Jacuzzi® Spas Review (Prices, pros, cons and more...)

Thinking about buying a spa or swim spa from Jacuzzi® Spas? Wondering if they’re any good? In this article, we take an in-depth look at Jacuzzi® Spas products, prices, customer reviews, pros, cons, and more.

Jacuzzi® J-315™

As the leading retailer of spas and swim spas in Australia and New Zealand, we take great care in selecting the spas and brands we offer to our customers.

One of our best selling brands is Jacuzzi® Spas – the inventors of the modern day spa pool. In fact, Spa World™ is the exclusive distributer for Jacuzzi® Spas in Australia and New Zealand.

In this detailed article, we take an in-depth look at Jacuzzi® Spas to help you decide if this brand is right for you.

In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™. You can see the list of the brand owners at the bottom of this article. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.

Want to compare Jacuzzi® Spas with another premium spa brand? Read our detailed article comparing Jacuzzi® with another leading spa company, Hotspring® Spas.

Inventors of the original spa

Who is Jacuzzi® Spas?

Jacuzzi® Spas has been manufacturing hot tubs since the 1960s and are the inventors of spa pools. The name Jacuzzi® Spas is now so famous that many people use the brand name generically, instead of “spa” or “hot tub”.

There is no question that Jacuzzi® Spas has a great history. The company is named after the Jacuzzi brothers who invented the first air-jetted spa pool. Before they got into spa pools (or hot tubs as they’re called in the US), the Jacuzzi brothers were irrigation engineers.

When one of their sons developed rheumatoid arthritis aged two, they adapted a water pump to be used in bathtubs for hydrotherapy. The wee boy’s symptoms were reduced dramatically and the first air-jetted spa pool was born.

In the 1960s, Roy Jacuzzi, a third-generation family member, propelled the business to new heights by introducing the patented jets that would make Jacuzzi® a household name.

To this day, the business remains at the forefront of innovation, constantly searching for new ways to make people’s lives better through hydrotherapy.

Jacuzzi® Spas now has more than 250 global patents, and is the world’s largest manufacturer of acrylic spas.

Who owns Jacuzzi® Spas and Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs?

Jacuzzi® Spas (or Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs as they are known in the US) is owned by Investindustrial™, an Italian private equity firm whose other brands have included Ducati® and Aston Martin® – giving them some pretty impressive design credentials.

Where are Jacuzzi® Spas made?

Jacuzzi® Spas are made in Mexico and its swim spas are made in Canada.

Who sells Jacuzzi® Spas in Australia?

Jacuzzi® spas and swim spas are available in Australia through Spa World™.

Spa World™, which is an Australian-owned company and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spa retailer that also sells Vortex™ Spas, Fisher® Spas.

You can view the range of Jacuzzi® spas and swim spas available through the Spa World™ website or check them out personally by visiting one of their showroom locations near you.

What products does Jacuzzi® sell?

Jacuzzi® offers a wide range of products, including spas, swim spas, and pools. Their spa collections include the J-500™, J-400™, J-300™, J-200™, and Jacuzzi® Play™.

They are the first and only brand to feature infrared and red light therapy in their hot tubs using patent-pending technology.

They also offer PowerPro®, PowerActive™, and PowerPlay™ Swim Spas, as well as bathtubs, shower systems, bathroom fixtures, saunas, pool equipment, and outdoor furniture.

Please note, not all products mentioned are available for sale in Australia. To check the availability of specific models, please visit the Spa World™ website. Spa World™ is the exclusive distributor for Jacuzzi® Spas in Australia.

How much is a Jacuzzi® swim spa?

The price of a Jacuzzi® swim spa varies based on model, features, and customisation options.

At the time of writing, Jacuzzi® Swim Spa prices are:

Model

Dimensions

Price

PowerPlay™ J-13™
3.81 X 2.36 X 1.35m
Starts at $35,990 (AUD)
PowerActive™ 16
4.72 x 2.36 x 1.34m
Starts at $54,990 (AUD)
PowerActive™ 19
5.69 x 2.36 x 1.34m
Starts at $62,490 (AUD)
PowerPro® 16
4.72 x 2.36 x 1.34m
Starts at $62,490 (AUD)
PowerPro® 19
5.69 x 2.36 x 1.34m
Starts at $69,990 (AUD)

Click the button below to learn more about these products.

How much is a Jacuzzi® spa?

At the time of writing, Jacuzzi® Spa prices are:

Model

Dimensions

Price

J-235™ Spa
2.14 x 2.14 x .92m
Starts at $12,990(AUD)
J-275™ Spa
2.29 x 2.29 x .93m
Starts at $14,990(AUD)
J-325™ Spa
2.14 x 1.93 x .85m
Starts at $15,490(AUD)
J-315™ Spa
1.68 x 1.93 x .81m
Starts at $17,990(AUD)
J-335™ Spa
2.14 x 2.14 x .92m
Starts at $18,490(AUD)
J-345™ Spa
2.14 x 2.14 x .92m
Starts at $20,490(AUD)
J-365™ Spa
2.14 x 2.31 x .95m
Starts at $22,490(AUD)
J-375™ Spa
2.31 x 2.31 x .95m
Starts at $23,490(AUD)
J-385™ Spa
2.31 x 2.31 x .95m
Starts at $23,490(AUD
J-445™ Spa
2.14 x 2.14 x .95-1.10m
Starts at $24,490(AUD)
J-475™ Spa
2.31 x 2.31 x .95-1.10m
Starts at $30,990(AUD)
J-485™ Spa
2.31 x 2.31 x .95-1.10m
Starts at $30,990(AUD)
J-495™ Spa
2.31 x 2.79 x .95-1.07m
Starts at $33,990(AUD)

Click the button below to learn more about these products.

Jacuzzi® Spas Review – Running costs

One of the biggest factors affecting spa running costs is the type and quality of insulation it has. Learn more about spa insulation and running costs in this article.

The insulation limits heat loss from the spa. The better the insulation, the lower the running costs. Learn more about spa pool insulation and what to look for.

Jacuzzi® Spas has full fill insulation across most of its range.

Full fill insulated spas have the entire cavity between the outside of the shell and the inside of the spa cabinet filled with foam.

This not only insulates the water within the shell of the spa but also the plumbing and pipe-work of the spa or swim spa. This dramatically cuts heat loss and therefore full fill spas and swim spas are usually some of the most efficient spas to run.

"The running costs of a fully foamed spa are lower than any other spa system on the market."
Andrew Pullen
Managing Director

The running cost of a spa depends on various factors such as wind exposure, water temperature, and insulation.

Entry-level spas with minimal insulation can cost over $100 per month to run.

Mid-level spas, with insulation around the spa shell, base, and inside the cabinet, typically have a running cost of approximately $60 to $80 per month.

Premium brands like Jacuzzi® Spas, are typically fully foamed to provide maximum insulation. The entire gap between the inside of the cabinet and the outside of the shell is filled with foam, except where the controller and pumps are mounted. With this type of insulation, the running cost is typically around $30 to $40 per month.

In summary, Jacuzzi® Spas offer superior insulation compared to entry and mid-level spas. While they may come with a higher price tag, the long-term savings in running costs may make them a worthwhile investment.

Jacuzzi® Spas Review – Construction and Quality

Jacuzzi® Spas is known for its outstanding quality and is backed by industry-leading warranties.

When searching for a spa or swim spa, it is essential to carefully consider the construction and build quality.

Listed below are what we think are the most important areas to look at.

Shell Construction

The shell is one of the components that gets the most wear and tear. Unlike other parts, however, the shell cannot be replaced.

Jacuzzi® Spas use fibreglass backed acrylic shell construction in all their spas.

While, if not applied properly fibreglass backing has been known to delaminate – you can be confident that this is extremely unlikely with Jacuzzi® Spas.

Jacuzzi® Spas provides a variety of shell colours to choose from.

  • Midnight
  • Monaco
  • Platinum
  • Porcelain
  • Silver Pearl

Framing

In our opinion, the best options for spa framing are heavy-duty treated timber or injection-moulded plastic.

While heavy-duty treated timber is perfectly suitable for framing, we think injection-moulded plastic is the superior option – it is impervious to rot, mildew or vermin damage, won’t crack, and is designed to last indefinitely.

Jacuzzi® Spas still uses treated timber frames in all its ranges which most premium manufacturers have moved away from.

However, unlike some cheaper spas on the market, these frames are robust and the timber is well treated.

Treated timber is a good option for spa framing. It has none of the problems of untreated timber and can last the lifetime of your spa without any issues.

Base pan

The base pan is what your spa sits on, and it’s very important to get it right.

When it's done well, the base pan prevents water egress during stormy weather, which can damage the pumps and equipment.

Jacuzzi® Spas feature high-sided formed base pans at the premium end of the lineup, however, it reverts to shallower base pans in the entry-level lines.

Pumps

Jacuzzi® Spas use LX® jet pumps and a programmable higher flow LX® circulation pump. LX® is the largest pump manufacturer in the world and makes a good product.

Heaters

Jacuzzi® Spas uses a glass-lined heater chamber with a titanium element which has proven to be extremely robust and reliable.

Control system

Jacuzzi® Spas uses high-quality control systems. These control systems are made under license by Balboa® – the world’s largest manufacturer of spa control systems.

Jacuzzi® Spas use full colour, touch screen control pads in their higher-end products.

The Jacuzzi® Smart Tub™ app enables users to remotely control their spa, and this functionality is available across all ranges of spas.

Covers

Jacuzzi® Spas comes with Prolast™ spa cover. These spa covers are high quality insulating covers which use an acrylic canvas skin as opposed to the industry standard vinyl. It is also lighter than many options on the market.

Jacuzzi® Spas Review – Appearance and design

Jacuzzi® Spas has a muscular and robust aesthetic - which in our opinion is incredibly visually appealing.

Jacuzzi® Spas designs all its products in-house, drawing on more than 60 years of design pedigree. Their design is timeless. A Jacuzzi® Spa, with its attention to ergonomic design, just looks and feels like a high-quality item.

With their more curvy and organic internal lines, adjustable headrests, higher sides for leaning back - Jacuzzi® Spas offer next-level comfort and personalisation.

When it comes to lighting and water features, Jacuzzi® Spas is one of the best in the market. Their premium range features ProLite™ LED Lighting, which illuminates the perimeter and cabinet including the cup holders and waterfall feature. All of these can further enhance relaxation.

The look and design of a spa is often the first thing that captures your attention, and perceptions of aesthetics can vary from person to person.

Comfort is another important factor, in fact we would argue if you had to choose, comfort should be the priority. Jacuzzi® Spas excels in both aesthetic design and comfort. However, since individual preferences and comfort levels vary, only you will know if it’s right for you.

Our advice? Do a 'wet test' to experience a Jacuzzi® Spa firsthand and form your own opinion.

Jacuzzi® Spas Review – Automatic water maintenance

The automatic water maintenance and filtration systems for each Jacuzzi® Spas model varies.

All ranges of Jacuzzi® Spas are equipped with the ClearRay® water steriliser, which utilises UV-C technology, while the filtration systems vary depending on the model.

The filtration systems available in Jacuzzi® Spas consist of 2-stage, 4-stage, and 5-stage filtration systems ー each featuring distinct combinations of surface skimmers and filters.

While this set up gives excellent levels of automatic sterilisation and filtration, you will still have to add some chemical sanitiser.

Jacuzzi® Spas also uses a higher flow circulation pump that can be programmed to run for different durations.

Jacuzzi® Spas Review – Jets and hydrotherapy

The superior quality of hydrotherapy is what truly sets premium spas apart from lower-priced options. This alone makes the additional investment worthwhile.

Jacuzzi® Spas, has up to 11 different styles of jets in its spas. In our experience, the hydrotherapy performance of Jacuzzi® Spas is exceptional – especially in the J-400™ and J-500™ series. Their J-300™, J-400™ and J-500™ series still feature the MX jet, inspired by the original 1960’s design.

All Jacuzzi® Spas jets are adjustable via the jet faces, pressure diverters and airflow controls, and its spinning jets are bearingless.

One hydrotherapy feature Jacuzzi® Spas offers that we absolutely love is the hydrotherapy foot dome in its no recliner models.

Jacuzzi® Spas offer a wide range of jets that are expertly designed and strategically positioned to provide the most effective hydrotherapy experience.

In summary, if your priority is massage, muscle relaxation, and relief from aches and pains, then Jacuzzi® Spas could be the ideal spa brand for you. With decades of experience and large R&D budgets, Jacuzzi® Spas offer excellent levels of hydrotherapy performance

To help you decide, our best advice is, try before you buy and you may find you have a personal preference.

Jacuzzi® Spas Review – App control and music systems

Jacuzzi® Spas also feature app control and music systems.

Jacuzzi® Spas all come with its own SmartTub® app-based control system, enabling you to programme your spa from wherever you are. This is very useful if you're out of town or want the spa set to perfection as you walk in the door.

Rather than working through your home's WiFi system, as most other spa apps do, the Jacuzzi® Smart Tub™ system works via the cellular network. This is particularly useful if your spa is going to be installed at a distance from the house or too far from the WiFi router.

We have a lot of experience with setting up WiFi spa apps and we’ve found SmartTub™ to be the easiest by far. If you have cellular coverage, your app will connect.

A second feature we like about the Jacuzzi®'s app is its electricity usage monitoring system, which lets you keep an eye on running costs straight from your smartphone.

Jacuzzi® Spas are equipped with the BLUEWAVE® spa stereo system that includes Bluetooth® connectivity, allowing you to easily connect and enjoy your favourite music while relaxing in the spa.

Are Jacuzzi® Spas worth it?

With our 35+ years of experience in the spa industry, we can confidently say that Jacuzzi® Spas are worth it.

Jacuzzi® Spas has earned their reputation as a trusted and reputable brand in the industry, having pioneered the invention of modern hot tubs. Their name has become synonymous with luxury and relaxation.

While it's true that Jacuzzi® Spas may have a higher price compared to other brands, the long-term benefits and enjoyment they provide make them a worthwhile investment.

We're not just saying this because we sell the brand – we know a lot about spas and it's what we've learned from countless satisfied Jacuzzi® Spas owners.

But, it really comes down to what you are looking for in a spa and ultimately, your personal preference.

Considering these three crucial factors might help you decide – durability, long-term savings, and comfort.

When it comes to durability, we think this is non-negotiable. Investing in a spa that can withstand the test of time is of utmost importance.

Think about whether you're willing to settle for an entry or mid-level spa and potentially spend more on running costs in the long run. Alternatively, opting for a mid-level spa with the option to add a heat pump can provide similar or even lower running costs.

Equally important is comfort. Everyone has different needs and preferences, so it's crucial to assess which spa feels more comfortable to you and which hydrotherapy options you find most enjoyable and effective.

The only way to find out is to jump in and try them for yourself. Yes, that means getting wet! Most Spa World stores have dark rooms away from the main area where you can ‘wet test’ the spa you're interested in.

Jacuzzi® J-235™ Spa Owner Review

Pros and cons of Jacuzzi® Spas

Here is a quick review of the pros and cons of Jacuzzi® Spas:

Pros of Jacuzzi® Spas:

  • Quality
  • Low running costs
  • Great hydrotherapy
  • Cellular app connection

Cons of Jacuzzi® Spas:

  • Premium pricing may not suit all budgets
  • Timber frame

In Summary

We hope this article has helped you in your decision making, and of course, we invite you to try out a Jacuzzi® Spa in any of our showrooms as you seek to find the perfect spa for you.

You can also download our Spa Buyer's Guide below.

DISCLAIMER: In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™.

Affiliations: Vortex® Spas, Fisher™ Spas and Spa World® are trademarks owned by Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd. The Jacuzzi® brand is owned by Jacuzzi Inc. and exclusively licensed for use to Spa World™ in Australia and New Zealand.

All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.

The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd:

Aston Martin® is a trademark of Aston Martin. Bluetooth® trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, INC. Ducati® is a trademark of Ducati Motor Holding. Jacuzzi® SmartTub™ System, CLEARRAY® UV-C system, Prolast™ Covers, J-500™, J-400™, J-300™ and J-200™ are owned by Jacuzzi Inc. LX® pumps owned by Powerful Water Technology Limited. Balboa trademark is owned by Balboa Water Group. Jacuzzi® ClearRay® UV-C system is owned by Jacuzzi Inc.

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