What’s Important To Know About Jets When You’re Buying A Spa?

By just looking at a hot tub, it's very difficult to assess its jets and what they will deliver. First and foremost, don't be fooled by appearances. Often, the hot tub massage jets can be the "sizzle" that's meant to impress just by the way they look. For instance, you might see a wide variety of dazzling metal trim sizes surrounding the jet opening, but they might be window dressing.

Caldera spas has the best engineered hot tub massage jets in the industry

Look for intelligent hot tub jet design for a better hydromassage.

Take a closer look at the hot tub massage jets

  • Is there variety in the actual diameter of the jet opening (not the outer diameter of the trim) or are they all the same size?
  • Do different massage jets provide different types of massage actions (pulsating, rotating, etc.)?
  • If there are larger hot tub jets or a large number of massage jets, is the hot tub jet pump powerful enough to move water through them properly?
An image of hot tub massage jets in action

It is important to make sure that a hot tub comes with a jet pump that is powerful enough for the number of jets.

What types of massage jets will target your own soreness?

Hot tub massage jets should be strategically positioned in coordination with hot tub seating to target specific sore areas of the body. After all, when you visit your spa every day, you should expect and get relief where you need it. Where do you store stress in your body? Lower back? A tight hip? Your neck? Feet? One of the great reasons to own a spa is to release the tension that accumulates throughout your body. So make sure the jets are placed to give you relief right where you need it.

An image of lady enjoying the besthot tub foot massage jets

The best designed hot tub massage jets should target specific areas of the body that are prone to soreness.

What kinds of massage jet innovations should I look for in a hot tub?

Based on years of testing and innovation, Caldera  spas are designed with many different massage jet sizes and types (not just different trim sizes) that deliver a massage based on the part of the body where they're focused. Larger, more powerful jets are positioned to provide a deeper massage to large muscle groups where tension tends to accumulate. Others provide a gentler massage for areas that need a lighter touch. Some offer a pulsating or rotating water flow that can help knead the tension from tired muscles.

As a result, you can get a customized, personal massage experience, literally neck to toe. It's like a daily muscle meditation.

A lady enjoys the targeted massage jet of a hot tub

It is important to sit in a hot tub seat before you buy to make sure it fits your body type.

Should I buy the most powerful hot tub jets?

Make sure the jets you're considering allow you to customize your massage. By adjusting water flow and volume through the jets, you can design a purely individual massage. In some cases, certain jet types are interchangeable, which allows you to customize your massage even more. From the wide, single opening of our Euphoria  jet that can deliver a deep-kneading muscle massage to small jets for the soles of your feet, we construct spas with up to eight different jet types, all placed to give you the best results. In fact, we believe configuring jets and massage jet types is something of an art form. We've done it to create the ideal therapeutic or relaxing massage AND to let you customize the direction of flow of water in a way that works for you.

The interior of a Caldera hot tub with a wide variety of massage jets sizes and types

Look for a wide variety of sizes and types of hot tub massage jets.

How many jets should a hot tub have?

There's no easy answer to that question. The number of jets you need or want really depends on your preferences, the size of the spa and the number of people who will use it at one time. Most important of all, what do you want to get from a spa massage? Are you a runner, tennis player or do other activities and would really benefit from a hamstring massage? What about your calves? Your feet? Will your trouble spots be well attended to?

More is not necessarily better. It's a personal decision, so spend time thinking about what's most important to you.

The Caldera Utopia models feature the best luxury hot tub massage jets

It's not so much the number of hot tub jets but the engineering and design behind them.

How do I tell which hot tub is the right hot tub for me?

A hot tub is often a major expense for you and your family. Once its installed it would be an expensive mistake if you bought the wrong hot tub. If you're in the market for a new spa, remember how important the variety of jet types and configurations are. But also remember that no matter what types of jets or how many jets a spa has, they are of little use if the hot tub jet pump that moves the water through them is inadequate to deliver a high-quality massage.

How can I schedule a hot tub test soak?

Many Caldera hot tub dealers have assorted hot tub models set-up in their showroom for the purposes of a hot tub test soak. Contact the closest hot tub dealer near your home to ask about scheduling a hot tub test soak. Even if your dealer doesn't offer a test soak, be sure to sit in the hot tub when it is dry to make sure the seats fit your body type well and that the hot tub depth is appropriate for your height. Also consider the number of seats to make sure there are enough seats for you and your family or friends. Hot tubs provide the ultimate venue for quality family time.

Before purchasing, check the jet pump specifications and make sure you take a test soak. As you compare, just remember: you can always get a gentle massage from a powerful pump, but you'll never get a deep, thorough massage from an inadequate pump.