Which hot tubs will be the best in 2020

A Jacuzzi differs from its ordinary sanitary counterpart in that it has an additional effect on the human body with the help of air-water jets. According to doctors, taking a bath combined with a massage tones the muscles and skin, depending on the chosen mode - invigorates or soothes.

The stores offer a wide range of such plumbing fixtures - models differ in size, material and functionality. Agree, choosing the right option from the variety of offers is not easy.

We will help you decide on the optimal Jacuzzi model. The article provides a detailed overview of plumbing fixtures made of different materials, indicating their advantages and disadvantages. We described the main criteria for choosing a bathtub, indicated which functions must be present, and which options you should not overpay for.

To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of offers, we have listed manufacturers whose products have a positive reputation and are in active demand. In addition, we provided tips for caring for a jacuzzi and offered alternatives to expensive plumbing fixtures.

Material

Bathtubs are made from different materials. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to evaluate the features of the various options and relate them to your capabilities and needs.

Steel

Durable material that has the following advantages :

Relatively low price when compared, for example, with a cast iron analogue.
“Standard forms” - for small bathrooms there are many steel products of the usual rectangular shape.
Relatively light weight, again compared to its cast iron counterpart.
The material has a good heat capacity, which helps maintain high water temperatures for a longer time.

Minuses:

Older models are quite noisy. In the new collections this drawback has been eliminated.

Hint : if you like this material, then choose thick-walled options. Also make sure that when installing the back of the bowl is treated with polyurethane foam - this will reduce noise and allow you to retain heat even longer.

Cast iron

The good old one, which will last 50 years without problems, if the quality of its coating does not let you down. This material has been used for a very long time and also has its advantages :

Maintains high water temperature for a long time.
Durable.
Easy to maintain.
Characterized by low noise level.

The disadvantages of miracle cast iron, in the case of bathtubs, are the following:

Heavy weight.
Difficulty in transportation.
Difficult installation (mainly due to the considerable mass of the product).
Quite a high price.
There is a lot of pressure on the ceiling (this must be taken into account before purchasing).

Hint : the French and Italians are considered one of the leaders in the industry of producing cast iron bathtubs with hydromassage, so if you are looking for the best products made from this material, then pay attention to the manufacturer first.

You definitely need to pay attention to the quality of the enamel and the uniformity of the coating - the better it is, the longer the product will last.

Acrylic

The most popular material for the production of Jacuzzis of various shapes, colors and equipment. What is causing the high demand? Here are the main advantages :

Light weight.
The widest range.
Easy to transport and install.
The ability to eliminate scratches and small chips using a special repair kit.

The disadvantages of acrylic hydromassage baths include:

High susceptibility to mechanical (including deformation under the influence of very hot water, etc.) and chemical damage - such features are typical for the most economical models.

Tip : reinforcement in acrylic bathtubs is preferable to polyurethane rather than fiberglass.

There are several types of acrylic bathtubs:

Cast . Products are made under pressure after heating the acrylic sheet. Such structures are stronger than those described below, but also twice as expensive on average.
Extruded . The material is obtained by extrusion, and then production is also carried out under a press from a highly heated sheet. After curing, the structure is also strengthened from the outside with a mixture of epoxy resins. Models made from this material are recommended for relatively infrequent use, for example, in the country.

It can also be noted that acrylic itself can vary in chemical composition:

Acrylonetrile butadiene styrene (ABS/PMMA). In this case, a mixture of different substances is used, acrylic of which makes up about 10%. This material is prone to rapid “abrasion” due to its roughness.
Polymethyl methacrylate . This is the purest, homogeneous acrylic. It is distinguished by high strength, durability, and attractive appearance.

For an example video with recommendations for choosing acrylic whirlpool baths:

Artificial stone and natural

This option is especially loved by designers for the variety of colors and the ability to prepare products for any type of interior, be it classic, modern or, beloved by many, minimalism.

Pros:

High strength.
A large assortment.
Opportunity to create an exclusive product.
Durability.

Minuses:

Relatively high cost, especially for “custom-made” products.

Hint : not all companies work with this material - it will be easier to initially look at offers on the Internet or contact a specific manufacturer based on the recommendation of acquaintances/friends.

Combining different materials

Today you can find models that combine marble, glass, steel, etc. Such devices are not inferior to others and in many ways even surpass them by using the advantages of each material.

Design features of hot tubs

The variety of designs concerns mainly size, shape and technical equipment. The design of the body of cast iron and steel bathtubs is traditional, acrylic products are distinguished by a variety of designs, and equipment made of artificial stone is distinguished by a variety of colors.

Unlike ordinary bathtubs, among which you can find retro-style or avant-garde designs, hydromassage equipment looks mostly the same.

Modern hydromassage devices have a similar design: a white body, equipped with nickel-plated or gold-plated parts and decorative screens covering the pump group

You can find rare examples of unusual designs, but they will either be very expensive original works or made to order.

Keep in mind that hydromassage equipment may disrupt the style of the bathroom if you prefer country, Provence or English classics. But white gloss will fit perfectly into a modern interior, decorated in high-tech or minimalist style.

Form

You need to pay special attention to this point, because the choice is great: there are seated models and even something more reminiscent of a small pool than a bathtub. Therefore, we will briefly consider the features of different models:

Rectangular classic

Suitable for different types of rooms of various sizes and available on the market in the largest assortment. It is distinguished by practicality, convenience, and a “familiar” appearance for many. They take up relatively little space.

Oval and round

Such models look appropriate in spacious rooms and can be installed anywhere in the room, since in most cases they will be the “highlight” of the bathroom interior.

Due to its considerable size (as a rule), it is important to take into account the dimensions of the device with equipment and its weight in order to calculate both the passage through the doors and the degree of pressure on the floors.

Often, non-standard models have smooth shapes, as in the image below.

Corner

These are divided into two options: models with the same sides and with different ones. The only difference is in shape, so focus on the size of the room and design.

Sedentary and horizontal type

In this case, we are talking about placing a person in the bath itself. The fact is that models with horizontal placement are quite large. Therefore, for small bathrooms you can look for seat-type devices: they are most often more compact.

Tip : For people with back problems or other health problems that prevent them from lying down normally, seated hydromassage devices are great.

A little history

The healing properties of Jacuzzi have been proven by the medical community

Historical background: Discovered in 1936 in Berlin, the effect of faster recovery of patients taking water procedures, when massage therapists massaged their body immersed in a bath or pool with a hose stream under slight excess pressure, was very quickly adopted by doctors in the treatment of a wide range of diseases . And already in 1948, an American of Italian origin, Candido Jacuzzi, an inventor and manufacturer of pumps and equipment for airplanes, wanting to help his son’s recovery, used a pump immersed in a bathtub to create a pulsating water jet.

It was this device that became the prototype of the now so popular equipment. Of course, modern devices are strikingly different from their great-grandmother, but the principle of combining water, air and massage still helps people maintain health and good spirits. Do you need a hot tub in an ordinary apartment? Most likely, yes, because there is nothing more valuable in life than your own health.

Size

Everything is simple here: there are a lot of options, and you need to choose exactly the one that fits into the design of the room, taking into account its area. And, importantly, the device must pass through all doorways to the bathroom. Also pay attention to the height of the sides and the presence of steps and handrails if the bath is too high for you or those who will use it.

Hint: if you are planning to do a comprehensive bathroom renovation, do not buy a bathtub first, especially if the bathroom is small. Many craftsmen use drywall to level walls, and simply laying tiles can “eat up” a considerable area of the room. Therefore, it is better to consult a repair specialist in advance and discuss this issue.

Contraindications

There are a number of conditions in which even taking a regular bath becomes an absolute contraindication, and even more so hydromassage, which involves an active and sometimes aggressive effect on the human body. In the case of hydromassage, these include:

oncological processes;
previous heart attack;
cardiac ischemia;
angina pectoris;
heart rhythm disturbances;
persistent hypertension;
thrombophlebitis;
urolithiasis disease;
fever and high temperature;
presence of a pacemaker;
pregnancy, uterine and menstrual bleeding, recent childbirth or abortion;
acute stage of chronic, inflammatory and infectious diseases;
some skin pathologies.

A relative contraindication to the use of hydromassage is varicose veins. This means that in each specific case, permission for the procedure must be given by the attending physician based on the patient’s condition. Most likely, he will not allow you to massage the problem area, so as not to provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

Injectors

This detail is what sets the actual hydromassage bathtubs apart from the usual ones. Let's look at what types of injectors (jets) there are, how they can be located and what this affects.

Nozzles can be large or small. Depending on the size, the degree of “delicacy” of the massage will also change: small jets have a gentler effect on the body and have a more relaxing effect, while large ones exert more intense pressure on the skin and muscles, helping to relieve deeper and stronger tensions.

As for the location, the nozzles are usually installed in groups for certain areas of the body:

Collar area.
Feet.
Lower back.
Hips, etc.

The number of nozzles generally affects which part of the body will be massaged by water jets: that is, the larger the jet, the more pleasant.

Types of nozzles and modes that correspond to them:

Mermen . They create water jets of varying intensity that provide a softer or deeper massage. In modes this is Wirpool (for this type of hydromassage, usually 6 to 8 nozzles are used).
Aero . They provide an “air massage” - under pressure, streams of air bubbles act on the skin, which, in addition to massage, provide additional pleasure to the skin - while they burst. In modes this is Airpool (operates from 10 to 15 nozzles).
Combined . Create water-air flows. In modes this is Turbopool (different types of injectors operate simultaneously).
Rotary . Their peculiarity is that they can spin a stream of water, creating a kind of whirlpool. They help you do “oriental hydromassage” - imitation of strong pressure from the massage therapist’s fingers.
Rotary . Rather, this should be considered as an additional option - the water pressure throughout the body will move smoothly when selecting a certain mode.

There is also a so-called imitation of a waterfall - a strong stream of water that falls in a cascading manner.

Hint : most often hydromassage nozzles are placed on the sides of the tank, and combined and aero nozzles are placed on the bottom. Aerojets are also usually smaller in size. But in each specific case, it is better to clarify the characteristics of the model you like with a consultant.

Best lists

We present to your attention a list of the best bathtubs in the following three categories:

Budget.
Corner.
Best quality injectors.

Let's take a closer look at the listed positions.

Budget

Triton JULIA 160x70, a convenient and compact model, has become widespread among apartment residents. Easily installed in a small room and allows you to save space due to the sides, which can be used to store personal hygiene products.

Dimensions	160x70x56 cm
Volume	200 l
Material	acrylic
Form	rectangular

Cost: from 10,000 to 13,000 rubles.

Triton JULIA 160x70

Corner

Aquanet Bali 150×150 is a large model in size and volume that fits perfectly into any bathroom. There are six nozzles inside. It holds a large amount of water, making it comfortable for two users inside.

Dimensions	150x150x53.50 cm
Volume	330 l
Material	acrylic
Form	quadrant

Cost: from 20,000 to 24,000 rubles.

Aquanet Bali 150×150

Best quality injectors

APPOLLO A-0932 High-quality bathroom with an unusual design. Instead of acrylic, there is a glass window on the side. The soft headrest ensures user comfort. Thanks to it, you can tilt your head back and lean on your elbows while taking a bath, which makes use more comfortable. Eight nozzles are installed inside the structure.

Dimensions	180x97x55 cm
Number of nozzles	8
Control type	electronic
Installation	free-standing

Cost: from 50,000 to 60,000 rubles.

APPOLLO A-0932

Pump

A must have for a hot tub. Its power depends on the number of nozzles that are used and the volume of water that will need to be worked with.

Thus, some designs are equipped with only one pump (its power of 800-900 W is more than enough). Larger models are usually equipped with at least 2 pumps with a total power of 1500 W. the power of the compressor increases , which is found in any device with aero or combined nozzles: its power on average fluctuates around 400-700 W (this data is averaged and each model must be considered individually).

Comparison of the presented models

We present to your attention a table containing the main technical parameters of all models listed in the rating.

Model name	Volume (l)	Weight, kg)	Design form	Cost, rub)
Triton Troy 150x150	310	52	corner	20 000 – 25 000
BAS Nicole 170x100	290	42	corner, rectangular	21 000 – 26 000
Triton Catherine 170x70	220	60	rectangular	14 000 – 18 000
Relisan Marina 170x75	200	65	rectangular	18 000 – 22 000
BAS Evita 180x85	310	70	rectangular	35 000 – 40 000
Aquatek Betta 170x95	225	50	corner	22 000 – 26 000
1Marka Love 185x135	320	65	corner	25 000 – 30 000

Control

There are two options: mechanical and electronic. Both of them are used in different types of models, but the second type is much more common at this stage. main differences are as follows:

Price. Electronic versions are usually more expensive.
Ease of use. The mechanical control “box” itself is simpler, but in some cases switching from mode to mode is more difficult to perform than in the electronic version. But automatic (electric) control can be more difficult to understand due to the large number of options and modes.

Mechanical

Mechanical includes levers, valves, buttons and toggle switches built into the bathtub body, and has the following advantages :

Affordable price.
Ease of Management.

Electronic (automatic)

It can be represented by a touch panel, a stationary or remote control. The latter is practical if the bath is equipped with a large number of additional options, including “entertainment”. Among the advantages :

Wide functionality.
Possibility of remote control.

Marble

A country house, a spacious bathroom and an unlimited budget allows you to choose a product made from natural or artificial marble.

Advantages of marble hot tubs:

retain heat for a long time;
high strength of the material ensures a long period of operation of the hydromassage bath;
no noise effects when filling;
a marble hydromassage bathtub will decorate the interior, creating an atmosphere of aristocracy and luxury.

The limitation for the wide distribution of marble products is their high cost and significant weight.

Sometimes there are hydromassage bathtubs on sale, in the manufacture of which a combination of various materials was used.

Additional functions

Whether they are needed or not is a moot point. Some people like all inclusive, some need to try all the options, and some prefer simplicity in everything. Therefore, in the words of the poet: “Everyone chooses for himself...”. Let's look at the most popular and interesting additional options in hot tubs:

Player (video, audio) : practical and necessary for those who do not like silence or prefer to relax in the company of friends with fun music.
Chromotherapy : a clever word, often used in instructions - in fact, backlighting. It can be of different colors, which, according to manufacturers and psychologists, affects the human condition, that is, it can relax or invigorate.

Aromatherapy : This term is already familiar to most people. In the case of a bathtub, it works like this: somewhere in the body there is a special compartment for essential oils. Different scents also have different effects on the body.

Hint : always use oils according to the instructions - you don’t need to pour them 2-3 times more because you like the smell, in which case the aroma will be too intense and will most likely cause discomfort.

Ozone therapy : it has an anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory effect on the body and has a good effect on the condition of the skin.

There are options that are designed to protect and simplify the process of using the bath:

Built-in water filters.
Automatic shutdown in case of power failure.
Temperature regulation through the operation of a thermostat.
Protection against turning on an empty container.
Availability of handrails.
Voice control.
Device disinfection, etc.

Foot bath with hydromassage ^

A hydromassage bathtub is a container, most often plastic, equipped with roller attachments for massage; they are quite easy to operate. To prevent puddles, the bath is equipped with a splash-proof visor.

If the device is filled with water and operates in vibration mode, the water will not splash. Using a hydromassage for your feet is incredibly beneficial .

The beneficial effect of water on nerve endings and important points of the legs restores the tone of the body. When choosing a bathtub, pay attention to the size, because you will have to store it somewhere.

It should be compact for storage conditions in a modern apartment. There is a wide range of foot spa models on the market. When choosing, be sure to pay attention to the availability of a warranty .

Famous manufacturers

On the one hand, everything is standard when it comes to manufacturers: there are more famous companies, and there are lesser-known companies. The quality may be different, the price will be different, so you need to look, compare, choose.

How to identify a completely “bad” manufacturer:

The price is too low , especially with wide functionality. The unreasonably high cost should also raise red flags.
Lack of warranty, quality certificates and other documentation, such as instructions. Today there are no options at all – we don’t even look at it.
There is no installation service. The system itself has a number of features and proper installation will guarantee proper operation of the device. Companies with a good reputation and quality products always offer installation.

Which manufacturers are the most famous in this area? Here are some of them:

Jacuzzi _ There is no need to comment here - the first company in this field initially maintains its brand to this day. All equipment from this manufacturer is distinguished by its stylish design and good quality.
W.G.T. _ An eminent Italian company that loves to pamper customers not only with high-quality modern plumbing fixtures, but also with interesting features in the electrical equipment of its products.
Villeroy&Bosh . Also a world-famous company. It produces high-quality products in its field and is known for innovations, for example, quaril (a special subtype of artificial stone).
French companies that can present some interesting and high-quality bathtub models: Porcher, Neomediam, Jacob Delafon, Tes .
Finnish manufacturers that have firmly taken good positions in this market: Scanpool, Ido and Novitec.
Italians who will delight you with good quality and fairly affordable prices are the companies Ilma, Teuko, Albatros.
Pamos are receiving positive reviews .
The Spaniards feel confident in their niche: Roca and Pool-Spa.
The Swedish hydromassage baths Cadazzo .
Among Chinese manufacturers there are also many who monitor product quality, for example, Apollo .
In the domestic market, the most trusted ones are Radomir, Aquanet, BellRado and BAS .

It is clear that we could not analyze the entire production industry of the products in question and there are still a considerable number of worthy companies, but you now have some options that can be used for comparison.

Benefits of water massage

With a hot tub, you can create a true home spa experience in your bathroom.

Start with
an intense toning massage , relieving fatigue and invigorating. Do you prefer a gentle massage? Choose a relaxing and soothing program with a gentle body massage from head to toe.
Surrender to bliss, forgetting about the tension, stress and fatigue that have accumulated during the day. The Jacuzzi relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves heaviness in the legs or gives you an invigorating massage so that you can devote time only to yourself and feel lightness throughout your body.

Alternative options

The mentality often tells our compatriots what they can do themselves... Is this possible in the case of a jacuzzi? Let's figure it out now.

DIY whirlpool bath

How does this happen? First, the old bathtub is dismantled, because it will have to be modified. Then all the necessary additional components are purchased, which are not only suitable in price and quality, but also work well together with each other: nozzles, compressor, pump, pipes, etc.

When you have everything you need on hand, you can get down to business. First you need to drill holes for the injectors, then you need to install them and connect pumps, filters, pipes, etc. It is important to seal everything well. After everything is assembled, a test drive of the system is carried out. It is extremely important that there are no leaks, because the structure will simultaneously work with both electric current and water. If everything is functioning normally, then the structure can be installed.

In general, as practice shows and the simplest calculation of the cost of parts, this approach is impractical and unreasonably expensive. It will be more profitable and easier to purchase a finished product. But here the choice is up to everyone.

Alternative No. 2 – budget

There are two more “light” options for those who want to join those who know what hydromassage is:

Mini bath. Yes, you can’t sit entirely in such a container, but after a busy day at work, massaging your legs with jets of water and air is an excellent option.
Rug. This miracle device is used in the bath. It is attached with suction cups to the bottom of the container. The system itself is equipped with a compressor, small holes such as nozzles, and a control panel. Rugs can have options such as ozonation and air heating.

Video review of a mat for creating a hydromassage function in a regular bath:

How to connect a jacuzzi to power supply

When connecting a hot tub, you must have a network with a voltage of two hundred and twenty volts, a cable with three cores of the required length, and an RCD. You also need to prepare a grounding system, a switch, a voltage stabilization device, and electrical wires with a diameter of 3 millimeters or more.

Checking the proper operation of the jacuzzi

To check the quality of operation, the Jacuzzi is filled with water until all nozzles are immersed. Connect to the mains and check all built-in functions. To drain the water, the Jacuzzi is turned off. The operation of the injectors is controlled using the system control panel.

After carefully checking the correct electrical connections, the legs are attached to the floor, and the cracks with the wall are sealed with sealant.

What is the difference between installing an outdoor Jacuzzi? Fashion that came from Europe dictates the installation of a jacuzzi on verandas or near the house. Abroad, you need special permission to install a bathtub on the street.

At the stage of choosing a suitable place to install a jacuzzi, you need to know that the bathtub should be located at a distance of one and a half meters or more from the house and the fence of the site. The distance to power lines running along the top should be more than three meters.

How to prepare a place for a jacuzzi. First of all, they build a reliable foundation for the bathtub, since due to the large volume of water, its weight can reach more than a ton. A cast concrete base is considered reliable and is therefore a common method. Concrete is laid in a layer of up to 11 centimeters; this choice will make it difficult to move the Jacuzzi to another place.

A foundation made of slabs and a prefabricated structure will simplify installation and dismantling work. The strength of the panels must correspond to the size of the jacuzzi. Before installing a jacuzzi on a terrace, you need to make sure that the flooring can support its weight.

Electrical connection

Cable laying can be above ground or underground. The cable cross-section is selected depending on the distance of the disconnector in relation to the bath. Copper cable with nylon insulation system is suitable.

This is followed by the installation of an RCD with a voltage of two hundred and forty volts, with a 50 A circuit; models with a multi-level pump require a 60 A circuit. The unit for controlling electricity is equipped with a disconnector. No other electrical appliances should be connected to the Jacuzzi circuit.

Many models do not need to be connected to the water supply system; water is drawn into it using a hose and then heated.

Panels are sold along with the jacuzzi to close the lower space, leaving a gap of three centimeters to ensure ventilation.

Important! Do not lay tiles along the edge of the hot tub. If the structure needs to be dismantled, the edges of the bathtub will be damaged.

How to properly start a jacuzzi. You can turn on the Jacuzzi only after filling the bowl with water. Existing nozzles are completely covered with water to prevent pump overheating and damage. At this stage, the pressure of the water outlet from the nozzles is adjusted.

Water can be heated to fifty degrees, and aromatic oils and non-foaming cleaning agents can be used.

Precautionary measures

To make bathing enjoyable and beneficial, you should familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:

To relax, it is better to take a bath in the evening for about 30 minutes at a water temperature of 37 degrees on average; to wake up in the morning, it is not recommended to sit for more than 10 minutes in water with a temperature of 30 degrees.
You should not change the water temperature during water procedures; choose one mode now, another next time.
Be careful with hot water, if you like water with a temperature of more than 39 degrees, then put a cold, wet towel on your head.
It is not advisable to take a bath immediately after physical activity; it is better to give preference to a shower.
If you have problems with your heart, blood vessels, or are pregnant, consult your doctor for advice about the possibility of taking baths.

Acrylic and quarry

Among the advantages of acrylic are:

a light weight;
affordable pricing policy;
variety of shapes and colors;
possibility of restoration in case of scuffs and scratches;
simple installation and ease of use.

The weak point of an acrylic bathtub is its short service life. If you choose such an instance, with a 10-year warranty, the maximum operating period of the bath will be limited to 15 years.

Kvaril is only winning the hearts of consumers. The structure of the material contains acrylic resins, quartz and polymer additives. This composition increases the weight of the hot tub, makes it more resistant to various types of damage, thereby extending its service life. Like everything new, the cost of a quaril bathtub is higher than acrylic ones. Due to the heavy weight, the installation procedure becomes more complicated.

Proper care

A hydromassage bathtub, as you already understand, is not the simplest device, so it requires some care. With proper maintenance, the system will work for a long time and without problems:

Water filters are a must. In their absence, the system may fail within a year if the water is heavily polluted.
The instructions are meant to be read first, not when something breaks. Therefore, when purchasing a bathtub, initially familiarize yourself with all the operating instructions, and especially with those related to the ban on the use of salts, foam and other products.
The system must be cleaned and disinfected regularly. This is also stated in the instructions with recommendations. The bathtub needs to be washed every time and disinfected after 5-7 uses. It is important to carry out any care only with the products recommended by the manufacturer. You should also wipe the container dry after each cleaning.

The hydromassage system must be used. If the downtime is long, the device will also fail faster. On average, it is recommended to turn on such bathrooms at least once a week.

Considering all of the above, you can keep your purchase in good condition for 10 years plus or minus.

Cast iron

If you choose a hydromassage structure made of cast iron, be prepared for careful care of the capricious material. It is not recommended to install it in a poorly heated room. The indisputable advantage of a cast iron hydromassage bathtub is its resistance to mechanical damage and durability. If you follow the care recommendations, the hydromassage structure will last about half a century, at least that’s what the manufacturers say.