The seating style of your hot tub should be one of the most careful and well-thought out decisions you make when choosing the best hot tub for you. There are many different seating styles and configurations depending on the brand and model you choose. Seating can greatly impact your hydrotherapy experience.
If you are shopping for a hot tub, you may already know that there are many options, including hot tubs without molded seats and hot tubs with molded seats. This article will describe the various types of hot tub seats and offer tips to help you determine the best seats for your needs.
What is a hot tub without molded seats?
If you are looking for a hot tub without molded seats, you may consider an inflatable hot tub or an in-ground hot tub.
Inflatable, or blow-up, hot tub seats — An inflatable hot tub, for example, does not have traditional seats. Most often, bathers will sit on the floor of the hot tub or on cushions that can be purchased.
In-ground hot tub seats — In-ground hot tubs usually feature bench-style seating that may be equipped with a limited number of jets targeted at the mid-back level.
If you are seeking a hot tub for elevated hydrotherapy that can help soothe your body and mind, you may actually want to consider a hot tub with molded seats.
What is a hot tub with molded seats?
Molded seats in a hot tub refer to the type of seats that contour around your body when you soak in your hot tub. Molded seats can be jetted to heighten your hydromassage experience.
Generally, superior portable or above-ground hot tubs will have seating configuration options that allow you to choose the best seating style for you. However, many portable hot tubs are designed to envelop your body during your hydrotherapy. The purpose of this is to create a one-of-a-kind hydromassage. This is achieved through strategically placed jets in seats that target specific areas of your body, such as your lower back or neck, to provide relief and ease tension.
Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs are designed from data on human proportions, ensuring they completely conform to you. Jacuzzi® Hot Tub molded seats are sculpted with an ergonomic focus to cradle the contours of your body.
Specialized Jacuzzi® PowerPro® Jets are recessed for even further comfort and thoughtfully positioned to effectively target key muscles. These factors combine to offer you an elevated hydrotherapy experience that leaves you feeling relaxed and reenergized from head to toe. Each Jacuzzi® Hot Tub seat takes into consideration depth, tilt, breadth, and lumbar support to fully encompass your hydrotherapy.
Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs are also backed with decades of expertise that drive the design process to ensure your personalized comfort. In addition to design, the collection of seats in every Jacuzzi® Hot Tub facilitates full-body hydrotherapy while balancing the flow of water to each seat for your best possible experience. Jacuzzi® Hot Tub seats are complemented by jets on your calves and in the foot dome for a complete heat-to-toe massage.
Smooth surfaces and soft sculpting in the design of each Jacuzzi® Hot Tub make it easy to move freely so you can enjoy all of the seats in your spa. Because everyone likes to experience their hydrotherapy a bit differently, Jacuzzi® Hot Tub seats are designed to allow you to pinpoint the intensity of every touchpoint with strategically placed jets that target specific muscle groups. You have the power to control your hydromassage with a customizable flow at each jet and individual seat air control that lets you dial the air and water power up or down. These factors ensure you can apply the right massage pressure for your needs.
Furthermore, Jacuzzi® Hot Tub seats feature different types of jets that target various muscle groups. Versatile and specialty Jacuzzi® PowerPro® Jets deliver a range of massages, from robust and stimulating to gentle and rejuvenating. Regardless of the type of massage you’re seeking, you can be sure you will receive targeted relief anywhere you need it in your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub.
What are the different types of hot tub seats?
There are a variety of molded seats such as chair-style seating, lounge seating, petite lounge seating, captain’s chairs, and cool-down seats.
-Chair-style seating — Chair-style seating in a portable hot tub can also be referred to as open seating. This seating layout features upright seating options that do not require you to be in a reclined or stretched-out position. Rather, this seating configuration allows you to move freely about your hot tub to find the spot to sit or stand that feels just right for you. You can still receive jetted hydrotherapy in an open-seating configuration. This style lends itself well to entertaining and socializing with friends, family, and loved ones during your hydrotherapy.
Chair-style or open seating in a hot tub can generally accommodate more bathers at one time than hot tubs with loungers, which will be discussed in the next section of this article.
-Lounge seating — Lounge seating, a lounge chair, and loungers all refer to a more reclined seat that requires you to be almost lying down during your hot tub experience. This allows for indulgent hydrotherapy from neck to toe. You can enjoy maximized hydromassage through a lounger with targeted jets that are designed to soothe specific areas of your body.
While this type of seating is ideal for the most luxurious hydrotherapy experience, the positioning is not as ideal for social soaks during which you are conversing with other bathers. Some hot tubs feature a combination of chair-style and lounge seating, while other models may even have dual loungers.
-Petite lounge seating — Smaller hot tubs may be equipped with a customized petite lounge seat that allows you to recline and elevate your legs and feet during your soak. A petite lounge seat may be found in conjunction with open seating configurations.
-Captain’s chairs — Captain’s chairs in a hot tub are designed with a high back and jets that deliver therapeutic massage specifically to your neck, shoulders, and back. Captain’s chairs also feature cushy headrests and armrests that allow you to kick back and relax in style.
-Cool-down seats — Some hot tubs feature a cool-down seat that is slightly more elevated than the other seats, allowing bathers to sit up higher out of the water. These seats, sometimes referred to as bench seats, typically do not have jets and can also serve as a convenient and safe way to step into and out of your hot tub.
Upon learning about hot tubs with molded seats, you may have decided that you actually would get the maximum hydrotherapy from a hot tub with molded seats rather than a hot tub without molded seats.
How to choose the best hot tub with molded seats
Selecting the seating that is right for you is a very personalized decision. It may be based on your height, stature, and your preferences. It is very important to determine the style of seating you want before you purchase your hot tub.
Ideally, you should do a wet test on the model you like and try out each seat. Schedule a wet test with your local hot tub dealer and come prepared to “dive in” to decision-making when it comes to your hot tub seats.
During your wet test, you will step into the hot tub you like when it is filled with water and operating. This gives you the opportunity to try each seat and see how it feels to you. Adjusting the jets during your wet test will give you a good idea of the level of customization you can expect in that particular model. Spend some time in each seat so you can determine if this model is the right “fit” for you.
Some people may prefer open seating to lounge seating and vice versa. While having both options is a nice way to accommodate a variety of bathers’ preferences, make sure you ultimately choose the one that has the seating you like best. Before scheduling a wet test, you may want to do some additional hot tub research and make a checklist of things you want to accomplish during your visit.
For example, it’s wise to measure the space where you plan to have your hot tub placed and determine approximately what size hot tub you are looking for. You may also want to determine a maximum amount that you want to spend on your hot tub.
However, don’t forget that financing options are often offered at high-end hot tub dealers. Financing is an excellent way to ensure you get just the right hot tub for you without putting a strain on your budget.
It’s also a good idea to come prepared with a list of questions you may have. If you’ve scheduled a wet test, don’t forget your swimsuit.
Whether you are looking for a hot tub without molded seats or a model with molded seats, a visit to your local hot tub dealer is a great place to start. Equipped with this information, you will be prepared to find the hot tub of your dreams.
Affiliations: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved.
Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.