Spas And Hot Tubs - What's The Difference?

By Author: If a consumer is in the market for a “spa” or “hot
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If a consumer is in the market for a spa or hot tub, then they may be confused by the terminology. Are they one in the same, or does a different name constitute a separate entity?

Hot tub terminology history

Decades ago, the word spa and hot tub referred to different, aquatic entities. A spa was made out of acrylic material and was implemented with jets. A hot tub referred to a wooden tank (usually redwood or cedar), yet also heated with jets.
Hot tub extinction?

Today, a consumer can still locate wooden, hot tub providers, yet the acrylic and fiberglass spas have taken precedence in the minds of many. Acrylic spas come in a variety of colors, which makes them more appealing to consumers. In addition, the material can be manipulated to form many shapes, enabling the tubs to fit in more spaces.

Today's consumers will find a dealer's showroom filled mostly with spas. As stated, due to increased options, a greater number of manufacturers produce acrylic hot tubs or spas.

Portable spas

Again, in most showrooms or on hot ...
... tub or spa Web sites, a consumer will see many acrylic tubs. Another title a consumer may see is, portable spas or portable hot tubs. What does this mean? Well, though most tubs weigh hundreds of pounds, they are considered portable. This means that it can be transferred and implemented indoors or out, and is just in need of electrical and plumbing connections.

Technically, in-ground hot tubs are not portable because so much is involved in the installation process. Once the spa is in the ground, it is not coming out for a very long time.