refilled with fresh water, and the jets run only when the water covers the highest jet by at least 1" to 2". Its manual recommends flushing the pump and pipes before first use and once a month with hot water and a low-foaming detergent, and cleaning hair and lint from the suction cover, so the jets stay clean. Before installation, Empava asks you to run every function with water in the tub for a few minutes and report any defect.
In short, the EMPV-59AIS11 is an Empava 59" freestanding whirlpool tub with 8 jets and 45 gallons of water.
Features
Elbow Rests for Reading
The rim angles in at about elbow height for an average adult. Empava describes the narrow angles at the elbows as giving comfortable elbow support for extended periods of reading.
Four Jets Per Side
Eight jets are spaced evenly, four down each side. The massage on your back, waist and legs is the same whichever end you lean against.
Headrest at Both Ends
Two removable headrests sit at opposite ends of the boat shell. Empava lists both headrests as removable.
Compact 28.7" Width
At 28.7" wide and 59.1" long, the boat shape is the one Empava says fits any house layout. The soaking depth is 13".
Built-In Pump
The jet pump is housed inside the tub. It plugs into a grounded 110/120V, 15 amp outlet with the leakage protection Empava's manual specifies.
Non-Porous Acrylic
Acrylic does not absorb water, so it resists cracking and mold and needs less frequent scrubbing. Empava also says the acrylic keeps heat well.
Lightweight Acrylic Shell
The tub weighs 99.21 lbs empty. Empava notes the light acrylic shell can be installed on any floor without the risk of collapse.
Specifications
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Model: EMPV-59AIS11
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Overall Dimensions: 59.1" L x 28.7" W x 29.5" H
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Capacity: 45 gallons
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Soaking Depth: 13"
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Installation: Freestanding
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Shape: Boat-shaped
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Material: Acrylic
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Finish: White
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Bath Therapy: Whirlpool
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Number of Jets: 8
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Heater / Thermostatic System: No
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Drain Placement: Center
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Drain Size: 1.65"
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Recommended Users: 1-person
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Electrical: 110/120V, 15A
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Weight: 99.21 lbs
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Warranty: 3-year limited for regular buyers
What's Included
- EMPV-59AIS11 bathtub
- Faucet
- Hand shower
- Headrest
- Drain
- Drain pipe
- Overflow
Sold separately: Brushed gold fixture set (Empava offers one for this tub)
Installation & Care
Installation
Freestanding, center drain; overall 59.1" L x 28.7" W x 29.5" H, 99.21 lbs empty. The tub's drain pipe is 31.5" long, and Empava's manual places the floor drain 12" from the tub drain so the pipe forms an S-bend odor trap; leave a drain opening of at least 2.0". Rough in 1/2" external-thread hot and cold supply connectors that stand 1.18" out from the wall, with a shutoff valve on each line where you can reach it for service. The pump runs on a grounded 15A outlet, with the external circuit behind a high-sensitivity, fast-trip GFCI (leakage-protection) switch (induced current below 15mA, trip time under 0.1 second, rated current above 30A), installed by a licensed electrician as Empava specifies. Before you set it in place, fill the tub and run every function for a few minutes: Empava asks that any defect is reported before installation.
Care
Flush the jet system before first use and once a month: fill with hot water (about 104°F) 0.9" to 1.2" above the jets, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of low-foaming dishwasher detergent, run the jets for 10 minutes and drain, then refill with cold water, run 15 minutes and drain again. Clear hair and lint from the suction cover regularly and never run the jets dry; the water must cover the highest jet by at least 1" to 2". Clean the acrylic with water or a mild detergent; acids, alkalis and solvent cleaners damage the surface. Light scratches can be wet-sanded with 1200 then 2000 grit paper and polished back to a gloss. In freezing weather, drain the tub and its pipes.
Resources
Shipping, Returns & Warranty
Empava ships this item from its warehouse in City of Industry, California, by LTL freight with curbside delivery: the carrier contacts you to schedule the delivery, and you move the item from the curb to its final spot. Orders are processed in 1 to 2 business days and freight transit usually takes 7 to 10 business days; some models are built to order, and we confirm the ship date by email. Shipping is free within the lower 48 states; for Alaska or Hawaii, contact us before you order. You'll get tracking by email as soon as it ships.
Inspect the packaging and the product before you sign. Note any damage or shortage on the delivery receipt, then email photos to support@mycleansupplies.com within 48 hours of delivery so the freight claim can be filed. Damage reported after 48 hours can't be claimed.
Unused Empava products in their original packaging can be returned within 21 days of delivery. Ask us for a return authorization before you ship. You pay the return shipping, which for a tub means freight, and a restocking fee of up to 20% may be deducted along with payment processing fees. Installed, used or damaged products and special-order items can't be returned.
Empava's product page gives regular buyers of this bathtub a 3-year warranty. Empava's warranty policy covers the original purchaser, for everyday home use in the continental US, and Empava supplies replacement parts for covered parts free of charge. The policy does not cover commercial use, improper installation, insufficient or excessive electrical supply, misuse, finish wear from corrosive or abrasive cleaners, consumable parts such as light bulbs and filters, freight damage not recorded at delivery, or the cost of removing, servicing or installing the product.
Warranty claims. To claim the warranty, contact Empava's customer service team at service@empava.com or (888) 682-8882, as Empava's warranty policy directs. Contact us with your order number if you would like help with the claim.
About Empava
Empava is a kitchen and bath brand based in City of Industry, California. Alongside its cooking appliances it designs acrylic freestanding, alcove and corner bathtubs, whirlpool and air-massage tubs, walk-in tubs, outdoor hot tubs and cold plunge tubs, built around fixing the small everyday design flaws that other products leave alone.
The AIS series is Empava's freestanding acrylic whirlpool range. The classic models ship with the faucet, hand shower, drain, overflow and headrest, in 59" oval, double-ended, boat and rectangle shells (EMPV-59AIS04 to EMPV-59AIS15), ten 67" designs from oval and double-ended to high-back and boat (EMPV-67AIS01 to EMPV-67AIS17), and two 71" models, the double-ended EMPV-71AIS08 and boat-style EMPV-71AIS14. The newer LED models, such as the EMPV-59AIS36-BN and EMPV-67AIS38-BN, raise the count to 16 or 18 jets and add color lighting.
