Hot tub vs Jacuzzi, what’s the difference?
What’s in a name? It’s all the same, right? The difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi could be something or nothing. When trying to find the correct product, chemical, part, or service things can get a little confusing, so let’s break down the differences.
What is a Hot Tub?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a hot tub as:
“A large (frequently outdoor) bath filled with hot aerated water, used by one or more people for recreation or physical therapy”
A pretty accurate definition - and one that could be applied to hot tubs and spas across the industry. Hot tubs come in all shapes and sizes, from free-standing acrylic shell hot tubs, to custom built tiled versions, or even wood burning spas.
The main aspect, and main benefits of having a hot tub, being warm jetted water for relaxation or therapy. We could probably define the most common type of hot tub further by saying it’s a continuously heated, filtered and treated body of water, with jetted massage feature, insulated to keep the heat in, ready for use on demand for relaxation, recreation and therapy.
So…what is a Jacuzzi then?
That depends…
Jacuzzi is a brand, and is often used interchangeably with the phrase “Hot Tub”, much in the same way many people refer to vacuum cleaners as “Hoovers”. A Hoover is, technically, a specific branded vacuum cleaner. Same goes for Velcro and Jet Ski! ...Imagine the frustration of Dyson. Yeah, we feel that way as a Hydropool dealer.
When somebody refers to a Jacuzzi they could be talking a specific brand of hot tub, or hot tubs in general but, Jacuzzi don’t just manufacture hot tubs, they also manufacture:
- Baths
- Jetted baths
- Sinks
- Showers
- Toilets
- Saunas
- Massage chairs
- Taps
- Medicine cabinets
- Mirrors
- Towel racks
- Toilet roll holders
- ….the list goes on
So Hydropool Doesn't Sell Jacuzzis?
Hydropool has been specialising in the pool and spa industry from 1970, and solely manufacturing hot tubs and swim spas since 1978 - we are proud to call our hot tubs by their name… hot tubs.
While we aren’t trying to sell customers non-slip bath mats or toilets every time they walk in looking for a “Jacuzzi”, separating the two terms can go a long way for future reference.
What’s the Actual Difference?
All in all, there is no major difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi specific hot tub, aside from brand specific features, styling, quality etc. The most important distinction to remember is that "hot tub" is the generic term for the product, and Jacuzzi is a brand name.
However, if you’re searching to buy a hot tub, and want to shop around, googling “Jacuzzis for sale near me” is only going to show you…you guessed it; Jacuzzi brand hot tubs - meaning you may miss out on other high quality brands or better deals.
If you already own a different hot tub brand and you’re looking for parts, services and information, searching or even talking to a local spa technician, by telling them you have a “Jacuzzi” you may be setting yourself up for disaster, as they will require completely different parts, or may not even be serviced by somebody who works with different brands.
We’ve also had our fair share of people calling for a Jacuzzi repair, only to find out they have a broken Jacuzzi bathtub in their new house and don’t know how to get it working!
Hot Tub vs Jacuzzi Cost
Jacuzzi is one of the top hot tub manufacturers, alongside Hydropool. While you may find cheaper hot tubs out there, they cannot compete in the quality and manufacturing of these top brands. So while there is a wide range in other hot tub costs - spending the extra pounds to get a well insulated, well manufactured spa by the likes of Hydropool or Jacuzzi would be well worth the investment.
Conclusion
All in all there isn’t much in the way of differences between “hot tubs” by and large and “jacuzzi” but, for success in finding the best hot tub to suit your needs, your better off using the more generic term “hot tub” - because you never know, you could end up with a toilet brush. Interested in learning more about our Hydropool Self-Cleaning Hot Tub Collection, which studies show are the most energy efficient spas on the UK Market? Give us a ring!
Featured Image Source: Canva
