The simple difference between a hot tub, jacuzzi, and a spa

We often think that hot tubs, spas, and jacuzzis are the same thing with different terms. They all refer to a heated pool of water with jets and bubbles.

However, these luxurious accessories differ from each other with different locations and uses.

Hot tubs are confined heated tubs of water that are small in size, jacuzzis are generally a little bigger with multiple settings and add-on features, and spas are mainly used for massages and hydrotherapy uses requiring a larger space.

Let’s learn more about their uses and differences.

A jacuzzi

Jacuzzis are mostly found in luxurious hotels and spaces and are different from hot tubs. They are also known as jetted tubs and were created in 1956 by the Jacuzzi brothers as a hydrotherapy bath with an underwater automatic pump, mainly for patients having arthritis issues. But, decades later, jacuzzis were used as a symbol of luxury with the company creating a large size tub to accommodate multiple people. To get an ultimate relaxed bath, jacuzzis are found in quality resorts and hotel rooms, whereas you can also purchase one for your home depending on the size of your bathroom.A hot tub

Hot tubs are fixed typically above the ground level and can have one or more people for bathing, relaxation, hydrotherapy, or simple fun. Hot tubs have heated water directed from taps and can have jets, and bubbles, with no extra features. They come in small and big sizes and can be placed inside one’s bathroom or in patios as well. However, people prefer hot tubs indoors for a relaxed bath for a single person, and come at a reasonable price range, used for centuries now.

A spa arena

Spa means a soothing water treatment session with treatments that can take various forms of relaxation. Spas are often found in resorts or have their separate arenas with mineral-rich spring water or natural hot springs that are used for healing baths, relaxation, or other health treatments. Spa resorts are popular mainly in Asia and Europe, where spa design is incorporated into a relaxing outdoor landscape with bubbles, setting changes, and many more relaxing properties. Most of the spas come with a seating feature and can accommodate multiple people at once. Many spa resorts also use spools i.e. a cross between a small pool and a spa and have the dual purpose of a plunge pool having small jets that form currents where one can simply swim or relax. You can also find this feature in some high-modelled jacuzzis as well.

Bottom line

Jacuzzis, spas, and hot tubs are all forms of hydrotherapy recreation that provide relaxation to the body. They are all an umbrella term for hot bath sessions using water therapy with one or more than one individual’s accommodation. Spas and jacuzzis are mainly standalone and in-ground structures, whereas a hot tub can be portable with its own plumbing and electrical control system and is thus used the most among the three for bathing and relaxing.