Is a Hot Tub a jacuzzi?
If you have recently begun online shopping for a hot tub, you may be wondering if a hot tub is a jacuzzi or if a spa is a hot tub and so on. With so much different terminology being used, it can get confusing pretty quick. After all, they all seem to be similar tubs of hot water with massage jets, right? In the article below we will explain the difference between a hot tub, spa, and jacuzzi.
Hot Tubs
Back in the day, the term hot tub was just to refer to the round, wooden shaped tubs that held a water tank with a few jets and a heater to control the temperature. As the industry developed and more design features were added, such as pumps, filters, customizable jets and so on, these units began to be referred to as ‘spas.’
The appearance of hot tubs began to change as well. More manufacturers started producing spas built out of molded fibreglass and thermoplastic shells. The shape also changed from the circular wooden barrel look to square or rectangular sizes that accommodated different numbers of people.
While manufacturers may have started advertising their units as spas instead of hot tubs, the term is often used interchangeably and essentially means the exact same thing. It basically comes down to just preference. Some people think of fancy day spas when they hear the word spa and think that hot tub better describes a personal, backyard model whereas other people like the word spa as they feel it better describes the massage and hydrotherapy benefits.
What is Jacuzzi?
A Jacuzzi is a brand name of a hot tub. The two founders were Italian brothers that had designed a pump that could be placed over the side of a bathtub that could produce a whirlpool effect. Several years later, they began producing their line of hot tubs, which become well known all over the world. Their product became so well known, that like ‘kleenex’, people started using the brand name to refer to the general product. Often, if someone uses the term Jacuzzi, they may be referring to the brand of hot tub that they have, or they may just be using the term incorrectly.
Manufacturer Quality Matters
No matter what you decide to call your hot tub, the most important part is to ensure that you choose a quality, well-made unit from a reputable manufacturer and dealer. Hot tubs have a number of wonderful health and wellness benefits, but in order to maximize your usage, you want a unit that is easy to clean, low on energy costs and that will not quickly break down and require costly repairs. The three most important factors for you to consider before buying a hot tub are the jets, the insulation, and the warranty. Here is what you should check for each:
Spa Jets - It is not the number of jets but instead the technology of the jets which is what will deliver a satisfying, therapeutic hydrotherapy massage. Look for hot tubs that have different styles of jets and ones that are customizable. If you are able to adjust the water pressure, direction and massage programs, you will be able to select the perfect massage that is targeted to where your body needs it the most.
Insulation - A really important factor in hot tub quality is insulation. Not only is a well-insulated hot tub typically quieter, but it will save you money as well. Properly insulated hot tubs will trap heat and reuse energy produced by the motor. This will keep your water at an ideal temperature ready to be enjoyed at any time and also will only cost about the same as buying a cup of coffee each day to run.
Warranty - Buying a hot tub is a significant investment, so you want to make sure that it is protected. Ask questions and make sure that your model is backed by a superior warranty that will cover not just the shell, plumbing, and equipment, but also the cost of labor and transport to and from your home for repairs.
Now that you know that spa and jacuzzi are just other terms for hot tubs but even more importantly, you know what to look out for when you buy your hot tub, you can start shopping! Download our hot tub buyer’s guide for plenty of helpful information.