Jacuzzi vs. Hot Tub: Boil Down the Differences
At-home spa achieved.
If you’re looking to bring relaxation to your home, you may be deciding between a Jacuzzi vs. hot tub. Here, we’ve outlined the differences between the two tubs so you can determine which is best for your home and lifestyle.
Jacuzzi vs. Hot Tub: Side-by-Side Comparison
Whirlpool baths (often referred to by the brand name Jacuzzi) and hot tubs serve different purposes in your home and vary significantly in terms of price, capacity, and usage. Here’s a breakdown of the similarities and differences of Jacuzzis vs. hot tubs:
Function
Both whirlpool baths and hot tubs are used for relaxation and can offer therapeutic benefits, but they vary in their intended use. Whirlpool baths are made for private bathing while hot tubs are used for a relaxing soak and can be a social setting.
Location
Whirlpool bathtubs are intended for indoor use and are typically found in large en-suite bathrooms. Hot tubs, on the other hand, are most often used outdoors on patios or decks. Both fixtures are heavy when filled with water, so it’s important that your floor or deck is reinforced to support such a fixture.
Capacity
Most whirlpool bathtubs are fit for one person and hold between 40–60 gallons of water if filled to the brim. Hot tubs are substantially larger, with the largest models built to hold up to seven people. Depending on the size and seating capacity you choose, hot tubs range in capacity from around 200 to well over 500 gallons of water.
Tip!
Whether you’re thinking of a Jacuzzi or hot tub, size is important. Read How to Choose the Right Bathtub Dimensions or Hot Tub Sizes: How to Choose the Best Size for Your Home for measuring tips to help you find the right fixture.
Up-Front Cost
Whirlpool bathtubs can cost between $1,300 – $5,000 for the fixture itself depending on the size, features, and installation method you choose. Standard acrylic hot tubs can cost anywhere from $3,000 for basic models to over $10,000 for large, high-end fixtures.
Installation Cost
Professional bathtub installation for a Jacuzzi can cost between $3,000 – $8,000, with electrical, plumbing, and labor driving the cost. Installation for above-ground hot tubs can be $1,500 to more than $4,000 and might require electrical work or structural support.
Running Cost
While whirlpool bathtubs generally have a smaller water capacity, you fill and drain them for each individual use. Hot tubs require more water to fill them, but you only need to drain and change the water once every three to four months. Because hot tubs remain filled for extended periods of time, they require more energy to keep them hot between uses. Depending on the frequency of use, a whirlpool bathtub may add $10 – $40 to your monthly utility bill while a hot tub’s monthly running cost averages around $100.
Tip!
Wondering if a Jacuzzi or hot tub fits your budget? Check out How Much Is a Jacuzzi Bath Remodel & the Benefits That Make It Worth It and How Much Is a Hot Tub? Your Cost Breakdown for a detailed cost analysis of both.
Materials
Jacuzzi bathtubs are intended for indoor use, so they are commonly made with shiny acrylic, fiberglass, or porcelain enameled metals. Hot tubs are more often made with durable plastics like acrylic or polyethylene and finished with a weather-resistant coating to ensure their longevity in outdoor environments.
Maintenance
Indoor bathtubs are filled directly from the tap and use fresh water, while hot tubs require chlorine and other chemicals to maintain water quality across several uses. When maintained properly, both whirlpool bathtubs and hot tubs can last up to 15–25 years.
Why Choose a Jacuzzi?
Jacuzzis – also referred to as whirlpool or jetted bathtubs – are indoor bathroom fixtures that use water jets to provide relaxing and therapeutic baths. The primary draw of a Jacuzzi is that they provide privacy and can integrate into your daily self-care routine. No matter the weather or season, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in your private sanctuary. Jetted bathtubs don’t require the use of chemicals or complex filtration systems – as they are drained after each use – making them a healthy, low-maintence choice for any home.
Tip!
Is your bathroom ready for a lift? Check out How to Choose a Bathtub to help you find the perfect appliance for your home.
Why Choose a Hot Tub?
Hot tubs are freestanding outdoor appliances that are more about experience than functional bathing. They are the best way to turn your backyard into a relaxing outdoor retreat, allowing you to enjoy some fresh and a relaxing soak simultaneously. Hot tubs are designed to accommodate multiple people and are the superior choice if you’re looking for social versatility over privacy. They are kept full and heated between uses – using chemicals like chlorine to maintain water quality – so you can step in for a warm soak at a moment's notice.
Tip!
Ready to invest in relaxation? Read our comprehensive Hot Tub Buying Guide to find the best hot tub for your lifestyle.
