What's the Difference Between a Hot Tub and a Jacuzzi?
If you're shopping for a new spa or looking to upgrade your hot tub cover, you’ve probably come across both terms: hot tub and Jacuzzi. While they’re often used interchangeably, they’re not quite the same — and understanding the difference can help you make better buying decisions (especially when browsing through premium spa covers at MySpaCover.com).
What is a Hot Tub?
A hot tub is a general term for any large tub filled with heated water, typically featuring massaging jets for relaxation or hydrotherapy. They’re perfect for soaking, easing stress, or hosting a quiet evening with friends or family. Hot tubs come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and features — from plug-and-play models to fully integrated spa systems.
At MySpaCover, we provide custom-fit covers for nearly every brand and model of hot tub — whether it’s round, square, or uniquely shaped. A good cover is essential to keeping your hot tub energy-efficient and clean, no matter the brand.
What is a Jacuzzi?
Jacuzzi® is actually a brand name — one of the original innovators in the spa and whirlpool industry. Founded in the 1950s, Jacuzzi created the first jetted hydrotherapy bath, and their name became so popular that it started being used to refer to any hot tub.
While Jacuzzi makes excellent high-end products, not every hot tub is a Jacuzzi. Many other manufacturers like Cal Spas, Bullfrog Spas, Sundance Spas, and more offer exceptional quality as well — and yes, we make custom spa covers for all of them too.
Key Differences:
Feature |
Hot Tub (General Term) |
Jacuzzi® (Brand Name) |
Meaning |
Any heated soaking tub with optional jets |
Specific brand of hot tubs and spas |
Jets & Features |
Varies by brand and model |
Known for patented jet technology |
Cost |
Broad price range |
Generally premium pricing |
Usage |
Used to refer to all spa tubs |
Often confused as the generic term |
Why It Matters for Your Cover
No matter which spa you own — Jacuzzi or any other brand — protecting it with a quality spa cover is essential. At MySpaCover.com, we specialize in durable, perfectly fitting hot tub covers for all major brands, whether you're replacing an old one or ordering for a new installation.
Final Word
So next time someone says they’re relaxing in a “Jacuzzi,” they might just mean a hot tub. But now you know the difference — and you know exactly where to get the perfect cover for it.
Our Quality
It is easy for a website to claim they have the best quality but at MySpaCover we guarantee it. We utilize only the highest quality materials and the most sophisticated processes to offer the best covers available online. Here is how our covers compare to the competition:
MYSPACOVER

Our heavy-duty handles come standard and are double stitched using marine grade vinyl to ensure the highest durability and most attractive aesthetics.

Our standard straps are double stitched and are also produced with marine-grade vinyl.

We double stitch every seam and hinge to ensure your spa cover can be used for years to come.
Other Guys

Their cheap handles are more prone to wear and tear and are known to rip off within the first two years plus the appearance speaks for itself.

Our competition uses low-quality straps that are prone to breakage and often times do not match the color of the spa cover.

Their use of single stitching and exposed shells can ultimately cause cracking and heat loss, costing you more on your electric bill.
The Underside
The underside of a spa cover is often overlooked. However, this is the material that is in constant contact with high temperatures and the chemicals in your spa. The life of your spa cover depends on a high-quality spa underside. We don’t cut corners like the other guys so you can trust that our 6 mil plastic wrap is vapor sealed to the core and will keep the heat out.
MySpaCover utilizes an 11oz PVC coated poly that, after years of rigorous testing, has proven to be the best possible material to withstand constant high temperates and chemical exposure.
Beware of mesh bottoms used by competitors as this type of material is meant to cut costs and is prone to failure.
We’ve found a few great alternatives to your selected spa cover that can reach you even quicker!
Here are the closest available alternatives based on your preferences.