Jacuzzi vs. Whirlpool Bath: What's the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, "Jacuzzi" and "whirlpool bath" are not the same thing. Jacuzzi is a brand name, much like Hoover is for vacuum cleaners or Kleenex is for tissues. It refers to products manufactured by the Jacuzzi company, which popularized hydrotherapy jets. A whirlpool bath, on the other hand, is the generic term for any bathtub that features water jets to create a massaging effect. Not all whirlpool baths are made by Jacuzzi.

The story of Jacuzzi began in 1956 when Candido Jacuzzi invented a portable pump to help his son's rheumatoid arthritis. He created a pump that could be submerged in a regular bathtub to provide therapeutic hydro-massage. This invention eventually led to the development of self-contained, heated spas and hot tubs, which became synonymous with the brand name. The company's innovations played a pivotal role in bringing hydrotherapy to the mainstream.

The primary difference lies in the product itself. A Jacuzzi hot tub is typically a self-contained unit designed for multiple people, often placed outdoors. It is filled and heated to a high temperature, with a filtration system to keep the water clean. A whirlpool bath is an indoor bathtub that is plumbed into your bathroom's water supply and drainage. It is filled with hot water for each use, just like a regular bath, and the jets are powered by an internal pump to provide a massaging effect during your soak.

The choice between a whirlpool bath and a hot tub depends on your needs. If you are looking for a compact, luxurious, and therapeutic upgrade to your existing bathroom, a whirlpool bath is the ideal choice. It offers the benefits of hydrotherapy without requiring significant outdoor space or dedicated plumbing for water heating and filtration. If you have the space and budget for a larger, communal, heated outdoor spa, a hot tub (or Jacuzzi) may be a better option.

Ready to choose a whirlpool bath for your home?