Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for quieting and insulating a bath during its operation in order to reduce the amount of noise and vibration transmitted to its user. The bath comprises a bath vessel and a pre-molded high density insulation pad secured thereto for insulating the bath vessel from noise, vibration and heat transfer. The pre-molded insulation pad is positioned on the bottom of the bath vessel while the laminate of the bath vessel is still wet so that the pad bonds with the bath vessel as the laminate cures. After the pre-molded insulation pad has bonded to the bath vessel, an upper surface of the bath vessel is leveled with a lower surface of the pre-molded pad so that these upper and lower surfaces are parallel to each other. Further, the pump assembly is positioned away from the bath vessel during installation and operation so that vibrations generated by its pump are not directly transmitted from the pump assembly to the bath vessel.

Abstract: A drain valve assembly for use with an air bath including an air distribution system and a method of cleansing channels of an air distribution system for a bath vessel. The drain valve assembly is located within an opening in the bath vessel to control the flow of water from the bath vessel to an effluent drain, to control the flow of air and water from the air distribution system to an effluent drain and to maintain a fluid pressure within the air distribution system. The drain valve assembly includes a valve housing for extending between the bath vessel and a fluid waste pipe connected to the effluent drain. The valve housing has an upper opening for positioning proximate the bath vessel and a lower opening for receiving fluid from the air bath distribution system. The drain valve assembly also includes a stopper having first and second vertically aligned plungers. The stopper is secured within the valve housing and is capable of moving relative thereto.