Categories: Hot Tubs

Hot Tub vs Jacuzzi – What’s the Difference?

People often ask experts like me the difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi, and what is better? The two terms are interchangeable, and it is natural to get confused – so, what is a hot tub, and how does it differ from a Jacuzzi? 

In this article, I will not only explain the difference between the two but also answer the following questions:

And in the end, particularly for those who are thinking about buying a hot tub, I will tell you about the must-have features of hot tubs which prove to be good bonuses.

Difference between a hot tub and Jacuzzi

Sometimes hot tubs are also called spas and are popularly known by their trade name Jacuzzi. To understand the difference between a hot tub and Jacuzzi, it is important to know what a hot tub is.


Aqua Rest 300  — Ferrari in the world of hot tubs | Read Research


Definition of a hot tub

Jacuzzi
Hot tub

As an expert, I tell laymen that a hot tub is a small pool or a large tub filled with water which is used for hydrotherapy, spa, pleasure, and recreation. The water is maintained at a controlled temperature that can be changed as desired.

The word “jacuzzi” has two meanings. Jacuzzi is a synonym of a hot tub, and also the name of a firm (Jacuzzi LLC) that produces hot tubs (and where I worked for more than a decade).

It is common to use the brand name to define some products as most of the people today say Kleenex while mentioning any brand of tissue or Jello when someone wants to refer to a gelatin brand. Or when you say “xerox”, you usually mean a photocopier. But Xerox is also a name for a corporation that manufactures photocopiers.

So when people say “my jacuzzi” they mean “my hot tub”. Sometimes their hot tub would be manufactured by Jacuzzi LLC, sometimes not, but it doesn’t matter. The two terms, when used casually, mean basically the same thing – a hot tub.

I know there are different kinds of hot tubs and it’s easy to feel lost. So, I would like to share some findings of my team’s research that will help you make an informed buying decision:

AquaRest 300 Premium

The winner in the categories of “capacity”, “thick and stable construction”, “saves energy”, and 4 other categories that are important for hot tub owners, making it a true Ferrari in the hot tub world (read research)

Bestway Hawaii

(equivalent to Coleman SaluSpa)
The best choice at an affordable price for family use or for parties. Thanks to its square shape, it is more spacious than a round spa, and it is more comfortable to sit in
(read research)

Hot tub features: must–have and bonus

We have designed hot tubs with various features and attributes; some of them come with the basic features while some are designed by adding extra features to this amazing product. There are different models with remarkable options added to the hot tub such as the jet packages, light, and sound system. Same as car models, I also add different features to every single model to customize it in the product line.

Must-have Features

Jets
Slip-resistive acrylic surface
Moveable hot tub cover
High-density foam insulation
Water heating system
Filtration and sanitation system for water storage
Superior insulation for electricity saving
Pumps for water boosting
Water purification system for the hot tub
Warranty

Bonus features of the hot tub

Digital control systems
Bluetooth
Massage jets with adjustable flow
LED system
Sound system with waterproof woofers
Touch screen controls
High water flow therapy
Wireless headsets
Additional lighting
Extreme therapy seat for full body massage
Orbit jets for adjustable velocity
Wi-Fi module to remotely control
Noise reduction system
Master blaster foot therapy

Are original Jacuzzi tubs worth it?

Although the price is higher than other brands but Jacuzzi is an investment that no one would regret in their life. It offers a complete line of state-of-the-art hot tubs. For me, Jacuzzi is the brand of hot tubs that has almost 3 decades of revolution and privatization and it holds expertise, technology, and style of its own.

Source: Pinterest

So would you like to make an investment in a Ferrari manufactured by Ferrari or by Renault? Similarly, if you want to buy a MacBook you would buy the one manufactured by Apple or the one by Lenovo? There, you have it: there is no difference between a Jacuzzi and a hot tub, but the Jacuzzi is a classic luxury.

During my experience of designing hot tubs, I have seen customers get the utmost satisfaction from their hot tubs regardless of the manufacturer. I am glad to state that now you don’t have to spend a fortune to get all those benefits from a hot tub. My team and I are researching the market and looking for the best solutions for a variety of needs.


Here is a selection of the results of such researches:

ARIEL Platinum — Best One Person | Read Research

QCA Spas Sicily — Best For 2 Persons | Read Research

Aqua Rest 300  — Ferrari in the world of hot tubs | Read Research

The Best and The Worst Hot Tubs Under 500 | Read Resesrch

Top-5 Inflatable Hot Tubs | Read Resesrch


More about Jacuzzi brand

Jacuzzi is a company that manufactures hot tub spas and whirlpool bathtubs. Jacuzzi rose to the heights of fame with an ever-growing number of users worldwide. The actual benefits of using Jacuzzi can only be better explained by the customers who are using it for pain relief and invest in this luxurious asset for living a fuller life.

Home page of Jacuzzi LLC’s website

Source: Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi Brothers (Company’s history)

The company started as the Jacuzzi Bros Propellers. It was founded by the 7 Italian brothers in 1915 headed by the Giocondo Jacuzzi; it is a California-based organization. Wooden propellers under military contracts were made by the Jacuzzi brothers. 

The brothers shuffled briefly in 1920 with aircraft manufacture and designs having a seven-seat and single-seat cabin monoplane. These two aircraft were prominent for the use of laminated wood products for the fuselage production, unfortunately, they were unsuccessful because each aircraft was unique and not manufactured with the aim of mass production. The pilot Giocondo Jacuzzi and two employees of the company were killed when their plane got crashed in Modesto.

Jacuzzi single-seat monoplane, 1920
Source: Bayou Renaissance Man

Later Candido Enzo Jacuzzi invented Jacuzzi whirlpool bath for his son who by birth was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. He built a pump that enabled an immovable waterspout in the bathroom in the form of a hydrotherapeutic device. He designed the first-ever autonomous Jacuzzi tub and he was the first patent filer in this niche.


Find out 10 Reasons Why People Buy Hot Tubs


In 1968, it was marketed as the first hydrotherapy tub by Candido Jacuzzi. Later in 1970, it was bought by Kiddie who hired Roy Jacuzzi, and he began to claim that he was the one to invent Jacuzzi. Jacuzzi’s website history was modified and Roy came to be known as the inventor. With a new president in charge, 30 years’ history got modified and the original patent was licensed to the Jacuzzi Corporation. The first product of Jacuzzi was a portable hydrotherapy unit that could be assembled in the bathroom. Later on, the jet which was used in the portable unit was merged with the swimming pool’s wall. Furthermore, it also got adapted as a fiberglass bathtub. It got registered with a federal trademark as Jacuzzi Inc. on 5th September 1978.

Source: Pinterest

Jacuzzi vs other hot tub brands

It’s clear that not all the hot tubs are made by Jacuzzi. Hot tubs come with various features and benefits and every manufacturer tries to include distinctive features to make their hot tub stand out from the others available in the market.

Not because I have worked in Jacuzzi but hot tub users from all over the world know the value of Jacuzzi although the price is high yet the company’s experience, product quality, and position in the market justify its price.


How Long Will a Typical Hot Tub Last?


Some famous ones: Hot Spring Sundance Spas Royal Parcevian MAAX VITA Spa PDC Spas Coast Spas Hydro Pool Viking Spas Marquis Master Spas

Jacuzzi

The company was established in 1956 and their different models range within the price of $5995 to $18800. The warranty of their products varies from country to country; some models have shell structure with a 10-years warranty, 7-years for the surface, 5-year equipment control, and plumbing. Customers have given Jacuzzi 5-star rating for its excellent performance and perfection with outstanding features and the pleasure it gives after a long hectic day of work.

Just like Jacuzzi, there are various other hot tub brands as well; some famous ones are listed below:

Marquis Spas

The company first started to work in 1980. For warranty, an owner’s protection plan is given with a price range of $5150 to $8895. Customers have shown satisfaction for their experience with Marquis Spas and the features are great but some extra effort is required for its maintenance.

Source: Pool life

Sundance Spa

The company started working in this industry in 1979 and the hot tubs can be bought within a price range of $5600 to $16890. The warranty offered for hot tubs depends upon the country and the series of hot tubs they have manufactured; the warranty given for some series varies for plumbing, cabinets, shell surface and jets. Customers have reviewed Sundance Spa to be a good companion for an average time of more than ten years with minimum repairs.

Hot Spring

Hot Springs was established in 1977. The hot tubs price range is $5995-$13995 with warranties of 7 years for surface and 5 years for components heater, while there is no cabinet and leak warranty. Their customers have shown their dissatisfaction due to the failure in the system after 6 months or so; after this period, the customers have to use some other techniques to make it work because of no suitable warranty for fixing.

Why do people buy hot tubs?

People often ask me — Is it worth buying a hot tub?

My short answer — Of course!

There is no reason to hold back from buying a hot tub, especially if you can afford it. Hot tubs make a real difference in your life by bringing in a sense of relaxation every time you take a dip as well as an infrared sauna. Lying down in the hot tub or Jacuzzi is more of a therapy than a luxury; this simple ritual can save you from multiple trips to your doctor, spa visits, excessive medication, and physiotherapy. If you are still unsure, find a public jacuzzi or spa center in your city and give jacuzzis a try (but make sure it’s properly operated).

My detailed answer 10 Reasons Why You Definitely Should Buy a Hot Tub

Health benefits of hot tubs

My team and I have carried out extensive research to highlight how a hot tub can impact general health and one’s well-being. As a result, we got the most complete list (over 40 points) of hot tub health benefits, that have been confirmed by doctors and proved through scientific research.

Click to read: How a hot tub impacts your health

Source: Pinterest

How does a hot tub work?

In my designs of hot tubs, there are three main connections of the jets in a hot tub: it includes an air mixture outlet, air-inlet, and water-inlet. Hot tub pressure pumps push the water into the jet until it flows out from the front side. The air gets mixed with the pressurized water stream with the use of venturi – it is a small hole in the jet from where the water gets directed.


Discover: Best hot tubs for 2 people and how much they cost in 2021


While using a hot tub you will first choose the action you want the hot tub to perform for you from the control system. Water gets circulated through the spa pump, it pushes the water through the filter, where the water gets filtered. Once filtered, the water gets pushed with the drainage system through the spa Ozonator and is forced from the spa jets.

Source: Pinterest

OK, as some of you may already know, hot tubs and Jacuzzis refer to the same thing. But, the difference lies in a hot tub and a bathtub. Let me tell you the main differences.

Hot tubs and Baths are Different

Hot tubs and baths have some critical differences like baths are ideal for single-person usage while hot tubs are designed for simultaneous use by multiple people. There are numerous models by different manufacturers that are capable of accommodating more than four people. 

The water inside the hot tub doesn’t need to be changed with every single use, as is the practice with bathtubs.

Most of the time, hot tubs are installed in the outdoor area, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t be installed inside. They are weather-proof and can be used anywhere.


Read: How to Pick & Prepare a Place for a Hot Tub


Another difference between hot tubs and baths is the use of shampoos and soaps which is not an issue in a bathtub but can cause issues in a hot tub. 

Sanitization methods for hot tubs are similar to the ones used for the sanitation of swimming pools. 

So hot tubs and Jacuzzis are the same with no difference at all, but hot tubs and bathtubs are different.

FAQ

⚔️What is the difference between a hot tub and a jacuzzi?

The word “jacuzzi” has two meanings. Jacuzzi is a synonym of a hot tub, and also the name of a firm (Jacuzzi LLC) that produces hot tubs. It’s like when you say “xerox”, you usually mean a photocopier. But, Xerox is also a name for a corporation that manufactures photocopiers.

👽Is a Jacuzzi a good hot tub?

Customers have given the Jacuzzi a 5-star rating for its excellent performance and perfection with its outstanding features and the pleasure it gives after a long hectic day of work. Some models have a shell structure with a 10-years warranty, 7-years for the surface, and 5-year equipment control and plumbing.

💡What is the point of a hot tub?

The top-3 reasons to use a hot tub:

– Utmost comfort
– Hydrotherapy benefits
– Induces deep and sound sleep

⚒ How does a hot tub work?

There are three main connections of the jets in a hot tub: it includes an air mixture outlet, an air-inlet, and a water-inlet. Hot tub pressure pumps push the water into the jets until it flows out from the front side. The air gets mixed with the pressurized water stream with the use of venturi – it is a small hole in the jet from where the water gets directed.

🧘‍♀️ How to relax your muscles in a jacuzzi?

You need to sit comfortably to receive a good massage from the water jets. A hot tub decreases the pain or stress in the joints exerted on the body. A hot tub is also effective in relieving arthritis pain.

🛁 Are original Jacuzzi tubs worth it?

A Jacuzzi is an investment that no one would regret in their life. It offers a complete line of state-of-the-art hot tubs. Jacuzzi is the brand of hot tubs that has almost 3 decades of revolution and privatization and it holds expertise, technology, and a style of its own.

Source

1. Reddit. Friday clean and set up

2. Dan Shumaker2. Jacuzzi J-7 Reo

3. Jacuzzi. At the heart of wellness

4. Jacuzzi. Hot Tubs

5. Reuters. Jacuzzi Brands Is Going Private

David McConaghy

David is a professional psychiatrist, a graduate of the University of Oregon. In 2019, David has opened his private practice, providing a wide range of psychotherapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples and families. One of the areas of Dr. McConaghy’s scientific research is the effects of hydrotherapy on psychological wellbeing. David is an active media contributor and has co-Founded ByRossi, an online journal where he shares his expertise in psychology and hydrotherapy.

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