For some, a steamy soak after a long workday is the epitome of relaxation. Add a splash of bubble bath to add fluff to the water and a sprinkle of Epsom salts to soothe sore muscles, and maybe even perch your favorite scented candle on the bathroom counter to add to the ambiance.
Of course, to achieve this level of zen in a soothing soak, you’ll need something to hold water, like a bathtub or a Jacuzzi. But is there any difference between the two? Let’s find out.
All About Bathtubs
A bathtub is simply a container designed to hold water for bathing. These tubs come in numerous shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, allowing customers to choose the option that best fits their needs.
Some bathtubs are massive, clawfoot-design models made from porcelain enameled cast iron, while others are compact, lightweight alcove models made from fiberglass or acrylic.
Bathtubs can have various features designed to promote relaxation, such as oversized, deep silhouettes that allow you to submerge your entire body.
Some models, known as air bathtubs, shoot jets of air into the water to create a bubby, massage-like experience. Others, called whirlpool tubs, feature jets that push warm water into the tub, creating a similar experience.
Many types of tubs can be classified as bathtubs, but not all bathtubs meet the niche features and requirements of specific types.
Pros and Cons
While bathtubs can encompass an extensive array of products, we’ll focus on the good ‘ol basic bathtub. Nothing fancy – just a tub designed to hold water for bathing.
Here are a few pros of these tubs:
- Affordable: Generally, standard bathtubs are affordable, making them an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget.
- Easy to install: Installing a bathtub is a reasonably simple task, although additional supports might be necessary for heavier materials (like cast iron or copper).
- Seamless: These tubs can blend seamlessly into your decor, allowing you to tweak your bathroom decor when inspiration strikes without worrying about it clashing with the tub.
- Compact: Standard bathtubs are often designed to fit in a standard-sized bathroom, making them a great choice for smaller spaces without room for a sprawling hot tub.
Of course, these tubs have a few drawbacks, including the following:
- Limited room: If you enjoy a deep, luxurious soak after a long day, a standard bathtub might not be the best choice. These tubs are often too small for a full-grown adult to fully submerge themselves, which isn’t ideal.
- No fancy features: Most standard bathtubs are nothing more than a tub designed to hold water. So, if you like the fancy features of a luxurious soaking tub, like air jets or whirlpool systems, these tubs might not be a good fit.
Understanding Jacuzzis
While you’ve probably heard the word “Jacuzzi” used in reference to a whirlpool bathtub, Jacuzzi is actually the name of a brand that manufactures hot tubs. It’s like calling all plastic baggies Zip-Loc bags, even though it’s a brand name, not necessarily all press-shut baggies.
The Jacuzzi brand is known for its hot tubs with built-in jets for a whirlpool effect, which surged into popularity shortly after appearing on the market.
The Jacuzzi brothers designed the tubs, hence the name, which were initially intended to help relieve arthritic pain.
But over the years, the tubs evolved into a go-to pick for spas and luxurious home bathrooms, offering top-tier relaxation through deep soaks and massaging jets.
Today, Jacuzzi hot tubs are available in various shapes, sizes, and feature options to accommodate varying needs. Some are small enough to fit in a large bathroom, allowing you to create a high-end spa-like feel, while others are far too large for indoor spaces and are usually installed outside.
Pros and Cons
Like a standard bathtub, Jacuzzi’s hot tub offerings come with a few unique pros and cons. The most notable advantages of these tubs include the following:
- Versatile: You can install these tubs inside your bathroom or out on your back deck – whatever works best based on the model you choose! Enjoy a soothing soak with a view, or bask in the comfort and privacy of your bathroom.
- Deep tub: These tubs are often much deeper than a standard tub, so there’s plenty of room to fully submerge yourself as you soak. A Jacuzzi hot tub might be a good fit if you like to be fully immersed when you’re enjoying a bath.
- Larger capacity: Many Jacuzzi hot tubs are designed to hold several people. Benches and seats integrated into the design provide the perfect perch for a small group to enjoy a social soak together.
- Therapeutic benefits: The powerful jets inside Jacuzzi tubs can offer therapeutic benefits, helping to relieve muscle aches and pains by massaging sore spots.
On the other hand, Jacuzzi tubs have a few downsides, including the following:
- More maintenance: The size and features of these tubs translate to more maintenance, especially if you install your tub outdoors.
- Expensive: These tubs’ fancy features and sheer size make them an expensive option.
- More space: These tubs are large, so they’re best suited to outdoor applications or sprawling bathrooms with ample space for a massive tub.
So, What’s the Difference?
The primary difference between a bathtub and a Jacuzzi is that the former is a product while the latter is a brand name. Bathtubs can come in all sorts of shapes, colors, materials, brands, and styles, as they’re a product and encompass an entire category.
In contrast, Jacuzzi is a brand name encompassing a luxury lineup of hot tubs and bathroom products. While Jacuzzi branded products can come in various shapes, colors, materials, and styles, they all fall under the same brand name and feature a much smaller lineup.
| Bathtubs | Jacuzzis | |
| Installation location | Usually in homes | Spas, backyards, and occasionally inside homes |
| Type | Product | Brand name |
| Features | Varies based on the model | LED lights, jets, Bluetooth capabilities, etc. |
| Cost | Less | More |
| Material | Porcelain-enameled cast iron, fiberglass, acrylic, copper, ceramic, stone resin, natural stone, etc. | Acrylic, vinyl, or plastic |
Is One Better?
Bathtubs and Jacuzzi tubs have unique perks that make them best suited to specific situations. For example, a standard bathtub might be the perfect fit if you’re working with a limited budget or have a smaller bathroom.
In contrast, a Jacuzzi tub might be the best option if you enjoy the luxurious benefits of a deep soaking tub outfitted with jets.
Ultimately, the best choice for your home hinges on factors specific to you, including your budget and preferences.