When it comes to relaxing in hot water filled tubs, two things usually come up – Hot Tubs and Jacuzzis. But you may be wondering, “what is the difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi?”. Is the difference the jets? Or maybe it’s to do with the temperature?
The difference between a hot tub and a Jacuzzi is nothing. They are both tubs, filled with hot water and made for relaxation, hydrotherapy and socialising. Jacuzzi is actually a brand name that specialises in hot tubs and other spa products. It can be a common misconception that the “Jacuzzi” element refers to the use of jets in the hot tub.
The simple answer to this is branding. Much like other brand names are synonymous with the product, such as Hoover or Sellotape.
Jacuzzi also has the benefit of inventing the initial concept of a “hot tub”. In 1968 Roy Jacuzzi invented the first integrated whirlpool bath which featured integrated air jets. This style of product has since become very popular and is now provided by brands all over the world.
Hot tubs are the common name for a large tub that is filled with hot water, often with jets, and is used for relaxation, hydrotherapy and socialising. The hot tub industry has developed considerably since 1968 and now has cutting edge technology and innovation, such as filters and customisable jets, involved in creating the best experience while keeping costs as low as possible. Hot tubs come in various sizes, fitting anywhere from 2 to 10+ people.
Simply put, not at all. As with all products and brands, there are pros and cons, and personal preference will play a large factor. Jacuzzi may have invented the hot tub, but that doesn’t mean the quality of other hot tub providers is lacking.
If we can be so bold, we believe in the quality of our hot tub products. And it’s not just us who think that, the massive array of awards we’ve won also attest to our passion for hot tubs, which is reflected in the quality of what we produce.
Another benefit of opting for a brand other than Jacuzzi can be the price tag. Because Jacuzzi has the name and brand power of being well-known, they can charge a premium. Choosing a different brand will likely save you money for the same level of quality.
Now that we’ve established Jacuzzi isn’t the only brand to shop for, what should you actually be looking for? Saving some money by not going for a Jacuzzi is great, but you don’t want to pick any old hot tub – especially if it’s considerably cheaper than a lot of others. You may end up paying more in the long term on running costs.
This arguably could be one of the most important things to look out for. A hot tub with quality insulation will retain much more heat, therefore keeping the water at temperature for longer. This means the heater uses less energy and your overall bills will be much cheaper.
Ideally, a hot tub with multiple different layers of insulation within the tub is what you should look for. Our hot tubs use our Platinum Premium Shield insulation, which works wonders in terms of heat retention.
Much like the insulation, a higher quality, thick cover will help massively with heat retention when the hot tub isn’t in use. The cover should also create a good seal with the tub when closed, as this prevents evaporation of the hot tub’s water.
Avoiding evaporation is important as it will alter the balance of chemicals to water. You can find more information on managing chemicals for your hot tub in our hot tub chemical guide.
This one should be obvious, if only 3 you will be using a hot tub regularly, you probably can avoid buying a hot tub made for 10. Finding the right sized hot tub will save you a lot of money, not just on initial purchase, but also in the running costs. A bigger hot tub means bigger bills.
A good estimate to use is around 250 litres of water per person, alternatively, some sites will have their ranges sorted by seating capacity. For example, our Deluxe Range caters for groups of 4 to 7 people.
Now for the fun part. You need to ask yourself, “what do I want from a hot tub?”. Maybe it’s for relaxing in the garden, perhaps it’s for socialising with friends. Whatever the reason, it will dictate what you need in a hot tub.
Air jets are pretty synonymous with hot tubs, and usually come as standard. However, different hot tubs will come with different jets. This could be the number of them, the positioning or the intensity of them.
Getting this right can really help with setting the right mood and utility of your hot tub. Especially if you want the jets to help massage away achy muscles after a day of exercise or work.
Is the idea of a late night soak appealing? Then, finding a hot tub that includes lighting could be a fun way to add some ambience, as well as being less harsh than a big outdoor light.
Some models of hot tubs will come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities, which are perfect for playing music from in-built speakers when sat in your hot tub. This is a great choice for those who like to have friends around and maybe enjoy some drinks in the tub. This alleviates the worry of having to balance and potentially damage a portable speaker when in the hot tub.
As we mentioned, Jacuzzi is just a brand of hot tub and just because the name is recognisable, it doesn’t mean you should pick it automatically.
As with any big purchase, we recommend doing your research into multiple providers and models of hot tub, and then compare their specifications to your list of needs. The most important thing about buying a hot tub is finding the right one for you. Additionally, finding a hot tub that won’t cost you an arm and a leg in bills every month is always a good thing.
If you need help finding or choosing a hot tub that meets your needs and is within your budget, get in touch with our team of experts. They’ll be more than happy to help you find the perfect hot tub for you.
When comparing hot tubs vs jacuzzis, a Jacuzzi is simply just a brand of hot tubs. So a hot tub and a Jacuzzi are the same thing. As with any brand, there are different features, pros and cons and differing price points depending on the model.
Instead of focussing on the brand name, we recommend instead looking at the features the hot tub comes with, as well as the quality of the build. Checking for things like good insulation and a quality cover should be high on the list of things to look out for.
Sitting in warm water can help to relax your body’s muscles, which can help to bring down swelling and loosen any tight muscles you might have. The buoyancy of water can also help to reduce the weight on any sore joints you might have.
Additionally, the relaxing nature of a hot tub can potentially help you to calm down and help to combat stress. It’s important to note that hot tubs shouldn’t be used instead of seeking professional medical advice.
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