Hot tub Brands produce different tiers of hot tubs ranging from Fully Featured Value plug and play hot tubs, to ultra-luxurious flagship models, but what’s the difference? Energy requirements, efficiency, jet technology, water filtration systems, app connectivity, and many more hidden factors make one hot tub more expensive than another. Let’s jump into some of the biggest differentiators you should know about before shopping for your new hot tub.
When it comes to hot tub water care options, there are usually two main options.
FROG® @Ease® SmartChlor™ System: This popular system is available as a floating system for J-200™ models and as a custom-designed cartridge system for J-300™, J-400™, J-500™, and J-LX™ models. It uses a combination of minerals and a low dose of time-released chlorine to kill bacteria with up to 75% less chlorine needed
CLEARRAY® UV Sanitizing System: Many Jacuzzi hot tubs are equipped with a factory-installed CLEARRAY® UV Sanitizing System. For 2021 models and onwards, Jacuzzi introduced the CLEARRAY Active Oxygen™, which combines UV and Ozone for enhanced sanitization.
Jet technology is usually the first difference between luxury and Fully Featured Value hot tubs that consumers notice. While these hot tubs can feature foot, back, neck, and hand jets, they are usually simple jets shooting a steady stream of air. Fully Featured Value hot tubs also normally feature a control panel that can be used to adjust jets and cycle through various modes.
Luxury Hot tubs feature full massage systems built into every seat. They feature the latest jet technology such as pulsing jets and even motorized jets that sweep up and down your back. The quantity and diversity of jets in luxury hot tubs are much higher than those found in fully featured value hot tubs. Advanced control panels and app connectivity also allow for a greater level of customization when choosing different massage modes.
Many fully featured value hot tubs feature “plug & play” functionality meaning they can be plugged into a standard outlet. Luxury and mid-tier hot tubs have to be hard-wired which requires an electrician. While the ease of installing a plug & play hot tub may be attractive, the low voltage means the heat up time is 2-3 times slower than hard-wired hot tubs. The low voltage also means that there is less power for filters and jets.
The long heat up times of smaller plug & play hot tubs make them less energy efficient than larger more expensive hard-wired hot tubs. More expensive hot tubs also feature better insulation technology in the shell and cover keeping the hot tub hotter with less energy.
Other features to consider when looking to purchase an fully featured value hot tub vs a luxury hot tub are the additional features and accessories offered. Most luxury hot tubs come with internal and external adjustable accent lighting and optional Bluetooth sound systems. Luxury hot tubs also offer a wider range of aftermarket accessories and customization options.
If you are shopping on a budget for a hot tub to fit 1-3 people, and are looking to avoid the need to hardwire your hot tub, a plug & play hot tub may be a perfect choice.
If you are looking for a hot tub to truly change your daily life and become your own personal oasis with full body massage, sound, and accent lighting, then we would recommend spending more to get a mid or top-tier hot tub. These hot tubs have the added benefit of being larger and more energy efficient which makes them perfect for families.
We have several models available in our store to test soak. Please schedule below or give us call to speak with an expert.
Johnson City Showroom
3950 Bristol Hwy,
Johnson City, TN 37601
(423) 542-2391
Kingsport Showroom
1064 E Stone Drive
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423) 630-7665
Hours: Tues – Sat:
9:30AM – 6:00PM
Sun & Mon: Closed
