What comes to mind when you think of the word ‘relaxation’? For many it conjures up the relief, the release and the gentle, restorative massage.
When you own a spa pool, the pleasures of a professional masseuse can be placed right in your own backyard. There’s no need to make a special trip to your nearest day spa or schedule an appointment with a massage therapist – if you have 20 minutes spare you can enjoy a massage that is as relaxing and gentle or deep and corrective as you need. Simply grab a towel and a refreshing beverage and sink into the warm and soothing waters.
But not all home hydromassages are created equal. With so many spa pool brands on the market it can be difficult to determine which is the best. Those in search for the ultimate soak would be wise to understand the factors that contribute to a luxurious massage, such as the number and type of jets, the power of the pump, the ability to set the mood and the control that each machine offers.
In this article we’ll guide you through all you need to know to secure the ideal hydromassage right in your own home.
What makes the best spa pool massage?
There are a few factors that contribute to the quality of a spa pool massage experience. The jets need to be expertly designed and strategically placed in order to massage key muscle groups in the right way. The pump needs to be powerful enough to deliver a deep-tissue massage when required but customisable enough to offer up something gentler and more relaxing too.
Without versatile jets and precise controls, your massage options are limited and so are the results. When shopping for a spa pool that can deliver high-quality massage, look for the following elements:
- A powerful pump: The pump provides the pressure that pushes water through the jets. Yours needs to be powerful enough to provide a firm massage that can penetrate deep into the muscle.
- Jets with varying diameters: Water pressure is a function of power of the pump and the diameter of the jet aperture that the water flows through. Spas that feature jet openings of different diameters – not just a variety of trim sizes – offer a more interesting and relaxing massage.
- Movable jets: The best hydromassage experiences are those that can address specific aches and pains. Moveable jets can be aimed at problem areas, leading to greater relief and faster recovery.
- A variety of jet actions: Spa pools designed for the ultimate hydrotherapy experience feature a variety of jets that perform different actions. Moto-Massage® DX jets, which are exclusive to Hot Spring’s Highlife Spa Collection, offer powerful dual water streams that sweep up and down the entirety of the back, offering a unique and particularly relaxing massage experience.
A head-to-toe experience
Some spa pools focus solely on your back and neck, leaving your legs, feet, arms and hands out of the massage. The best spa pool massages are those that offer relaxation from top to toe.
Footwell jets, such as those found on the Limelight® Collection, can provide the ideal evening massage if you’re on your feet all day. A strong rush of water across the soles of the feet can ease tired muscles, along with a relaxing stream of bubbles between the toes.
If you spend your days in the office, you may be interested in a spa pool like the Prism or Envoy, which have jets built directly into the armrest. It may seem like a small detail, but hovering your hands over a warm jet of water while it passes between your fingers can be the perfect way to rest and recuperate after a long day clicking a mouse and tapping a keyboard.
Size and layout
The number of seats and the seating positions can also affect the hydromassage experience. You’ll rarely find the same array of jets in a Hot Spring machine, which means that every seat offers an entirely unique soak. Move from seat to seat and find the one that hits all your target areas in order to enjoy the full range of benefits that hydromassage is capable of delivering.
The bigger the spa, the more you can stretch out and enjoy the experience, particularly if your chosen model is fitted with a lounge.
Imagine laying back and feeling powerful jets massage your feet and calves while the Moto-Massage® DX sweeps up and down your back. This is the experience delivered by models in the Highlife Collection models, particularly the Triumph, which boasts two such lounges.
Creating the mood for a massage
If you've ever visited a day spa, you’ll know that the experience extends far beyond the feeling of having your muscles massaged by expert hands. There’s also a relaxing soundtrack, soothing lighting, and perhaps even a water feature bubbling away in the corner. It’s a feast for the senses that has been tuned to set a relaxing mood.
The good news is that you can create this ambiance at home by choosing the right Hot Spring spa pool.
Interior lighting comes standard on many of our machines, from the multi-coloured underwater lighting of the Freeflow collection to the incredible (and entirely customisable) LED arrays of our premium Highlife machines. Exterior systems are available too, which allow you to fill your entire backyard with light, setting the mood all the while. And if your chosen model doesn’t come with your preferred array, you can always add on an enhanced lighting system!
Then there are the water features, many of which come standard with certain models, and many more of which can be added as optional extras. Along with delivering soothing sights and sounds, some of these water features and fountains are backlit, making them even more spectacular when the sun goes down.
Another way to enhance the ambiance of your spa is with an entertainment system. From wireless speakers to full blown audio-visual systems, these additions allow you to set whatever mood you wish, from peaceful to party.
Are you ready to feel the difference?
A professional-level massage, ready whenever you want it, just steps from your back door. It’s an alluring prospect and one that a Hot Spring spa pool makes possible. What’s more, you can feel the Hot Spring difference before you commit.
We know that a spa pool is a significant investment, which is why we offer customers a free test soak – you bring the togs and your local dealer will bring the spa! Organise yours today to get one step closer to the ultimate in backyard luxury.
