Abstract: An intake for a bathtub with recirculates water, such as a whirlpool-type tub, includes a water inlet, an interior portion and an outlet that is adapted to be connected to a recirculating pump, so that water can flow from the tub, in through the inlet, through the interior and to the outlet to be recirculated by the pump. A vent communicates with the interior, and extends outside of the interior for communication with ambient air. A shutter is provided that is capable of being switched from a first condition, in which the outlet communicates with the vent, to an operating condition, in which, when a flow of water is caused toward the outlet, the shutter substantially shuts the vent. The shutter is adapted to switch from the operating condition to the first condition when the flow of water falls below a predetermined threshold value so as to enable ambient air to enter the interior through the vent, causing the recirculating pump to become unprimed.