Hot Tub Jets and the Latest Jet Innovations
By Louise Flynn
Hot tub and spa jets come in seemingly endless arrays of designs and configurations, each having a different effect on the body and on your hot tub experience. But with new jet innovations, spa jets can transform a hot tub session from being merely a relaxing soak to one that suits your every whim and need, from treating sore muscles to invigorating and stimulating a weary psyche.
Perfect Pressure
One of the most helpful recent inventions is the adjustable jet, which can be modified — with a mere flick of the wrist — from zero to 100 percent power or anything in between. Typically, the jet is adjusted by turning its face or moving a control valve. As a result, you can enjoy a Zen-like tranquil hot tub experience while your spa mate — at the same time — has a more pounding Swedish-type massage. Even better, you can customize the jets when you are using a particular seat to ensure the perfect amount of water therapy every time you enter your spa.
Dimension One Spas® recently introduced its Accent Ring Jet System, an adjustable jet that has both aesthetic and functional appeal. Its three-scalloped ergonomic design makes it easier to change the
direction of the jet during your soak. "Not only does it provide a good grip and allow the user to rotate and adjust the jet pressure easily, but it also has an elegant look and the option to change ring colors to reflect your personal tastes," says director of business development James Hedgecock.
Change It Up
Several pioneering hot tub manufacturers have placed jet design into users' hands with another innovation: removable jets. "Our goal is user comfort, and the ability to exchange one type of therapeutic jet for another maximizes user enjoyment," notes Ray Lohner, national sales manager at Great Lakes Spas. Basically, interchangeable jets can be popped out of their casing and moved into a more desirable spot with ease in mere seconds. For example, if you you'd like a more forceful shoulder rubdown, you can take out a few of the swirl jets (with their light caressing touch) and replace them with laser jets that deliver hard-charging power.
"The concept is very similar to an adjustable shower head, but with more options. The biggest advantage is that the spa owner is not confined to the jet configuration and types they originally purchased," says Bob Lauter, chief executive officer of Master Spas.® "Now, the user can truly customize his or her spa experience, target specific muscle areas with different types of massages and easily change the jet arrangement any day of the week."
Interchangeable Units
With a design as high-tech as its name, the JetPak™ from Bullfrog® Spas takes hot tub customization to a new level. They may sound like something you could strap to your back and fly around with, but they are actually fully plumbed and jetted seat backs that can be easily inserted and removed from your spa. While interchangeable jets customize individual jet action, JetPaks effortlessly transform actual seat jet configurations. Bullfrog Spas currently offers 17 different JetPaks so that a typical six-person spa could be configured into over 100 distinct jetted seating arrangements.
"Your spa will never become outdated," says Jaden Kemp of Bullfrog Spas. "As new technology allows us to introduce more and more JetPak varieties, you can easily add them to your current spa since they are all compatible and interchangeable." In fact, the company is bringing the interchangeability of JetPaks to inground spas and pools.
The Future of Jets
What is the future of spa jets? Master Spas believes it will be a healthy mix of Eastern medicine with American ingenuity. The company recently introduced its Bio-Magnetic Therapy System, which uses neodymium rare earth magnets behind the therapy seat, in combination with strategic jet placement, to create a powerful magnetic and water therapy field. "Magnetic therapy has been used for centuries to help relieve pain, improve circulation, reduce swelling and alleviate stiffness," notes Master Spas' CEO Bob Lauter. "The partnership of magnets and jetted water provides incredible therapy."
Dimension One Spas is focusing on specialized, gender-specific seating. "The women's seats have rows of smaller jets for a gentle all-over massage, while the men's seats feature our trademark 'six pack' – three rows of two larger jets that provide a more intense and powerful massage," says D1's James Hedgecock, director of business development. "Each seat is tailored to tickle that gender's senses." Dimension One also recently introduced a handheld massage jet, similar to a handheld shower, which, according to Hedgecock, has uses limited only by your imagination.
Design Developments
Developing new jet features is a combination of modern technology, science, user input and, sometimes, just plain luck.
For instance, Bullfrog® Spas' innovative JetPak technology resulted from an attempt to find an easier way to fix plumbing leaks within the spa cabinet. "We solved the dilemma by placing all the plumbing within the JetPak seat," says Bullfrog's Jaden Kemp. "While the JetPak is certainly a better way to plumb a hot tub because it can easily be removed and repaired, our customers found the jetted seat interchangeability even more attractive." He adds that the company also relies on focus groups of patients, chiropractors, massage therapists and physicians in designing the JetPak and other jets.
At Master Spas, computer-aided design drawings are used for an anatomically accurate "see-through" human form in a spa that allows company designers to discover exactly which muscle will be hit by the jet. "We study muscle groupings on a medical chart to determine what types of jets we should use for each and in what configuration. We believe in combining science with design," notes CEO Bob Lauter.
Dimension One Spas takes this a step further with the development of a new field they call hydronomics. "We study human anatomy, ergonomics, fluid mechanics, aquatic massage, acupressure and reflexology," says James Hedgecock. "Using state-of-the-art modeling software, engineers design hot tubs in virtual space, giving them unprecedented control over materials and ensuring the ultimate in comfort."
Types of Jets
| Therapy Jets |
Swirl Jets |
Laser Jets |
Whirlpool Jets |
Pulsating Jets |
Shoulder Jets |
Pillow Jets |
| These jets have powerful directional streams that are easily controllable to give just the right amount of massage. |
The nozzle design swirls the water around in a circular pattern, giving an overall massage in a wide area. |
These jets pinpoint and soothe individual joints. They are the smallest jets, but they are extremely powerful. When clustered together and positioned properly, they provide an intense massage. |
These are large round jets that are particularly good for those with special therapy needs. Each has the power of up to six Therapy Jets or 12 Laser Jets. |
These jets gently knead tired muscles. They are the same size as the Laser Jet, but actually pulsate the water. |
These jets are installed above the waterline. The opening at the bottom of the jet is angled specifically to direct a powerful stream of water to the neck and shoulders. |
These jets combine an unbeatable neck massage with a comfy pillow. They include a control valve to adjust the intensity. |