Cal Spas Vs. Jacuzzi: Which Hot Tub Should You Choose?

If you’re comparing Cal Spas and Jacuzzi, both brands now offer much more than basic acrylic hot tubs with massage jets.

Cal Spas currently has a broad lineup covering Patio, Escape, Platinum, Deck, swim spas, cold plunges, and large-capacity spas, with some Platinum models offering more than 90 jets.

Jacuzzi’s current lineup ranges from the value-oriented J-200 Collection through the J-300, J4, and premium J5 families, with technologies such as PowerPro jets, SmartTub controls, True Water, and Infrared + Red Light therapy available depending on the collection.

For me, the biggest difference is this:

Cal Spas gives you an unusually wide range of configurations, high jet counts, upgrade options, and swim-spa choices. Jacuzzi puts more emphasis on engineered therapy seats, integrated smart technology, advanced water care, and a more tightly defined premium wellness ecosystem.

Neither brand is automatically better for every buyer.

A Brief Comparison Table

A Brief History of Cal Spas and Jacuzzi

First, let’s look at the background and origins of these two hot tub manufacturers.

Cal Spas was founded in 1979 in California by Casey Loyd.

It started as a small family business, which grew into one of the largest global manufacturers of hot tubs and pools.

Cal Spas focuses on innovative design and affordability.

Jacuzzi, on the other hand, pioneered the entire hot tub industry.

The company was started in 1956 by the seven Jacuzzi brothers. They used their knowledge of hydraulic pumps gained from the aviation industry to create the first portable spas. Jacuzzi has grown into an iconic premium hot tub brand.

So in summary:

• Cal Spas is a younger, more affordable brand started in the late 70s.
• Jacuzzi has decades more history and experience, with roots going back to the 50s as the original hot tub inventor.

This background gives you a taste of the reputation and target consumer for each brand. Now let’s look at the details of how they construct their hot tubs.

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Hot Tub Construction: Materials and Manufacturing

A key difference between Cal Spas and Jacuzzi is found in how they make their hot tubs. This affects the overall quality, durability, and cost.

• Cal Spas Construction

For their hot tub shells, Cal Spas uses acrylic reinforced with ABS plastic. This is a lightweight and affordable material.

ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It’s a common thermoplastic used for things like plastic pipes, auto parts, and Lego bricks. Adding ABS makes the shell more durable and impact-resistant.

For cabinetry, Cal Spas uses Thermofoil or faux-wood plastic surrounded by real wood framing. Thermofoil is a laminate of wood pulp and plastic resins. It’s waterproof and easy to clean. But it can peel, bubble, and degrade over time.

Cal Spa tubs are mass-produced using rotomolding. This is an efficient process where powdered plastic is rotated in a heated mold. But rotomolding can sometimes result in thinner, lower-density shells.

• Jacuzzi Hot Tub Construction

For their shells, Jacuzzi uses premium acrylic but skips the ABS plastic reinforcing.

Instead, they use fiberglass for strength. This results in a glossy non-porous surface that’s highly impact resistant.

Jacuzzi cabinets are made from thermally-modified real wood.

This material resists weathering, moisture, and rot naturally without chemical treatments.

Their tubs are hand-crafted using pressed-wall technology. Each shell is molded in pieces then fused together. This allows for perfectly smooth seams and consistent wall thickness. But it’s slower and more labor intensive than rotomolding.

So in summary:

• Cal Spas uses cheaper acrylic + ABS shells with plastic or Thermofoil cabinetry.
• Jacuzzi uses more expensive fiber-reinforced acrylic and real wood.

This exemplifies Cal Spas’ focus on affordability and Jacuzzi’s premium construction. Next let’s compare their features.

Features and Technology

When shopping for a hot tub, the settings, jets, entertainment options, and ease-of-use are major factors. Here’s how Cal Spas and Jacuzzi stack up in these areas:

Cal Spas Features

• Jets – Cal Spas offers a Maxxus line with up to 49 jets. Jets are adjustable and provide a range of massage types.
• Controls – Digital topside panel and app control options. Pre-programmed one-touch functions.
• Lighting – LED lighting in a variety of colors. Some models sync to music.
• Entertainment – Bluetooth audio integration on higher-end models. No built-in TV or entertainment offerings.

Energy Efficiency – Cal Spas highlights their Ecotech insulating covers and heat pumps for efficiency.

Jacuzzi Hot Tub Features

• Jets – Jacuzzi has a J-400 line with up to 49 jets. Precision jets are fully adjustable for targeted back therapy.
• Controls – Intuitive LCD touchscreen. Programmable presets, usage tracking, maintenance reminders.
• Lighting – Customizable multi-zone LED lighting with color wheel remote. Syncs to music.
• Entertainment – Some models offer wireless TV, speakers, and docking stations built-in.
• Energy Efficiency – Jacuzzi promotes their innovative ThermoLock insulation and air venturi jets.

So in summary:

• Both offer similar numbers of jets and lights, but Jacuzzi highlights therapeutic value.
• Jacuzzi has smarter controls and built-in entertainment options lacking in Cal Spas.
• They utilize different patented technologies to promote energy efficiency.

Jacuzzi seems to edge out Cal Spas when it comes to high-tech features and customization. But how do their costs compare?

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Costs, Warranty, and Customer Service

With any major home purchase like a hot tub, price and warranty are big factors. Here is how Cal Spas and Jacuzzi compare:

Cal Spas Costs

• Hot Tub Price – Mid-range models start around $4,000. High-end designs get up to $15,000.
• Installation & Delivery – Estimate $1000 – $2000 for basic installation. Delivery fees vary.
• Warranty – Provides a 5-year structural warranty. 1 year on parts/equipment.
• Customer Service Reputation – Mixed reviews of customer support and service response times.

Jacuzzi Hot Tub Costs

• Hot Tub Price – Starts around $6,000 for entry level. Up to $20,000 for premium models.
• Installation & Delivery – Installation costs around $2000 – $3000. Delivery included for some models.
• Warranty – 10-year structural warranty. 5 years for parts and labor.
• Customer Service Reputation – Jacuzzi has better reviews for helpful customer support.

In summary:

• Cal Spas tubs start at lower prices, but max out around $15,000. Jacuzzi’s premium models go up to $20,000+.
• Jacuzzi provides a better warranty and has better service reviews.

If budget is your main concern, Cal Spas provides a more affordable option. But Jacuzzi offers superior construction, features, warranty, and service reputation – at a higher price point.

Key Pros and Cons of Cal Spas And Jacuzzi

To recap the major differences, here are some key pros and cons for Cal Spas and Jacuzzi:

Cal Spas

Pros:

• Lower starting prices
• Energy-efficient technologies
• Sleek modern designs
• Ease of maintenance

Cons:

• Cheaper acrylic/plastic construction
• Shorter warranty periods
• Lesser brand reputation
• Mixed reviews of customer service

Jacuzzi

Pros:

• Premium materials like real wood and fiberglass
• Innovative tech features and entertainment
• Longer best-in-class warranty
• Proven quality and performance over decades

Cons:

• Much higher starting prices
• Limited lower-cost models
• More maintenance required

So in summary, Cal Spas provides an affordable, low maintenance option – but corners are cut on materials and warranty. Jacuzzi offers a premium, high-performance tub with tech innovations – at a steep price.

Cal Spas Vs Jacuzzi: Which Should You Buy?

I would put Cal Spas high on the list if I wanted lots of configuration choices, high jet counts, large-capacity models, extensive swim-spa options, or the ability to build a spa around specific upgrades.

I would put Jacuzzi high on the list if I cared most about specialized PowerPro therapy seats, SmartTub integration, advanced water care, or newer wellness technologies such as Infrared and Red Light therapy.

But I wouldn’t buy either brand from specifications alone.

Wet-test comparable models.

Pay attention to where the jets hit your back, whether your shoulders stay underwater, whether the lounger fits your height, and whether several people can comfortably use the footwell at once.

Then compare your local dealers.

Those two steps matter more than whether one brochure lists 20 additional jets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of Cal Spas vs Jacuzzi, here are answers to some common questions:

The Bottom Line

The modern Cal Spas and Jacuzzi comparison is much closer than your older article suggests.

Cal Spas should no longer be described as a lower-quality brand using cheap plastic construction with a maximum of 49 jets and a short warranty. Its current premium products include FiberSteel shell construction, 90-plus-jet configurations, sophisticated filtration options, strong warranties, large spas, cold plunges, and extensive swim-spa choices.

Jacuzzi’s strengths are also different from the old “better materials and more electronics” description.

Its strongest advantages today are PowerPro hydrotherapy, specialized therapy seating, SmartTub controls, advanced filtration and True Water, plus Infrared and Red Light therapy on newer premium models.

Choose the two models that fit your space and budget, wet-test both, and compare local dealer support before signing a contract.

That’s a much more reliable way to choose between Cal Spas and Jacuzzi than judging either company solely by price or jet count.