HoMedics JetSpa Luxury Bath Spa JET-1: Like A Whirlpool? Not Exactly!
Written: Mar 21 '01 (Updated Mar 21 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Make Bubbles Like Crazy!
Cons: Not For Use With Bubble Bath! :(
The Bottom Line: Save Your Money And Invest In The Real Thing! (don't tell my wife I said that)
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| rpllingrock's Full Review: Homedics Jetspa Luxury Bath Spa Jet 1 |
Boy, reading the hype on this spa from their web site, one would think it was a replacement for a Jacuzzi! Relaxing, soothing bubbles, surrounding your body while relieving muscle tension? All for under $50? Hmmmm!
Why I Purchased This
When we were in the process of remodeling our bathroom, my wife suggested adding a whirlpool bathtub. I thought about it for a minute, and decided no way. We have a one-piece fiberglass (tub/walls) that was installed before our sheetrock walls went up. In order for me to remove it (which is in perfect shape), I would have to cut it up into pieces that would fit through our door.
Not to mention the plumbing work that had to be performed by yours truly. I promised her I would purchase a in the tub type spa that she could utilize whenever she felt the desire.
Scouring The Internet
After searching for days on a suitable substitute for a whirlpool tub, I decided on the Jet Spa Jet-1. How could I resist? Just look at the woman in the tub to the right of this review. Doesn’t she look content in her tub? Not to mention, naked!
After choosing a dealer and purchasing at the price of $45.92 with shipping, she could hardly wait for the spa to arrive.
It does include a long 16 foot cord.
Problem #1
This jet spa is designed for a straight design tub with a shower curtain. I was left with the dilemma of installing this over our shower door tracks. You see, it doesn’t sit properly, and this caused me some concern. After testing it out for an electrical hazard by tossing in my daughter’s hamster (just kidding), I tested it for stability and the possibility of the unit falling into the water. With a little manipulation of the side suction cup, and the adjustable bracket, I was satisfied with its safety although it wasn’t sitting properly. The directions claim that it’s okay for the unit to fall into the tub momentarily (what!) and not to panic (yeah, right). The unit is protected by a ground fault interrupter (GFI), on the unit cord, plus the GFI on the wall socket.
At this point I was confident in allowing my wife to test the waters, so to speak. I set it up and was promptly thrown out of the bathroom, this after my pleas to remain in the area in case of a mishap. She wasn’t buying it! ;)
After receiving rave reviews from the wife, I decided it was my turn to take it for a spin.
Problem #2
After situating myself in the tub, it became clear that placing the unit as pictured to the right wasn’t going to give me any relaxing effect. The force of water was so great, that it was numbing and somewhat painful after just a few minutes. Sure I could adjust the level of air that was injected into the water stream, but I figured hey, I want the whole bowl of wax on this deal.
So I moved it to the bottom of the tub near my feet, and directed the flow to circle around my body starting at my feet and working its way up to my neck. Although it does include a diverter that can swivel left and right, and each jet can be sent separately, it just wasn’t comfortable.
Problem #3
The indicator embossed on the unit shows the needed water level but it wasn’t high enough to allow the tub water to cover my body. After about 10 minutes of whirling, I was freezing because 40% of my body was sticking out of the water. Can I exceed the level indicator? Good question! The documentation doesn’t explain if this is the maximum or minimum level. So being the brave guy that I am, I filled the tub to a level I was comfortable with. No problem yet.
Well until I decided to throw in some of my wife’s bubble bath. After searching in the closet, I settled for the Kiss My Face Peaceful Patchouli foaming bath. Why not right? I used to enjoy a good Mr Bubbles bubble bath when I was a kid! What I didn’t plan on was reliving a Brady Bunch episode with bubbles foaming all over the floor. I was having trouble holding my head above the bubbles to even notice my impending disaster.
For this reason, I do not recommend using a bubble bath additive to the tub water. Even though it is not documented in the instructions.
Overall
Personally I didn’t like my experience with this spa. I’ve used whirlpool tubs before, and this was no whirlpool tub! It felt similar to a garden hose running under the water at 120 psi. Nothing more. My wife? Well she just loves it. For me, I’ll stick with the shower.
How pretty I smelled the next day at work. How was I supposed to know you just can’t remove that Patchouli stink from your body. It has to wear off! ;)
Recommended:
No
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