Jacuzzi vs Catalina Spas for March 2023

Item: Jacuzzi vs Catalina Spas
Rating: 4.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Friday, March 31st

2023 Hot Tub Reviews

Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi is the pioneer of hot tub spas
Offers all ranges of spas from entry level to luxury
Jets use powerful water/air combination

The Jacuzzi name has a long history of being synonymous with hot tub. They've been around since 1956 and have remained well known in the trade. Their spas are high quality. With a variety of shapes and how many people they seat, they offer 28 models for you to choose. They are known for their higher-end spas, but have more affordable spas as well. This company earns a very close second-place finish among hot tub brands.

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Catalina Spas

Hand-manufactured in the US
Includes more luxury features than other brands
UV sanitation included

Catalina Spas are manufactured by hand in the US. All their tubs are luxury level and include features that are in the highest-end models or only offered as additional upgrades with other companies. Some of the included water or fire features aren't included at all with the competitors! On the other hand, if you're looking for a not-so-luxurious price tag, Catalina Spas might not be the best choice.

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Read Full Review

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Read Full Review

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The 10 Best Hot Tubs

Where Can You Find the Best Hot Tubs?

Do the mere words hot tub give you the dreamy feeling of sinking down in a pool of warm water, relaxing, closing your eyes, feeling the healing massage of the hydro jets on your back and neck, and letting the world slip by? Or perhaps you associate hot tubs with friends or family relaxing together, enjoying a little social time in the warm, bubbly spa.

If you've dreamed of enjoying the relaxation and muscle relief that a spa can offer, and having it in your own yard, we have information for you on the best hot tubs out there. Just sit back and relax. Hot tubs can come in a variety of colors and styles. You can choose the standard model, or you can go up in levels where they add waterfalls, colored lights, and perhaps smart capabilities.

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Hot Tub FAQ

What is a hot tub used for?

When people think of hot tubs, they generally think of relaxing in them for pleasure. Although this is their main purpose, they are also great for hydrotherapy, pain relief, muscle relaxation, calorie burning, and more. There are a surprising amount of health benefits that come from lounging in a warm body of water.

What size of hot tub should I get?

When deciding what size of hot tub to buy, measure the area where you plan to put the hot tub. Leave a few extra feet on at least one side for getting in and out and doing maintenance. Other factors to consider are how many people you want to be able to fit in the hot tub together. You'll usually find ones that fit anywhere from 2-7 people, which will be a big factor in determining the overall cost.

How expensive are hot tubs?

Hot tubs will range from $3,000 to over $16,000 based on the performance, size, accessories, and design. For people getting a hot tub for their first time, they'll likely be happy with something in the $3,000 to $7,000 range that will meet all their needs. Some people choose to finance their hot tubs and make monthly payments on them since they are a considerably big purchase to make. That way they don't have to pay for it all upfront.

How do I maintain a hot tub?

Luckily, hot tubs aren't very high maintenance. If you stick to the 3 C's of circulation, cleaning, and chemistry, you're set! It helps to set a schedule to check the hot tub filter to make sure nothing is getting in the way of water circulating freely. Also schedule times to clean out debris, scum, or stray critters that can dirty your hot tub. Last but not least, make sure you maintain a healthy pH and alkaline level in your hot tub by checking your chemicals and adjusting them as needed. Carefully read the instruction manual that comes with your particular model to be aware of all the parts that may need replacing after a certain period of time.

Do hot tubs vary much in design?

You'll probably find yourself making more choices than you first thought once you start your hot tub shopping journey. For starters, do you want a square hot tub? A circular hot tub? Or a hexagon-shaped hot tub? Not only are there multiple options for the shape, but also the exterior color and material, interior materials, color, light features, seating arrangements, where you want the jets, and much more. You'll be able to choose a hot tub to match the aesthetic of your home and patio.

What is the difference between a hot tub and a sauna?

Hot tubs and saunas can serve similar purposes for people, but in completely different ways. A sauna is a room where infrared heat or steam is emitted to produce a feeling of relaxation, increase blood flow, loosen muscles, and sweat for weight loss. Hot tubs allow people to be immersed completely in warm or hot water to loosen joints, relax muscles, improve mood, and increase blood flow. Many people opt for hot tubs over saunas because they are more versatile and tend to work easier in the existing spaces people have outside their home.

Where should I put my hot tub?

Hot tubs are usually in the backyard on a flat surface like a cement pad, deck, under a gazebo, or on the patio. Consider how close to the house you want your hot tub for getting in and out during cold weather, having to go to the bathroom, or drying off and changing. Do you want it in a secluded area where you can't be seen by neighbors? Consider the aesthetic appeal of a hot tub and where it might look pretty and be enhanced by landscaping and lights.

How does hot tub delivery work?

If you're worried about having a hot tub dropped on your doorstep with no way to move it, fear no more! Most hot tub deliveries come with a crew that will place your hot tub in the exact location you want it and get it set up for you. Since hot tubs are big and heavy, you're not expected to hoist it around on your own. This is a good time to take advantage of the crew's expertise and learn your way around your new hot tub and all the neat features it comes with!

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Even still, you can customize by choosing a level that best suits your needs and then add on features to make your spa into your own style. Prices often start around $3,000 and with more luxury and more add-ons, you can reach a price tag of over $20,000. Remember that the price may not include delivery and probably does not include installation. In fact, some spa companies don't offer installation, which may mean you'll have to hire out.

As you shop around for a hot tub, there are so many things to consider! It can be overwhelming trying to understand all of the options and which spa design is going to be the ideal fit for what you've pictured in your mind for fun and relaxation. You can focus your search more effectively by knowing what you prefer in these areas:

Size. Hot tubs can vary in size from three to ten seats, so think about how many people you'll want to have in your spa at once. If you're looking for small and intimate, and perhaps have limited space, consider a tub that seats 3-4 people. Larger tubs can seat 7-10 people; these will have a larger footprint in your space and take longer to heat, which means more stress on your utility bill. There may also be an option for lounge seating in your tub. You would sit more reclined, and there would be more jets along the length of your body. It's a great feature, but each lounger can take the spot of two regular seats, so plan accordingly.
Type of hydromassage. Some brands offer a gentle, low pressure, all-water massage and others have a powerful half-water/half-air jet stream for a deep massage. There are other jet options to choose from for your comfort, such as leg, feet, and neck jets, or a wrap-around-the-side body stream for more of an all-over effect.
Location and environment. Plan where you will like your spa. Is there room enough for the size you are considering? Most tubs are about 7' x 7', but yours will be bigger if you want to seat more people. The factors to consider for weather are the cover and insulation. The full-foam insulated covers help keep the interior from the elements and extreme temperatures, as most of the heat is lost through the top of the tub. The insulation helps keep the heat inside and prevents the heater from overworking itself.
Local availability. Can you visit a dealer in person to see the hot tubs on the showroom floor, or even get a "wet test" where you can try it out with water in it? You can see how strong the jets are and how it feels when you adjust them to your body.
Reputation. It's always a good idea to see what other customers have to say about the hot tub company. Keep in mind that the installation and servicing may be done by a third-party business, so you'll want to look into their track record as well.

TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked the most popular brands of hot tubs on the market today. We're confident that this information will help you find the spa that will deliver the ultimate in relaxation and fun for many years to come!