Kohler 1039685 & 1036210 Air Blower Replacement Guide
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If the original Kohler 1039685 or 1036210 air blower system has stopped working, you may not need to replace the bathtub. Whirly Bros offers three complete aftermarket retrofit systems for compatible 120V/60Hz Kohler BubbleMassage® air baths.
All three options replace the discontinued blower and original control electronics with modern, matched components. The important differences are the location of the electronic controller, whether the system uses a keypad or wireless remote, and which massage modes are available.
Quickest way to choose:
- Choose System 1 if you want a new keypad and a separate, serviceable control box.
- Choose System 2 if you want a new keypad with the electronic controller built directly into the blower.
- Choose System 3 if the original keypad cannot be safely removed or you prefer a waterproof wireless remote.
Compare the Three Kohler Blower Replacement Systems
| Feature | System 1 Separate Control Box + Keypad |
System 2 Integrated Control + Keypad |
System 3 Wireless Remote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Included controls | Separate control box and keypad | Controller built into blower plus keypad | Separate wireless control box and remote |
| User control | Tub-mounted keypad | Tub-mounted keypad | Waterproof wireless remote |
| Speed control | Variable speed | Variable speed | Three-speed or variable-speed configuration |
| Wave mode | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pulse mode | Yes | Yes | No |
| Separate control box | Yes | No | Yes |
| Keypad replacement required | Yes | Yes | No |
| Automatic drying cycle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Best choice when | You want keypad operation with a separate control box | You want fewer separate components while retaining Wave and Pulse | The old keypad cannot be removed or wireless control is preferred |
System 1: Variable-Speed Blower, Separate Control Box and Keypad
System 1 is a complete keypad-controlled retrofit. It includes a heated variable-speed air blower, a separate electronic control box, a replacement keypad and the required communication cable.
The keypad provides adjustable airflow along with Wave and Pulse massage modes. The separate control box keeps the blower and control electronics as individual serviceable components.
System 1 includes:
- 700-watt variable-speed heated air blower
- Separate electronic control box
- Replacement electronic keypad
- Variable-speed airflow
- Wave and Pulse massage modes
- Automatic timer and drying cycle
- Required communication cable
- One-year limited warranty
Best for: Customers who want a complete keypad-controlled replacement with a separate electronic control box.
View System 1: Complete Keypad and Control Box System
System 2: Variable-Speed Blower with Integrated Control and Keypad
System 2 provides the same type of variable-speed keypad operation but does not require a separate control box. The electronic controller is built directly into the blower, so the main installation consists of the blower, replacement keypad and communication cable.
This high-output system includes a 750-watt variable-speed blower with an integrated 300-watt ceramic air heater. The keypad provides adjustable airflow plus Wave and Pulse massage modes.
System 2 includes:
- 750-watt variable-speed air blower
- Integrated 300-watt ceramic air heater
- Electronic controller built into the blower
- Replacement electronic keypad
- Variable-speed airflow
- Wave and Pulse massage modes
- Automatic timer and drying cycle
- Keypad communication cable
- One-year limited warranty
Best for: Customers who want full variable-speed, Wave and Pulse operation with fewer separate components.
View System 2: Integrated-Control Blower and Keypad Kit
System 3: Wireless Remote Blower Replacement System
System 3 is designed for installations where the original tub-mounted keypad cannot be safely removed or where wireless operation is preferred.
This system includes a heated air blower, a separate wireless control box and a waterproof wireless remote. The controller can be configured for three-speed or variable-speed operation. However, this system does not provide the programmed Wave or Pulse modes available with Systems 1 and 2.
System 3 includes:
- 120V, 7.2-amp, 700-watt heated air blower
- Separate wireless electronic control box
- Waterproof wireless floating remote
- Three-speed or variable-speed configuration
- Automatic timer and drying cycle
- Required connecting components
- Installation instructions
- One-year limited warranty
Best for: Bathtubs where removing the original keypad could damage the tub or customers who prefer wireless operation.
Please note: The wireless system does not include a replacement tub-mounted keypad and does not offer Wave or Pulse massage modes.
View System 3: Wireless Remote Blower System
Which System Should I Choose?
Choose System 1 if you want a traditional keypad-controlled system with a separate electronic control box.
Choose System 2 if you want keypad control, variable speed, Wave and Pulse modes, but prefer the electronic controller to be built into the blower.
Choose System 3 if the existing keypad cannot be removed or you want to control the blower with a waterproof wireless remote. Remember that the wireless system does not provide Wave or Pulse modes.
Confirm Compatibility Before Ordering
These systems are complete aftermarket retrofits for compatible 120V/60Hz Kohler air baths originally equipped with 1039685 or 1036210 blower systems. They are not individual plug-in replacements for the original blower motor.
The new blower, control electronics and keypad or remote must be installed together as a matched system. Do not connect the replacement blower to the original Kohler keypad or electronic control components.
Before ordering, confirm:
- The original system operates on 120V/60Hz
- The blower connection and available installation space
- The existing keypad opening and surrounding flat surface when choosing System 1 or 2
- Whether the original keypad can be safely removed
- The electrical circuit, grounding and GFCI protection
If you are unsure, text clear pictures of the original blower label, keypad, control box and installation area to (951) 897-1878. Whirly Bros can help identify the best replacement before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these systems replace a Kohler 1039685 blower?
They are designed as complete aftermarket retrofit options for compatible 120V/60Hz air baths originally using the Kohler 1039685 blower system. Final compatibility depends on the original electrical and control configuration.
Will these systems replace a Kohler 1036210 blower?
Many compatible 120V/60Hz installations using the Kohler 1036210 blower system can also be upgraded. Contact Whirly Bros with pictures of the original equipment to confirm the correct option.
What is the difference between Systems 1 and 2?
Both systems use a replacement keypad and provide variable-speed airflow, Wave mode and Pulse mode. System 1 uses a separate electronic control box. System 2 has the electronic controller built directly into the blower.
Do Systems 1 and 2 have Wave and Pulse modes?
Yes. Both keypad-controlled systems provide variable-speed airflow along with Wave and Pulse massage modes.
Does the wireless remote system have Wave and Pulse?
No. The wireless system can be configured for three-speed or variable-speed operation, but it does not provide programmed Wave or Pulse modes.
Can I reuse the original Kohler keypad or control box?
No. Each option is a complete matched retrofit system. The supplied blower and controls should not be mixed with the original Kohler electronic components.
Does the air heater heat the bathwater?
No. The integrated heater warms the air entering the bathtub to reduce the initial cool-air sensation. It does not heat or maintain the temperature of the bathwater.
Why does the blower turn on again after the bath is turned off?
This is the automatic drying or purge cycle. It runs the blower after use to help remove residual moisture from the air lines.
Are these original Kohler parts?
No. These are complete aftermarket retrofit systems for compatible Kohler applications. They are not manufactured, sponsored or endorsed by Kohler Co.
Need Help Choosing?
Whirly Bros specializes in discontinued whirlpool and air-bath replacement systems. Call or text (951) 897-1878 and send pictures of your original blower label, keypad and control components. We will help you determine which system best matches your bathtub.
Trademark and compatibility notice: KOHLER® and BubbleMassage® are trademarks of Kohler Co. Manufacturer names and part numbers are used solely to identify the intended application of these aftermarket replacement systems. Whirly Bros is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Kohler Co.