12 tips for choosing a whirlpool bath

Having appeared in the 50s, bathtubs with hydromassage have long turned from a luxury item into plumbing fixtures accessible to the mass buyer. This equipment turns an ordinary bathroom into a mini health center where you can pleasantly relax after a busy day and relieve both muscle and emotional tension. Today, many manufacturers produce model lines of hydromassage bathtubs, so an inexperienced buyer may have a question - which one should he buy for his home? If you are faced with this problem, the following information will help you make the right choice.

Material

Bathtubs are made from different materials. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to evaluate the features of the various options and relate them to your capabilities and needs.

Steel

Durable material that has the following advantages :

Relatively low price when compared, for example, with a cast iron analogue.
“Standard forms” - for small bathrooms there are many steel products of the usual rectangular shape.
Relatively light weight, again compared to its cast iron counterpart.
The material has a good heat capacity, which helps maintain high water temperatures for a longer time.

Minuses:

Older models are quite noisy. In the new collections this drawback has been eliminated.

Hint : if you like this material, then choose thick-walled options. Also make sure that when installing the back of the bowl is treated with polyurethane foam - this will reduce noise and allow you to retain heat even longer.

Cast iron

The good old one, which will last 50 years without problems, if the quality of its coating does not let you down. This material has been used for a very long time and also has its advantages :

Maintains high water temperature for a long time.
Durable.
Easy to maintain.
Characterized by low noise level.

The disadvantages of miracle cast iron, in the case of bathtubs, are the following:

Heavy weight.
Difficulty in transportation.
Difficult installation (mainly due to the considerable mass of the product).
Quite a high price.
There is a lot of pressure on the ceiling (this must be taken into account before purchasing).

Hint : the French and Italians are considered one of the leaders in the industry of producing cast iron bathtubs with hydromassage, so if you are looking for the best products made from this material, then pay attention to the manufacturer first.

You definitely need to pay attention to the quality of the enamel and the uniformity of the coating - the better it is, the longer the product will last.

Acrylic

The most popular material for the production of Jacuzzis of various shapes, colors and equipment. What is causing the high demand? Here are the main advantages :

Light weight.
The widest range.
Easy to transport and install.
The ability to eliminate scratches and small chips using a special repair kit.

The disadvantages of acrylic hydromassage baths include:

High susceptibility to mechanical (including deformation under the influence of very hot water, etc.) and chemical damage - such features are typical for the most economical models.

Tip : reinforcement in acrylic bathtubs is preferable to polyurethane rather than fiberglass.

There are several types of acrylic bathtubs:

Cast . Products are made under pressure after heating the acrylic sheet. Such structures are stronger than those described below, but also twice as expensive on average.
Extruded . The material is obtained by extrusion, and then production is also carried out under a press from a highly heated sheet. After curing, the structure is also strengthened from the outside with a mixture of epoxy resins. Models made from this material are recommended for relatively infrequent use, for example, in the country.

It can also be noted that acrylic itself can vary in chemical composition:

Acrylonetrile butadiene styrene (ABS/PMMA). In this case, a mixture of different substances is used, acrylic of which makes up about 10%. This material is prone to rapid “abrasion” due to its roughness.
Polymethyl methacrylate . This is the purest, homogeneous acrylic. It is distinguished by high strength, durability, and attractive appearance.

For an example video with recommendations for choosing acrylic whirlpool baths:

Artificial stone and natural

This option is especially loved by designers for the variety of colors and the ability to prepare products for any type of interior, be it classic, modern or, beloved by many, minimalism.

Pros:

High strength.
A large assortment.
Opportunity to create an exclusive product.
Durability.

Minuses:

Relatively high cost, especially for “custom-made” products.

Hint : not all companies work with this material - it will be easier to initially look at offers on the Internet or contact a specific manufacturer based on the recommendation of acquaintances/friends.

Combining different materials

Today you can find models that combine marble, glass, steel, etc. Such devices are not inferior to others and in many ways even surpass them by using the advantages of each material.

Mechanism of action and medicinal properties

Hydromassage is a special therapeutic and prophylactic procedure during which certain areas of the human body are exposed to a jet of water of a certain power.

Strong pressure contributes to the jewelry treatment of such deep layers of tissue and muscles that even the most skillful fingers of a massage therapist cannot reach.

The warmth and healing properties of water greatly increase the effectiveness of the manipulations. As a result:

spasms, pain and tension in the muscles go away, as the fibers relax and stretch, becoming more elastic and mobile;
blood circulation and lymph flow improves, which promotes the unhindered flow of nutrients and oxygen to internal organs and removes decay products, waste and toxins;
the functioning of the heart and blood vessels is normalized: blood pressure stabilizes, the formation of cholesterol plaques stops, the symptoms of autonomic disorders disappear;
metabolic processes are activated;
tissues and joints get rid of excess fluid that causes swelling and inflammation, and restore their motor function;
the production of endorphins – natural anesthetics – is stimulated, resulting in a significant reduction in pain;
Nervous tension is relieved, the body reacts more softly to stress, a person gets rid of insomnia;
the condition of the skin improves, scars and adhesions resolve due to the expansion of capillaries and increased removal of waste and toxins;
The body's immune defense increases.

This massage has one more useful property, which makes the procedure especially popular among women. It’s amazing how easily under the influence of water jets subcutaneous fat deposits are broken down, waste products come out through open pores, and the appearance of cellulite decreases or disappears completely. The figure becomes slimmer and more toned. Any problem area can be treated: thighs, abdomen, buttocks, shoulders and arms.

Form

You need to pay special attention to this point, because the choice is great: there are seated models and even something more reminiscent of a small pool than a bathtub. Therefore, we will briefly consider the features of different models:

Rectangular classic

Suitable for different types of rooms of various sizes and available on the market in the largest assortment. It is distinguished by practicality, convenience, and a “familiar” appearance for many. They take up relatively little space.

Oval and round

Such models look appropriate in spacious rooms and can be installed anywhere in the room, since in most cases they will be the “highlight” of the bathroom interior.

Due to its considerable size (as a rule), it is important to take into account the dimensions of the device with equipment and its weight in order to calculate both the passage through the doors and the degree of pressure on the floors.

Often, non-standard models have smooth shapes, as in the image below.

Corner

These are divided into two options: models with the same sides and with different ones. The only difference is in shape, so focus on the size of the room and design.

Sedentary and horizontal type

In this case, we are talking about placing a person in the bath itself. The fact is that models with horizontal placement are quite large. Therefore, for small bathrooms you can look for seat-type devices: they are most often more compact.

Tip : For people with back problems or other health problems that prevent them from lying down normally, seated hydromassage devices are great.

Size

Everything is simple here: there are a lot of options, and you need to choose exactly the one that fits into the design of the room, taking into account its area. And, importantly, the device must pass through all doorways to the bathroom. Also pay attention to the height of the sides and the presence of steps and handrails if the bath is too high for you or those who will use it.

Hint: if you are planning to do a comprehensive bathroom renovation, do not buy a bathtub first, especially if the bathroom is small. Many craftsmen use drywall to level walls, and simply laying tiles can “eat up” a considerable area of the room. Therefore, it is better to consult a repair specialist in advance and discuss this issue.

Hydromassage at home

Typically, professional hydromassage can be done in a sanatorium or in another similar medical institution. Sometimes large cosmetology clinics are equipped with hydromassage rooms. However, sanatoriums and super-sophisticated beauty salons are not always nearby, but you always want to be beautiful. What to do?

You can buy and install a hot tub at home. The choice of such plumbing fixtures is huge, and the list of massage functions performed is even larger. However, the cost of such a miracle is also considerable, and the bills for consumed water are unlikely to please. There is a more economical, but no less effective way to make hydromassage at home - buy a special massage shower head. It is easily installed on the hose instead of a standard nozzle - and you can do hydromassage at home.

Injectors

This detail is what sets the actual hydromassage bathtubs apart from the usual ones. Let's look at what types of injectors (jets) there are, how they can be located and what this affects.

Nozzles can be large or small. Depending on the size, the degree of “delicacy” of the massage will also change: small jets have a gentler effect on the body and have a more relaxing effect, while large ones exert more intense pressure on the skin and muscles, helping to relieve deeper and stronger tensions.

As for the location, the nozzles are usually installed in groups for certain areas of the body:

Collar area.
Feet.
Lower back.
Hips, etc.

The number of nozzles generally affects which part of the body will be massaged by water jets: that is, the larger the jet, the more pleasant.

Types of nozzles and modes that correspond to them:

Mermen . They create water jets of varying intensity that provide a softer or deeper massage. In modes this is Wirpool (for this type of hydromassage, usually 6 to 8 nozzles are used).
Aero . They provide an “air massage” - under pressure, streams of air bubbles act on the skin, which, in addition to massage, provide additional pleasure to the skin - while they burst. In modes this is Airpool (operates from 10 to 15 nozzles).
Combined . Create water-air flows. In modes this is Turbopool (different types of injectors operate simultaneously).
Rotary . Their peculiarity is that they can spin a stream of water, creating a kind of whirlpool. They help you do “oriental hydromassage” - imitation of strong pressure from the massage therapist’s fingers.
Rotary . Rather, this should be considered as an additional option - the water pressure throughout the body will move smoothly when selecting a certain mode.

There is also a so-called imitation of a waterfall - a strong stream of water that falls in a cascading manner.

Hint : most often hydromassage nozzles are placed on the sides of the tank, and combined and aero nozzles are placed on the bottom. Aerojets are also usually smaller in size. But in each specific case, it is better to clarify the characteristics of the model you like with a consultant.

Installation of hydromassage baths

Installing a Jacuzzi is much more complicated than conventional bathtubs due to the presence of additional elements that supply water and/or air through the nozzles. Installation of this plumbing is carried out in several stages:

Preparatory
. At this stage, the location of the bathtub in the room is marked, the base is leveled, the room is hydro- and vapor-proofed, and auxiliary elements are installed - in particular, a pressure reducer for the water supply pipes and a filter for water purification. This equipment will protect the hydromassage system from premature wear due to hydrodynamic shocks and exposure to impurities. You need to choose a location for the bath in such a way that it is close to the water pipes and provides easy access to all engineering systems to facilitate subsequent maintenance and repairs.
Bath installation
. The container itself is installed like a standard bathtub - for this, the included support legs or a supporting metal frame are used. By adjusting their height, you need to achieve a stable position of the body. Simultaneously with the bowl, a hydraulic and/or aero pump is attached to the support frame, depending on which system is implemented in a particular model.
Connection to engineering systems
. Installing the siphon and connecting it to the drainage system is carried out similarly to standard bathtubs without hydromassage. In this case, the drain pipe should be located 10 cm above the sewer socket - this will prevent water from stagnating or slowly draining from the bowl. At this stage, the mixer is connected to the water supply system, as well as the connection of pumps with nozzles with flexible or rigid pipes.
Connection to the electrical system
. For normal operation of the hot tub, an automatic cut-off switch must be provided in the apartment’s electrical supply system to prevent damage to electrical equipment during power surges. Next, the electrical components are connected to the distribution panel using a three-wire cable (neutral, phase and ground). The wires are twisted and soldered, then the junction is wrapped with electrical tape and impregnated with “liquid rubber”. All work on connecting to the electrical system must be performed only after it has been completely de-energized.
The final stage
. At the final stage, all joints of the bathtub and walls, joints of pipes and wiring are sealed. For this purpose, sealants, plastic and ceramic borders, protective boxes and other insulating materials are used. To prevent engineering systems from spoiling the appearance of the room, they are covered with a decorative plastic screen, which is hung on the side of the bathtub.

Obviously, installing a hot tub requires specialized skills and knowledge, especially when working with electrical equipment. Therefore, for reliability and safety, you should still entrust this work to specialist plumbers. Although you will have to pay extra for this, the equipment will last longer, and you will not have to worry about yourself and your loved ones every time you bathe.

Pump

A must have for a hot tub. Its power depends on the number of nozzles that are used and the volume of water that will need to be worked with.

Thus, some designs are equipped with only one pump (its power of 800-900 W is more than enough). Larger models are usually equipped with at least 2 pumps with a total power of 1500 W. the power of the compressor increases , which is found in any device with aero or combined nozzles: its power on average fluctuates around 400-700 W (this data is averaged and each model must be considered individually).

A little history

Years have passed since the creation of the first hydromassage bath, and the idea of creating such a device belonged to brothers from Italy. Their first invention was intended for a course of rehabilitation and effective treatment for a younger brother suffering from arthritis. Such procedures significantly alleviated the child’s condition.

Today, hydromassage baths are used in combination for the treatment and rehabilitation of a number of diseases, serve to improve the general condition of a person, relieve stress, nervous tension and fatigue.

Control

There are two options: mechanical and electronic. Both of them are used in different types of models, but the second type is much more common at this stage. main differences are as follows:

Price. Electronic versions are usually more expensive.
Ease of use. The mechanical control “box” itself is simpler, but in some cases switching from mode to mode is more difficult to perform than in the electronic version. But automatic (electric) control can be more difficult to understand due to the large number of options and modes.

Mechanical

Mechanical includes levers, valves, buttons and toggle switches built into the bathtub body, and has the following advantages :

Affordable price.
Ease of Management.

Electronic (automatic)

It can be represented by a touch panel, a stationary or remote control. The latter is practical if the bath is equipped with a large number of additional options, including “entertainment”. Among the advantages :

Wide functionality.
Possibility of remote control.

Additional functions

Whether they are needed or not is a moot point. Some people like all inclusive, some need to try all the options, and some prefer simplicity in everything. Therefore, in the words of the poet: “Everyone chooses for himself...”. Let's look at the most popular and interesting additional options in hot tubs:

Player (video, audio) : practical and necessary for those who do not like silence or prefer to relax in the company of friends with fun music.
Chromotherapy : a clever word, often used in instructions - in fact, backlighting. It can be of different colors, which, according to manufacturers and psychologists, affects the human condition, that is, it can relax or invigorate.

Aromatherapy : This term is already familiar to most people. In the case of a bathtub, it works like this: somewhere in the body there is a special compartment for essential oils. Different scents also have different effects on the body.

Hint : always use oils according to the instructions - you don’t need to pour them 2-3 times more because you like the smell, in which case the aroma will be too intense and will most likely cause discomfort.

Ozone therapy : it has an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory effect on the body and has a good effect on the condition of the skin.

There are options that are designed to protect and simplify the process of using the bath:

Built-in water filters.
Automatic shutdown in case of power failure.
Temperature regulation through the operation of a thermostat.
Protection against turning on an empty container.
Availability of handrails.
Voice control.
Device disinfection, etc.

Famous manufacturers

On the one hand, everything is standard when it comes to manufacturers: there are more famous companies, and there are lesser-known companies. The quality may be different, the price will be different, so you need to look, compare, choose.

How to identify a completely “bad” manufacturer:

The price is too low , especially with wide functionality. The unreasonably high cost should also raise red flags.
Lack of warranty, quality certificates and other documentation, such as instructions. Today there are no options at all – we don’t even look at it.
There is no installation service. The system itself has a number of features and proper installation will guarantee proper operation of the device. Companies with a good reputation and quality products always offer installation.

Which manufacturers are the most famous in this area? Here are some of them:

Jacuzzi _ There is no need to comment here - the first company in this field initially maintains its brand to this day. All equipment from this manufacturer is distinguished by its stylish design and good quality.
W.G.T. _ An eminent Italian company that loves to pamper customers not only with high-quality modern plumbing fixtures, but also with interesting features in the electrical equipment of its products.
Villeroy&Bosh . Also a world-famous company. It produces high-quality products in its field and is known for innovations, for example, quaril (a special subtype of artificial stone).
French companies that can present some interesting and high-quality bathtub models: Porcher, Neomediam, Jacob Delafon, Tes .
Finnish manufacturers that have firmly taken good positions in this market: Scanpool, Ido and Novitec.
Italians who will delight you with good quality and fairly affordable prices are the companies Ilma, Teuko, Albatros.
Pamos are receiving positive reviews .
The Spaniards feel confident in their niche: Roca and Pool-Spa.
The Swedish hydromassage baths Cadazzo .
Among Chinese manufacturers there are also many who monitor product quality, for example, Apollo .
In the domestic market, the most trusted ones are Radomir, Aquanet, BellRado and BAS .

It is clear that we could not analyze the entire production industry of the products in question and there are still a considerable number of worthy companies, but you now have some options that can be used for comparison.

Indulge in the best quality from Jacob Delafon

Jacob Delafon hydromassage systems are a guarantee of quality products made in France, as well as over 25 years of experience in the field of water therapy. Our company's acrylic and composite bathtubs and whirlpool systems come with a ten- and four-year warranty, respectively, on parts, repairs or reinstallation.

Acoustic quality standards are also verified by an independent laboratory (European Acoustic Laboratory of the Building Science and Technology Centre) to ensure full transparency in the quality of the products produced. Quiet please, people are relaxing here!

> View all hot tubs

Alternative options

The mentality often tells our compatriots what they can do themselves... Is this possible in the case of a jacuzzi? Let's figure it out now.

DIY whirlpool bath

How does this happen? First, the old bathtub is dismantled, because it will have to be modified. Then all the necessary additional components are purchased, which are not only suitable in price and quality, but also work well together with each other: nozzles, compressor, pump, pipes, etc.

When you have everything you need on hand, you can get down to business. First you need to drill holes for the injectors, then you need to install them and connect pumps, filters, pipes, etc. It is important to seal everything well. After everything is assembled, a test drive of the system is carried out. It is extremely important that there are no leaks, because the structure will simultaneously work with both electric current and water. If everything is functioning normally, then the structure can be installed.

In general, as practice shows and the simplest calculation of the cost of parts, this approach is impractical and unreasonably expensive. It will be more profitable and easier to purchase a finished product. But here the choice is up to everyone.

Alternative No. 2 – budget

There are two more “light” options for those who want to join those who know what hydromassage is:

Mini bath. Yes, you can’t sit entirely in such a container, but after a busy day at work, massaging your legs with jets of water and air is an excellent option.
Rug. This miracle device is used in the bath. It is attached with suction cups to the bottom of the container. The system itself is equipped with a compressor, small holes such as nozzles, and a control panel. Rugs can have options such as ozonation and air heating.

Video review of a mat for creating a hydromassage function in a regular bath:

Features of installation work

Before installing a Jacuzzi in the room, it is necessary to completely complete the repair work on the walls, ceiling, and floor. The pipes of the water supply system must be equipped with filters in advance; when using well water, it will be necessary to install filters that carry out mechanical cleaning. Bathroom sockets must be equipped with a grounding system, connected using an RCD, and have a protection level of at least four. If there are no electrical outlets in the room, the jacuzzi is connected to the electrical network using a cable that stretches across the entire room.

How to install a Jacuzzi body

The hole for draining the water should be ten centimeters from the floor level; sometimes it is necessary to use a special stand.

Connection of pipes with sewerage, water supply system

The water supply pressure should not exceed five. To control the pressure, it is better to install a special reducer. Water from the central sewer has many impurities, and well water even more so. It is necessary to prepare filters for thorough cleaning in advance. The pipes should run close to the bathtub, without blocking the approach to the connecting corners.

The diameter of the drain into the sewer is approximately five centimeters. The process of installing faucets and connecting them to water pipes is the same as for a standard bath. The faucet is installed inside the bathtub bowl. The Jacuzzi has a modern semi-automatic drainage system with overflow. There is a handle on the overflow hole that opens the overflow valve. The bathtub is connected to the sewer with a flexible hose; it should have a length of approximately fifty centimeters.

All connections must be equipped with rubber gaskets against leaks.

The sewer system pipe can come out of the wall or floor, but no more than two centimeters from the floor. The siphon is connected to the drain using a corrugated pipe.

Next, install the Jacuzzi bowl. At the end of the work, inspect the joints and connections again.

Precautionary measures

To make bathing enjoyable and beneficial, you should familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:

To relax, it is better to take a bath in the evening for about 30 minutes at a water temperature of 37 degrees on average; to wake up in the morning, it is not recommended to sit for more than 10 minutes in water with a temperature of 30 degrees.
You should not change the water temperature during water procedures; choose one mode now, another next time.
Be careful with hot water, if you like water with a temperature of more than 39 degrees, then put a cold, wet towel on your head.
It is not advisable to take a bath immediately after physical activity; it is better to give preference to a shower.
If you have problems with your heart, blood vessels, or are pregnant, consult your doctor for advice about the possibility of taking baths.

Proper care

A hydromassage bathtub, as you already understand, is not the simplest device, so it requires some care. With proper maintenance, the system will work for a long time and without problems:

Water filters are a must. In their absence, the system may fail within a year if the water is heavily polluted.
The instructions are meant to be read first, not when something breaks. Therefore, when purchasing a bathtub, initially familiarize yourself with all the operating instructions, and especially with those related to the ban on the use of salts, foam and other products.
The system must be cleaned and disinfected regularly. This is also stated in the instructions with recommendations. The bathtub needs to be washed every time and disinfected after 5-7 uses. It is important to carry out any care only with the products recommended by the manufacturer. You should also wipe the container dry after each cleaning.

The hydromassage system must be used. If the downtime is long, the device will also fail faster. On average, it is recommended to turn on such bathrooms at least once a week.

Considering all of the above, you can keep your purchase in good condition for 10 years plus or minus.