What is the Difference Between Hot Tub and Jacuzzi?

Confused about hot tubs vs. Jacuzzis? Hot tubs are more affordable and customizable, while Jacuzzis offer a luxury experience with premium features.

If you want high-end hydrotherapy, go for a Jacuzzi. If you prefer flexibility and budget-friendly options, a hot tub is the better choice.

Consider your budget, space, and purpose—whether for relaxation, therapy, or entertainment—to find the right fit.

By considering these factors carefully, you’ll be able to select a product that enhances your lifestyle and meets your unique requirements. Check out for more about jacuzzi vs hottub.

What is the Difference Between a Hot Tub and a Jacuzzi?

A hot tub is a broad category of heated soaking vessels, which may or may not have jets. Jacuzzi is a brand known for jetted systems, but the term is often used generically for any jetted tub. The key distinction is branding vs. Product type, with “Jacuzzi” emphasizing jets and “hot tub” being a more general term.

The difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi lies in branding, features, and common usage:

Definition and Branding:

• Hot Tub: A generic term for a large, heated water vessel used for soaking, relaxation, or hydrotherapy. It can be portable or built-in, typically outdoors, and may include jets.
• Jacuzzi: A brand name that became synonymous with jetted tubs due to its pioneering role in developing hydrotherapy pumps. Technically, only products made by the Jacuzzi company are “Jacuzzis,” but the term is often used generically for any jetted tub.

Features:

• Hot Tubs: Range from simple, non-jetted designs to elaborate models with jets. Modern versions often include jets, but historically, some were basic soaking tubs.
• Jacuzzi: Implies the presence of water jets for massage or hydrotherapy. The brand popularized this feature, leading to the common association of “Jacuzzi” with jetted tubs.

Context and Usage:

• Hot Tubs: Usually outdoor, larger structures designed for social use or relaxation. They may be part of a spa setup.
• Jacuzzi: Can refer to both indoor jetted bathtubs and outdoor units. The term is often used colloquially to describe any jetted tub, regardless of brand.

Technical vs. Generic Use:

• While “Jacuzzi” is a specific brand, its name has been genericized (like “Kleenex” for tissues). Thus, people may call any jetted tub, a “Jacuzzi,” even if it’s not made by the company.

Key Differences Between a Hot Tub and a Jacuzzi:

Why the Confusion?

Jacuzzi’s innovative jet system made it synonymous with hydrotherapy, much like Kleenex with tissues. About 70% of people use “Jacuzzi” for any jet-powered hot tub, but not all hot tubs are Jacuzzis. The Jacuzzi brand stands out with unique features and design.

What is a Jacuzzi Hot Tub, Hot Tub, and Spa?

The highest level of luxury and therapeutic benefits can be found in a Jacuzzi Hot Tub, while regular hot tubs are simpler and more affordable for basic relaxation. Spas, on the other hand, offer a holistic wellness experience that goes beyond just water therapy.

What is a Jacuzzi Hot Tub?

A Jacuzzi Hot Tub is a premium brand that is known for its advanced hydrotherapy jets, high-quality materials, and luxurious design. The Jacuzzi brothers founded the brand in the 1950s, and it initially focused on producing hydrotherapy pumps for medical use.

Over the years, the brand has evolved, creating hydrotherapy hot tubs for home use that have become synonymous with relaxation and wellness. Key features include:

• Advanced Hydrotherapy Jets: Patented jets designed for targeted muscle relief and stress reduction.
• Premium Materials: High-end construction with durable acrylic and fiberglass for long-lasting performance.
• Innovative Design: Ergonomic seating, energy-efficient insulation, and stylish exteriors.
• Luxury Features: Many models include LED lighting, waterfalls, and state-of-the-art control systems.

What is a Hot Tub?

A hot tub refers to any water-filled, heated tub used for relaxation and hydrotherapy, regardless of the brand. The primary function of a hot tub is to provide a soothing, water-based experience for stress relief and muscle relaxation. Features typically include:

• Heated Water: Usually maintained between 100°F to 104°F (37°C to 40°C) to relax muscles and promote stress relief.
• Jets: Used to create massaging effects and target specific areas of the body for tension relief.
• Seating: Ergonomically designed to ensure comfort during prolonged soaking.

What is a Spa?

A spa is an all-encompassing wellness experience, combining water therapy with massages, steam treatments, and beauty services. Spas offer additional services like:

✔ Hydrotherapy: Similar to hot tubs, but often with more advanced systems like whirlpool baths and swim spas.
✔ Steam Rooms & Saunas: Heat therapies that promote detoxification, improve circulation, and relax muscles.
✔ Massage Therapies: Many spas feature hydro-massage beds, full-body massage jets, or professional massage services.
✔ Aesthetic & Wellness Treatments: Services like facials, body wraps, and skin care treatments, providing a holistic approach to relaxation and wellness.

Choosing the Right Option for You

• For Luxury & Advanced Therapy: A premium experience with advanced hydrotherapy jets, high-quality materials, and luxury features, a Jacuzzi Hot Tub is your ideal choice.
• For Basic Relaxation: A more budget-friendly, water-based experience with basic jets, a regular hot tub will meet your needs without the high-end features.
• For Full Wellness & Therapy: Just water therapy—like saunas, massages, or beauty treatments—a spa offers a broader range of services to support your overall wellness.

How Do You Choose Between a Hot Tub, Jacuzzi, and a Spa?

Choose based on needs and budget—hot tubs are affordable for relaxation, Jacuzzis offer luxury, and spas provide advanced hydrotherapy. Hot tubs and Jacuzzis allow flexible installation, while spas need more space and a custom setup.

1. Consider Your Intended Use: Relaxation, Therapy, or Entertainment

✅ Relaxation: For unwinding, both hot tubs & Jacuzzis offer soothing jets to ease stress. Jacuzzis provide high-end features for a premium experience.

💆 Therapy: If you need advanced hydrotherapy, spas offer massage jets, saunas, and steam rooms for full-body relief. Hot tubs & Jacuzzis help too, but spas provide broader treatments.

🎉 Entertainment: For socializing, larger hot tubs & Jacuzzis with extra seating, LED lighting, and sound systems make gatherings more fun!

2. Budget Considerations: Affordability vs. Premium Features

💰 Cost Comparison

🛁 Hot Tubs: $3,000 – $12,000 ✅ Budget-friendly with basic jets & heated water for relaxation.

💎 Jacuzzi: $5,000 – $15,000+ 🔥 Higher-end with advanced jets & luxury features for a premium soak.

🏨 Spas: $10,000 – $50,000+ 🌿 Top-tier wellness experience with steam rooms, saunas & full-body massage systems.

3. Space and Installation Considerations

📏 Space Requirements

🏡 Hot Tubs: ✅ Fits small to medium spaces, ideal for backyards & patios. Portable options available.

🌟 Jacuzzi: 🔥 Similar to hot tubs but often larger with premium features. Can be above-ground or in-ground.

🏨 Spas: 🌿 Require large spaces & custom installation, often including steam rooms & saunas.

4. Long-Term Considerations: Maintenance and Durability

🛠️ Maintenance & Durability

💧 Hot Tubs: 🏗️ Moderate upkeep, needs regular water treatment & filter cleaning. Lasts 5–10 years.

🔧 Jacuzzi: ⚡ Easier maintenance due to high-quality materials. Longer lifespan with proper care.

🛁 Spas: 🏆 High maintenance for steam, sauna, & hydrotherapy features. Durable but specialized care needed.

Hot Tub vs Jacuzzi vs Spa: Which One is Better for You?

🏆 Choosing the Right Option

💎 Jacuzzi: Best for luxury & advanced features.
💲 Hot Tub: Best for affordable relaxation.
🛁 Spa: Best for full-body therapy & wellness.

Pros and Cons of Each Option

Which One is Best for You?

Choose a Jacuzzi Hot Tub If:

• For a premium, luxury experience and are willing to invest in high-end features, sleek design, and long-term durability.
• You want advanced jet systems, customizable settings, and a brand you can trust for a soothing water experience.
• You have the space and budget for a top-tier product that offers both relaxation and therapeutic benefits.

Choose a Hot Tub If:

• A budget but still want to enjoy the relaxing benefits of a hot tub with jets.
• A smaller, more space-efficient option that’s easy to install and maintain.
• Main focus is relaxation and soaking without the need for extensive features like saunas or full-body treatments.

Choose a Spa If:

• Ultimate wellness experience that goes beyond relaxation, offering features like steam rooms, massage jets, and hydrotherapy.
• A larger budget and are prepared for the long-term investment required for high-end spa features and installation.
• A space dedicated to comprehensive therapy, offering full-body treatments in a professional-style setup.

Where to Buy a Jacuzzi Hot Tub and Hot Tub?

If you’re in the market for a Jacuzzi Hot Tub or a Hot Tub, you have a variety of options depending on your location, budget, and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of where to find these popular products, both online and through local retailers.

1. Buying a Jacuzzi Hot Tub

Jacuzzi is a premium brand known for its luxury hot tubs, and purchasing one requires careful consideration of quality, warranty, and customer support. You’ll want to buy from trusted sources that offer installation services, extended warranties, and maintenance support.

🛒 Where to Buy a Jacuzzi

✅ Official Jacuzzi® Website – Full range, exclusive features, and dealer locator.
🏪 Authorized Dealers – Expert advice, pro installation, and top-tier support.
🛍 Retailers & Online Stores – Available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wayfair, and Amazon (check for trusted sellers and warranty terms).

2. Buying a Hot Tub (Non-Jacuzzi)

🔥 Where to Buy Other Hot Tubs

🏠 Local Hot Tub Retailers – Visit showrooms for expert advice and installation guidance. Search “hot tub retailers near me” for nearby options.

🏬 Big Box Stores – Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club offer budget-friendly models, often with seasonal discounts.

🛒 Online Marketplaces – Amazon, Wayfair provide a wide selection, price comparisons, and customer reviews.

💎 Specialty Stores – Hot Tub Works, SpaDepot focus on premium hot tubs and spa equipment.

♻️ Secondhand Deals – Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace can have good finds, but always inspect before buying!

3. Important Considerations When Buying

What’s the Difference Between In-ground and Above-ground Hot Tubs or Jacuzzis?

When considering the best hot tub for your space, it’s essential to weigh both the short-term and long-term benefits. Whether you opt for the luxury and permanence of an in-ground hot tub or the flexibility and affordability of an above-ground model, both provide a wonderful way to enjoy relaxation and hydrotherapy in the comfort of your home.

1. In-ground Hot Tubs

In-ground hot tubs are permanently installed into the ground, just like an in-ground pool, offering a more luxurious and integrated appearance. Made from concrete, fiberglass, or gunite, which makes them highly customizable.

Key Benefits of In-ground Hot Tubs:

• Aesthetic Integration: Since in-ground hot tubs are built into your landscape, they can be designed to complement your backyard or patio, seamlessly blending with your pool or garden.
• Customization: You can choose the shape, size, and design of your hot tub to fit your specific needs, often adding features like waterfalls, LED lights, and built-in seating.
• Long-Term Value: In-ground models can increase your property value, especially if designed with high-end materials and professional landscaping.
• Durability: Made with sturdy, long-lasting materials, it can withstand harsh weather conditions and regular use over time.

Considerations for In-ground Hot Tubs:

• Installation Time and Cost: Installation requires professional work and can take anywhere from several weeks to months depending on the complexity of the design. The costs range from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the size, materials, and customization.
• Maintenance: Being built into the ground, in-ground hot tubs may require more regular maintenance for plumbing, electrical systems, and landscaping upkeep.
• Permanent: Once installed, an in-ground hot tub is not easily movable. It is a permanent feature of your property, which can limit flexibility in the future.

2. Above-ground Hot Tubs

Are portable and can be placed anywhere on your property, making them a popular choice for those looking for flexibility and lower upfront costs. Made from acrylic, rotomolded plastic, or wood, and they sit on the surface of the ground.

Key Benefits of Above-ground Hot Tubs:

• Lower Cost: Generally more affordable, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Installation is easy and completed in a matter of hours or days.
• Portability: One of the main benefits is that they are movable, making them ideal for renters or those who may want to relocate or redesign their outdoor space.
• Easier Maintenance: Easier to access for maintenance and repairs. If something breaks, parts are often simpler to replace or repair.
• Quick Setup: Since they don’t require excavation or specialized plumbing, much quicker to install and ready for use sooner.

Considerations for Above-ground Hot Tubs:

• Aesthetic Impact: Above-ground models are sleek and stylish, they don’t blend into the landscape as seamlessly as in-ground models. They may look more like a standalone fixture in your yard.
• Limited Customization: Above-ground are often less customizable in terms of size and shape, with fewer design options compared to in-ground units.
• Shorter Lifespan: While durable, the lifespan may not be as long as in-ground ones. They are also more susceptible to wear and tear from weather conditions.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which One is Right for You?

• In-ground hot tubs are perfect for those who want a luxurious, permanent addition to their property and are willing to invest in a high-quality, customizable spa experience.
• Above-ground hot tubs are better for those looking for a more affordable, flexible, and quick solution with less hassle and a lower upfront investment.