The device of a hot tub and hydromassage equipment

Long gone are the days when a hot tub was an exclusively sign of affluence. A wide range of products, as well as a loyal pricing policy of leading manufacturers makes such plumbing equipment quite affordable for most buyers.

If you are planning to purchase and install a jacuzzi in the bathroom, then you need to understand the principle of operation and the design of the hot tub, to understand the variety and functional features of the models. This information is detailed in the article.

To facilitate your task, we have prepared a list of criteria that should be considered when buying, and also provided useful recommendations for choosing plumbing.

Thermal spring in the walls of the house

Hydrotherapy is a common method of relaxation and treatment, which has been actively practiced since the 1st century BC. Its healing properties are mentioned in the Indian Vedas.

The first spa bath in our usual sense appeared in Berlin in the mid-30s of the last century.

Thanks to the skill of one of the Jacuzzi brothers, the system was supplemented by a pump emitting a powerful jet with many air bubbles, and numerous nozzles, from which the flows, called the "thousand fingers", beat.

In the following decades, hydromassage systems for bathtubs became more complicated and improved. Geysers and whirlpools, color rays, musical accompaniment, and even a magnetic field pulsating in time with the earth's vibrations appeared in them.

Today, hydromassage is the solution to many problems.

In addition to relaxation, the hot tub also has a healing effect. Thermal and reflex action activates the metabolism, stimulating blood and lymph supply, and also inhibits intestinal motility and relieves muscle spasm.

Hot tubs are designed so that the generated water jets affect only those parts of the human body that are not contraindicated with the massage: the collar zone, back, lower back and pelvis, calves and feet.

Due to the optimal thermal conductivity, as well as the pronounced ability to dissolve salts and minerals, water is able to have a complex effect on the body: mechanical, temperature and chemical

Hot tub design

The main structural elements of such a bath are the body and the equipment placed in it. The main unit of hydromassage equipment is an electric pump. It maintains a continuous circuit of water, ensuring the smooth operation of the system.

An electric pump directs water to the nozzles located in the bottom and walls of the bowl, from where it is pushed out in the form of directed rapid jets

The pump is designed to provide water intake from a pipeline located on the outside of the structure, and supply it under pressure to each nozzle. The maximum pressure value directly depends on the power of the unit. But, the higher the power of the pump, the more expensive the cost of the bath itself.

The main elements of hydromassage equipment are also:

• nozzles - form and direct the introductory jets;
• check valves - prevent the backflow of water;
• compressor - is responsible for supplying air to the system;
• thermostat - controls the temperature of the water.

Nozzles are calibrated holes equipped with plastic or metal pads of a round shape with many holes. In one second, such a hole can emit up to 800 air bubbles.

Nozzles come in different diameters and can be located both in the bottom and walls of the body in those places where the corresponding part of the body will be located during water procedures.

The size, number and location of the nozzles depends on the type of model and determines the level of crushing of air flows.

The design of the nozzles is such that the water flows in them are accelerated to a predetermined speed, due to which a jet is formed at the outlet, which has a massage effect

If desired, part of the nozzles that are not currently in use can be turned off, while increasing pressure in other jets.

Since modern hydromassage bathtubs are designed more for hygienic procedures than physiotherapeutic ones, the second task of nozzles is to prevent the ingress of soapy water and clogging of the supply pipe system.

Models of a more complex device require a compressor. It is an independent device that delivers air through the air duct to each atomizer, which runs in parallel with the pump.

Under the action of the compressor, the air is mixed with water flows, which through miniature holes cut into the bottom of the bathtub - jets are released to the outside.

In some models, the supplied air is preheated with a special hairdryer. This solution eliminates the unpleasant effect of a room-temperature water stream on a well-warmed body.

Thanks to the compressor, a delicate air massage effect is created.

Aero massage is especially useful when supplying air from nozzles located in the bottom of the bath when the effect of giving a boost of vigor “boiling” is created

Management of the system is carried out using a pneumatic remote control or electronic touch screen. It also sets a certain water temperature, portions of mixed air, intervals in pulsation mode, and even sets the radio station (if such a function is provided in the system).

System Options

In the modern market there are many options for hydromassage systems. Depending on the configuration and manufacturing materials, they are divided into several types.

Bowl Materials

The body of the hot tubs can be made of acrylic, cast iron, plastic, natural stone or metal.

Bowls made of polymeric materials are famous for their low price and aesthetic appearance. Acrylic and plastic are pleasant to the touch, but short-lived, but relatively cheap.

To increase the strength of the bowl, its walls and sides are poured in 2-3 layers, and to give structural rigidity, it is reinforced with a metal grill or fiberglass

Acrylic bathtubs are very convenient in transportation, since the weight does not exceed 40 kg. One person can handle their installation and connection of the system.

Recently, you can also find on sale models from qvar. The modified polymer is based on acrylic and silica sand. Enclosed in acrylic capsules, quartz grains of sand make the material resistant to mechanical stress with a relatively light weight.

Bathtubs in steel and cast iron are no less in demand.

Cast iron bowls are good in that they are able to retain heat, maintaining the most comfortable temperature during the adoption of water procedures

The enamel coating forming the top layer is vulnerable to mechanical damage and requires careful treatment.

Bathtubs with steel bowls are an order of magnitude cheaper than cast iron counterparts. But they are inferior to them in operational parameters: they do not retain heat for so long and create noise when filling the tank.

Regardless of the material of the manufacture of bowls, modern hydromassage equipment is absolutely safe for human health. The main thing is to strictly adhere to the installation instructions.

But even in case of malfunctions, the system has protective functions. For example, the equipment will not function if the bowl is empty.

To minimize the risk of electric shock, many European leading manufacturers complete the equipment with circuit breakers and RCD - protective shutdown devices.

In the event of a malfunction in the electrical equipment, the supply circuit will automatically break, as a result, the bath will be completely de-energized.

Dimensions and shape of plumbing

Bathtubs can have different shapes both externally and internally. Rectangular models fit perfectly on the bathrooms of standard apartment buildings.

On sale hydromassage bathtubs with a rectangular bowl shape are presented in two options: for sitting and lying provisions

The whirlpool bathtubs with round bowls look very beautiful and original. But they are space-demanding and therefore not acceptable in small space conditions.

Corner, round, oval and square models are designed for more spacious bathrooms, as they take up more space.

Corner models with a perpendicular arrangement of the bowl relative to the corner of the room - a win-win option for original interiors

The most popular are corner models with dimensions of 1.4 m and 1.8 m with a bowl depth of 0.6 m.

As an alternative, you can purchase a hydromassage box. It is a hybrid between the bath and shower. The shape of the box can be any: rectangular, round, trapezoidal.

The choice is limited only by the preferences of the buyer and the configuration of the bathroom. But the most convenient to use are models 0.9 * 0.9 m in size.

The hydromassage box is often equipped with pallets with high sides and a removable screen mounted on legs or beams

The material for the manufacture of the pallet may be ceramic, metal or polymer.

Compared to bathtubs, hydromassage boxes benefit from the fact that in addition to healing horizontal and vertical hydromassage, thanks to special nozzles and closed walls, the structures are able to create the effect of a “rain shower”.

And when the steam generator showers with sauna create the effect of a Turkish bath or steam with elements of aromatherapy.

Hydromassage shower boxes are specially designed for those who cannot part with a comfortable bath, but at the same time are aware of the economic profitability of the shower.

Additional system features

Depending on the model chosen, the following can be included in the package for each bathroom: stationary mounted nozzles and a removable front panel. As auxiliary devices, dispensers and a disinfection system, lighting and music, shelves for detergents and even a telephone can also be used.

All the operating elements of the hydromassage equipment and the supply lines are hidden behind the protective screens, and only the hydraulic nozzles are visible to the surface of the bowl

According to the type of device, hydromassage equipment for bathtubs is divided into two types:

• conventional hydromassage systems - in them massage is carried out by means of standard air-water flows;
• combined hydromassage systems - work is carried out by air-water and air-bubble flows.

Combined hydromassage equipment, using hydromassage and aero massage nozzles, makes relaxing and improving the adoption of water procedures more effective.

In bathtubs equipped with an automatic adjustment system, it is convenient to create whole massage “plays”.For example, the side nozzles are started at low intensity first, after a few seconds a soft air massage system is connected to them, which is replaced by a powerful stacatto, making turbo massage of the back, shoulders and feet.

Systems are often additionally equipped with halogen lamps and LED backlight. The presence of lighting can create a unique atmosphere in the bathroom, contributing to maximum relaxation and effective treatment.

Based on the use of built-in backlight, chromotherapy is implemented in some systems.

The effect of the procedure is achieved due to the beneficial effects on the body of color with a certain wavelength:

• green - relieve internal stress;
• blue - calms;
• yellow - cheers up;
• red - fills with energy.

Some models are equipped with an ozonation system. As you know, ozone is an effective replacement for chlorine. But a natural oxidizing agent does not have a harmful effect on the human body.

On the contrary, it has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, stimulating healing and creating an analgesic effect.

Even simple halogen lamps that paint water jets in different colors can add originality to hydromassage procedures

Developers annually improve hydromassage systems, supplementing them with new features. In the latest models, the number of massages can reach three or more tens. For example, in the model J. Sha Mi trademark Jacuzzi there are about fifty of them.

For the convenience of using plumbing equipment, most models are equipped with side handrails, armrests and headrests

Among the latest technological innovations, a tubeless hydromassage system has gained wide popularity. It differs radically from the traditional version in that the installed nozzles are equipped with individual motors with a turbine.

According to the developers, such a system is more hygienic, since it eliminates stagnation of water, and therefore does not require disinfection and facilitates whirlpool care.

Competent selection criteria

Hydromassage procedures have a beneficial effect on the whole body. But to get the most out of it, the equipment should be selected according to the type of procedures presented in it.

Possible options:

• side - use nozzles mounted opposite the shoulders, shoulder blades, sides and feet;
• dorsal - involves the location of the nozzles in such a way that their therapeutic effect is felt not only by the back, but also by the lower back with buttocks, as well as the back of the hips;
• combined - includes nozzles mounted in the bottom of the bowl and placed in its side walls. Using the control system, they are switched on simultaneously or in a predetermined order.

In order to avoid disappointment, it is worthwhile to decide in advance on the type of impact of water flows. Someone does not like lateral hydromassage, someone is annoyed by a tickling touch of small bubbles of soft air massage.

It is also worth considering that hydromassage procedures should be used with caution in the presence of cardiovascular diseases.

Plumbing hydromassage equipment must be appropriately labeled, which confirms its safety during operation

When choosing a hot tub, focus on the external dimensions of the equipment. They often exceed traditional bathtubs. Moreover, the volume of the inner bowl may have standard sizes or “shallow”.

Of key importance is the choice of material from which the bowl is made. From models of the middle price segment, hydromassage bathtubs with acrylic bowls, whose walls have a thickness of at least 7 mm and are additionally reinforced with fiberglass, have proven themselves well. These are models of leading brands. Jacuzzi and Teuco.

Plumbing from an innovative brand is produced by companies Villeroy & boch and Albatros. Most of the models of these brands are equipped with a special orthopedic bed, which allows you to remove the load from the spinal column and take a comfortable pose while taking water procedures.

When choosing a model, it is important to consider the number of nozzles. After all, their number and location directly affects the power and efficiency of the equipment. The number of hydromassage nozzles averages 6-8 pieces.

The total number of air massage nozzles can reach from 10-15 and up to 30-35 pieces. Some models allow you to adjust the angle of rotation of individual elements.

Pay attention also to the material for the production of decorative overlays.

Gold-plated elements can lose their gloss after 4-5 years, chrome lining will last twice as long

The uninterrupted operation and the durability of the system largely depends on the power of the electric motors of the installed pumps. The average performance of hot tubs ranges from 700-800 watts.

The power of more equipped models can reach 1500 watts. In any case, when choosing a model, be guided by the rule that the higher the power reserve of the engine, the greater its “safety margin”.

Add-ons greatly improve the functionality of the equipment. But the more features, the more expensive the bath.

Among the additional elements that are often not included in the basic package, but will certainly be needed during operation, it is worth highlighting bathroom faucets. A considerable amount will cost the automation system to control the plumbing operating modes.

Choosing products from trusted manufacturers, you can not only protect yourself from low-quality products. When hot tub repair and the need to replace a separate element, it will be possible to order a spare part on the manufacturer’s official website.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Tips for choosing a jacuzzi by type of material and technical equipment:

Having spent more time reviewing the models on the market and paying attention to every little thing, you can choose the best option for a bath for taking water procedures and complete relaxation in a pleasant home environment.

Have something to supplement, or have questions about the design and selection of a spa bath? Please leave comments on the publication. The contact form is located in the lower block.