What is the difference between a hot tub and spa

Here at Falcon Pools we are often asked about the difference between a Jacuzzi, a Hot Tub and a Spa Pool. They can all be wonderful additions to your home or garden, but there are some key differences to be aware of in terms of looks, maintenance and usage. This guide is designed to help you decide on the best option for you:

Spa Pools: Typically, spa pools refer to small, heated and jetted pools that are built into the ground. They can be standalone features or adjoining a full swimming pool, and they can be indoor or outdoor.

Hot Tubs: These are your above-ground option and they are typically used outside on decking or patios, but can also be installed indoors.

Jacuzzis: In the same way that the Hoover brand is an interchangeably used word for vacuum cleaner, Jacuzzi is a brand of hot tub that is often used when referring to hot tubs.

Building & Maintenance Considerations:

Spa pools are built into the ground and the building and maintenance process is similar to that of a swimming pool in terms of tile cleaning, water chemical balancing and cleaning filters and jets.

Hot tubs are above-ground installations and access is required to the side panels for maintenance purposes. They can be cleverly partially embedded into decking or situated in places where they are partially enclosed to help integrate them into your garden. Hot tubs are also movable if needed and it is possible to take them with you if you were to move house for example.

As outdoor hot tubs are exposed to sun, wind and rain, it is important to protect and clean the covers to prolong their life. Filters should also be regularly cleaned and checked, and water purification and sanitisation is also important as with a spa pool or swimming pool.

In the UK, spa pools are most popular alongside indoor pools and hot tubs are commonly used outside on patios and decks. This is as many people close and cover their outdoor pools for the winter in the UK. Meanwhile, in hotter countries you may see more outdoor pools with spa pools.

It is still possible to have a hot tub inside or in a summer house in the garden, which is quite a popular option. Some people like to have their hot tub on their patio or decking in the summer and then in a summer house in the winter. Winter hot tub canopies and enclosures are also available to help you to enjoy your hot tub all year round.

To discuss your requirements and for advice on hot tubs and spa pools from our expert team in Surrey, call 01932 353040 or email [email protected]

What are the different types of hot water therapy? There's certainly some confusion out there, and many tend to use the various terms interchangeably. When people refer to a spa or hot tub, are they talking about the same thing? What is a hot tub Jacuzzi®, or is it a Jacuzzi® hot tub? What is the difference between Jacuzzi® vs. a hot tub, a bathtub vs. a jetted tub, or a therapy tub vs. a whirlpool bath? There sure are a lot of different terms used for these hot water immersion vessels! We’re here to help sort out the various types of hot tubs.

The word "spa" can mean a lot of different things. In some uses, spa is a term reserved exclusively for water treatment, also known as balneotherapy. Spa resorts (including natural hot springs and other mineral-rich springs) typically offer various forms of hydrotherapy. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. These are popular worldwide. However, they are especially loved in Europe and Japan.

In other uses, a spa could be another type of commercial enterprise offering health and beauty treatments, including saunas, skin treatments, and professional massages. Day spas are quite popular in the United States.

The word "spa" is also the American term for a hot tub equipped with strong jets that mix air into the water for a more pronounced massage effect. These come in a few different configurations, but most have an acrylic shell, molded seating, and a large number of jets. Above ground models (like the portable spa shown here) are common. But others have a more seamless installation, lowered into an indoor floor or outdoor deck. Some share equipment and water with an inground swimming pool, otherwise known as a pool and spa combo.

A hot tub is a large tub or small pool full of heated, sometimes aerated water. Just like a spa, hot tubs can be used for hydrotherapy purposes or general enjoyment. Some may have a few jets or bubblers for massage purposes, but others may not. Hot tubs are sometimes referred to as spas, or vice-versa

A perfect example of the traditional definition of a hot tub is the round wooden style with simple bench seating. These wooden tanks typically only have about 4-8 jets around the side, and don't usually have blowers and high-speed pumps. To many, a hot tub simply equals a hot soak, but without the extra frills and motor noise of a standard spa.

The Jacuzzi name of one of the first and foremost portable spa manufacturers. Hotels are famous for advertising an in-room Jacuzzi® bathtub, when it's actually a jetted bathtub made by some other manufacturer. Much like the familiar branded term “Kleenex” is often used to describe facial tissue, some call hot tubs and spas  Jacuzzis. We prefer to reserve this name for the bonafide brand of products — for example, a  Jacuzzi® hot tub or Jacuzzi® bathtub. Otherwise, it’s just another spa, jetted bathtub, or hot tub.

Jetted Tub

A jetted tub is a type of bathtub that has several hydrotherapy jets positioned around the tub. They are connected to small flexible pipes around the tub, and are fitted to a circulation pump and often an air blower. Luxury models are quite large, and may even include a heater to keep the water that comes out of the tap hot. Just fill it up like a normal bathtub, set a few controls, and let the relaxation begin! The main difference between a jetted tub and a spa or hot tub is that it is drained after each use. For this reason, they usually have no filter and no need for a cover. You'll likely find a jetted tub indoors, too, installed in a master bathroom or luxurious resort suite.

Whirlpool Bath

A whirlpool bath describes the bathing experience from a type of jetted bathtub. Simply put, it is a therapeutic bath in which all or part of the body is exposed to forceful whirling currents of hot water.

Therapy Tub

Therapy tubs are the stainless steel tubs that you see in the training and locker rooms of athletic facilities. They're often used with hot water for loosening up the muscles of tired athletes. However, they can also be used with cold water or ice to help prevent inflammation from injuries. Therapy tubs sometimes have a circulation pump, and may have an electric heater. Their larger cousin, therapy pools, are used for neck-deep, standing physical therapy and low-impact exercise.

We hope this helps clarify some of the confusion surrounding the different terms for hot water therapy vessels. No matter what you might call it, just know you can call upon us when you need help with hot tub and spa care and maintenance. Whether it’s a Jacuzzi, Hayward, or Balboa branded product, we are here to help!

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