A common misconception is that high pressure water being fired from your jets equals a better massage. In reality, the best hydrotherapy results come from high water volume with low water pressure. When the pressure of the water is high the massage can quickly feel too intense and cause discomfort and skin irritation. Low water pressure with a high volume of water, disperses the force more evenly.

Hot tub jets come in various sizes, each serving a specific function. Small Jets typically used in groups are ideal for targeted therapy in hands, feet, and small muscle areas. Medium Jets tend to provide a balanced water flow for moderate muscle relaxation whereas large Jets deliver a deep-tissue massage, often used for the back and legs. Larger jets actually move more water with less force, making them ideal for sustained hydrotherapy without discomfort.

There is a common misconception that the more jets a hot tub has the better the massage experience but that is not normally the case. Every time you add a jet to a hot tub you are essentially making a hole in the shell and too many jets can have the effect of reducing massage effectiveness and spreading the water flow too thin. Also bear in mind the affect that too many jets have on the pumps. Lots of jets can mean the size of the pump or pumps have to be increased or you might have to add an additional pump which has an impact both on the cost of the hot tub and the ongoing energy consumption.

Strategic jet placement is more important than quantity and remember that a well designed hot tub with fewer jets can deliver a better massage than a hot tub with large numbers of jets.

Jet-to-pump ratio is a key factor in jet performance. If a hot tub has too many Jets and too few pumps, the jets won’t get enough water flow. A well balanced ratio ensures each jet gets sufficient water pressure or optimal hydrotherapy.

A common guideline is 1 pump per 20 to 30 jets, though this varies by design and pump size. Higher-end hot tubs prioritise quality over quantity, ensuring each jet is effective rather than just being there for show. This means fewer, strategically placed jets powered by stronger pumps can deliver a more therapeutic and satisfying massage experience.

Adding air to water increases pressure, making the massage feel more powerful. Proper air control allows users to adjust the intensity to their comfort level and a good balance between air and water creates a smooth, non-irritating massage experience.

Most modern hot tubs come with adjustable air controls, allowing users to fully customise the massage experience based on their preference. Ideally, you will have diverters which will allow you to control the zones of your hot tub independently and air controls add or remove additional air. You should also be able to turn half the hot tub on, or all of it on to ensure you are making the most efficient use of the power if using the hot tub alone. 

It is also ideal if you can turn each jet off individually in case there are areas of the back, like scars, that are susceptible to irritation

Jacuzzi has always been a pioneer in hydrotherapy and has continually lead the field where jet technology is concerned. Their patented PowerPro® jets lead the way in jet innovation and use proprietary nozzles and flow paths to maximise effectiveness. Strategic Jet Placement is at the heart of their seat design rather than maximising the total number of jets. Placement is based on the anatomy of the body for a true hydrotherapy experience. Their massage is all about high volume and low pressure to ensure a therapeutic experience without excessive force

The most recent innovation from Jacuzzi is integrated infrared therapy , combining traditional hydrotherapy with infrared light therapy. Unlike hot water alone, infrared penetrates deeper into muscles, promoting better circulation and reducing stiffness. It is Ideal for those with chronic pain, arthritis, and muscle tension in the lower back. On top of this infrared therapy enhances relaxation. When Infrared light is absorbed by the body, it causes the molecules in the tissues to vibrate, generating heat. The heat in turn, penetrates deep in to the tissues, including the muscles, joints and organs.

Jacuzzi’s infrared therapy is designed to work in Synergy with Jets. When infrared heat warms the muscles first, the jets can work more effectively without needing high pressure to be most effective.

Red Light Therapy uses specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light which, when absorbed into the body has shown potential benefits for skin health. It can also reduce pain, inflammation, accelerate wound healing and promote overall cell rejuvenation.