Hot Tub, Spa or Jacuzzi? (What’s the Difference?)

You’ve got a hot tub and you want to know: What type is it? There are three types of hot tubs, depending on what the purpose of your use. A spa has jets that move air into water, while jacuzzis have heaters below the surface to warm water from within.

A jacuzzi is a tub that is filled with water and jets. A hot tub has an insulated, covered top that contains heating elements. Read more in detail here: what is the difference between a jacuzzi and a hot tub.

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Hot tubs have been around in the United States since the early 1940s, when they were presented as a redesigned Japanese Ofuro. We’ve used numerous phrases interchangeably to describe a hot tub throughout the years, and you may be wondering: Hot Tub, Spa, or Jacuzzi? What’s the difference between the two? 

There is little to no difference between the jetted and heated baths we are discussing in both the present era and in America. However, when it comes to historical and cultural implications, these phrases are used differently. In this post, we’ll go through the differences in detail.

Hot-Tub-Spa-or-Jacuzzi-Whats-the-Difference

Contents Table of Contents

 

  • What came first, the chicken or the egg?
  • What Is the Origin of the Term “Jacuzzi”?
  • The History of the Hot Tub in the United States
  • What is the definition of a Whirlpool?
  • The Health Advantages of Using a Hot Tub
  • Precautions to Take When Using a Hot Tub
  • What Brand Should I Purchase? 

Contents

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

“The belief in the healing capabilities of mineral waters dates back to ancient times,” according to Wikipedia. The word spa may be traced all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome, when personal hygiene grew more fashionable. This ceremony was often performed in public bathhouses. 

Bathtubs and big bathing facilities were developed by the Greeks, who also used natural springs and tidal pools on occasion. They were not far off in their belief that natural springs were favored by the gods and that soaking in them would show to have therapeutic properties. 

The ancient Greeks and Romans were among the first to recognize the benefits of hot water for rheumatism and arthritis. While ancient Greece and Rome’s “spas” did not give the modern-day jetted sensation, Rome did develop the notion of getting a massage during bathing rites. 

More information about Roman baths may be found at the Ancient History Encyclopedia. 

The word spa was originally used to denote a variety of public bathing rites used by ancient nations. It didn’t matter whether it was to treat a sickness or to enjoy. Today, the word Spa is still used to denote large-scale facilities that provide saunas, massages, mud baths, hair services, manicure treatments, and other amenities, in addition to hot tubs.  

 

Because a hot tub is utilized for hydrotherapy and relaxation, it’s no surprise that we call them Spas in contemporary society. Despite the fact that they aren’t as huge as some historical bathhouses, the fact that they may be used by several people demonstrates that they are a communal experience and ritual. 

What Is the Origin of the Term “Jacuzzi”?

The phrase “Jacuzzi” is a trademarked term that refers to the company that created the famed underwater jets seen in pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs. Their brand has been so closely associated with the product that we now refer to any hot tub as a Jacuzzi, even if it isn’t made by them. A proprietary eponym is what this is termed.

Other amusing proprietary names include:

  • Band-Aid
  • Coke
  • Cups Dixie
  • Frisbee
  • Mace
  • Kleenex 
  • Google is also on its way to become one.

It’s amusing to consider how many eponyms we use on a daily basis without understanding we’re discussing a corporate trademark rather than the product itself. 

The Jacuzzi family immigrated to California from Italy and consisted of seven brothers and six sisters. Their original focus was on aviation, but with further study into thermodynamics and hydraulics as they related to fluids, the firm shifted to a more agricultural focus.

Kenneth Jacuzzi, the son of Candido Jacuzzi, was diagnosed with rheumatic fever in 1943 and developed rheumatoid arthritis as a result. Candido, like the ancient Greeks and Romans, recognized the value of hydrotherapy in alleviating arthritic symptoms. While witnessing his kid get monthly treatment sessions in the hospital, he gained this knowledge.

With the goal of providing an at-home treatment for his kid, he created the J-300, a novel hydrotherapy pump. The modest family firm quickly grew in popularity as a result of the advantages of their new product. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the Jacuzzi family created the first hot tub with heating elements and pumps that we know of today. 

On their website, Jacuzzi goes into further depth about their family background and includes a video.

The History of the Hot Tub in the United States

Hot tubs existed before the Jacuzzi brothers invented them, contrary to common perception. They merely didn’t have as many features and were a lot more flimsy. During WWII, numerous American troops in Japan were subjected to what are known as Ofuros.

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Ofuros are the earliest private hot baths that have been documented throughout history. They were generally made of wood and heated with wood. Rather of bathing, the Japanese utilized them for leisure. This notion was taken back to the United States by American servicemen.

Many Americans tried many techniques to make wood-fired hot tubs in the 1960s, but their success was limited. Even today, folks searching for a good deal on a hot tub try their hand at making their own wood-fired hot tubs.

 

Hot tubs are now made of either sturdy acrylic or thick plastic, depending on pricing. In recent years, they’ve expanded to include more than simply jets and heat. Hot tubs may come with spectacular built-in lighting systems, waterfalls, and even sound systems. 

Many have developed methods to make the process more effective in terms of upkeep, such as integrating seawater, which gives water that is free of chloramine and irritants and stays fresh for much longer.

A hot tub might cost anywhere between $3,500 and $8,000. 

What is the definition of a Whirlpool?

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A whirlpool tub is a bathtub that has the same jetted qualities as a hot tub but is located inside the house. Whirlpool baths are designed for solitary bathing rather than communal relaxing. Air jets and water jets are the two most common types. The distinction is that one fires air jets while the other shoots water jets. 

The Jacuzzi family created these tubs as well, although they are now marketed by a number of manufacturers. A whirlpool bathtub may be had for roughly $600 on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

The Health Advantages of Using a Hot Tub

There are several advantages to using a hot tub. Consider the following advantages of using a hot tub that have been confirmed by several sources:

  • In order to ease arthritis pain, the Arthritis Foundation suggests soaking in warm water for 20 minutes every day. Swelling and inflammation, which are the major causes of discomfort, will be reduced by the warm water. More information on the Arthritis Foundation’s advice may be found here.
  • A quick drop in core body temperature aids in sleep initiation and creates deeper phases of sleep, according to a medical research published in the US National Library of Medicine. Using a hot tub before bed is the greatest way to accomplish this quick drop in temperature. 

So, if you’re having trouble sleeping, a hot tub investment could be the way to go. Just remember not to doze off in the hot tub!

  • Blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics should be reduced — If you have type 2 diabetes, the New England Journal of Medicine ran a six-week trial in which participants used a hot tub for 30 minutes each day. They discovered that bathing in a hot tub might lower blood sugar levels by up to 13% on average. To learn more, visit the New England Journal of Medicine’s website. 
  • Helps in weight reduction – Loughborough University performed a research on 14 males who were given the option of soaking in a hot bath for an hour or cycling for an hour. Cycling burnt much more calories than bathing in a hot bath for an hour, while sitting in a hot bath for an hour burned as many calories as a 30-minute walk. 

On average, those who use a hot tub lose up to 3.5 pounds more in the same amount of time as those who don’t, even if they don’t change their diet or routine.

  • Lower blood pressure – The Mayo Clinic has looked at a variety of cardiovascular reactions to hot tub use. Numerous studies have shown that only 15 minutes in a hot tub may lower blood pressure and pulse rates. Here’s a link to one of the Mayo Clinic’s cardiovascular research. 
  • Stress and tension alleviation – We don’t need to cite any medical research to tell you that hot tubs, in general, relieve stress and tension. If you’ve ever utilized a hot tub, you’ve most certainly seen this for yourself. 

Precautions to Take When Using a Hot Tub

While many people find a hot tub to be a pleasurable and soothing experience, they do need certain safety measures to prevent injury. When utilizing a hot tub, try to take the following precautions:

Make effective use of the hot tub cover. If you have children or pets, try to select a hot tub cover with kid locks. These coverings will keep youngsters and dogs out of the hot tub if they are not accompanied. 

Additionally, since hot tub covers may be huge and heavy, ensure sure they are entirely removed from the hot tub before removing them to prevent someone being stuck below.

Steps should be installed on the exterior of the hot tub. It’s basic known that water makes surfaces slippery. When accessing or departing a hot tub that demands stealthier movements due to its height, this might be a danger. 

Installing stairs on the side of your hot tub to make it easier to access and leave can help you prevent falling. Some individuals even put in spa-side railings, such as this spa handrail on Amazon.

Allow a specialist to set up your hot tub. Electrical components on a hot tub might be complex, and if built incorrectly, they can pose a safety risk to people who use it. It’s generally preferable to hire a professional to install your hot tub if you’re not acquainted with the process. 

You should also understand where the hot tub’s electrical panel is so that you can immediately turn it off in an emergency.

Electronic gadgets and extension cables should not be used in or around the hot tub. If an electronic item comes into touch with the water in a hot tub, it might cause an electrical shock. Make sure that any electronic devices are out of the area around the hot tub, and that you never bring one into the water with you. 

Maintain the water in your hot tub at all times. All hot tubs will come with instructions on how to keep the water in the tub in good condition. Bacteria flourish in warm, moist environments, and hot tubs may be a breeding ground for them. Always follow the necessary maintenance to keep the users safe from sickness. 

When it comes to purging and replenishing water, you should always stick to the appropriate time limit. If you want to be extra cautious, make sure everyone washes their hands before entering the hot tub. This reduces the amount of impurities that enter the hot tub. 

Before and after, drink lots of water. Hot tubs make you sweat, and when you’re relaxing, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water to compensate. To prevent dehydration, drink lots of water before and after using the hot tub. To avoid contaminating the water or introducing probable broken glass from containers, avoid consuming beverages in or near the spa.

If you have open wounds or sores, avoid using a hot tub. Keep an eye out for the spread of illness. When someone enters the hot tub with an open wound or sore, they expose others to germs and contagions in the water. 

Keep an eye on the temperature. To avoid scorching, all hot tubs are intended to never surpass 104 degrees. You can always adjust the temperature of your water if someone is very sensitive to it. Check the user handbook if you’re not sure how to reduce the temperature. 

Consult your doctor beforehand if you have any existing heart or blood pressure problems. While it is well established that hot tubs may help with heart rate and blood pressure, if you have a history of either, always see your doctor first. It might be life-threatening if your blood pressure is too low.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Alcohol consumption in hot tubs might be hazardous due to the risk of dehydration and downing. Always drink responsibly and stay within your limitations. If you must consume alcohol while using a hot tub, make sure you drink lots of water to keep hydrated.

What Brand Should I Purchase? 

While purchasing a Jacuzzi brand hot tub may be your first choice, there are many more manufacturers and brands to consider, therefore I’ve produced a list of a few top candidates for hot tub manufacturers. 

Sundance Spas is a company that specializes in spas.

Sundance Spas is a company that specializes in spas. are known for their luxurious hot tub designs that remain affordable. These designs incorporate smart features and adjustable jets with a multitude of customization options. All of their tubs even connect with a SmartTub mobile app. 

Fluidix Jets are used in their hot tubs, and they are noted for their capacity to survive extended periods of time without breaking down due to the fact that they have less components to function.

Sundance Spas is a company that specializes in spas. is actually owned by Jacuzzi. A Sundance Spa hot tub could land you a price tag of $7,999 on the low end and $16,000 on the high end. 

Check out the Sundance Spas is a company that specializes in spas. website here to browse their current models and features.

Master Spas is a company that specializes in spas

Master Spas is a company that specializes in spas produces some durable and good valued models of hot tubs if you’re looking for a tub in the median price range of the market. 

They have a total of four product lines:

  • Clarity
  • Twilight
  • Legend Series by Michael Phelps (Yes, named after THE Michael Phelps)
  • Living a Healthy Lifestyle

Their product lines are made in the United States and come with popular features like Bluetooth audio and WiFi connectivity. Master Spas is a company that specializes in spas actually uses a magnet type therapy along with hydrotherapy in their hot tubs. The magnet therapy is seen in the Bio-Magnetic seats that apply therapeutic methods to your pressure points in the neck and shoulder areas. 

You can browse the Master Spas is a company that specializes in spas brand of hot tubs and learn about their features here.

Cal Spas

Cal spas is noted for having the most hot tub models on the market, 51 to be precise, spread over six distinct product lines. 

Cal Spas is the way to go if you’re seeking for a brand that offers a wide range of sizes, shapes, colors, and modifications. Hot tubs come in three different shapes: oval, square, and triangular. UV-C and ozone are also available.

The Fountain of Youth hydrotherapy system is a popular element of their hot tubs. This mechanism produces an excessive quantity of small bubbles, which boosts oxygen in the water.  

On their website, you may see a bewildering array of hot tub types and choices.

 

The “what is jacuzzi used for” is a question that many people are asking. There are three types of hot tubs, spas or jacuzzis. What’s the difference? Let’s find out!.

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