A comparison between hot tubs frequently revolves around their number of jets.
This hot tub has 30 jets. That one has 50. And this third one boasts an even greater jet count.
It is natural to assume that the greater the number is, the better the massage experience will be.
But sometimes it is not that straightforward.
The key factors in creating an amazing hydrotherapy experience are the location, massage type, water flow rate, and seat design.
To put it shortly, jet placement is more crucial than the sheer number of jets.
At Sunset Spas, we aim to help our customers choose the best hot tubs for them based on experience, not just specs.
Let us see what makes a perfect massage in a hot tub.
Does a High Hot Tub Jet Count Lead to Great Massages?
No, necessarily.
While a high number of jets looks impressive, adding more and more jets does not improve hydrotherapy automatically.
Consider the following example.
Do you want 50 jets hitting only a fraction of your body, or 30 well-placed jets providing a massage of the back, shoulders, calves, and feet?
Placement, not the jet count, makes the difference.
There is another point to remember, too.
The hot tub’s jet system has to have enough water flow and pumps to operate.
Having too many jets with an inadequate number of pumps may decrease the efficiency of the whole jet system.
In other words, it is better to ask, “Where do the jets hit the body?” instead of asking how many jets a hot tub has.
Jet Placement Should Target the Desired Areas of the Body
There are numerous reasons why a person may choose a particular spa.
It may be a shoulder massage after sitting at a desk all day long. Or a lower back massage. Someone may need massage of the calves and feet as a relief of walking all day long.
So, look for a hot tub that targets the desired areas of your body.
Common hydrotherapy zones include:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Upper back
- Lower back
- Hips
- Thighs
- Calves
- Feet
Good hot tubs may have various jets in each zone to provide the best massage experience possible.
Different Jet Designs Create Different Experiences
Not all jets are equal.
There are jets that create a constant and direct water stream. There are rotating and pulsating ones. Some jets produce a broad effect. Others target particular zones.
This is the reason why the jet count is not enough to know whether a jet system is good or not.
Two hot tubs may boast 40 jets, but they provide a totally different massage experience due to the jet design.
The Seat Design Is As Important As Jet Placement
Perfectly positioned jets will not bring any pleasure if they do not match the seat.
There are different seats in terms of depth, width, angle, and the overall form.
Your height is an important factor here, too.
A person of shorter stature may sink too deeply in the seats designed for taller people. While a taller person will not be able to get a good massage of the shoulders because the jets may hit their lower back.
Thus, trying different seats is important.
You can sit in a spa and see where your shoulders, lower back, legs, and feet would be during the massage session.
Lounging Seats vs. Therapy Seats
The majority of hot tubs have both lounging and therapy seats.
A lounger will let you stretch out. And there are usually jets that work the back, legs, and calves. People who prefer lounging enjoy it very much.
Other people like to sit up straight to receive a better massage of shoulders and lower back. A proper therapy seat will leave your feet in the footwell.
Neither of the designs is better. It depends on what kind of massage a person wants.
If you are unsure which one suits you better, try them both before buying.
Pump Power and Water Flow Are Crucial
Jets have to have water flow to work.
Thus, pump systems are as important as jet positions and designs.
A perfect hot tub will balance the pump output with the jet number and types.
Otherwise, there may be no effect from the jets at all. On the other hand, a well-designed system can provide a great hydrotherapy experience without having a great number of jets.
Moreover, some systems let the owner direct water flow from one zone to another. Thus, it becomes possible to increase the massage pressure in one specific seat.
Adjustable Jets Let You Customize the Experience
Your preferences concerning hydrotherapy may vary depending on the time of the day and other circumstances.
For instance, you may want a stronger pressure on your legs after going to the gym. And on the contrary, a gentler massage of shoulders and lower back after a hard-working day at the office.
Adjustable jets and air controls are exactly what you need.
Depending on the jet system in a hot tub, you will be able to customize the pressure, direct jets to specific areas, or add bubbles to the jets’ water streams.
Do Not Forget About the Foot Jets
While customers are usually interested in back jets, foot jets are sometimes overlooked.
And it may be a mistake since the foot jets are extremely useful if you spend all day on your feet, walking, or exercising.
Some hot tubs have a central dome or foot jets in the footwell that several seats can access. Other spa models have foot jets in certain lounging positions.
Once again, the position matters, and you should make sure the jets are reachable from the seat you are going to use.
More Seats May Mean More Massage Positions
A large spa will let you switch from one massage position to another one.
There is a seat that focuses on the shoulders. Another one may be designed for the lower back. A third one may be responsible for the calves and thighs. In this case, you will not be forced to stay at one spot.
And the best part is that it works for multiple people.
What Jet Layout Is the Best?
There is no one and only best jet layout.
What you should look for depends on your body, height, preferences, and needs.
If the massage of shoulders is the priority, look for several jet layouts along the spine and lower back. If you want to have a good massage of your legs, consider different layouts of calf and thigh jets. If you are going to spend much time walking, focus on footwell layout.
Do Not Compare Only Jet Counts
Jet count is simple. It is a number.
But a hot tub is not a scorecard.
Even a model with fewer jets may provide you with a better experience if their placement is good, and there is enough water and pump power for them.
While comparing spas, you have to take into account such aspects as:
- Jet type
- Jet placement
- Pump performance
- Water flow
- Seat design
- Seat depth
- Footwell layout
- Adjustable pressure
- Lounging options
- Comfort of seats
Those criteria let you see the whole picture.
Test Different Hot Tub Seats Before Buying
Specs are helpful in choosing the desired model. However, hydrotherapy is something that should be experienced personally.
Come to a showroom and try different hot tub seats.
Even if there is only dry testing (without filling the tub), you will be able to understand how the seats are formed, how deep they are, how much room for your legs there is, and how jets are placed.
Better yet if you have a wet test available.
You will be able to try several different seats and notice where the jets hit your body.
Do not stick only to one seat. Try as many as you can.
Sometimes a customer finds the perfect seat he did not expect to like.
Think How You Are Going to Use Your Hot Tub
Before you purchase the spa, imagine an ordinary evening at home.
Are you going to use the spa after exercise? Do you want to relax after work? Are you buying the spa for two? Will your family members and friends use it?
All the answers can be helpful in selecting the right jet layout.
For instance, a couple who cares about hydrotherapy experience prefers to buy a spa with two seats for hydrotherapy than a large one with numerous seats.
Meanwhile, a family prefers to have a few different seats.
The Best Massage Experience Comes from the Whole Spa Design
The perfect hot tub massage is the result of the combination of a comfortable seating, water, jets, and pumps.
That is why comparing hot tubs by jet count can mislead a customer.
Sunset Spas offers premium hot tubs and swim spas with a variety of jet layouts, seats, and other features.
Our specialists can help you pick up the perfect hot tub considering your preferences and how you are going to use it.
When buying a hot tub, do not compare the jet counts only.
Ask where jets are placed, what type they are, and most importantly, how they feel.
