What is the difference between a hot tub, a whirlpool, and a spa?

These terms are often used interchangeably within the industry. A hot tub originally referred to the old wooden, barrel -shaped tubs that were popular in the 1960’s. They were rather simple in design and typically could only seat two to three people at a time. When companies started to put jets on the wooden round tubs, they called them whirlpools for marketing purposes. The industry then moved away from wooden hot tubs in favor of molded fiberglass shells. They were also plumbed to allow many more jets and other therapeutic benefits as well as seating up to 10 or more people. This new hot tub was called a spa.

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