When it comes to relaxing in a jet-powered tub filled with hot water, we’ve no doubt that two well-known options usually spring to mind first – hot tubs and Jacuzzis.

But while both are excellent options for enjoying the benefits of hydrotherapy and taking a dip at home with friends and family, you could be forgiven for thinking that these types of tubs were one and the same, but there is a subtle difference between the two that might make you choose one over the other.

If you’re unsure of the difference between a hot tub vs a jacuzzi, or you’re struggling to choose between the two, take a look at our guide below to learn more about what sets them apart.

What is a hot tub?

To begin with, let’s start by defining what a hot tub and jacuzzi are before touching on their main difference – starting with hot tubs first.

Hot tubs are the common name given to a large, waterproof tub, often made with in-built jets, that is then filled with hot water and used for relaxation, hydrotherapy, and socialising purposes.

They come in all manner of sizes, each of which can seat varying numbers of people, and are often equipped with several modern technological additions that allow you to customise your bathing experience.

What is a jacuzzi?

Much like a hot tub, a jacuzzi is also a large, waterproof tub equipped with jets that is filled with hot water, the only difference being that jacuzzi is a brand name that’s become synonymous with hot tubs, rather than an entirely different type of bathing space.

In other words, if you’re buying a hot tub or a jacuzzi, you’re essentially buying the same thing. The only difference is in what sort of features your hot tub will have, as a jacuzzi hot tub may have different components from other brands.

Why is Jacuzzi so well-known?

The simple answer to this is branding. Much like other well-known UK names, such as Rolls Royce and Kit Kat, whose brand names are synonymous with their products, the Jacuzzi name benefitted from the advantage of inventing the initial concept of a “hot tub” all the way back in 1968, hence why it stands out as a hot tub style all of its own.

Are Jacuzzi hot tubs better?

For the most part, no, there is nothing that sets a Jacuzzi hot tub apart from any other hot tub brand. As with all products, each brand will have its pros and cons, and personal preference will play a large factor in your purchase. But while Jacuzzi may have invented the hot tub, that doesn’t mean the quality of other hot tub providers is lacking.

For example, one major benefit of opting for a brand other than Jacuzzi could be the price tag. Because Jacuzzi has the name and brand power of being well-known, they can charge a premium, whereas choosing a different brand will likely save you money for the same level of quality.

What should you look for in a hot tub?

Now that we’ve established the difference between a hot tub and a jacuzzi, let’s briefly touch on what you should actually be looking for when investing in a hot tub purchase. Because while saving some money by not going for a Jacuzzi is great, you don’t want to pick any old hot tub – especially if it’s considerably cheaper than a lot of others.

Here are our top recommendations for what to look for when buying your first hot tub:

1. Hot tub insulation

Arguably one of the most important things to look out for when picking any hot tub, the higher the density and quality of the insulation found inside your tub’s framework, the better it will be at retaining heat and maintaining a consistent water temperature over longer periods.

This in turn also means that your heater will be on for shorter periods of time with each use and using less energy overall, helping you to save money on your overall hot tub energy bills.

2. A good hot tub cover

Much like the insulation, a higher quality, thicker hot tub cover will help massively with heat retention when your hot tub isn’t in use. A cover should create a solid seal with the tub’s frame when closed, preventing evaporation and keeping the heat in.

Avoiding evaporation is especially important as losing water will alter the balance of your hot tub chemicals mixture, forcing you to balance the pH of your hot tub more often and buy additional hot tub sanitiser chemicals.

3. Hot tub size

Naturally, this factor should be a pretty obvious consideration – if only 3 people will be using your hot tub regularly, then there is absolutely no point in buying a hot tub made for 10.

Finding the right-sized hot tub will save you a lot of money, not just on your initial purchase, but also on future running costs. A bigger hot tub means bigger bills, so you want to be sure you’re picking a size that best suits your bathing needs.

A good estimate is to use 250 litres of water per person as a baseline, and then calculate how much water you’ll need based on your number of intended users. Once you have this, you can narrow down the size of the hot tub you might want to buy.

4. Hot tub features

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 features you want your tub to come with:

  • Jets – an essential feature of any hot tub, air jets almost always come as standard with any tub. However, different tubs naturally come with different types, numbers, and layouts of jets for differing bathing experiences. Thus, getting your jets right can really help with setting the mood and establishing the utility of your hot tub, especially if you want your jets to help massage away achy muscles after a day of exercise or work.
  • Lights – if the idea of a late-night soak appeals to you, then finding a hot tub that includes unique lighting could be a fun way to add some much-needed ambience while bathing.
  • Wi-Fi/Bluetooth – nowadays there are many models of hot tubs that come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities built-in, making your hot tub capable of playing music from internal 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, and it alleviates the worry of having to balance and potentially damage a portable speaker when using your tub.

Find your perfect hot tub with Platinum Spas

So, now you know the difference between a hot tub and a jacuzzi, and what you should be considering when you start looking for your first hot tub purchase.

As with any big purchase, we recommend doing your research into multiple providers and models of hot tubs and then comparing their specifications to your list of needs. The most important thing about buying a hot tub is finding the right one for you.

And if a high-quality hot tub at a great price is what you’re after, then look no further than the Platinum Spas range!

Designed with modern hot tub technology in mind and built to exacting standards, our Platinum Spas hot tubs are some of the best in the industry, and the extensive array of awards we’ve won also attest to our passion for hot tubs, which is reflected in the quality of what we produce. To view our hot tubs and swim spas in person, why not book an appointment at your nearest hot tub showroom? And for more advice on hot tub maintenance and care, be sure to visit our hot tub owners’ hub for more guides.

Sarah Watkins
Latest posts by Sarah Watkins (see all)

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