Spa Jets & Therapy  

Some of the first portable spas had as few as four jets. When the first industry started, with traditional wooden hot tubs, some of them had but one single jet! With advancements in warm water therapy, jet, plumbing, pumps and engineering, some of today's hot tubs have over 100 jets! More important than the number of jets, are the variety of jets and the various effects they elicit. Even more impotrant than the variety, is the actual location of the jets. 1000 jets will do little good if not a one hits you in the place(s) you need it most.

Traditionally, the only jets utilized were a standard directional jet, which in itself, did provided satisfactory physical therapy. But today, there are many types of jets available to enhance your spa experience. Some people may prefer an invigorating, powerful massage, while others a mild massage and others may choose to simply relax in calm water. You should be able to receive the type of massage you want, as opposed to the type of massage that the manufacturer decides to give you.The perfect combination of jets can make relaxing in a hot tub after a strenuous day release muscle tension, relieve stress and renew energy.

Directional Jets:
These are basically the original jet design. This is a jet where the nozzle may be manually moved, to position the stream of water where you desire. They may or may not be able to be adjusted to control the volume of water flow.

Mini Jets:
These jets are significantly smaller than standard, or directional jets and so provide the opportunity to cluster many of them together. When mini jets are clustered together and positioned properly, you will receive a one-of-a-kind, multi-action massage. The aggressive massaging action they provide can be quite therapeutic, though many people find their skin irritated after a short time of use.

Swirl Jets:
These jets are identical in size to standard jets, but swirl the water around in a circular pattern providing an overall massage in a wide area. Typically they have a single nozzle (water outlet), but may have 2 or 3 to increase the effect.

Pulsing Jets:
With 2 or more nozzle that rotate water flow between them. pulsing jet's provide a pulsing massage action that's great at helping to relax tight muscles.

Whirlpool Jets:
This large round jet, typically placed out of the way of the seating area, provides a tremendous amount of pressure in a concentrated area.Whirlpool jets are designed to create a large rushing water effect around the perimeter of the tub. It should always be positioned midway into the tub so you can maneuver your body and massage a specific area. This form of hydrotherapy results in the same type of whirlpool action that can be found in a therapist's offices and can be very beneficial for those who have sprains or muscular injuries. It should be noted that because these jets require an extreme volume of water to operate, water for other jets in the spa need to be temporarily diverted to operate a whirlpool jet.

Volcano Jets:
A large jet that's positioned at the bottom of the tub and aimed upward for a water effect that's similar to a volcano erupting. These jets can be great for easing the aches and pains in feet.

Moving Massage Jets:
Some manufacturers have designed elongated oval jets that oscillate the water in either a vertical or horizontal fashion. They work by fanning the water back and forth in a pulsating manner. They can ideal because they can provide a tremendous amount of therapy to a large area of the back, or any other specific area of the body. Some manufacturers put them in a sequence, usually two or three in a row, to provide a deep and thorough massage to the entire back area.

Shoulder/Neck Jets:
These jets are designed to be installed in pairs above the water line providing targeted massage action to the neck shoulder area. Some manufacturers have even designed them to be directional because of peoples differing heights. If designed improperly, these type of jets have the ability to splash tremendous amounts of water out of the spa

Pillow Jets:
This feature combines the comfort of a pillow with the massaging pressure of a jet, allowing for a complete neck massage. Massage therapists have often indicated that the neck area is the place where most people hold in all their stress and tension. This unique jet eliminates the need to submerge your head underwater in order to receive a neck massage.

Venturi Air Injection:
Almost all jets have venturi air injection. This allows for air to mix with the water before it's shot out into the tub. By mixing air with the water, the total volume at the jets is increased to give a more powerful feeling to the jets. A small valve (air dial) can be opened and closed to adjust the amount of air allowed to enter. Ideally there should be and individual "air dial" for each jet, or cluster of jets, and it should be easily accessible while sitting in front of the jet(s) it controls. This give the user complete independent control over the force and feeling of the jet. Some manufacturers may supercharge the air venturis with forced air from the blower, which may increase the power of the jets, when done properly.

Air Bubbling Jet Therapy:
Spas with air bubbling systems include an air blower that pushes a powerful burst of air into the spa through a variety of inlets, or air injectors, to create a bubbling action. Where water jet therapy provides powerful hydromassage, air bubbling therapy provides completely different benefits and effects. Air bubbling systems can be both entertaining and stress relieving, and thus appealing to those of all ages. It not only creates bubbling action, but also creates an emotional appeal. Kids love it because the bubbles are very entertaining, as well as providing the type of bubbling action that they tend to expect of hot tubs. Adults enjoy it because it provides stress relief with an overall light, tingling feeling. Some have described the sensation as "sitting in a bucket of champagne". While some people prefer the powerful, invigorating massage that is typical of water jet therapy, others prefer the light sensation provided by an air bubbling system.