Jacuzzi Bathtub Vs. Indoor Hot Tub: What's The Difference?

At one time or another, we have all considered the luxury of adding a hot tub to our home. With approximately 5.8 million homes in the U.S. featuring one, you might be considering hopping on the bandwagon. Hot tubs have many benefits from easing joint pain and lowering blood pressure to stress relief and improved sleep. Even though hot tubs tend to work great for any season, indoor setups take away any worries about outdoor elements — summer soaks won't get too scorching, and winter weather won't freeze you to the core when exiting the water.

The idea of simply putting this indoor hot tub in your bathroom may have crossed your mind, but it's important to note that it is not the same as a jacuzzi bathtub. As you decide what works best in your home, you'll need to clearly understand the differences in use, along with the costs and complexities of installation.

Indoor hot tubs are typically free-standing and some can hold up to eight people at a time. Much like pools, hot tubs feature a filtration system and require the use of chemicals to keep the water clean. Bullfrog Spas advises that the water should be switched out every three to six months, depending on how frequently it's used. Unlike a jetted bathtub, you can maintain the hot tub's water temperature at your preferred level through a heated thermostat.

Many people love indoor hot tubs because they are great for enjoying with friends and family. It is also a water-conscious choice since it does not need to be refilled after each use. Installing an indoor setup can cost anywhere between $6,000 to more than $20,000, determined by the brand and the chosen location. Hot tubs need a good amount of electrical prepping, so choosing an indoor location with easier electrical access will help lower the installation costs.

A Jacuzzi bathtub, also known as a jetted tub, is built into the bathroom design in the same way as a standard tub, and needs to be drained after each use. Filled with hot tap water, a jacuzzi bathtub will not offer the feature of setting a consistent temperature and will eventually cool off. These tubs are much more private than a traditional hot tub and don't usually offer room for more than two people. While you can bathe yourself in a jacuzzi bath, you must be careful about which products you use, as certain salts and bubble baths can harm the jets.

A jetted bathtub can cost between $1,000 to $3,000 or more, and installation costs can accumulate rapidly based on removing an old tub/shower and the plumbing and construction that must be done to install the new one. However, hot tubs can generally be installed much quicker than jacuzzi tubs. Construction for a new bath can take anywhere from a week or longer before it's usable, while hot tubs can typically be set up and enjoyed within a few of hours of delivery. A Jacuzzi bathtub might be the best option if you are planning to renovate your bathroom, but if you'd like to share the experience with others, an indoor hot tub may be your best option.