When it comes to modern pedicure spa chairs, there are a number of terms you should understand so that, when you are shopping and ultimately pick out your pedicure chair, you get what you really want. Confusing these terms or not understanding them when you buy a new pedicure spa chair can lead to unnecessary headaches and expenses if you only learn about which options truly fit your requirements after the chair you ordered has already been delivered.
PIPELESS VS. NON-PLUMBING VS. PORTABLE
This distinction may be one of the most important to understand and many people confuse these terms. “Pipeless” chairs, which encompass nearly all modern pedicure chairs, refers to chairs whose spa jets do not pass water through pipes to create the whirlpool system. See, a long time ago, water actually was circulated through pipes in the spa jet to create the whirlpool effect. However, this was less sanitary as small amounts of water remained in these piping systems and bred bacteria. Modern “pipeless” pedicure chairs use jets which are (sometimes magnetic) but ultimately function like small, underwater fans and create the whirlpool system this way. Pipeless does not, and never, refers to a that the chair does not hook up to plumbing. This is a “non-plumbing chair” or a “Portable Spa Chair.” A non-plumbing or portable spa pedicure chair does not have an intake or outtake (drain) for water. The spa basin needs to be filled and emptied manually. A non-plumbing chair can simultaneously be pipeless if it uses a pipeless jet inside of the spa basin. These terms are important to keep in mind because, the last thing you want to do is receive the wrong type of pedicure chair because you thought “pipeless” meant that the chair doesn’t require a plumbing hookup.
AUTO-FILL
Auto-fill is a feature of convenience which is available as an option on many newer pedicure chairs. The auto-fill feature simply refers to a function where the user can press a button to begin filling the bowl or spa basin with water and leave the faucet running unattended as the auto-fill sensor will automatically stop the water once it has reached the appropriate level. Some spa professionals prefer this to needing to attend to the water level like you would with an ordinary, plug-stopped sink; because nothing will prevent overflow of the water if it is not shut off in time, manually. As a tip, if your pedicure chair does have this feature, be mindful of it when replacing your spa jets as the spa jets which are intended to function with chairs with auto-fill have an extra sensor that ordinary spa jets do not. Therefore, you will want to make sure you get a jet which is appropriate for your auto-fill, spa pedicure chair if you are planning to continue using the feature.
DISCHARGE PUMP
Discharge pumps, which are also occasionally confused with spa jets, are a feature wherein a water pump helps push out the used water in drainage systems which go against gravity. In other words, if the tubing of your drain system has a longer (and possibly upwards) trajectory, then the discharge pump will give it the extra push that it needs to drain effectively. If you’re draining your chairs directly below the spa bowl, you may not need a discharge pump. However, if you are in doubt as to whether or not you need a discharge pump, it may be cheaper and more convenient to get one when you buy your pedicure chair. You can also add a discharge pump later on if you happen to get a chair without a discharge pump and then you find out later that you need one. However, in this case you would either have to connect the discharge pump yourself or hire someone to do so whereas, when you buy the discharge pump with your pedicure chair, it comes already attached and ready to use.
VENTED
Vented pedicure chairs refers to chairs which have small, circular, screened ventilation holes on the base of the pedicure chairs. These ventilation holes can then be hooked up, by an HVAC specialist, to the air exhaust system which is expelled outside of the building. While some people choose to get vented pedicure chairs because they like the fact that it improves air circulation and freshness within the spa or salon, others choose to get this option on their chairs to comply with local legal ordinances (especially post-covid regulations) and other health codes. If you are unsure about what the ordinances and ventilation expectations are in your area, it is best to check with local authorities as it is much easier to get a chair with a ventilation system already installed as opposed to needing to install one yourself after the fact.
ELECTRICAL CONSIDERATIONS
At reputable suppliers like Spasalon.us, the service team will be on top of matters which may slip your mind, such as how your geographical location could affect the type of electrical connection you need. For instance, the pedicure chairs at Spasalon.us are, by default, fitted for 120V electricity like is necessary for the United States. However, customers in Europe should keep in mind that they will likely need 220V connections for their pedicure chairs to work properly. Still, it is useful to keep this consideration in mind when looking for your next pedicure chairs.
CONCLUSION
Hopefully this article has helped relieve some of the confusion you may have felt in searching for your new pedicure. Also, while this article will not turn you into a mechanical expert for pedicure chairs, it should have given you more than enough information to confidently buy your next pedicure chairs and understand the most important terminology so that you buy something that truly fits your requirements.