Interested in adding an area of relaxation to your household? Soaking in hot water, surrounded by massaging jets is a great way to unwind and relax each evening, but which product is best for you? Hot tubs and jacuzzis both offer this awesome experience, but narrowing down your choices and determining what does what can get a bit overwhelming.
If you have ever wondered what the difference between a hot tub and a jacuzzi is, then this article is for you. Below we’ve defined each and provided what they are best for so you can determine how they would fit into your home or yard for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Pros and Cons of Hot tubs and Jacuzzis
Hot Tub
Peter Schulz via https://unsplash.com/photos/OXU898V4WWg
- Many options and models to choose from
- Various brands from which to pick from
- Personalized comfort and sizing options
- The dozens of brands to sift through can make finding a quality item difficult
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Jacuzzi
Jamie Fenn via https://unsplash.com/photos/spBJSPLeA0k
- Wide range of styles to choose from
- Leading brand name in the hot tub industry
- Personalized comfort and sizing options
- Jacuzzi name is often unrecognized as a quality name
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What is a Hot Tub
Image Credits: Pezibear from Pixabay
Technically defined, a hot tub is a pool of hot water used for hydrotherapy or pleasure. They used to be made only of wood and used a wood-burning fire to heat it in an of doors location. Often used interchangeably with the term ‘spa’, a hot tub now is still generally a rounded tub with simple seating and a few jets to keep the water circulating.
Some people argue a spa comes in various shapes with various seating options, as well as levels of jet control- leaving the tub a bit more simplified in nature. But advancements in technology, types of hot tub design, and other various additions have more or less combined the two terms to allow their use in reference to one another.
Hot tubs often have lighting features and may include waterfalls, audio systems, and massaging jets. They are also popular for socialization, soaking after a workout, and pain relief.
Types
Tubs come in a wide variety of different shapes. Traditional rounded or hexagonal shapes are still popular, but you can easily find rectangular options, as well as corner tubs, or more specialized shapes for customized fits. In general, they are defined by the material used. This includes:
Unicast or Roto-Molded
These are strong and durable and can include custom seating options. They often are sold as plug and play options, that allow you to plug them into a standard home outlet, making them perfect for placement both in and out of doors.
Acrylic
Acrylic tubs are the most popular for a more permanent option and usually require professional installation. They come in a wide variety of choices and include custom seating.
Vinyl
Vinyl tubs are plug-and-play models that you can place just about anywhere as they are easy to inflate and are surprisingly durable. They don’t heat well in below-freezing temperatures but are excellent solutions for those on a budget.
Maintenance
Hot tub maintenance requires regular checking of chemical levels, pH, and alkalinity, and a chemical chock at least once a week. They also should be emptied every few months and scrubbed out well. This is because the water in a tub is supposed to stay in it year-round, which can create all sorts of bacterial issues if not properly maintained. Luckily, the task is easy and not at all time-consuming for regular maintenance.
What to Watch For
Hot tub ownership can get costly through the years. It is basically pulling electricity almost constantly, plus you have to keep up with the chemical additions for safety purposes. If you have a plug-and-play, it may not heat water as effectively as a more permanent installation- but that does require professional installation costs as well. Permanent tubs cannot go with you if you ever move either.
What is a Jacuzzi
Dimitris Kiriakakis via https://unsplash.com/photos/uuvue8CnM6E
A Jacuzzi is a hot tub brand that began when the Jacuzzi brothers invented an underwater pump to help relieve pain in arthritic patients. Inspired by one of their own child’s struggles with rheumatoid arthritis and the relief he experienced with hydrotherapy, the first step to our modern-day hot tub was born.
Today the Jacuzzi brand offers a wide range of hot tubs, swim spas, bathroom tubs, and wellness products. Their designs have inspired countless other brands within a competitive market of creature comforts.
Types
The brand offers a wide range of styles to fit the needs of its consumers. Tubs are available for 2 to 3 person seating, or 6 to 9, depending on what you are looking for. They offer a huge range of styles for both indoor and outdoor use, many of which include lounge seating, lighting, customized massaging jet experiences, as well as many other options for your personal pleasure.
Maintenance
Jacuzzi’s are made to be maintained like any other hot tub option as described above. The company offers detailed information about their own brand maintenance as well as their own line of chemical care.
What to Watch For
As with any tub buying experience, you want to ensure you are buying the best option for your needs. The wide range offered by the company allows you to browse dozens of various styles, sizes, and models for this reason.
Conclusion
If you ever have wondered about the difference between a Jacuzzi vs a hot tub, now your answer is clear. The Jacuzzi brand has spent many years trying to keep the watering down of their name from occurring, as it is important to note the quality difference they offer compared to the many others on the market.
If you have any further questions or comments, please let us know. And, as always, please share.