What is the difference between a Hot Tub and a Jacuzzi?

You may have heard the words hot tub and jacuzzi used to mutually describe a home spa, but is there actually a difference between them? Well, the simple answer is yes. A hot tub is the generic term for the home spa, whereas a jacuzzi is an actual brand. Similar to how people in the UK use Hoover in place of vacuum.

What is a hot tub?

A hot tub is usually defined as a tub of heated water (hence the name!) that is fitted with both a filtration system and hydrotherapy or massage jets. You can use the term “spa” to refer to a hot tub, although if you wanted to be particularly precise, a hot tub is usually freestanding, and a spa is more often than not built into the ground. 

Even though a hot tub may seem like an outdoor bath, they are definitely not used for washing! Instead, they are used for relaxation, socialising and health reasons.

Hot tubs are generally for outside use, although most people will have them installed under a gazebo or roofing of some sort and they come in a range of sizes, from 2-person seating to 8-person seating. 

One of the main benefits of a hot tub is that they are almost entirely self-contained, all you need is easy access to a power outlet and installing it within the range of your hosepipe!

Hot tubs can be a permanent fixture, or you can choose a portable, inflatable option. Hard-shell hot tubs are installed with a permanent base and cannot be moved, and although they are more expensive than inflatable hot tubs, they usually come with integrated features such as wi-fi, lighting, sound and are properly insulated against the elements. This means they are available for use all year, especially if purchased with a gazebo. Please see our blog Looking for Hot Tub Gazebos? for more information. They can be made using a variety of materials, but if you are looking for a long-lasting hot tub, then it is best to choose one made from acrylic, plastic, or wood.  

Inflatable hot tubs are cheaper than their permanent, hard-shelled counterparts and are far easier to maintain. They are also portable which is a huge advantage in the colder months! They do still need to be set up on a flat base and they come with an external heater so you must be careful of where you place them, but they are still comfortable, and you can accessorise with lights or portable sound system so you still can socialise and relax like you would with a permanent hot tub. 

It is important to consult a hot tub installer before purchasing any hot tub, as they will be able to advise on the best place to situate a hot tub and whether there needs to be further base support or drainage options in place. If you have a solid, level, surface that will take the weight of your desired hot tub, then you will generally find they can go almost anywhere!

The next thing to consider is where to buy your hot tub. We highly recommend visiting a dedicated hot tub retailer, as not only will they have the largest available range of hot tubs for you to choose from, but they also have experienced members of staff that can help you with any questions you may have. Here in Yorkshire, we have the wonderful hot tubs & living, so why not visit their Showroom in York? Or you can browse their website and use the online customer service support to answer your queries.  

Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi is a hot tub manufacturer. The term “jacuzzi” does not refer to a specific sort of hot tub or spa and is simply the brand name that has become synonymous with hot tubs.

The reason for this is because they were actually the first manufacturer of hot tubs and before hot tubs grew in popularity, they were often the only hot tub brand that most people had heard of. They offer a range of domestic and commercial hot tubs and manufacturer hot tubs that can seat up to 9 people, which is the upper end of the scale. 

So, if you hear someone refer to a hot tub as a Jacuzzi, you now know that they may be using it as a generic term, or they may genuinely own a Jacuzzi!

Hot tubs from Hot tubs & Living

Even though Jacuzzi may be the hot tub brand name you have heard of, at Hot Tubs & Living, they have a fabulous range of branded hot tubs for you to enjoy, accommodating every budget, every style, and every space.  

Not only do they have their own brand of hot tub; Softub, which have high standards of design and are built to exacting specifications, as well as being weatherproof and carefully created for their energy efficiency, portability, and user friendliness, they also stock a range of hot tubs from the other well-known hot tub brand; Villeroy & Boch. As one of the top hot tubs brands on the market today, they are synonymous with leisure and elegance.  

So, if you are thinking of buying a hot tub for your home or would like to discuss of the hot tub options available to you, then please do not hesitate to contact hot tubs and living. They can find the ideal hot tub for you, as well as providing all the information you need to keep your hot tub properly maintained.  

Or you can visit their fabulous Yorkshire showroom, featuring 150 square metres of hot tub inspiration to peruse at your leisure. With permanent displays of premium hot tubs, you can not only be assured by the quality and high standards provided at hot tubs & living, but you are also bound to find the perfect brand or hot tub to suit you and your home. 

If you have a hot tub (or an actual Jacuzzi!) and would like some ideas on garden design and housing for your hot tub, then they also have in-store a full range of garden buildings and accessories, so whatever option you choose, you can create your own oasis of relaxation or fun within the comfort of your own home.  

If you are unsure of how a hot tub would work in your garden or outside space, they have a friendly and experienced in-house team ready to help you on your hot tub journey, answer any questions you may have and help find the best solution that works for you. 

We are here to help you get the most out of your new hot tub, so you can create your perfect, luxury space, whether for relaxation, health, or fun. Please contact our wonderful team on 01904 231477 to arrange a visit to our wonderful showroom or use our online booking form.