Pedicure chairs are typically available in three main system types, each with different installation, sanitation, and maintenance characteristics.

Plumbed Pedicure Chairs

Plumbed chairs connect directly to the building’s water supply and drainage system and are commonly used in larger salons with permanent layouts.

Non-Plumbed Pedicure Chairs

Non-plumbed systems do not require direct plumbing connections and offer greater flexibility and easier installation.

Jet Pedicure Spa Systems

Jet systems circulate water during service and provide a traditional spa experience, but typically require more maintenance.

Learn more: Plumbed vs Non-Plumbed Pedicure Chairs

Once you determine the type of system you want, the next step is comparing practical buying features.

• Ease of sanitation: Look for systems with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces, removable components, or disposable liners.
• Mobility and flexibility: Some stations are fixed in place, while others can be repositioned if your layout changes.
• Client comfort: Comfortable seating, proper legroom, and a pleasant service experience all matter.
• Technician ergonomics: Basin placement, working height, and ease of access can affect productivity and long-term comfort.
• Maintenance burden: Systems with more internal pipes, pumps, or jet components usually require more upkeep.

The true cost of a pedicure chair is not just the purchase price. Installation can have a major impact on the final investment.

Plumbed systems may require:

• Water supply connections
• Drainage installation
• Electrical connections
• Permits for remodeling or new salon locations
• Possible floor modifications, especially in older buildings

Non-plumbed systems generally require much less setup work, making them faster and less expensive to install.

Learn more: Pedicure Chair Installation Requirements | Pedicure Chair Plumbing Guide

Ongoing maintenance should always be part of the buying decision. Beyond the initial purchase, pedicure systems can create continuing costs in time, labor, and replacement parts.

• Cleaning time between services
• Replacement parts such as pumps or jet components
• Plumbing maintenance
• Replacement liners or sanitation supplies

In general, systems with fewer internal pipes or removable components may be simpler to maintain and may reduce long-term operating costs.

See: Pedicure Chair Maintenance | Foot Spa Sanitation Rules

Small Nail Salons

Smaller salons often need to maximize space and flexibility. Compact or non-plumbed systems can work especially well where every station must be carefully planned.

Beauty Suites and Independent Technicians

In suites and smaller single-operator spaces, non-plumbed systems are often easier to install and maintain, especially where plumbing changes are difficult or expensive.

Large Nail Salons

Larger salons with established plumbing infrastructure may choose plumbed pedicure chairs for a more permanent setup and continuous water flow.

Luxury Spas and High-End Salons

Luxury environments often place greater emphasis on comfort, aesthetics, and premium features, while still requiring practical sanitation and maintenance planning.

Beauty Schools and Training Programs

Beauty schools often need equipment that balances durability, sanitation, ease of maintenance, and practical teaching value. In many cases, non-plumbed systems can be especially useful in classroom environments.

• Ignoring sanitation complexity: If cleaning procedures are too time-consuming, service flow may suffer.
• Underestimating installation needs: Plumbing and electrical requirements can increase total cost.
• Overlooking maintenance: Some systems require more ongoing upkeep than expected.
• Forgetting technician ergonomics: Daily comfort matters for productivity and long-term use.
• Choosing a system with no flexibility: Layout needs often change over time.