Any housewife tries to make her apartment comfortable to live in and at the same time cozy. She does not forget to take care of health and beauty. In private houses, owners install gyms, swimming pools, and baths. Not the last place is given to the bath. Increasingly, Jacuzzis appear there, photos of which are presented below.
This hydromassage bath relaxes the body and restores the functions of the musculoskeletal system. Water with air bubbles tones the skin, relieves fatigue and stress.
A little about the benefits of a jacuzzi
The world first heard about a hot tub in the distant fifties of the last century. It was then that the Japanese brothers presented their invention - a bathtub with a pump connected to it. The transformation of the brothers' surname became the name for the new product. Having begun its triumphal march from Germany, the Jacuzzi gradually spread throughout Europe, and then throughout the world. Nowadays, a jacuzzi is usually called any model of bathtub with hydromassage and other auxiliary functions.
Structurally, a jacuzzi is a bathtub with built-in hydromassage jets. It is to them that the structure owes its medicinal properties. The nozzles are also called jets - water enters them, is enriched with air, and a jet already saturated with oxygen is supplied under pressure into the space of the bowl.
The efficiency and richness of hydromassage directly depends on the number of nozzles, their size and location in the bathtub space. Standard Jacuzzi models have 4-6 jets. In premium hydromassage baths, their number can reach several dozen, despite the fact that there are large-sized models designed for a large group of people. But it is important to understand that the more nozzles in your small jacuzzi, the weaker the supplied pressure of the water-air jet will be.
In many models (even small and inexpensive ones) it is possible to change the direction of the nozzles, or rather, their angle of inclination. As usual, such manipulations are carried out using the remote control that comes with the hot tub. Conventionally, all nozzles can be divided into two types:
- ball - powerful jets with a narrowly targeted effect;
- rotary – spirally twisted nozzles with a softer effect.
If you are planning to purchase a small Jacuzzi, then experts recommend choosing models with nozzles aimed at more susceptible areas of our body - the feet, lumbar and cervical region.
Variety of models and variations
Many modern models of hydromassage baths have, in addition to nozzles, additional options - additional mixers, water supply connectors that imitate small waterfalls. But if this is not enough, then at your service are built-in features such as the use of chromotherapy (lighting in different colors has different effects on our body and emotional state) and aromatherapy (the effect of using aromatic oils has been proven by a long history of use and positive properties).
To create a more comfortable position in the jacuzzi, many models are additionally equipped with armrests, headrests and other devices. Some hot tubs have an acoustic system, automatic control of the water level in the bowl, and self-disinfection options.
If we classify a Jacuzzi according to the principle of creating hydromassage, then all models can be divided into two classes:
- Traditional - hydromassage is created by mixing water with air and feeding it through nozzles under pressure, resulting in a bubbling effect in the bowl. In such baths, anaerobic massage is performed.
- Combined - in addition to conventional nozzles, such Jacuzzis contain additional jets that can create a direction of water flow. These nozzles will provide you with sinusoidal and pulsating massage.
In addition to differences in size, shape and functionality, Jacuzzis may also differ in color. And it’s not just about different shades of white, but also the use of bright, colorful tones to create modern models.
Choosing the material for the whirlpool bath
Not only the appearance of the device, but also its strength, wear resistance, ease of maintenance and durability directly depend on the material from which your future device for creating bubbling jets is made.
Acrylic bathtubs with hydromassage are considered the simplest in terms of transportation, installation and maintenance. The products have low thermal conductivity (which means they stay hot longer) and easily resist the accumulation of bacteria (which means the maintenance and cleaning process will not take much time). Acrylic does not fade in the sun and retains its shine for a long time, but only if the product was originally made from high-quality raw materials. If you come across a model made in violation of the technological process or even made of plastic disguised as acrylic, then such a design may fail within the first year of operation.
Acrylic Jacuzzis represent a budget line in modern sales. Quaril products have higher strength characteristics (the acrylic in them is strengthened with the help of finely dispersed quartz chips). But such products are a little more expensive.
When purchasing an acrylic Jacuzzi, it is important to pay great attention to studying the manufacturer, find out about the warranty provided, and be extremely focused during a personal inspection. The product must be uniform over the entire surface, no bulges, even the smallest ones. The thickness of acrylic walls should not be less than 5-7 mm.
But acrylic bathtubs with hydromassage options can be presented in a wide variety of variations. Designer models with original shapes are most often made of acrylic or quarry. You can choose a model that will most organically fit into your room and the created interior will correspond to the chosen style of room design.
Cast iron bathtubs with nozzles are much stronger and more durable. But, as you understand, a heavy structure will be more expensive to deliver and install. But the product itself will not be cheap - it is much more difficult to build jets into a cast-iron bowl. When purchasing a cast iron hot tub, special attention should be paid to inspecting the enamel that the product will necessarily be coated with. Enamel is the weak point of such models. A poor-quality coating may turn yellow during the first months of use and be very susceptible to various cleaning agents. Another nuance associated with the purchase of a cast iron bathtub is the ease of execution of the models; it is difficult to make designer models with intricate shapes from cast iron.
Marble Jacuzzis, or rather bathtubs made from so-called liquid marble, are the most durable. At the same time, the appearance of such structures brings notes of luxury and nobility to any interior. Obviously, a product made from such a durable material will have a fairly high cost. The price will depend on the size of the bath, the number of nozzles and their modification, and the presence of additional functions. But we can safely say that a standard model made of liquid marble will cost three times more than a similar product made of acrylic.
Elite class lines include models made of tempered glass or precious wood. Of course, such hydromassage baths look luxurious and their very presence fills the bathroom interior with sophistication, luxury and uniqueness. But you will have to pay in full for the exclusive.
What's inside?
The Jacuzzi is based on a hydromassage system consisting of a pump, compressor, nozzles, control panel and pipe system. There is a direct relationship between the number of jets and the power of the hot tub.
If the bathtub has a large volume, a more powerful pump is needed, and if the set also includes back jets, then it is advisable to purchase the bathtub and pump separately. A compressor is used to mix the water and air jets.
Using an electronic and pneumatic remote control, you can easily control the intensity and types of massages. Like any other equipment, hot tubs require proper management and careful maintenance.
How to decide on the size of a jacuzzi?
Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of Jacuzzi models with various options and additions. But the obvious selection criteria will always remain product sizes. Formally, the choice of one or another model is influenced by the capabilities of your bathroom (or other place to install a jacuzzi) and the purchasing budget.
A modern hydromassage bath can be successfully integrated even into a small bathroom, which is common in panel high-rise buildings. The corner model is an ideal option for utilitarian spaces of modest size. A Jacuzzi in the shape of a circle sector is compactly built into the corner of the room, does not take up much space and even helps to visually expand the area of the room.
There are models of hydromassage baths that are so small that you can only sit or recline in them (for people of miniature build). Such models are indicated for people with disabilities and those suffering from heart disease.
Rectangular and square models of hot tubs are much easier to fit into the interior of a small room than oval, round and asymmetrical shapes.
For owners of large bathrooms, the range of models is much wider - there are practically no limits to the variety of options. In addition to various forms, you can purchase models for two or more people (there are Jacuzzis for a company of 10 people). When choosing models designed for more than one person, do not forget about the possible weight load. Acrylic bathtubs are not able to withstand the weight of several people; cast iron models are your option.
Types of Jacuzzis
The choice of bath is based on several criteria:
- Material: acrylic, plastic, quarry, steel, cast iron, stone.
- Dimensions: from 130×70×57 and more.
- Shape: round, oval, square, rectangular, corner, non-standard.
- Number of seats: for one or two people.
- Type of impact: air, ultrasonic or water massage.
- System power: from 700 to 1500 W.
- Direction of action: dorsal, lateral, combined.
- Type of nozzles: adjustable and unregulated.
Installation features and subsequent care
In some apartments, to install a jacuzzi, it will be necessary to make a redevelopment - connecting the bathroom. For such manipulations, it will be necessary to obtain permission and draw up a plan from the relevant authorities. You do not need a permit to install the hot tub itself. Unlike hydromassage showers, you don’t even need to find out about the current pressure of the water supply system in your apartment building. The jets in the Jacuzzi turn on when the bowl is full and do not depend on the flow of water in the water pipes.
All self-respecting plumbing stores that sell hot tubs have specialists on staff or as contractors who install hot tubs. It is better to entrust the entire delivery and installation process to one company that provides a guarantee for its services. You will need a drawing (plan) of the location of plumbing in the room and provision of communications - water supply, sewerage and electricity.
Of course, before installing a jacuzzi, it will be necessary to dismantle the old bathtub, and also install a water filtration system on the hot and cold water pipes. The water in Russian pipes very often is not of high quality, and the nozzles are susceptible to clogging and limescale deposits on surfaces. To maximize the life of your hot tub in its original form (as on the day of installation), you will need to invest in filters for tap water.
To ensure that your whirlpool bathtub still looks great after many years of use, you need to follow simple rules for caring for its surfaces. General disinfection of the structure must be carried out monthly. Plumbing stores, as well as points of sale of household chemicals, have special products for structures with nozzles (do not use abrasives or chemical solutions that can harm jet surfaces).
The disinfection algorithm is quite simple:
- water is drawn into the bowl at a temperature of approximately 20 degrees, 5-8 cm above the level of the nozzles;
- then add a disinfectant to the bath (approximately 50-80 ml, the exact dosage is indicated on the solution packaging and will depend on the size of the jacuzzi);
- then the pump is turned on for about half a minute to mix the water with the solution;
- turn off the pump and leave the Jacuzzi with water and product for 15-20 minutes;
- drain the water and rinse the surfaces with warm water.
Approximately once a year (it all depends on the frequency of use and the quality of the water in the water supply), the Jacuzzi must be cleaned of water deposits (limescale). The algorithm of actions is consistent with what needs to be done to disinfect the bathtub monthly, only a solution of citric or acetic acid (about 1.5 l) is added to the bowl of water. After the pump is turned off, the bowl of liquid will need to be left overnight - 12 hours. After this, you will need to carry out standard washing.
Desires and possibilities
There are a huge variety of ready-made bathtubs on the market.
Models with one or more operating modes, lighting, aromatherapy and other options are made from methacrylic, quaril. Steel or cast iron housing options, which have high thermal conductivity, are inferior to acrylic ones and cool quickly. They have other disadvantages and advantages. In any case, before starting work, it is useful to consider how and what factory bathtubs are made of.
You can also find a variety of drawings, videos on assembly and installation - a real guide for making a jacuzzi with your own hands. Choosing a place to install the unit is important from the point of view of comfort, aesthetics, and cost optimization.
The choice of location is determined by the possibilities for installing communications:
- water pipeline;
- drainage;
- electricity.
Indoors or outdoors, there are two options for making a water container. You can buy a ready-made acrylic bathtub, or you can make a recess for the bowl using concrete and brick. The decision depends not only on desires. Time and financial resources will make the final choice.
Good to know: choose original and economical options. Ease of installation and low costs will greatly increase the pleasure of bathing in a handmade hot tub.
Inventive people install wood-hung bathtubs; there are many photos of happy people sitting in giant cauldrons suspended over fire. To install fonts and bathtubs directly on the street, car bodies, ofuro barrels, and boats are used. Any imagination is appropriate, the main thing is that bathing is enjoyable.
