Jacuzzi vs. Hot Tub
If you are made to choose between a Jacuzzi and a hot tub, which one would you prefer and would you know the difference? The truth is that it would be inaccurate to choose between the two.
A common misconception made by some people is to refer to all hot tubs as Jacuzzis. The truth is that Jacuzzi is only one of the many brands of hot tubs available in the market today.
The Jacuzzi brothers invented the original hydrotherapy jet in 1956. After establishing a solid lineup of hot tubs and bathroom products, Jacuzzi became a trade name for hydrotherapy.
The brand name Jacuzzi would later become synonymous to the term hot tub. This is similar to the case of people referring to tissue as Kleenex or to a photocopying machine as Xerox despite having a different brand name.
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The Making of a Brand
Why do people keep referring to hot tubs as Jacuzzis? Some tub experts would even say that Jacuzzi has ceased being the most popular brand at the moment. So, how exactly did Jacuzzi become synonymous to hot tubs?
Primarily a manufacturer of wooden propellers, Jacuzzi was founded in 1915. They also ventured in aircraft design and manufacture but were unsuccessful.
One of the Jacuzzi brothers, Giocondo Jacuzzi along with two company employees met their untimely death as one of their planes crashed. In 1956, they developed the idea of treating a family member’s arthritis using hydrotherapy pump.
The Jacuzzi brothers’ invention of the J-300, a portable pump, paved the way for the survival of their business. Furthermore, it would also usher in the birth of the whirlpool and hot tub industry.
Jacuzzi proceeded in marketing the first ever whirlpool bath in 1968. Using body jets into the sides of the tub and innovations in hydrotherapy, they were able to lure in American consumers who were interested in fitness, health, and recreation. In the 1970s, Jacuzzi also incorporated filtration and heating systems thus creating the first hot tub in 1970.
They continued expanding to other parts of the globe such as the UK. Apart from the whirlpool and hot tub, they went on to offer other products such as shower enclosures, furniture, brassware, sanitary ware, and other accessories for a full contemporary bathroom experience.
It is no wonder Jacuzzi became a trademark name for hot tubs as it expanded its product line and continued to make innovations. As the brand name Jacuzzi resonated more and more, it became a household name representing hot tubs and whirlpool baths.
A Quick Look on the Evolution of Hot Tubs
In the 1950s, people from California grape-growing regions filled unused barrels and vats with hot water. They found ways to keep the water warm in these vats which are big enough to hold somewhere around 20 to 30 people.
Concrete hot tubs also made an appearance during this time. They were primarily placed beside in-ground pools and were intended for more intimate groups of family and friends. Compared to the communal vats, the concrete hot tubs were more expensive to build and to maintain.
The late 1950s saw the invention of the portable hydrotherapy pump that paved the way for jetted tubs and eventually, whirlpool tubs in 1968.
Nowadays, it is harder if not nearly impossible to find shops or manufacturers who still offer traditional wooden hot tubs. More modern versions made with a sheet of cast acrylic are preferred as they are easier to mold and modify. While more cost-efficient tubs are manufactured using molded plastic material.
The hot tub has seen a lot of improvement since it was first made. From expensive and immovable fixtures such as whirlpool tubs, you can now enjoy the convenience of moving portable hot tubs whenever and wherever you want.
Homeowners can also indulge in additional features such as underwater lighting, waterfalls, speakers, drink holders, and neck pillows. Other upgrades in its mechanism such as full insulation, better filtration and sanitization systems, and customizable jets for personalized hydrotherapy make modern hot tubs a must.
What about Spas?
In addition to Jacuzzis and hot tubs, another term used in the industry of hydrotherapy is Spa. The question is if the terms hot tubs and spas refer to the same thing. The answer is no.
Despite being used interchangeably by too many people far too often, hot tubs and spas refer to two different things. Hot tubs, in general, are movable self-contained units that come with jets, its own water care system composed of filtrations and a heating system.
Spas, on the other hand, are plumbed in and typically built into the ground. Often paired with a swimming pool, it is constructed and is immovable as opposed to portable hot tubs.
As heated jet pools, spas have a separate plant room with a separate filtration, heating system and pumps.
Defining Hydrotherapy and Its Numerous Benefits
The process of using water for therapy is a method that has long been practiced for traditional medicine. Some people may still see hot tubs as an object of luxury. There are those, however, who look at hydrotherapy as a means of achieving better health and wellness.
For them, having a hot tub is a necessity and we totally understand where they are coming from.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in relieving pain and other ailments in the bones and muscles. Several therapeutic methods and treatments take advantage of the body’s reaction to either hot or cold stimuli through varying water temperatures.
Warm water is used to slow down the body’s internal activity, soothing and making it feel calm, while cold water is used to refresh and revitalize.
Enjoying the warm waters and multiple jets of a hot tub is not the only way to experience hydrotherapy. One can also choose from a wide variety of treatments such as using thermal baths, water circuits, steam rooms, saunas, hydrotherapy pools and a lot more.
Some even utilize aromatherapy or Epsom salts to enhance the therapeutic levels and overall soothing experience brought by hydrotherapy.
Below are proven benefits of hydrotherapy in case you are still deciding whether you need a hot tub or not.
- Reduces muscle tension and relieves pain. Being submerged in water creates a feeling of weightlessness, allowing one’s tired muscles to relax and just be. Hydrotherapy is the perfect ending to a long day of work or training.
- Even warm showers help relax aching muscles so imagine what lounging in a hot tub can do.
- Increases blood circulation. As your body adapts to its environment, being in a hot tub filled with warm water will eventually increase your body temperature as well. This will facilitate better blood flow and help improve the overall condition of your circulatory system.
- Boosts one’s immune system. Due to the improvement of the body’s blood flow, lymph is freely transported throughout the body as well. Lymph is a clear-to-white fluid consisting of white blood cells such as lymphocytes which is responsible for attacking bacteria in the blood. A stronger immune system means you are less susceptible to getting sick and more able in fighting simple illnesses such as colds and cough.
- Relaxes the mind and relieves stress. If you have experienced having a day that is so stressful, do not hesitate to spend some quiet ME time at a comfortable hot tub. If you are feeling drained both mentally and physically, there is nothing like being submerged in warm water while multiple jets are massaging you.
- Hydrotherapy is also known to help release endorphins, a chemical that triggers a positive feeling in the body. So the next time you’re feeling burned out, grab a book or a drink and get that hot tub running.
Other Purposes of Hot Tubs
Hot tubs are not only meant for their therapeutic purposes. In addition to providing health benefits, having a hot tub has other advantages. If you are yet to get a hot tub of your own and you need more reasons why you should, read on. Here are additional benefits to having your very own hot tub.
- A hot tub improves the overall aesthetic of your home. Whether you choose to place it outdoors or indoors, a sleek hot tub can give any space an added touch of class. A carefully selected hot tub can be the main element of any interior or exterior design. Simply add pieces of furniture and other fixtures that compliment your tub when it comes to hues and texture.
- You can create your very own sanctuary that is perfect for relaxation or a dazzling patio for spa parties. Whichever you prefer, a nice hot tub can add a touch of sophistication to an otherwise gloomy home space.
- The perfect place to throw parties. Whether you want to enjoy drinks with friends or simply spend an intimate evening with a special someone, hot tubs can be the perfect go-to idea. Instead of making an expensive reservation at a club or any fancy restaurant, why not make life easier by taking the party to your hot tub? You can order some food in or prepare them yourself, pop some drinks and invite your friends over. Hot tubs can be an excellent way of getting to know and sharing unforgettable memories with people in your circle. Some hot tubs have built-in speakers and drink holders which makes them perfect for little hot tub parties.
- Helps strengthen ties with other family members. If you barely spend time with your family, you can have a quick moment of relaxation or impromptu game time with them in a hot tub. Put down your gadgets and bond with your family. Whether you choose to simply sit still with your spouse and children or play a game or two, nothing beats the fun of spending a refreshing tub time.
- Improve one’s mental health and personal well-being. The quick pace of today’s lifestyle is enough to make a person feel overwhelmed. To avoid feeling burnt-out, dim the lights and play some calming music as you enjoy the warm waters of your hot tub. Not only will you feel a lot calmer but also properly recharged. Quick time for relaxation and meditation has never done anyone harm. It instead helps provide healing and some much-needed therapy that we all need during these fast and overwhelming times.
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