Jacuzzi: what is it, pros and cons, choice, use

The days when a jacuzzi was considered a sign of luxury are long gone. Today, such a bath is available for most Russian families, as manufacturers offer a wide selection of models at various prices. But the decision to install a spa bath in an apartment or house should be balanced and well thought out.

The hot tub, in which everything is "seething", got its name in honor of the manufacturer - an American company. She, in turn, took in the name the Italian name Jacuzzi, which correctly reads as "Yakuzzi." But the wrong pronunciation very quickly took root in most languages ​​of the world, and so began to call the spa baths of any manufacturer.

The company, which first started making bubble baths, opened in 1917. It was founded by one of the seven Yakuzzi brothers who emigrated to the United States from Italy. Initially, an entrepreneurial Italian tried to produce aircraft, but failed. Then he re-qualified production to produce pumps for farmers, but this undertaking was not a commercial success.

In the Yakuzzi family there was a child who, for health reasons, needed a constant massage, and only in 1956 a prototype hot tub was invented. Then the brothers together changed and improved the design many times, received about 2.5 hundred copyright patents.

Mass production began in 1968. According to the design of the manufacturers, the jacuzzi bath works as a universal massager, in which the action on active points occurs with water jets. But gradually such a word began to be called things that are not related to home hydromassage, for example, they often name a place under a waterfall or on the threshold of a river.

Modern whirlpool bathtubs are not just bathtubs with a pump supplying air to numerous nozzles. These are real thermal springs within the framework of an ordinary apartment. You can choose geyser baths and waterfall baths, illuminated structures, musical ones, as well as fluctuations of the planet’s magnetic field that pulsate exactly to the beat.

Hydromassage as a method of beneficial effects on the human body has long been known. Water jets act pointwise on those parts of the body that are commonly referred to as active zones, and this effect is often used in the prevention and even treatment of certain diseases. Modern whirlpool bathtubs offer three massage options:

• hydromassage - exposure occurs with water jets;
• air massage — impact occurs with jets of air;
• turbo massage — exposure occurs both with water and air at the same time in a combined type.

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

The advantages of such plumbing devices are undeniable.

• Jacuzzi promotes more effective muscle relaxation, reduces stress.
• The hot tub maintains skin elasticity and health, improving blood circulation and nourishing the skin. If you take these baths regularly, there will be less problems with cellulite and wrinkles.
• The procedure in water helps natural pain relief, relieves headaches, muscles and joint pains. This is important for people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
• The jacuzzi looks stylish and modern in the decor of any bathroom, regardless of style and design.

However, bathtubs with “bubbles” also have their drawbacks, which many begin to guess only after the bathtub has already been purchased.

• A jacuzzi takes up a lot of space, and therefore to fit a bath into a small bathroom is an almost impossible task. Even angular and round whirlpool bathtubs are quite dimensional products.
• The use of a hot tub increases water consumption several times, and therefore payment bills will become higher.
• The cost of the bath, although not as high as before, is still not budgetary.
• An installed spa bath requires careful and alert care. After use, water remains in the nozzles. With insufficient care, it becomes a favorable environment for the multiplication of bacteria and fungi. Nozzles 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 the use of the bath directly for washing - dirt and sweat can contaminate the nozzles.

The jacuzzi body can be made of different materials. Most commonly found acrylic and cast iron bathtubsbut the hot tub may be and plastic, as well as made of natural stone.

The most inexpensive options are bowls made of polymer materials. Acrylic and plastic jacuzzi look beautiful and attractive, pleasant to the touch, but these materials can not be called durable. Cast iron and stone are more durable.

Considering that it is acrylic that is most often chosen, today manufacturers offer bathtubs, the bowls of which are made of two-layer or three-layer acrylic, they make an armored metal grating for greater strength.

Such bathtubs are lightweight, they can easily be taken from the store to the house, raised to their floor, mounted and connected. One adult man can easily cope with this. Cast iron products require the simultaneous efforts of several people.

In the assortment of modern plumbing stores, you can also find a jacuzzi from cooked. This polymer material consists of acrylic and silica sand. Such bathtubs are more resistant to mechanical damage, scratches and chips.

Steel and cast iron hot tubs are more expensive, they are more durable, laborious in transportation and installation. But it's worth it. Cast iron retains heat better, the water in the bath does not cool longer. Cast-iron bathtubs are more expensive than steel ones; steel bowls do not retain heat well.

The choice of material is important in determining the acceptable price, the bowl material does not have any additional effect on health, enhancing the healing effect, and therefore it would be incorrect to ask the question, which bath is more useful - plastic or steel. Regardless of the material of the bowl, manufacturers provide the same safety measures so as not to harm human health.

For example, with an empty bowl, the equipment does not turn on, and in order to avoid electric shock during the procedures, equipment with automatic shutdown and RCD is used. If a failure occurs during use, the power will simply turn off.

In their shapes, whirlpool tubs are symmetrical and asymmetric. Today on sale it will not be difficult to find the following models:

• classic rectangular - optimal for small bathrooms;
• corner - located in the corner of the sanitary room and freeing its center for other design ideas;
• side - are installed against the wall and are characterized by increased internal volume;
• round - require a lot of space, sometimes installed in the very center of the room on a small pedestal;
• non-standard - this includes oval, asymmetric, hexagonal and octagonal bathtubs, as well as a heart-shaped Jacuzzi, sink.

Classic single jacuzzi have dimensions that allow you to install them even in small rooms. Corner products are also in demand, because they can have adequate dimensions - 150x150 cm or 180x180 cm.

Bathtubs of this size are often equipped with two headrests, which makes them double. For comfortable single use, 140x140 cm is enough. Remember that small bathtubs are usually quite deep - up to a meter. And it can be difficult for older people, as well as children, to climb into them.

Medium-sized bathtubs are considered to be a rectangular jacuzzi of 1.8 mx 1.8 m. Their depth is usually 60 cm. In this bath, you can enjoy a hydromassage in a prone position with great comfort. Popular sizes are 170x75 cm, 170x70 cm, 150x70 cm. Dimensions need to be determined based on the size of the room.

To understand how many people can fit in a jacuzzi, it is important to consider not only the original size, but also the location of the nozzles. Their effect should be anatomically accurate, only then hydromassage will benefit.

If you are the happy owner of a large bathroom in your own home, then You can pay attention to the models of the following dimensions:

• oval or round hydromassage bathtub 2.1x1x0.6 m;
• rectangular classic variety of size 2x1.5 m;
• angular model with dimensions of 1.9x1.9 m.

When buying a jacuzzi for an apartment, if you mean installing a bath above the first floor, you need to consider the weight. Moreover weight is calculated taking into account equipment, water and human body weight.

The decision to install a jacuzzi in the bathroom opens up a great deal of imagination for the designer. Hot tubs fit perfectly into a variety of interiors. The only advice that experts usually give is in the requirement to comply with the general style of the room.

To do this, there is a little trick that will help to withstand the Jacuzzi in the general style. The edges of the bathtub are framed by the same materials that are used for finishing the room.

Design tips will be as follows.

• If you are designing a classic-style bathroom with tiles, try to choose a jacuzzi with a cast-iron or marble bowl. For apartments, it is worth choosing lightweight acrylic multilayer options.
• If the bathroom is designed in a minimalist style, the jacuzzi should not be too large and luxurious. Choose modest models of small dimensions without decorative finishes.
• A large bathroom is a good reason to think about a round or oval hot tub. This jacuzzi looks especially good in rooms with windows and natural light.
• Having a jacuzzi requires a special approach to lighting. It is important that the number of fixtures provide a high level of illumination of the bathroom.
• Next to the jacuzzi, designers find it appropriate to install special holders for towels, as well as furniture. If space permits, when creating a design project, you can consider arranging flowers or tubs next to the hydromassage tub with plants that do not require a lot of sunlight, but love high humidity.

Each whirlpool tub, depending on the selected model, can have a different set of functions. For example, nozzles installed by manufacturers may include removable panels, dispensers, and a separate disinfection system. The jacuzzi can have a backlight and the ability to connect musical equipment to the plumbing. Almost all models have shelf sets for a comfortable location of detergents. Some can connect a telephone and even a TV.

Much depends on what type of hydromassage you are a fan of. there is standard systemsin which the effect of massage is achieved by air-water flows. there is combined systems with air massage, you can get exposure to air, water jets and separately - bubbles. It is believed that the second type of jacuzzi is more functional and has a more pronounced effect on the human body.

Some models have automatic adjustment, you can specify the type of procedures that you like, and with a certain sequence. The change of modes is non-contact, requiring no effort from a person. For example, at first only side nozzles with a small pressure will work, then air massage nozzles will be connected to them, and then the functions of turbo massage of the back or shoulder girdle will be activated.

Many whirlpools have LED backlighting. This is done not only to more effectively incorporate the bath into the overall design. Doctors have long proved that the light regime is important for the healing effect of the procedures. Gentle and soothing lighting in this case enhances relaxation and helps withstand stress.. Some manufacturers base their whirlpool baths on the principles of chromotherapy - color treatment techniques.

So Jacuzzi with green backlight helps relieve severe stress, get rid of muscle clamps, blue the backlight effectively calms and yellow It helps to raise mood and get rid of depression. Red LED backlight in the hot tub sets the working rhythm and fills a person with energy.

Today, you can choose a jacuzzi in the lineup of almost any major manufacturer of plumbing. Therefore, we made the rating based on customer reviews. It included different models of different manufacturing companies.

It’s hard to call Gemy’s models budget ones, the cost starts from 75 thousand rubles and varies depending on the set of functions. The jacuzzi of this model is spacious, you can soak in it together, and even three. The bowl material is acrylic, the function of deep back massage is provided. Is available ozonation function, There is a multi-colored backlight and built-in radio. Type of massage - standard hydromassage.

This is a more economical option, the cost of which starts from 17 thousand rubles and with a maximum functional content rarely exceeds 59 thousand. According to customer reviews, quick to install and easy to adjust. It has only the necessary functions, no frills. The dimensions are small and many say that I would like more depth.

The model is called optimal for small bathrooms. Has a good build quality. It features a nice design, elegant shine. It has the functions of two types of massage, a comfortable seat and functional armrests. The cost starts from 79 thousand rubles. It has built-in backlight and radio, built-in mixer.

An interesting hot tub with a decorative semicircular waterfall. Disinfection is carried out by simple pressing of the button. Manufacturers position it as a bathtub for two, but users claim that the two of them become cramped.

The hot tubs of this manufacturer are available to different categories of buyers, since prices start at 33 thousand and reach 99 thousand rubles. The downside is that the bathtub is supplied disassembled and there are no problems only for those who are familiar with plumbing. The rest will have to work hard, armed with assembly instructions and patience.

This model of a jacuzzi is deservedly loved by Russians. It is inexpensive, made of non-slip acrylic, which does not fade over time and continues to delight its owners with its appearance. It has the functions of chromotherapy, hydromassage, comfortable headrests are included.

A whirlpool with an air massage is very unusual in shape. According to reviews has very comfortable armreststhat allow you to further relax. It has an additional screen that can be set to hide communications and to arrange a place for storage of detergents. Acrylic anti-slipthere is a color function therapeutic highlighting.

A classic whirlpool bath whose bowl is made of acrylic. It has a rectangular shape. The number of nozzles is small - there are only six. But the price is very affordable - from 29 thousand rubles. It has comfortable armrests.

In the choice of a jacuzzi a big role type of procedures presented. If you know exactly what effect you need, it will not be difficult to choose exactly the hydromassage bath that will help to achieve the most positive effect for the body. This can be a device with side nozzles, if a massage effect is required in the area of ​​the shoulders, shoulder blades, feet.

You can also choose a device with back nozzles, which will provide an impact on the back, lower back, thighs and buttocks. If you need a general effect on all areas, you should choose the combined type of nozzles that are present both in the bottom and in the side of the model.

Pay attention to the sizes - if you need a bath for your home, you can consider options for medium and large sizes, if for an apartment - small and small sizes, although here it all depends on the parameters of the room. In the country house and in your own bath there is usually more space for installing round and oval whirlpools. It is also worth initially deciding whether the bath will be designed for one person or for two. There is a jacuzzi for large companies, designed for 3-7 people.

Whichever model you choose, make sure that All equipment is labeled to demonstrate safe use. The choice of material is an individual matter, but experts advise to focus on acrylic thickness of at least 7 mm. These are the models today presented by manufacturers Jacuzzi and Teuco. If you want a product made of quark, you should pay attention to the range of manufacturers Villeroy & Boch and Albatros. Such models have an additional orthopedic bed, which reduces the load on the spine.

If you need a bathtub for a long time to please with a presentable appearance, you should not choose products with spectacular gilded decorative elements. After a few years they will fade. More durable are chrome elements. Pay attention to such characteristics as pump power. Experts advise choosing bathtubs with pumps 700-800 watts. The more power, the more durable the product should be.

Experts advise you to choose only products of well-known manufacturers in order to protect themselves and their family from the disappointments caused by low-grade fakes. In addition, the purchase of official products ensures that in the event of a breakdown, you can easily buy or order the necessary spare part on the website of the official manufacturer.

The jacuzzi belongs to high-tech products, and therefore you need to use the bath properly, in strict accordance with the instructions. The instruction itself is mandatory attached by the manufacturer to each model. Before the first start-up, you need to check whether the device is mounted correctly.

• Before turning on the hydromassage, make sure that all nozzles are covered with water.
• The water temperature should be from 37 to 40 degrees. It is this temperature that is considered the most suitable for the pronounced effect of massage procedures.
• It’s worth setting up a hydromassage for yourself after turning it on. If the menu has ready-made massage programs, try them. If possible, you can set your own mode with the buttons marked “plus” and “minus”.
• After completing the procedure, you need to turn off the hydromassage and only then open the drain hole.
• Make sure that the water does not stagnate in the pipes and pump, drain it from everywhere. To do this, you need to turn on the hydromassage a couple of times for 3 seconds after the general drainage of water is completed.

Hydromassage bath requires careful care, only if it is available will it serve for a long time, and its use will be safe and useful. The surface of the bowl should be kept clean, it is recommended to wash it at least 1 time per week. Wherein do not use aggressive detergents. The best way is to wash the bowl with a soft sponge with ordinary soap. Foam should be left for a few minutes, and then smoothly removed and rinse the bowl.

The hydraulic system also requires care. It needs to be cleaned and disinfected from time to time. To do this, fill the bowl with water to the level of full coverage of the nozzles, add a special disinfectant to the water according to the instructions, turn on the hydromassage and leave the bath to “simmer” for a quarter of an hour. Then the water with the detergent is drained in the usual way, remembering to clean the nozzles and tubes after draining.

In order for the jacuzzi to serve for a long time, you should know exactly what to do with the bath is not worth it:

• It is not recommended to plug the power plug with wet hands;
• Do not pour boiling water into the bowl - 50 ° C is considered the maximum allowed temperature;
• do not clean the bath with iron “hedgehogs” or aggressive abrasive products;
• the procedure in the jacuzzi should be limited to half an hour;
• it is not recommended to use salt during hydromassage procedures and use bath foam - nozzles may suffer.

According to customer reviews, the jacuzzi pleases and gives real pleasure. But sooner or later, the euphoria from the purchase passes, and there is an irresistible desire to use the hot tub as usual. And here the plumbing manufacturers offered their help - in the stores special plugs for nozzles are sold. Their closure turns the jacuzzi with the most ordinary bath.

The larger the window in the room in which the spa bath is installed, the more unique the atmosphere of the room. If there is such an opportunity, feel free to place a jacuzzi at the largest window in the house - minutes of relaxation and relaxation are provided for you.

If there is no window in the room, you can successfully replace it with waterproof murals with views of nature, mountains, the sea, a big city.

An interesting combination is given by an electric fireplace and a hot tub in the same room. This gives the atmosphere more romance, comfort and creates intimacy.

In the atmosphere of the most ordinary bathroom in a standard apartment, the jacuzzi can also look very impressive. Especially in combination with light wall and floor finishes and mirrors.

See how to choose the right jacuzzi in the next video.