Powerful jets

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Mstrlucky74

Bronze Supporter
Feb 14, 2021
145
NY
Yep, I'm going to get sucked into getting a hot tub on top of the inground pool. I have wanted a hot tub for a while as the one I've used in the gym before really helped therapeutically for my muscles after run and back.
I would really like one with powerful Jets. Do you know what I need to look for that would indicate it has powerful Jets. Any recommendations on brands would be great. Don't need all the bells and whistles
 
I haven't shopped for a tub in a long time. But I think the major brands would mostly be powerful. Hot Springs used to have a seat with a back jet that went up and down your spine. Bullfrog has seat packs that you can customize each seat. Sundance used to be mentioned as having a good power. I owned an Artesian and their higher end models had a pump for every seat ... I had one with 3 pumps.. I don't know if they are the same quality as they were when I bought mine. Arctic Spas had a good tub back then as well.

Back then stores used to allow testing before purchase, not sure if they still do. Good luck with your search!
 
VinnyinNJ said:
I haven't shopped for a tub in a long time. But I think the major brands would mostly be powerful. Hot Springs used to have a seat with a back jet that went up and down your spine. Bullfrog has seat packs that you can customize each seat. Sundance used to be mentioned as having a good power. I owned an Artesian and their higher end models had a pump for every seat ... I had one with 3 pumps.. I don't know if they are the same quality as they were when I bought mine. Arctic Spas had a good tub back then as well.

Back then stores used to allow testing before purchase, not sure if they still do. Good luck with your search!
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Thanks appreciate that.
 
I would definitely buy from a long time dealer. It will break. Jet mat crack. You will be glad you have a dealer to go to.
Definitely at least sit in some. You won’t need water to see how you like the contour, the uprightness, etc. My wife and I had a brand picked out (big name reliable) but we hated the seats.

And we got the sound system, lighting system, waterfalls, scent dispenser, etc.

We don’t use any of them. LOL

We go out at night in the dark with no music.
 
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Gebo said:
And we got the sound system, lighting system, waterfalls, scent dispenser, etc.
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+1. Mine had a multicolor waterfall too. The kids obviously fought over control of it the first time, then even they too never felt the need to turn it on ever again.

The speaker died within months but I had no need to get it fixed.
 
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Yes, buy from a long time dealer. I had 1 warranty call and the dealer took care of it but my Artesian dealer was kind of new and went out of business about 3 years later. Now there are none in the area. About 6 years ago my pumps started to die and no dealers to be had. I was going to do them myself but the original pumps were no longer available - so no dealers and no original parts and no reliable sources for them. The local Hot Springs dealer has been around forever and he probably could fix the 20 year old ones today.
 
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VinnyinNJ said:
Yes, buy from a long time dealer. I had 1 warranty call and the dealer took care of it but my Artesian dealer was kind of new and went out of business about 3 years later. Now there are none in the area. About 6 years ago my pumps started to die and no dealers to be had. I was going to do them myself but the original pumps were no longer available - so no dealers and no original parts and no reliable sources for them. The local Hot Springs dealer has been around forever and he probably could fix the 20 year old ones today.
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Long time….
 

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Ok. How "powerful" a jet is or is not is determined by a number of variables that can change even between models of a given brand. Generally speaking, higher hp pumps with big plumbing and few jets will be most "powerful" (a factor of flow rate more than pressure). But alot of smaller jets can give a better "massage" even with less "power". Also, get too much "power" and you can't stay in the seat.
In my experience, the "power" of the jets will be a minor factor in your overall enjoyment. Don't base your purchase on that.
Price correlates to longevity in most cases, so the more expensive tubs are likely to last longer but may not be "better" from the perspective of the user. Expensive tubs are also expensive to fix once the warranty is out, so think about that too.
Wet test before you buy. That means your butt in the seat with it full of hot water. Don't buy it if you don't like it. Buy from a reputable dealer.
 
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RDspaguy said:
Ok. How "powerful" a jet is or is not is determined by a number of variables that can change even between models of a given brand. Generally speaking, higher hp pumps with big plumbing and few jets will be most "powerful" (a factor of flow rate more than pressure). But alot of smaller jets can give a better "massage" even with less "power". Also, get too much "power" and you can't stay in the seat.
In my experience, the "power" of the jets will be a minor factor in your overall enjoyment. Don't base your purchase on that.
Price correlates to longevity in most cases, so the more expensive tubs are likely to last longer but may not be "better" from the perspective of the user. Expensive tubs are also expensive to fix once the warranty is out, so think about that too.
Wet test before you buy. That means your butt in the seat with it full of hot water. Don't buy it if you don't like it. Buy from a reputable dealer.
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Thanks. I want it to be therapeutic.
 
Mstrlucky74 said:
Thanks. I want it to be therapeutic.
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As RD said, it depends on both the type of jets and how many are powered by each pump. I have two pumps in my hot tub. Pretty much one for each side. If I have all the jets on one side open and the waterfall, it is strong, but not REALLY Strong. If I turn off the water feature, close the individual tub jets, and shut down the jet pack in one of the two seats, the other seat hits HARD.

It also depending on the jet itself. Some of my packs have big "swirly" jets. The nozzle is maybe 1/2" diameter, and it spins in an arc. That is a nice massager. I also have packs with 3/8" jets that don't move at all. Those are more like laser beams driving into your flesh.
 
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I also have two pumps in my Sundance Optima spa. Pump #1 runs 4 seats with a diverter valve. I can make half stronger by turning the valve past halfway. Pump #2 runs my footwell jets and 1 seat . If I turn the diverter to the seat all the way I have to hold on to stay in the seat. Start looking around to see what the various types offer.
 
I will.. honestly I don't want to pay more than $7k. I know that a low budget but after pool, pavers etc. That's all I want to spend. 😁. Any suggestions on brands in that price range that are worth looking into? Thanks
 
Mstrlucky74 said:
I'd think used is not a good idea? Inheriting someone else's problem or problem soon to come??
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Always possible but there is also a ton of buyers remorse hot tubs for sale that were barely used for a year or two.

I was really on the fence for a standalone hot tub because i knew so many people with one rotting in their backyard. I did use the starter tub I experimented with all the time, and regretted not getting a full blown 220V tub.
 
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Ebay?
Look, as a guy who rebuilds used spas I can tell you that if you see it hot and running and not leaking everywhere you're likely good. But go look at it, don't buy unseen.
There will be extras. Covers are usually in pretty bad shape, cabinets need refinishing or repair, pumps leak a little, etc. But to get something decent in your budget used is about your only option.
Caldera is made by watkins, who also make hot springs, and is a top tier manufacturer, but parts are expensive.
 

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