Explore the wonders of spa jets and learn everything you need to know about them. Discover how they work, the different types available, and their benefits for your hot tub experience. Read on to find out more.
There’s no doubt that hot tubs are great additions to any household, whether you’re looking to improve wellness or want a private space in your backyard to relax and reconnect with your loved ones.
One of the key benefits of a spa pool is hydrotherapy which is generated in most spa pools and hot tubs through the use of jets. Spa jets are used to target specific body parts or muscles to relieve aches or inflammation.
In this artcle, you'll learn:
Spa jets generate air and water to increase the buoyancy of the water and target certain body parts where pain and stiffness are common, like the neck, shoulder, back, and calves.
The key role of spa jets is to provide hydrotherapy and lessen discomfort from joint pain, arthritis, injuries, and help with recovery after exercise. Without the spa jets working properly, your spa becomes more like just a big bathtub with no water movement.
Swim spa jets are powerful jet systems built-in to swim spas which are equipped with pumps that push the water in large volumes that create continuous water resistance you can swim against. Swim spa jets allow you to swim steadily and in a fixed position without reaching the end of the swim spa.
Swim spas usually have one to four swim jets and swim pumps that are adjustable to match your swimming capabilities. If you are an advanced swimmer, you’ll probably need at least four swim jets each with a dedicated pump to achieve the water resistance required for your fitness level.
Swim spa jets are not only used for swimming. By controlling the number of jets and pumps running, you may enjoy low-impact exercises like water walking and jogging.
The main responsibility of the jet body is to seal the outside of the spa jet and prevent any leak to the underside of the spa. The jet face is connected to the jet body which is attached to the plumbing fittings, and sometimes lighting.
Most spas manufactured recently use spa jets that can be accessed from the front. While most older manufactured spas (three years older or more) may have spa jets that need to be accessed from the back and are more difficult to access for replacement and cleaning.
Refer to your owner's manual to determine whether your jets can be accessed from the front or back.
Some spas use universal spa jets. This means that you can use different types of jets as long as they use the same size. Depending on the brand of your spa, spa jets can also be interchangeable.
For example, if a specific jet is positioned to the back of your leg to massage your calves, but you prefer to use it for your back, you can simply twist the face jets for the jet to pop out and interchange them as long as they have the same size.
The great advantage of spas using interchangeable or universal jets is that you can personalise your massage options and target any part of your body.
Some spa brands manufacture proprietary spa jets. This means that if your spa jet wears out or breaks you will need to get a replacement jet from the retailer or manufacturer directly.
Like most spa brands, replacing jets in a Jacuzzi® spa pool is simple. The good thing about replacing jets in a Jacuzzi® spa is that you don’t need to drain your spa pool. Let’s look at this quick guide on how you remove and attach a jet to a Jacuzzi® tub.
Getting a grip on smaller jets might be harder due to their size. Using channel locks, vice grips or similar tools to remove or replace the jet could help.
Note: Please do not squeeze the face plate too hard as it may bend or crush. To protect the faceplate from being damaged as you use channel locks to remove it, you can put a cloth or paper towel around it.
Step 3: Once the face jet unlocks, simply pull it out.
Over time, your spa jets wear out. Getting them replaced as soon as possible can prevent further damage to your spa and allow a more enjoyable soak. The costs to replace spa pool jets depend on the type and quality of the jet you are replacing.
As a broad guideline, spa jets range from $25 to $50 and $80-$100 for swim jets. If your jet body needs replacing this can cost an additional $30-$50. If you decide you need a technician to help with the replacement, they generally charge between $100-$120 per hour.
Your spa or hot tub may have four to six types of spa jets. For example, mid-market to premium spa pools like Vortex Spas™ has six different types of spa jets.
Spa jets come in many different types, colours, and sizes, and sometimes look very similar. If your spa jet needs a replacement, it may sometimes be confusing to determine which spa jet fits perfectly with your spa.
The best way to determine which spa jet you need is by measuring the face jet. Here’s a guide on how to measure the jet face.
Step 1: Remove the spa jet - Most spa jets can be removed by turning the face jet or nozzle counterclockwise or by pulling the face jet. So, before removing the jets, please check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you won’t damage the jets.
Step 2: Measure the jet - Measure across the front of the jet facefrom one side to another using a tape measure.
Step 3: Take note of your spa jet’s dimensions.
Step 4: Take a photo for clarity. If you’re ordering a replacement jet, most spa stores require a photo of the jet face including its back part to ensure you get the correct fitting.
You may be wondering how long you need to keep your spa jet running or if you need to leave them on all the time.
The answer to this question greatly depends on the manufacturer’s pump running specifications. The spa jets, filter, and pump work together to distribute the water throughout the spa and keep the water clean and warm.
Keeping the pump running according to your manufacturer’s specifications enables sufficient water movement and prevents the water from being stagnant where harmful bacteria are likely to develop.
Another key benefit of allowing the pump to run makes your spa ready for use any time you feel like soaking. You no longer need to wait for the spa water to heat up as the pump keeps a specific water temperature according to your pump settings applied.
If you find leaks around the jets, sealing them might fix the issue.
In order for the water to heat up, you don't need to turn on the jets. However, keeping the jets running makes the water heat up faster and reach the set point. There are two reasons why the water in your spa will heat up more quickly when the jets are on.
Tip: You can leave the spa cover on to help the water heat up more quickly. Not only does a spa cover help the water heat up faster, but it also reduces heat loss.
Should your spa jets require replacement or need an upgrade, you can shop for spa jets online.
Spa Store™ is one of the most trusted spa stores you can trust. We offer our customers an excellent selection of premium spa chemicals, spa filters, spa covers, accessories and spa parts.
Spa Store™ also stocks parts for all popular spa brands including Vortex® Spas, O2® spas, Arcadia® Spas, Fisher® Spas, HotSpring® Spas and parts for almost every other major brand of spa pools, spa baths, swim spas and hot tubs in Australia including Endless® Spas, Signature® Spas and Maax® spas to name only a few.
In this article, we explained the different types of spa jets and the different components that make up a jet assembly. We also talked about the importance of cleaning and maintaining your jets to ensure you get the most enjoyable massage experience in your spa or swim spa.
We also answered some common questions about spa jets including how to remove, clean and replace them.
Talk to us on live chat, or email us your spa questions and we'll be happy to help!
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