Is it worth getting a wood-fired hot tub with jets? A helpful comparison of air jets and hydro-massage systems

Do wood-fired hot tubs bubble? Is it worth investing in a wood-fired hot tub with jets? How much does a jet system increase the total price of the hot tub unit? These are all great questions to ask, and the short answers are: yes, yes, and not necessarily by much. Let’s dive into the explanations for each of these questions so you can make an informed decision about what hot tub is right for you. This article provides you with details of the benefits you can receive from adding air jets or hydro currents to your wood-fired spa. 

Autumn is here, and with less sunshine comes a need to warm ourselves up in other ways. It’s always a good idea to get toasty warm right to the core while simultaneously enjoying a massage from jets in a wood-fired hot tub. In this article, we will review what each of the five top wood-fired hot tub brands in the UK offer.

What are the typical jet systems to create bubbles in wood-fired hot tubs? 

To create a bubbling massage in your wood-fired spa, you will typically be presented with two options: air jets and/or hydro currents. While it isn’t designed to mimic the trained hands of a massage therapist, air or water massage do work effectively to provide relaxation and tension relief during your soak. 

The two types of jets both require electricity and generate bubbles and currents of varying intensity for a higher or lower level massage. Naturally, their power consumption will be different, as well as pricing.

The most notable difference between the two types of jets is the overall sensation they offer when bathing in a wood-fired hot tub. 

Air jet compressor thrusts air bubbles up through tiny nozzles to create a constant stream of gently rolling water. This massage system is less potent than the units used to generate hydro-massage. With air jets, water is not circulated throughout the system, which makes it easier to maintain in colder weather. 

Hydro-massage pumps burst out stronger currents at higher pressures for a firmer, more therapeutic massage effect when positioned correctly. The system lines are filled with water from the hot tub, requiring careful, thorough maintenance to ensure hygiene standards are upheld and to save the system from damage caused by freezing in cold temperatures. Some hot tub manufacturers add airflow to the hydro jets to regulate their intensity.

Air jets or hydro-massage? 

Let’s now review the two water massage systems by exploring four key aspects to help you decide which one is more suitable for your needs.

What types of massage sensations do they generate?
Air jets Gentle fizzing massage all over your body. The water flow throughout the tub can be compared to the overall sensation of a lazy river.	Hydro currents Stronger and more focused hydro-therapy with therapeutic benefits
Power consumption/line requirements
Air jets Not every manufacturer publishes the power of their air jet compressors, but typically it should be around 700 W and not exceed 1 kW. There are no special power access requirements for this system.	Hydro currents The compressors will typically consume between 1 and 3 kW of power, depending on the number of nozzles in the hot tub. There are no special power access requirements for the system.
Maintenance
Air jets This massage system is water-free, so it does not require any treatment to protect against harmful bacteria. The pipework is not susceptible to freezing, although some manufacturers strongly advise running the system for 10-30 seconds after draining the water from the hot tub to ensure that any water drops are able to be flushed out of the system so that they do not cause damage when temperatures drop below zero. Always read the user manual to see if your manufacturer recommends this kind of maintenance.	Hydro currents Contrary to the air-jet option, you will need a special cleaner to flush the pipework of the hydro massage system to eliminate biofilm every time you drain the water, or at least once every three months. Approximate costs average out at £2 per treatment for at least four flushes per year, totalling around £8 or more. If your wood-fired hot tub is not constantly heated during the cold season, you must make sure to drain the water from the tub and run the hydro-massage system to thoroughly clear out all the water. Again, you must check the user manual about the allowed duration for this so as not to damage the system.
Price
Air jets Only the Timberin, Gardenvity and Skargards brands provide specific figures when it comes to how much an air jet system costs. These are as follows as of October 2022: Timberin €600 (ca. £530) (12 jets), Gardenvity £550 (12 jets) or £650 (20 jets), Skargards £580 (6 jets). Royal Tubs offers an air bubbles system but the price is by enquiry only, as it is not displayed.	Hydro currents Royal Tubs and The Log Company (Kirami) do not appear to display on their websites how much it costs to add hydro therapy features to their hot tubs. However, hydro-massage systems are available in their wood-fired hot tubs. Timberin and Gardenvity, on the other hand, clearly state their prices as follows: Timberin €620 (ca. £545) (6 nozzles), Gardenvity £650 (10 nozzles) or £950 (20 nozzles). So far, Skargards has not offered a hydro-massage system.
Summary
Air jets ✓ Cheaper than hydro currents ✓ Minimummaintenance (close to none) ✓ Gentle, dispersed massage ✓ Require less electricity	Hydro currents ✓ Stronger massage effect ✓ Option to create massage zones for the shoulders, back, legs and feet ✓ Adjustable intensity

Reviews of massage jets in top wood-fired hot tub brands

Below is a summarised comparison of the massage jets available across a range of UK wood-fired hot tub brands. Check out which systems – air or hydro – are on offer, the number of nozzles featured and the cost of adding these systems to your hot tub purchase.

Gardenvity	Royal Tubs*	Kirami (The Log Company)	TimberIN	Skargards
Gardenvity	12 or 20 jets Priced at £550 and £650 700 W	Royal Tubs*	12 jets Price and power not shown	Kirami (The Log Company)		TimberIN	12 jets Priced at €600 (ca. £530) 700 W	Skargards	6 jets Priced at £580 700 W	Air jets (bubbles)
Gardenvity	10 or 20 nozzles Priced at £650 and £950 1.1 kW and 2.2 kW	Royal Tubs*	6 or 10 nozzles Price not shown 1.1 kW and 2.2 kW	Kirami (The Log Company)	4 nozzles Price not shown 3 kW (combined with electric heater)	TimberIN	6 nozzles Priced at €620 (ca.£545) 900 W	Skargards		Hydro currents
Gardenvity		Royal Tubs*		Kirami (The Log Company)		TimberIN		Skargards		Combination of air and hydro

What are the benefits of a wood-fired hot tub with jets? 

Any massage system in a wood-fired hot tub with jets can work wonders for relaxation. The system is not just there to provide you with extra buttons to push; it offers a truly relaxing massage experience from the comfort of your own private home spa.

Most wood-fired hot tub models with hydro-massage system will have at least one or more zones with massage nozzles positioned so as to work specifically on your shoulders, back and legs/feet. The hydro massage can relieve muscle aches and tension after physical activity (perfect of athletes or gym bunnies!) or a long day at the office hunched over in a chair. Whatever your lifestyle, this system provides an invigorating massage for stiff, sore joints.

If a hydro-massage feels like too much, as the intensity can be higher, air jets can offer a more soothing, gentle sensation. On top of this, the air bubbles make for a playful experience when combined with lighting systems in the hot tub.

A great feature of air jets or hydro currents is that they keep the water in the hot tub constantly flowing, which enables even heating throughout the tub. 

These massage systems typically come with a moderate price tag when added on to a wood-fired hot tub unit. Considering this, our bottom line recommendation is to get one, or even both for variety! An air or hydro massage system is an important feature to enrich your hot tub experience with relaxation, health benefits and plenty of fun!