What is an infrared spa pool and is it worth it?

Are infrared spa pools worth it? Discover their benefits, such as pain relief and relaxation, and weigh the pros and cons to see if this wellness investment suits you.

What is an infrared hot tub and is it worth it?

Spa pools have long been cherished for their therapeutic benefits—offering relaxation, muscle relief, and a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Recently, technological advancements have introduced a new type of spa pool that uses infrared heating. These infrared spa pool promise a different kind of therapeutic experience. But what exactly are infrared spa pool, and are they worth considering?

In this article, you’ll learn:

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.

What is an infrared spa pool and how does it work?

An infrared spa pool is a type of spa pool that uses infrared light to provide additional health benefits beyond the typical warm water and massage experience.

The infrared light is delivered through strategically placed lights at the base of a seat in the spa pool, allowing the light to penetrate the body's tissues and stimulate cellular activity.

This can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve skin tone, aid muscle recovery, and boost the immune system.

The combination of infrared light therapy, warm water, and massage jets creates a powerful wellness experience that can help with various health conditions like arthritis, joint pain, muscle soreness, and poor circulation.

What is infrared and red light therapy?

Infrared and Red Light therapy are gentle, non-invasive treatments that use specific light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and offer therapeutic benefits.

Infrared Therapy

Infrared therapy uses Infrared waves to penetrate below the skin into deeper muscle tissues. This type of therapy may help promote healing, while also relieving pain and improving the range of motion.

Red Light Therapy

Red Light therapy uses specialised deep red light to reach the surface tissues and cells. This therapy focuses on cellular regeneration, enhancing skin health, and alleviating pain. When combined with infrared therapy, the deep red light works on surface tissues which may have regeneration and rejuvenation effects.

Is infrared and red light therapy safe?

Yes, infrared and red light therapy is safe.

Infrared and Red Light therapy are generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately. These therapies are non-invasive, meaning they don't involve any cuts or injections. They also typically produce minimal to no side effects.

However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the safety and effectiveness of infrared and red light therapy. For example:

Pain Relief

  • Study: Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Neck Pain: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo or Active-Treatment Controlled Trials
  • Authors: Chow et al.
  • Journal: The Lancet
  • Year: 2009
  • Findings: Demonstrated that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is effective in reducing neck pain immediately after treatment and in follow-ups.

Wound Healing

  • Study: Phototherapy promotes healing of chronic wounds in diabetic mice
  • Authors: Dai et al.
  • Journal: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
  • Year: 2013
  • Findings: This study showed that red light therapy significantly accelerates wound healing in diabetic mice.

Skin Health

  • Study: Effects of low-level laser therapy on facial wrinkles
  • Authors: Lee et al.
  • Journal: Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy
  • Year: 2007
  • Findings: Found that red light therapy improves skin appearance and reduces wrinkles by promoting collagen production.

Mental Health

  • Study: Red and near-infrared light device for the treatment of symptoms associated with depression
  • Authors: Schiffer et al.
  • Journal: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
  • Year: 2009
  • Findings: This pilot study indicated that near-infrared light therapy could help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Muscle Recovery

  • Study: Phototherapy improves muscle performance and decreases fatigue in young men
  • Authors: de Marchi et al.
  • Journal: Sports Medicine
  • Year: 2012
  • Findings: This showed that red light therapy enhances muscle performance and decreases fatigue, which is beneficial for athletes.

These studies provide a scientific basis for the therapeutic benefits attributed to infrared and red light therapy.

However, it's worth noting that more extensive and long-term research is still needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal treatment protocols.

Is the Jacuzzi® infrared and red light therapy spa pool safe?

The technology used by Jacuzzi® Spas in their hot tubs and other wellness products is founded on scientific research and has been tested for safety.

As stated on their website, Jacuzzi® Spas is the first and only brand to offer infrared and red light therapy in their hot tubs, using patent-pending technology.

The therapy is delivered through strategically placed lights at the base of a seat in select models like the J-LX® and J-400™ collections. This allows the infrared light to target specific areas of the body while the user enjoys the warm water and hydromassage jets.

Specifically, the infrared and red light devices used in Jacuzzi® infrared spa pools have been tested to the IEC 62471 Photobiological Safety Standard in wet and dry applications. The results place these devices in the Risk Group 0 (RG0) exempt category, indicating they are safe for use.

Additionally, the preprogrammed therapy sessions in Jacuzzi® hot tubs take the guesswork out of treatment, making it easy and stress-free to use. The integrated design ensures that you can enjoy full-body rejuvenation and regeneration simply by relaxing in the spa pool.

What are the pros and cons of infrared therapy?

Combined with Red Light therapy, infrared therapy is designed to provide a range of therapeutic benefits, including when used in spa pools.

Here are the pros and cons of using infrared therapy.

Pros of Infrared Therapy

  • Pain Relief. Infrared therapy has been shown to help relieve pain, especially in the lower back region.
  • Improved Range of Motion. It may help improve the range of motion by penetrating deep muscle tissues and easing tension.
  • Long-Lasting Effects. The combination of infrared and red light therapy may have long-lasting rejuvenation and regeneration benefits.
  • Convenient. Integrating this therapy into a spa pool enhances the relaxation experience without requiring extra equipment or effort.
  • Scientifically-Backed. According to the Jacuzzi® website, the technology is founded on scientific research and has been tested for safety.

Cons of Infrared Therapy

  • Cost. High-end features like infrared and red light therapy may increase the cost of the spa pool.
  • Time Commitment. Consistent use is required to see the full benefits, which may require a regular time commitment.
  • Not a Cure-All. It is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action, and users should consult medical professionals for health concerns.

If you’re considering an infrared spa pool, it’s worth noting the substantial benefits it offers. Overall, if you’re able to invest in an infrared spa pool and are looking for a way to enhance your relaxation while addressing pain and muscle tension, it could be a highly beneficial addition to your wellness routine.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.

What's the difference between hydrotherapy and infrared spas?

Looking at buying a spa pool and wondering if an infrared or hydrotherapy spa is better? What to know the differences between the two?

Here's a look at how traditional spa pools and infrared spa pool compare:

Traditional Spa Pool

Infrared Spa Pool

Primary Benefits
Offer general relaxation, stress relief, and muscle relaxation through warm water immersion and hydromassage jets.
Offer general relaxation, and targeted therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, improved range of motion, and cellular regeneration.
Hydromassage
Equipped with jets that provide water-based massages to different parts of the body.
Equipped with jets for water-based massages but enhanced by the added benefits of infrared and red light therapies.
Usage
Ideal for recreational use, social gatherings, and hydrotherapy.
Designed for individuals seeking more than just relaxation; ideal for those looking for better therapeutic treatments for chronic conditions.
Price
Less expensive compared to infrared hot tubs.
More expensive than traditional spa pools due to the added benefits of infrared and red light therapies.

In summary, while both traditional spa pools and infrared hot tubs provide relaxation and hydrotherapy benefits, infrared spa pool stand out by offering additional therapeutic advantages through advanced infrared and red light technologies.

This makes infrared spa pool a more comprehensive wellness solution, especially for individuals with specific therapeutic needs.

Are infrared spa pools worth it?

There is no doubt that an infrared spa pool can be a fantastic addition to your wellness routine. To determine if it's the right choice for you, consider these important factors.

  • Health Benefits. Do you value its pain relief and regenerative properties, especially for chronic pain or muscle tension?
  • Budget. Can you afford the higher cost compared to traditional spa pools? If the health benefits significantly improve your life, it may be worth the investment.
  • Commitment. Do you have the time to use it regularly? Frequent use maximises the positive effects, making the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs.

By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can make a more informed decision about whether an infrared spa pool is a worthwhile investment for you.

In Summary

We hope this article has helped you understand the unique benefits and potential drawbacks of infrared hot tubs and spas.

While the initial investment in an infrared spa pool can be higher compared to traditional alternatives, the long-term health benefits we’ve mentioned in this article could make it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

Got questions? It may be helpful to talk to a professional to answer all your questions.

If you're interested in trying out an infrared spa pool for yourself, you can visit your nearest Spa World Showroom and try out the Jacuzzi® J-LX® and J-LXL®. Simply book a wet test via our website.

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