The Ultimate Guide on How Hot Tub Jets Work & Break

Hot tub jets are a source of relaxation that provides a pleasant massage experience. However, have you ever wondered how it works and how hard shell or inflatable hot tubs with jets provide body massage?

At first glance, it may seem that this is not necessary for the average hot tub user to know. However, this knowledge will allow you to understand how to use them and avoid breakage.

In this article, we have highlighted 5 main types of hot tub jets, explained how they work, how to repair them, and how to change their pressure to provide the most comfortable massage.

How Do Hot Tub Jets Work?

The principle of jets working in hot tubs is based on the Venturi effect, which was discovered by the Italian scientist Giovanni Battista Venturi in the 18th century. Before explaining the magic of this effect, let’s learn about the pump’s role in creating a massage with jets.

The pump supplies water into the hot tub and passes it through a filter. Then the water flows through the heater and the jets. Everything is simple and clear at this stage, so let’s learn about the Venturi effect in more detail. 

The jet through which water passes narrows at the end. In the same place, the tube which supplies a stream of air joins it. Two streams mix and create water with bulbs. Due to the narrowing of the tube, the water flow pressure decreases, but the speed increases. It provides a pleasant massage that does not cause you pain.

Also, the jets must be turned towards you at about 30°. If they are located at >30°, the fast water flow can damage blood vessels and skin.

5 Main Types of Hot Tub Jets & Their Distinguishing Features

The principles of water supply and formation of a flow with bubbles are the same for jets. Also, the existing principle of jets’ working based on the Venturi effect is great and does not need to be replaced.

However, each jet has its features. For example, they can turn or supply a stream of water with a given periodicity of time (pulsating flow). Understanding jets’ distinguishing features will allow you to choose the hot tub with the most suitable jets. Let’s get into a detailed review of the different types of hot tub jets.

Directional

Directional jets are one of the most popular in hot tubs. They have one nozzle in the middle that is established on a rotating head. They allow you to set the water flow in a specific direction and can be adjusted manually by turning the nozzle head.

However, in the case of low-cost hot tubs, the pressure in directional jets can be low. Therefore, they can be located closer to the pump and more inconvenient for massage. Therefore, when buying a hot tub, take a wet test, and pay attention to the jets’ location and water flow speed.

Rotating

Rotating jets are similar to directional jets. They also consist of one nozzle fixed on a moving head. However, they have one striking difference. Rotating jets automatically spin and create a circular flow of water with bubbles, unlike the direct flow of the previous type of jets.

Rotating jets are most often installed in the back area of a hot tub shell. They are great for relieving tension from the back and neck because the circular streams of water with bubbles are evenly spread over a large body area.

Pulsator

Pulsator jets are different from the previous two types. Firstly, they have two holes in the nozzle. Secondly, they create a pulsating effect due to the intermittent water flow. There is a rotating element inside the nozzle head. The water flow makes it rotate and closes one or the other hole of the nozzle.

It turns out that the water flow alternately comes from different holes, as if it creates a pulsating effect during massage for two points on the body at once.

Also, some jets create a pulsating effect by changing the pressure of the water flow. Because of this, it moves either faster or slower.

Cluster

Cluster jets are smaller than others and designed to be set up in groups. They produce a directed flow of water through fixed or moving nozzles. Such jets are remarkable because their average price is 2 times less than other types ($20 vs. $35-40).

Therefore, with their help, you can more flexibly adjust the massage effect in your hot tub with hydro jets. You set them in groups in an order convenient for you regarding height and weight.

Multi-massage

Multi-massage jets have many holes in the nozzle. They divide the main water flow into several smaller ones, created in the jet using the Venturi effect. 

Also, smaller jets of water with bubbles provide a more flexible body massage. They have an effect on the capillaries and small areas of the skin, relieving fatigue and improving blood circulation.

However, multi-massage jets often have fixed nozzles. Therefore, you cannot rotate them and direct them to individual areas of the skin.

Troubleshooting: Why Do Hot Tub Jets Not Work?

With regular or periodic use, hot tub jets may stop working correctly. There can be 5 different reasons for this, which we will tell you in more detail below.

• Clogged suction pump cover. Any object near the cover or that gets inside can deteriorate the performance of the suction pump. In this case, you need to check whether there is debris on its surface or inside (if they are removable). If there is such, remove the cover and clean it.

• Air leak. The problem may be with the pump valve or pipe connection because cracks or loosening of the seal may occur. Since the water is moving under high pressure, you will be able to see drops or small streams flowing out. In this case, you need to check these components and replace worn ones.

• Dirty filter. Debris can partially or entirely block the water flow. Also, a worn piece may begin to leak dirt. Then, other parts of the hot tub may also be damaged. It is necessary to clarify that the filter must be changed at least once a year. Also, vacuum your hot tub and use chemicals to clean up the dirt to avoid clogging the filter.

• Low water level. If the water level in your hot tub is lower than the pumps’, they will not be able to pump the required amount of water. In this case, you will need to turn off the hot tub and fill the shell with water.

• Not working pump. This problem can occur if it fails or an error occurs. You may have to purchase a new pump in the first case, and in the second, you can try to fix the error yourself.

How to Increase Pressure in Jets?

If your jets are working correctly but the pressure is still not enough, here are three possible solutions: 

1. Turn off the waterfall. The pump needs to provide water to it. It reduces the pressure in the system. Turning off the accessory will remove additional load from the pump and increase the pressure in the jets.
2. Close unnecessary jets. For example, if jets in your hot tub are located on both sides of the shell, you can cover the second group with something so that water does not flow through them. It will increase the pressure in the open jets.
3. Open the air valves. On the top of the shell of your hot tub are valves that suck in air. The more they are open, the more air will enter the water, and the higher the pressure in the stream will be.

Summary

The main responsibility of the hot tub with jets is to massage your body and provide relaxation. All of them are up to the task. Some hot tubs do acupressure on certain small body parts, while others interact with larger ones. Which one you get depends only on the jets installed in your hot tub.

To find a hot tub that matches your needs, you should learn how jets work and what types are available. To make it easier for you, in this article, we have answered the following questions:

• How do hot tub jets work?
• What are their types?
• How do they differ?
• Why do jets break?
• How to increase the pressure on them?

FAQ