What Is A Jetted Tub: Everything you Need to Know

Jetted baths are well-known and commonly found in many households. They provide a delightful means of relaxation, allowing you to unwind, indulge in spa-like aromas, and alleviate stress after a challenging workday or during leisurely weekends. But what exactly is a jetted tub?

What Is A Jetted Tub?

A jetted tub is a type of bathtub equipped with built-in water jets that provide a relaxing and muscle-soothing experience. The jets, powered by water or air, are designed to massage your body, offering a therapeutic soak that prioritizes your comfort. These tubs typically have a generous water capacity and are best suited for bathrooms with ample space.

What Is a Jetted Bath?

Many individuals are familiar with and may have installed jetted baths in their homes. These baths provide a wonderful opportunity to relax, indulge in spa fragrances, and destress after a tough day at work or during weekends when one desires to unwind.

Similar to Jacuzzis for hot tubs, Whirlpools are just one of the several types of jetted tubs available on the market.

A jetted bath is an excellent way for homeowners to unwind and de-stress while also saving space and money. Typically accommodating up to two individuals, these baths offer advanced therapeutic features and powerful jets.

Thanks to their strong jets, jetted baths are more effective and therapeutic than their full-sized counterparts. Additionally, they come in various styles and sizes to cater to the needs of any homeowner.

Some Factors Related to Jetted Bathtubs

Water Supply

The water requirement for a jetted bathtub is significantly lower compared to that of a hot tub. However, it's important to note that you cannot store water for future use.

To fill the jetted tub with water, you will need to connect it to the plumbing and water supply. Unlike a hot tub, you'll use a standard tap for this purpose. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that you won't have the ability to maintain a specific temperature in a jetted tub.

Maintenance

After each use, users are required to drain the water and ensure effective cleaning of the tub. Draining and cleaning a jetted tub may appear inconvenient for many users.

However, unlike hot tubs, you won't have to deal with water filtration, maintaining water chemistry, or other related tasks.

Installation

The installation cost of a new jetted tub is considerably higher when compared to a basic model hot tub. Moreover, the installation process itself can be quite intricate, potentially necessitating adjustments to the bathroom layout and floor tiles.

Additionally, a dedicated water supply must be installed, which incurs plumbing expenses.

Read more: How To Install And Maintain Your Bathtub Effectively

Jetted Bath Placement

Unlike hot tubs, jetted baths are usually installed indoors. Jetted baths are likely to spill water, so locating them near a floor drain is preferable. You want a location where there will be good water pressure and good drainage afterward.

Jetted baths, in contrast to hot tubs, are typically installed indoors, making them a convenient and accessible option for relaxation. However, it's essential to consider a few factors when determining the ideal location for your jetted bath.

1. Place the bath near a floor drain to catch any water spills.
2. Ensure good water pressure for optimal jetted bath experience.
3. Prioritize efficient drainage to prevent moisture-related issues.

By considering these factors, you can enhance your jetted bath experience and maintain a clean and convenient bathing environment.

Jetted Bathtub - the Pros

Upgrade your bathtub to a jetted version and enjoy the wonderful benefits it offers! With a jetted tub, you can indulge in a warm and soothing bath whenever you desire. It's a fantastic way to relax and alleviate stress, making it one of the best investments you can make for your well-being.

Not only are jetted tubs great for relaxation, but they can also play a valuable role in your health and physical therapy routine, especially if recommended by your doctor. If you experience issues like sore muscles and joints, poor circulation, or limited flexibility, consider asking your physician about the potential benefits of incorporating occasional jetted tub massages into your routine. It could provide a soothing and therapeutic experience to support your overall well-being.

Jetted Bathtub - the Cons

While jetted tubs provide comfort and relaxation, it's crucial to be aware of the potential downsides. Here are some straightforward cons to consider:

1. High Cost: Jetted tubs come with a significant price tag. Prices typically start at $1,000 and can go well beyond $5,000 for top-of-the-line models, excluding installation. Even for a modest tub, you can anticipate total costs of at least $2,000.
2. Complicated Installation: Installing a jetted tub can be complex due to its large size, depth, and weight. It requires a spacious bathroom, and you may need to construct a platform to support the tub. Consulting an experienced plumber is essential to determine the specific requirements for installing the tub where you want it.
3. Increased Water Usage: Jetted tubs consume a substantial amount of water, particularly hot water. This can lead to higher water bills and put additional strain on your hot water heater. Filling a large jetted tub may even result in completely depleting some hot water heaters.
4. Higher Utility Bills: The costs of heating all the water and powering the air jets in a jetted tub will contribute to your overall utility expenses. It's important to consider these additional costs associated with the jetted tub lifestyle.

By being mindful of these cons, you can make an informed decision about whether a jetted tub is the right choice for you, taking into account both the benefits and financial considerations.

Jetted Bathtub - The Cleaning

Not all aspects of the jetted tub experience are luxurious. Cleaning is a significant part of it. With a larger bathtub surface and a network of air tubes, cleaning becomes an important task. Cleaning methods may vary depending on the model. High-end models may have self-cleaning cycles that remove excess moisture from the air tubes. However, regular cleaning cannot be neglected as neglected tub jets can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and algae.

Noise can be a factor to consider as well. Some tub jets are louder than others, and none are completely silent. Reading user reviews is a good way to gauge the expected noise level of a particular model.

It's important to carefully consider all these factors before purchasing a jetted bathtub for your home. It's not a decision to be taken lightly. If you have made up your mind and are ready to proceed, it would be wise to consult your local plumbing professionals!

FAQs

Can you use bath bombs in a jetted tub?

Yes, while it's possible to use bath bombs in a jetted tub, taking precautions is important to prevent potential issues.

Firstly, choose bath bombs that don't contain materials that may not dissolve easily in water, such as coconut oil, confetti, essential oil, plant material, glitter, and flowers. This helps avoid plumbing problems.

To protect your tub from debris and potential drain clogging, you can use small mesh bags, nylon stockings, or even repurpose old fabric or organza bags. These will catch larger particles and prevent them from going down the drain. However, keep in mind that while this method is effective, it's not foolproof.

Frequent cleaning of your jetted tub is crucial if you enjoy using bath bombs regularly. Using a low-foaming cleaner and rinsing it with water is a safe and effective way to keep your tub clean. Additionally, regular scrubbing is recommended to maintain the tub's condition.

If you want to take a small yet significant step to prevent tub damage, switch off the jets when they're not in use. This simple action can go a long way in preserving your bathtub. You can still have a fantastic spa-like experience by enjoying warm water and bubble bars even with the jets turned off.

Can you use bath salts in a jetted tub?

There are varying recommendations from different manufacturers. While some state that bath salts are safe to use, others advise against it, or suggest using them only when the whirlpool jets are turned off.

If you decide to use bath salts, it's generally recommended to opt for plain bath salts without added ingredients. These types of salts, such as sea salt which contains sodium chloride and trace minerals, have the best potential for dissolving completely without causing harm to the tub. Other bath salts may contain blends of ingredients like magnesium chloride, epsom salts, and essential oils, which are intended to promote relaxation and alleviate muscle aches or skin inflammation.

To completely avoid the possibility of damage to the pump or other parts of the whirlpool's inner workings, soak in the tub without using the jets at all.

Will bath salts damage my jetted tub?

Using bath salts in your jetted tub shouldn't be an issue if you opt for the right kind of salts and keep your tub clean.

To prevent any damage, stick to pure Epsom salts, Himalayan pink salt, or dead sea salt when using your tub. If you prefer a scented or ingredient-enriched option, make sure to carefully inspect the label for carrier oils, chemical fragrances, and dyes that could potentially harm your jetted tub.

Can you use bubble bath in a jetted tub?

Avoid adding bubbles, shampoos, or regular soaps to a jetted tub as a general rule. Instead, use bath products that are specifically formulated for use in spas. This precaution helps prevent the risk of clogging the jets, pumps, or motor with oils and other debris. It's always wise to use appropriate products to maintain the optimal performance of your jetted tub.

Can you remove jets from tub to clean?

It depends on the specific model and design of the jetted tub. In some cases, the jets may be removable, allowing for easier cleaning. However, not all jetted tubs have removable jets. It's recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions or consult with a professional to determine if the jets in your specific tub can be removed for cleaning purposes.