Getting a pedicure is the height of pampering, but if the pedicure chairs are old or tattered it ruins the spa atmosphere and the fantasy of celebrity-level luxury. We know these units are a big investment so it’s important that you find the right chairs for your space.
Don’t forget to update your rolling stools to match and support proper ergonomics.
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1.
Cosie Pipeless Pedicure Spa Chair
Pros:
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Mid-Century Modern look
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Luraco magnetic jets II
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Pull-down sprayer
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Rotating seat for easy access
Cons:
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No massage function
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Armchair material isn't waterproof
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Doesn't include discharge pump
The Cosie Pipeless Pedicure Spa Chair is exactly that: cozy. This chair stands out from the pack with its Mid-Century armchair design and round, white tub. There’s a reason we keep armchairs in our home and not the typical pedicure spa chair–they’re more comfortable. The Cosie chairs will set your salon apart from the pack.
Beyond aesthetics, this chair has lots of features including a pipeless Luraco magnet jet II system, pull-down stainless steel sprayer, and a padded footrest. The ceramic bowl has high sides and is compatible with disposable liners for easy, sanitary clean-up. The armchair is able to rotate so you can swivel it to the side so clients can more easily get into the chair.
It can be plumbed from the floor or wall and keep in mind that it doesn’t automatically include a discharge pump. The chair does come with a one-year warranty. It measures 55 inches long by 30 inches wide.
Find more Cosie Pipeless Pedicure Spa Chair information and reviews here.
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2.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: Shiatsulogic Siena Pedicure Spa Chair
Pros:
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Includes discharge pump
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Full rolling Shiatsu massage
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Magnetic pipeless jets
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Power adjustable seat
Cons:
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Arm rests aren’t padded
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Bigger investment upfront
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Larger unit than some
The Shiatsulogic Siena EX-16 Pedicure Spa Chair offers full Shiatsu roller massage, a power-adjustable seat, and clean pipeless whirlpool jets. The full back Shiatsu massage kneads, taps, rolls, and presses all the right spaces to deeply relax your clients. Controlled by an attached remote, the chair moves forward, back, and reclines with a push of a button. This station also includes hidden manicure trays with cup holders.
The fiberglass bowl has a clear, iridescent look to it and features a Luraco pipeless magnetic jet system that is easy to clean and produces great massaging action to go with the shifting LED mood lights. A hidden Luraco pullout hand sprayer makes cleaning even faster and the padded footrest is adjustable.
Unlike most chairs, this one comes with an included discharge pump, so if you know that’s something you’re going to need you can save a few bucks by buying a chair that comes with it. The Siena comes with this luxe sienna-colored basin but includes many choices in upholstery color.
Find more Shiatsulogic Siena Pedicure Spa Chair information and reviews here.
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3.
Continuum Maestro Opus Pedicure Station
Pros:
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American made
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Remote operation
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Extra large lighted bowl
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Gorgeous arched design
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USB port for clients
Cons:
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Pricier than others
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No shiatsu massage
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Must be plumbed
There’s a lot of like about this chair. The Maestro Opus by Continuum is one of the top-of-the-line, most stylish-looking spa chairs out there but has a foundation of substance as well. Continuum claims to be the only pedicure spa brand to use a full welded-steel frame for both the seat, base, and basin for extra stability and durability while at the same time having that elegant arching base. Around 90 percent of the chair is both created and assembled in America so you know you’re getting a solid, quality product.
The chair swivels to either side so it’s easy for clients to get in and out. You’ll love the feel of the luxurious hand-cut and sewn UltraLeather, the top synthetic leather that is resistant to chemicals and staining.
A remote on the chair controls the vibration massage in the back and seat of the chair as well as relaxing heat for the lower back. It also controls forward, backward, and reclining movement of the chair.
Maestro is unique in that the chair can be remotely controlled by both the client and the technician. There’s an additional control panel on the front of the basin for adjusting the chair’s position to assist the client as needed. There’s also a home button the returns all settings to their starting position to get the chair ready for the next client.
In addition to chair controls, there’s a button for “auto-fill” which will automatically begin to fill the basin with water. Once the basin is full, it automatically turns the water off and turns the pipeless jets on.
The magnetic feature means they can be used with disposable plastic liners, greatly reducing cleaning time between clients.
It may look like the chair lacks a footrest from the photo but that black section by the white basin is actually part of the separate leg footrest system. Each upholstered rest can swing up as needed and has a unique tapered design that exposes the heel of the foot for easier access to calluses. When the footrests are down, the folded section becomes a perfect rest for polishing toes.
Find more Continuum Maestro information and reviews here.
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4.
Gulfstream La Fleur 4 Pedicure Station
Pros:
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Shiatsu rolling massage
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Magnetic pipeless jets
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Fold away manicure tray
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Luxe glass bowls
Cons:
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Does not include drainage pump
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Chairs is not heated
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No padded armrests
The luxurious La Fleur 4 from Gulfstream is in the upholstery combination of butterscotch with a truffle insert. The mahogany-colored base is accented with an amber inset and amber glass bowl which has a much classier look to it than a fiberglass tub.
This one is all about client comfort and pampering. The leatherette chair is a power seat and is adjustable forward, back, and reclining using the remote. It also offers full Shiatsu massage controlled by an attached remote with rolling, kneading, percussion, and multi-function.
The wooden arms are acetone-resistant and have a smartphone mount as well as a manicure tray that swings out beneath each arm with an inset, removable manicure bowl. The padded footrest is adjustable for both your client and the nail tech’s comfort and the spa controls are housed at the front of the unit for easy use. There’s a recessed sprayer beneath the footrest for cleaning the basin and color-shifting LED lights inside the glass bowl.
The whirlpool action is pipeless and uses a magnetic propeller system that’s easily removed for cleaning. Non-magnetic jets need to be unscrewed like the lid of a jar to remove, while magnetic jets just pull right off. Gulfstream’s ID Jets can be removed and replaced even while the motor is still on and running.
An awesome thing about this is that you can use the jet with a liner by inserting the liner first and then attaching the sanitized jet to its base through the liner plastic. Check out the video below to see what that looks like. The La Fleur 4 is stylish, sleek, and the height of pampering.
If these are out of your budget, you can also consider portable pedicure chairs.
Find more Gulfstream La Fleur 4 Pedicure Station information and reviews here.
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6.
Pibbs Siena Pipeless Pedicure Package
Pros:
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Pipeless jets are more sanitary
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Shiatsu massage functions
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Comes with stool and cart
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Trusted brand
Cons:
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Does not include drainage pump
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Chair doesn't swivel
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Not portable
Pibbs is a known, trusted brand in quality chairs and this PS60 Siena Pedicure Station is a luxury chair with features your clients will love. You’ll love that this package comes with a matching European rolling pedicure stool and a matching three-drawer rolling cart. If you don’t want these extras, you can also get the Siena Chair by itself.
The chair is comfortably padded and features Shiatsu massage controlled by a remote for your clients’ relaxation with rolling, kneading, and tapping functions. The arms lower making it easier for your clients to climb into. The black and cream base is neutral enough to fit into nearly any color scheme and sleek enough to not look boring.
The tub has a hand sprayer for easy cleaning and removable pipeless jets for more sanitary conditions. There’s an overflow drainage system built-in to reduce spills and LED bulbs create a light show in the water of the footbath. An adjustable acrylic footrest allows you better position your clients’ feet for comfort and access during your pedicure service.
This unit does not include a discharge pump, so if that’s something your plumbing setup will need, you’ll have to pick one up separately. The base of the chair is 52 inches long and 29 inches wide. It’s covered by a one-year warranty.
Find more Pibbs Siena Pipeless Pedicure Package information and reviews here.
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8.
Portable Pedicure Station by Paddie
Pros:
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No plumbing needed
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Massaging, bubbling foot bath
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Comes with stool
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Mobile on wheels
Cons:
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Water is carry in/out
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Chair doesn’t recline
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Massage feature can be loud
When you need a more portable pedicure that doesn’t require a call to the plumber, this Mobile Pedicure Unit from Paddie will get the job done. It’s not as luxurious, or fancy as others, but it covers all the major points.
The padded chair turns 360 degrees and is adjustable in height for your clients’ comfort using a hydraulic lift similar to a salon chair. The padded footrest is adjustable in length, height, and angle using the manual knobs, similar to adjusting a massage table. The whole thing is on wheels and comes with a matching rolling pedicure stool.
The included, removable foot-bath does not require any plumbing making this great for spaces that don’t do enough pedicures to warrant installing a plumbed unit or for spaces that simply can’t invest in custom plumbing. It does mean that you will need to carry the hot water in and out but for many, that’s entirely worth the benefit of having a pedicure unit.
The foot bath has a warming setting that will keep your water warm but isn’t intended to warm up cold water. It also has a vibrating massage function and a bubbles setting. The bottom of the tub is covered in stimulating nubs and the center has a massage ball that’s perfect for working on sore arches.
Find more Adjustable Lift Portable Pedicure Station information and reviews here.
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9.
Continuum Bravo LE Pedicure Station
Pros:
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Gorgeous glass bowl colors
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Full rolling Shiatsu massage
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Magnetic pipeless jets
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Many color combination
Cons:
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Arm rests aren’t padded
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Discharge pump not included
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Remote holder is a little awkward
The Continuum Bravo LE Pedicure Station offers full Shiatsu roller massage, a power-adjustable chair, and sanitary magnetic pipeless whirlpool jets–all in a design that would fit well in a high-end salon.
The power chair is controlled by an attached remote (with its own holder) and moves the chair forward, back, and reclines with a push of a button. The full back Shiatsu massage kneads, taps, and knocks all the right spaces to deeply relax your clients.
This station also includes two fold-down, acetone-resistant manicure trays with cup holders and a convenient auto-fill button to save your technician’s time.
Its gorgeous tempered glass bowl comes in several different colors beyond this featured rose color, including iridescent clear, gold, and smokey blue. The chair upholstery also comes in a range of colors like black, cream, burgundy, and chocolate.
The Bravo LE features a Luraco pipeless magnetic jet system which is easy to clean and produces great massaging action to go with the shifting LED mood lights. A pullout hand sprayer makes cleaning even faster and the padded footrest is adjustable.
Find more Continuum Bravo LE Pedicure Station information and reviews here.
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10.
J & A Lenox LX Pedicure Spa
Pros:
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Most elegant
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Pipeless jet system
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Made in the USA
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Full Shiatsu massage
Cons:
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Pricier than others
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Gold doesn't match all decor
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Too large for some
If you’re trying to project a luxuriant spa fit for the highest royalty, consider the Lenox LX by J & A. This chair is a masterpiece of elegant gold and champagne with black accents.
The chair itself can swivel to the side for ease of getting into and out of it. Using the control panel on the arm, you can also use the motor-powered adjustment buttons to move the chair forward, backward, as well as recline the seat. This remote also controls the Shiatsu massage and vibration with functions including kneading, tapping, and knocking. The location and intensity of the massage can be adjusted to their liking.
The bowl and two manicure trays are made of old Hard-Roc tempered glass which is resistant to staining, chipping, or cracking. The glass has an intricate, reflective pattern but that is contained within the glass so it’s patterned but not textured. Each manicure tray has a drink holder and can rotate toward or away from the chair.
The bowl has a Luraco magnetic pipeless jet system, a three-piece adjustable footrest, and a flexible spray hand that lights up with color-changing LEDs.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t come with a discharge pump built-in. It’s 54 inches long and 30 inches wide. It also comes in black.
Find more J & A Lenox LX Pedicure Spa information and reviews here.
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11.
Gulfstream Vienna Single Pedicure Bench
Pros:
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Stylish, unique design
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Magnetic, pipeless jets
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Built in storage
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Remote controlled massage
Cons:
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No Shiatsu rolling massage
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Doesn’t recline
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Bigger investment upfront
The Vienna Pedicure Bench by Gulfstream is as much style as it is substance. Some chairs can look more like machines or appliances rather than chairs–appliances that do amazing things, but still. The Vienna looks like a throne. Someplace you will be truly pampered like royalty. The Vienna features a convenient step with grip strips for your clients’ safety when getting into the chair.
The seat itself is plush leatherette with a vibrating massage function in both the back and seat of the bench controlled by an attached remote. A drawer by the chair helps you store the tools you may need for your service.
For your clients’ convenience, there is a pullout tray for drinks or phones and standard and USB outlets within easy reach so your clients can charge their phones while they wait. (Any place that lets me charge my phone practically gets an automatic recommendation from me.)
This bench offers the same luxe glass basins with magnetic pipeless jets as the Fleur 4. The tall facet head has a pull-out hand sprayer for easy cleaning and the padded footrest is adjustable. This unique design is 42 inches wide and 46 inches long.
If you’re looking to purchase more than one pedicure station, this design also comes as a Vienna Double Pedicure Bench, basically two of these side by side which saves space by sharing the same step and center armrest.
Find more Gulfstream Vienna Pedicure Bench information and reviews here.
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12.
Gulfstream La Rosina
Pros:
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Space-saving design
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Easy as getting in and out of
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Vibrating massage
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Magnetic pipeless jet
Cons:
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Bright colors not for everyone
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Must be plumbed
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May not like the sliding design
Love the idea of a pull-out pedicure basin but don’t want to deal with separate removable foot spas? Check out the La Rosina, which looks like an armchair when closed but is fully plumbed. It’s put out by Gulfstream, a Canadian company known for its luxe designs and iridescent glass basins.
Instead of the pedicure section pulling out from the chair, the pedicure section is stationary and the chair is the part that slides back as you can see in this YouTube video. Clients sit in the armchair, the chair slides back to reveal a basin with footrest, and when the pedicure is over, the chair slides back over the basin so they can stand up without having to navigate a bulky stand.
The glass basin has a gorgeous iridescent glow to it and a magnetic pipless jet that can be used with disposable liners. The black footrest is adjustable in height for comfort and easier access.
For extra comfort, the seat and back of the chair have vibrating massage. There’s hidden storage in the back for a manicure tray that fits across the arms of the chair and doubles as a place to hold your drink or phone.
The unique sliding function will definitely turn heads and get clients talking to friends about the clever new chairs.
Find more Gulfstream La Rosina information and reviews here.
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13.
Mona Lisa No-Plumbing Pedicure Station
Pros:
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Space-saving design
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No plumbing needed
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Chair reclines
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Affordable
Cons:
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Doesn’t come with foot spa
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Carry in/out water
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Not as easy to get into
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No massage function
When square-footage is a concern, the Mona Lisa by Buy-Rite efficiently uses space by storing the foot bath portion of the chair underneath the seat. At first glance, this is just a nice-looking arm chair that reclines and even has an adjustable headrest.
The vinyl is a deep black and the cushioning is supportive and comfortable–but when you need it for pedicures, the section that would normally lift up as leg rest in a standard recliner rolls out like a drawer to reveal a pedicure foot bath. The height of the foot rest is adjustable for your clients’ comfort and for better and more ergonomic positioning for your nail techs.
This isn’t a plumbed unit and makes use of portable foot spas, so you can place it anywhere without worrying about pipes. It doesn’t come with a foot bath and you can choose the model that you like best. The Footsie Foot Bath is a classic choice for professionals and if you’re looking for something with a few more features, check out the Ivation Foot Spa.
It’s also available in white.
The only downside to this chair is that some clients may find it awkward to get into if the drawer has been pulled out or awkward to lift their legs for the drawer when it’s being pulled out.
The Crest is 27 inches wide and 26 inches long which extends to 39 inches long when the leg rest is pulled out.
Find more Transforming Pedicure Station information and reviews here.
How Do You Choose the Best Pedicure Chairs For You?
There is no one best chair because everyone's needs, salon space, and budget are different. You can use the following questions to help narrow down which pedicure station features best match your needs.
What Is Your Pedicure Spa's Plumbing Situation?
You'll see a lot of terms that have to do with the function of the chair, specifically plumbed versus no plumbing and piped in versus pipeless. Throughout the market, these terms can get a little jumbled but here's what it all means.
What Are Plumbed Pedicure Units?
These are the traditional units that need to be installed by a professional plumber. The pro of this type of chair is that the water is as easy to fill and drain as a sink.
The downside is that you do need a professional to install it which can get pricey if you don't have existing hook-ups where you plan to put your stations. They can also be louder if your chair needs a pump to move water instead of using gravity, like if your pipes run uphill.
How Do No-Plumbing Chairs Work?
No plumbing chairs are free-standing units where the only installation needed is to plug it in. These chairs are great for spas that don't have the necessary plumbing or need their pedicure units to be portable. With these units, the foot spa is generally manually filled and emptied, which allows for a more thorough cleaning of the bowl.
What's the Difference Between Piped-In and Pipeless Pedicure Stations?
Piped-in pedicure stations refers to the whirlpool action of the foot spa itself. In piped-in models, the whirlpool is created by jets of forced water just like in a Jacuzzi. These jets require pipes that move water from inside the bowl to outside of the bowl and then back in.
This results in clean foot spa water moving through pipes that have carried the used and possibly bacteria-carrying, water from the clients before and returning the water the bowl not so clean anymore.
This can lead to serious bacterial and fungal outbreaks. According to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, the biggest offenders are mycobacteria. California's Department of Consumer Affairs traced an outbreak of boils to one spa with whirlpool pedicure stations. In this California outbreak, the bacteria were likely introduced through tap water and the improperly cleaned tubs allowed the bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels.
These pipes are notoriously difficult to clean and most salons in the industry are upgrading pipeless models.
Pipeless pedicure stations do away with the jetted water and instead contain all the water within the bowl. The massaging water action is accomplished by one or more propellers set inside the basin, but don't worry, they're encased so no toes are in danger.
The small fans move the water in a very similar way as jets, without pipes or loud pumps. Not having internal pipes gives them the benefit of being much easier to go through the EPA's suggested cleaning regimen.
In many models, these propellers are easily detachable so you can sanitize them along with the rest of the tub. Higher-end propellers are magnetic with the motor housed outside the basin, that way they can even be used with disposable foot bath liners.
What Else Can You Do to Prevent Pedicure Infections?
Being identified as an infection vector is not only bad for all the usual reasons--it's bad press. Other than always following the state and manufacturers' guidelines on cleaning, the best thing you can do is be sure the rest of your salon is also clean to prevent contamination. Proper autoclave sterilizers are needed to keep tools clean and nail dust extractors remove floating nail dust which could contain fungal particles.
Which Chair Will Fit in Your Pedicure Salon?
It's a boring and practical topic to consider, but also one of the most important. The last thing you want to do is drop money on a set of chairs only to get them in your space and realize they're too big for your salon.
Make sure you're double-checking your measurements when shopping around. Use masking or painter's tape on the floor of your salon to block out the size of the chairs so you can see how far from the wall they'll stick out. You want to ensure there is plenty of walking space for your employees and clients to avoid feeling too crowded.
Your space also determines whether you could benefit from module pedicure stations that fit together in one long, sleek-looking bench, or if all you can fit are portable, rolling units to bring out as needed.
What Does Your Budget Look Like?
Pedicure chairs don't come cheap, and that makes sense. Think about how much a good massage chair, or even just a quality armchair costs--now add a tiny Jacuzzi! You should be prepared to spend anywhere from $400 to $6000 on a chair--but be aware that anything under $1000 is going to be on the low-end of the quality spectrum and not likely to last you long.
Whether or not it makes more sense to buy fewer high-quality chairs or several cheaper chairs depends on how you want to run your business. If your operation focuses on quantity and moving clients in and out, then more chairs may be the smarter move.
If the clientele you're courting is looking for a more luxurious, higher-cost service, then you can't skimp on a lower-end chair and it may be better in the long run to buy fewer luxury chairs.
How Can I Save on a Pedicure Spa Chair?
One way to maximize your budget is to make sure you're not missing out on discounts. If you're not already aware of Amazon Business Accounts, they're free, for businesses of all sizes, allow for multiple linked accounts, and qualify you for exclusive business discounts.