Hot tub vs jacuzzi: in most conversations they mean the same thing, because Jacuzzi is a brand name that people use for any hot tub. The real difference shoppers need to understand is between a hot tub (also called a spa), which holds heated, filtered and sanitized water that stays in the tub between uses, and a jetted or whirlpool bathtub, which you fill from the tap and drain after every bath. Below we explain the name, compare the two products, and list real options from our catalog. For sizes and features, see our hot tub buying guide.
Hot tub vs jacuzzi: is a jacuzzi a hot tub?
Jacuzzi is a company, not a product category. Per Wikipedia’s Jacuzzi article, the company was founded in 1915 by the Jacuzzi brothers in Berkeley, California, and its name is now widely used as a generic word for hot tubs. The same article notes that the Associated Press Stylebook still lists Jacuzzi as a trademark for hot tubs, whirlpool spas and whirlpool baths.
The brand agrees. On its page “Is a Jacuzzi and a hot tub the same?”, Jacuzzi describes a hot tub or spa as the product itself and Jacuzzi as one brand that makes them, and says only its own products should be called a Jacuzzi. The Everything Depot does not sell Jacuzzi brand products; the tubs below come from other manufacturers.
Because Jacuzzi has made both hot tubs and whirlpool bathtubs, “a jacuzzi” can mean a backyard spa or a bathroom jetted tub. Those are very different purchases.
Jetted tub vs hot tub: side by side
| Feature | Hot tub (spa) | Jetted or whirlpool bathtub |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Stays in the tub for weeks between drains | Filled for each bath, drained right after |
| Heating | Built in heater keeps water at your set temperature | Uses your home water heater; some models add an in-line heater |
| Sanitation | Filters plus sanitizer such as chlorine or bromine; many add ozone | No standing water to treat; jet lines need periodic cleaning |
| Typical location | Outdoors on a level pad, deck or patio | Indoors in a bathroom, alcove or freestanding |
| Power | 120V plug and play or 240V hardwired | Usually a 120V pump or blower circuit |
| Seating | 2 to 9 people, molded seats and loungers | 1 or 2 people, reclining bath position |
| Price range in our listings below | $7,749.00 to $12,749.00 | $1,449.99 to $2,421.00 |
Water, heating and sanitation
Hot tub water stays put
A hot tub is filled once and kept hot. Wikipedia’s hot tub article explains that because the water is not drained after each use, it has to be kept balanced (not too acidic or alkaline) and sanitized, typically with chlorine or bromine, and an ozonator can help. Every hot tub in our table below lists an ozone generator and 35 to 50 square feet of filtration.
A whirlpool bath starts fresh every time
A whirlpool bathtub is a normal tub with a pump and jets added. You fill it from your water heater, run the jets, then drain it. No sanitizer routine, but your water heater must be able to fill it (the 67 in. glass panel tub below is listed at 89 gallons). Air bathtubs use a blower and many small air holes instead of water jets; our air tub vs whirlpool tub guide covers that choice in detail, including in-line heaters.
Installation: bathroom vs backyard
A jetted bathtub goes in an alcove or a freestanding spot in the bathroom. It needs a plumber for supply and drain plus an outlet or circuit for the motor; the 67 in. glass panel tub below lists 110V and the Empava 48 in. air tub has a 120V cord.
A hot tub is a bigger structural job. Filled weight on our listings runs from 1,080 lbs for the Yukon to 3,350 lbs for the Toronto SE, so it needs a level, solid base. Power comes in two forms:
- 120V plug and play: the Yukon and Montreal plug into a standard 15A outlet with a 1.5 kW heater.
- 240V hardwired: the Cambridge and Toronto SE list 240V-50A service and a 5.5 kW heater, which heats faster and holds temperature better in cold weather.
Our 110V vs 240V hot tub guide goes deeper on breakers and disconnects. For either product, hire a licensed electrician, and let your local code and permit office have the final word on wiring, GFCI protection and placement.
Jacuzzi vs whirlpool bathtub: products compared
Prices are as listed at the time of writing and can change. Specs are the manufacturer’s numbers.
| Product | Type | Seats or size | Jets | Water | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Spa Yukon KH-10136 | Hot tub | 2 seats, 84 x 40 x 30 in | 16 | 350 L | 120V-15A | $7,749.00 |
| Canadian Spa Montreal KH-10137 | Hot tub | 3 seats, 84 x 60 x 31 in | 28 | 730 L | 120V-15A | $8,149.00 |
| Canadian Spa Cambridge KH-10141 | Hot tub | 6 seats, 79 x 79 x 35 in | 34 | 1,000 L | 240V-50A | $7,999.99 |
| Canadian Spa Toronto SE KH-10143 | Hot tub | 6 seats, 84 x 84 x 32 in | 44 | 1,110 L | 240V-50A | $12,749.00 |
| Empava 71 in. Alcove Whirlpool EMPV-71JT667B | Whirlpool bathtub | 71 x 47 x 26.7 in, 2 person | 16 water jets | 16 in. soak depth | 1.5 HP pump | $2,421.00 |
| 67 in. Whirlpool Bathtub with Glass Panel | Whirlpool bathtub | 66.93 x 31.5 x 26.77 in | 7 water jets | 89 gallons | 110V, 750W | $2,084.99 |
| Empava 59 in. Freestanding Air Bathtub | Air bathtub | 59 in. freestanding oval | 48 air jets | 21 in. soak depth | 0.5 HP air pump | $1,599.99 |
| Empava 48 in. Freestanding Air Bathtub | Air bathtub | 47.24 x 31.5 x 30.71 in | 48 air jets | 40 gallons | 120V cord | $1,449.99 |
The four hot tubs above are from the Canadian Spa Company line, which lists Balboa controls and Glacier antimicrobial filters on these models.
Cost and upkeep
On purchase price alone, a jetted bathtub costs far less: about $1,450 to $2,420 in the table, versus $7,749 to $12,749 for the hot tubs. Installation shifts the math. A hot tub may also need a pad and, for 240V models, a new circuit. Our how much does a hot tub cost guide breaks down those extras.
Ongoing care is different too. A hot tub needs water testing, sanitizer, filter rinsing, periodic draining, a cover, and power to stay hot. A jetted bathtub only uses power while the motor runs; the main chore is cleaning jets and lines per the manual.
Who should buy which
- Choose a hot tub if you want hot water ready anytime, room for guests, and have outdoor space with power.
- Choose a whirlpool bathtub if you want a jetted soak for one or two with fresh water every time.
- Choose an air bathtub if you want a gentler bubble massage in a freestanding bathroom tub.
Manufacturers describe jets as soothing, but those are product claims, not medical advice. The CPSC recommends hot tub water never exceed 104 F, as noted in the Wikipedia hot tub article. If you are pregnant, have a heart condition or other health concerns, check with your doctor before using a hot tub or a hot jetted bath.
Frequently asked questions
Is a jacuzzi a hot tub?
A Jacuzzi brand spa is a hot tub. People say “jacuzzi” for any hot tub, but most are made by other companies.
What is the difference between a jetted tub vs hot tub?
A hot tub keeps heated, filtered, sanitized water ready between uses. A jetted tub is a bathtub you fill and drain each time, with a pump or blower for the jets.
Jacuzzi vs whirlpool bathtub: are they the same?
No. A whirlpool bathtub is a product type, and Jacuzzi is one brand that has made them.
Can a hot tub go indoors like a jetted bathtub?
Some can, but weight, moisture and ventilation matter. A filled 6-seat tub in our listings weighs over 2,800 lbs, so have a structural engineer and your local code office review the plan.
Questions about a specific tub? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST. We offer free freight shipping on orders of $999 or more and a $200 flat rate below that. Before you buy, review our return and refund policy.
