Photo of a bathtub with a jacuzzi in the interior of a room

Just a couple of decades ago, few of our compatriots could boast of a bathtub with hydromassage, or as this device is commonly called - a jacuzzi. Nowadays, a jacuzzi has ceased to be a luxury and has become a device for taking beneficial water procedures that is quite affordable and easy to install. What else does a city dweller need after a hard day at work, if not a relaxing, therapeutic and so relaxing hydromassage? Today we can confidently say that a jacuzzi is an affordable luxury with health benefits. That is why many owners of apartments and houses try to integrate this wonderful device into the interior of the bathroom. At the same time, it is not necessary to have a spacious utilitarian room for taking water procedures. Jacuzzi manufacturers offer a wide range of economy-class models that fit compactly into a medium-sized bathroom.

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 intensity 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.

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.

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 to pay attention to when installing a Jacuzzi bathtub?

Installation of a multi-stage water purification system. Plumbing nozzles are sensitive to water quality, so to ensure crystal clear water, filters and a softening device (for example, salt granules) are installed.
Laying out water pipes. iDezz recommends placing the pipes as close to the hot tub as possible. Installation of Jacuzzi legs. The correctness of their installation determines how level the structure will be.
Installation of a drainage system. The procedure includes a number of standard operations, so what kind of Jacuzzi you choose for your bathroom does not matter. If you have previously installed a regular bathtub, there will be no problems with installation, since all operations are identical.
Connecting water pipes and ensuring tightness of joints.
Connecting the jacuzzi to electricity. The final and critical stage of installation of the structure. Since water is an excellent conductor of current, all elements of the jacuzzi are grounded. It is better to connect the hot tub to an outlet or switch located outside the bathroom. If this is not possible, ensure that the socket is located at least 70 cm from the Jacuzzi.

Failure to carry out at least one of the stages of repairing a bathroom with a jacuzzi incorrectly will result in serious problems during the operation of this plumbing structure.

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.

Varieties in shape and size

In today's market you can find hot tubs of various shapes and sizes. Even for small apartments you can find a decent option for a hydromassage bath. Owners of large apartments or country houses are luckier in this regard; they can easily install not only a hot tub with a Jacuzzi function, but also an entire mini-pool. There are a lot of options for these devices, ranging from sedentary structures to small pools. The latter type is more suitable for spa equipment.

Today, among the model range, you can choose several shape options:

rectangular or square;
angular or asymmetrical;
round or oval.

Asymmetrical

Square

Round

Rectangular

Corner

As for the sizes, you can choose hydromassage bathtubs of this class based on the area of the room. The size of the hydromassage device is possible in the range from 160×70 mm to 210×100 cm. Taking these indicators into account, the height of the device is calculated, varying from 57 to 86 cm. Therefore, you can choose such a device for an apartment with any square footage.

Often the bathroom in urban high-rise buildings has a small area. Therefore, it will not be possible to fit a large structure proportionally. The best option would be a rectangular bathtub with dimensions of 180x80 cm. The depth of a hydromassage bathtub with such dimensions can reach 60 cm.

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hydromassage as a method of beneficial effects on the human body has been known for a long time. Jets of water act specifically on those parts of the body that are usually classified as active zones, and this effect is often used in the prevention and even treatment of certain diseases. Modern Jacuzzis provide three massage options:

hydromassage - the effect occurs with water jets;
aeromassage - the effect occurs with air jets;
turbo massage - the effect occurs with both water and air simultaneously in a combined type.

Typically, nozzles are located in those parts of the bath where certain parts of the bather’s body should be located - shoulders, back area, hips, feet. Air nozzles are located under the buttocks and thighs.

The advantages of such plumbing devices are undeniable.

Jacuzzi promotes more effective muscle relaxation and reduces stress levels.
A hydromassage bath maintains skin elasticity and health, improving blood circulation and skin nutrition. If you take such baths regularly, there will be fewer problems with cellulite and wrinkles.
The procedure in water helps natural pain relief, relieves headaches, muscle and joint pain. This is important for people with musculoskeletal disorders.
A Jacuzzi looks stylish and modern in any bathroom, regardless of the style and design.

However, bubble baths also have their disadvantages, which many begin to realize only after the bath has already been purchased.

A Jacuzzi takes up a lot of space, and therefore fitting a bathtub into a small bathroom is an almost impossible task. Even corner and round Jacuzzis are quite large products.
Using a hot tub increases water consumption several times, and therefore your bills will be higher.
The cost of a bath, although not as high as before, is still not budget.
An installed hot tub requires careful and vigilant maintenance. After use, water remains in the nozzles. With insufficient care, it becomes a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Injectors require special treatment and periodic replacement.
There is no shower in the jacuzzi, so you can only swim under the tap. Also, the design does not provide for using the bath directly for washing - dirt and sweat can contaminate the nozzles.