Venues offering Jacuzzi

A Jacuzzi is a hot-water pool with jets built into its floor and walls that create a massage effect with pressurised water and air bubbles. The water temperature is usually 36-40 °C. The name comes from a brand that popularised this kind of jetted tub, and in Turkish it has become the general name for jetted hot pools.

In spa programmes the Jacuzzi is usually a transition station: it is used after the sauna or hammam to relax the muscles and to warm up before a massage. All of the listed venues are spas within hotels; among them are city hotel spas in Istanbul and Ankara, thermal hotels in Kızılcahamam, and two resorts, one by the sea and one in pine forests.

How to use a Jacuzzi

1. Shower before getting in; lotion, oil and make-up on the skin spoil the cleanliness of the water.
2. Go down the steps slowly; the floor and edges are wet and slippery.
3. The jets are mostly positioned at the level of the back, lower back, shoulders and calves; change how you sit to target different areas.
4. Keep your head and neck out of the water.
5. Get out after 15-20 minutes, sit down in the relaxation area and drink water.

If you are going to use the Jacuzzi more than once in the same visit, let your body cool down in between. Staying in hot water for a long time leads to a drop in blood pressure; when getting out, sitting on the edge for a short while rather than standing up suddenly helps prevent dizziness.

The effect of a Jacuzzi: realistic expectations

The hot water and jets of a Jacuzzi relax the surface muscles and give a temporary boost to circulation. Because the buoyancy of the water reduces the load on the joints, moving in the water becomes easier; this is why people find it soothing after a long walk or a workout. However, a Jacuzzi does not replace a massage given by a therapist who assesses and works on the muscle tissue, and it does not remove the cause of pain. When it is planned for the same day as a massage, the Jacuzzi comes before the massage in most programmes.

Shared and private Jacuzzis

Facilities offer the Jacuzzi in two forms. A shared Jacuzzi is part of the wet area; it is included in entry along with the pool and sauna, and several people use it at the same time. A private Jacuzzi, by contrast, is found in couples-only spa suites, VIP rooms or some hotel rooms; it is usually reserved for a set time and offered together with a massage or hammam package.

Jacuzzi, thermal pool and swimming pool

The Jacuzzi is most often confused with the thermal pool; the difference lies in the source of the water and the way it is used.

Hygiene in the Jacuzzi

Because Jacuzzi water is hot and the jets constantly aerate it, it is favourable for the growth of microorganisms; because of its small volume, it also needs more frequent disinfection and water changes than a swimming pool. Asking about the venue's routine for this is a sensible way to choose; the clarity and smell of the water are indicators you can observe. Stay away from water that is cloudy or has foam lingering on its surface.

Who should not use a Jacuzzi?

The hot water of a Jacuzzi widens the blood vessels and can lower blood pressure, so care is needed in some situations. Doctor's approval is needed for cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, diabetes and epilepsy. It is not recommended during pregnancy; hot water is inadvisable when pregnant. Do not go in after drinking alcohol. It should not be used if you have a feverish illness, a urinary tract infection, a skin infection or an open wound. Children should not be left alone and their time should be kept short. Long hair should be tied up, as there is a risk of it getting caught in the suction outlets.

Jacuzzi fees and what to ask

At most hotel spas the shared Jacuzzi is included in wet-area entry or in your stay; a private Jacuzzi is charged separately, depending on the time and the service that comes with it. The amount depends on the type of facility, whether day-use entry is offered to people not staying there, use of a private room, any massage or hammam ritual added to the package, and weekend and seasonal differences. How entry to hotel spas for outside guests works is covered in detail in the guide to day spa entry in Istanbul. Before you go, you can ask:

• Is the Jacuzzi in a shared area or in a private room?
• Can people who are not staying there or are not members use it?
• Are a swimsuit and swimming cap compulsory; are a towel and slippers provided?
• Is there an age limit or a time restriction for children?
• How often is the water changed, and how is it disinfected?