The Best Hot Tub Jets: An Essential Spa Jets Guide
If you’re planning on buying a hot tub for its therapy and relaxation benefits, it’s helpful to understand hot tub jets before deciding on a hot tub brand.
There are different jet types, sizes, and power, so you’ll want to make sure to get a hot tub with the right jets for you.
Read on to learn about how spa jets work, what types are available, and which hot tub has the best jets.
How do hot tub jets work?
There is a bit of science that goes into creating the best hot tub jets, including the Venturi effect, but let’s keep it simple. 4 basic steps need to happen for a hot tub jet to work.
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- A pump moves the water through the pipes towards the jets
- An air intake valve allows in the air which mixes with the water
- The pipe diameter decreases which compresses the water and air
- The water and air are released through a small opening
The best spa jets have the correct mix of water and air in the jet. This provides ideal massage power so it’s not too strong or too weak.
Now that you know the basics about how a spa jet works, let’s learn about the different massage strengths a hot tub can provide.
Which hot tub has the strongest jets?
Several factors lead to a hot tub having the strongest jets. Look for the following when researching hot tubs.
Pumps
In general, a hot tub with strong jets will have two pumps, each with high horsepower.
Plumbing
Plumbing also makes a big difference. The more pipes and the farther the water has to travel, the less power there will be. That’s why Bullfrog Spas built their hot tubs differently from others. They use up to 90% less plumbing to maximize the power you can get out of your spa jets.
Air and water mixture
As mentioned before, the best hot tub jets will have the correct mixture of water and air so you get just the right amount of power.
Jet opening
Hot tub jets with smaller openings generally feel more powerful. Keep in mind, however, that these jets target less area on the back at once than a jet with a large opening.
Variety
Some hot tubs have a wide variety of different jets. But beware—too many high-powered jets can turn into a bad thing. Having too many jets that are designed to be extra powerful can lead to low water pressure and poor jet performance. It’s important to have a variety of jet types throughout the spa so you can enjoy different types of massages depending on your therapy needs each day.
Should you look for the most powerful hot tub jets?
Strong jets are what make for deeper massages which can really help you relax and work out the tension in your body. But not every jet needs to produce at maximum strength for a quality massage experience.
Some jets should have less strength than others for areas that need a gentler massage. Other jets may pulsate to knead out the tension after a long day.
So don’t worry if some don’t feel like the most powerful hot tub jets—that’s by design. Each jet will pump out just the right amount of pressure to give you the full-body massage you deserve.
What types of hot tub jets are there?
Each different type of jet produces massage patterns that are perfect for all kinds of muscle groups. Here’s a list of hot tub jet types you can expect to find while researching hot tub brands. We’ll also go over the kind of massage effects you can expect so you can find the best hot tub jets for your exact needs.
Rhythmic single pulse jets
Effect: Slow, rhythmic, and deliberate pulsing action that loosens muscles and eliminates stress
Ideal Massage Area: Shoulder blades
Recommended Bullfrog JetPak: Wellness JetPak
Rapid dual pulse jets
Effect: Medium pressure massage with two rapidly pulsating spinning nozzles for deeper relaxation and stress relief
Ideal Massage Area: Back, particularly along your spine
Recommended Bullfrog JetPak: Spinalssage or SpinalHealth JetPak
Kneading oscillator jets
Effect: Deliberate, soothing, and therapeutic kneading action that covers a large area
Ideal Massage Area: Lower back
Recommended Bullfrog JetPak: Oscillator or Versa JetPak
Soothing rain shower jets
Effect: A smooth and constant stream of gentle pressure that lightly massages a large area
Ideal Massage Area: Back
Recommended Bullfrog JetPak: RainShower JetPak
Powerful deep relief jets
Effect: Deep tissue massage brought by powerful penetrating pressure
Ideal Massage Area: Neck and back
Recommended Bullfrog JetPak: AcuTherapy or NeckMasseuse JetPak
Relaxing firm relief jets
Effect: Steady pressure for the perfect blend of stress relief and relaxation to offer that “just right” feeling
Ideal Massage Area: Back
Recommended Bullfrog JetPak: Gyrossage or Alleviate JetPak
Target therapy jets
Effect: Firm pressure jets to target key tension areas in the neck
Ideal Massage Area: Neck
Recommended Bullfrog JetPak: NeckBlaster, NeckRelief or NeckMasseuse
Interchangeable jets
Bullfrog Spas are the only hot tubs to provide interchangeable JetPaks®. You can choose between 16 unique JetPak massages, place the JetPak in the seat that fits your height, and adjust the power. That way you can customize your hot tub to massage your unique aches and pains.
If you’re looking to upgrade your hot tub, it’s better to do it with JetPaks instead of replacing individual jets. Replacing a single jet may make the massage setup unbalanced, and you won’t feel as relaxed when in your tub. Meanwhile, JetPaks come designed to give you a specific style of massage when used together. And since JetPaks are interchangeable, you can move them wherever they fit in your Bullfrog Spa and still get a holistic massage experience.
How many jets are best for a hot tub?
There’s no “perfect number” of jets that you should expect in a hot tub. The number of jets will entirely depend on the kind of massage experience you’re looking for. This means you could have as few as 50 jets or as many as 300+.
While a hot tub with countless jets can sound appealing, it may not offer the experience you’re looking for. Instead, prioritize jet placement—this ensures your whole body will feel the effects of the jets, not just your back.
Which hot tub has the most jets?
Simply having the most jets in a hot tub doesn’t necessarily mean it provides the best therapy. The Bullfrog Spas A9L could technically have up to 318 individual jets if you put a RainShower JetPak in every seat. However, the RainShower JetPak may not appeal to everyone who plans on using your spa.
It’s better to have a variety of jets with different strengths and massage types. The Bullfrog Spas A9L, when equipped with the manufacturer’s recommended JetPaks, will instead have 98 individual jets. This recommended combination provides the ideal amount of variety and power.
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Now that you know all about hot tub jets, it’s time to choose which jets you want in your spa. Design a Bullfrog Spa online by selecting the button below. You can choose your spa capacity, colors, jets, and features. You’ll even receive a price quote from your local store.
This article is part of Bullfrog Spas Best Hot Tub Guide:
How to Choose The Best Hot Tub
- Portable Hot Tubs | Guide to Above Ground Spas
- Best Hot Tubs for Cold Climates
- Hot Tub Ratings & Reviews [Ultimate Buying Guide]
- Guide to Plug and Play Hot Tubs (120v hot tubs)
- The Best Hot Tub Jets: A Guide to Understanding Spa Jets
- What Makes the Most Therapeutic Hot Tub?
- The Best Hot Tub Features & Accessories
- Best Family Hot Tubs